Edinburgh: St. Andrews and Falkland Palace Day Tour

Exploring Scotland’s historic charm just outside Edinburgh, this day tour takes travelers on a captivating journey to St. Andrews and Falkland Palace. With knowledgeable guides providing insightful commentary, visitors can enjoy the birthplace of golf and the impressive 16th-century royal residence. From scenic drives through Fife’s picturesque fishing villages to nearly three hours of sightseeing and exploration, this tour promises an enriching experience for adults seeking to uncover the rich heritage and natural beauty of this remarkable region.

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Key Points

Explore the historic towns of St Andrews and Falkland, including the renowned St Andrews Cathedral and Falkland Palace, on this 9-hour day tour from Edinburgh.
Enjoy a scenic coastal drive through Fife’s picturesque fishing villages, with stops for sightseeing, shopping, and sampling fresh seafood.
Benefit from round-trip transportation in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach and a knowledgeable live tour guide providing insightful commentary.
This tour is not suitable for children under 5 or wheelchair users, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Positive customer reviews highlight the guide’s attentive and competent demeanor, ensuring a memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Edinburgh Day Tour to St Andrews and Falkland Palace is priced from $72.65 per person and lasts for 9 hours. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour departs from Waterloo Place and includes transportation via 16-seat mini coach. Sightseeing highlights include the historic fishing villages of Fife, St Andrews, and Falkland Palace.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 or wheelchair users. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for personal expenses as some locations may not accept credit cards.

The tour has a 5/5 customer rating for its attentive and competent guides.

Looking for more options in St Andrews? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Waterloo Place, the tour begins with a 1.5-hour journey to the charming fishing village of Anstruther, allowing 45 minutes for sightseeing and free time.

Next, the group travels 20 minutes to St Andrews, spending nearly 3 hours for lunch, shopping, and exploring the medieval town known as the home of golf. Visitors can optionally visit the St Andrews Cathedral.

The tour then heads to Falkland, a 40-minute drive, for an hour of sightseeing and shopping in the charming village featured in Outlander. Guests can also choose to visit Falkland Palace.

The day concludes with the return to Waterloo Place.

Key Attractions

Falkland, a charming village featured in the popular TV series Outlander, offers visitors the opportunity to explore Falkland Palace, a notable Renaissance-era structure with its connections to Mary Queen of Scots.

The medieval town of St Andrews is known as the home of golf, where visitors can see the iconic Old Course, Swilcan Bridge, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Museum.

The scenic route through Fife’s historic fishing villages, including Elie, St Monan’s, Pittenweem, and Anstruther, provides a picturesque backdrop to the day’s activities.

Transportation and Guide

Round-trip transportation in a 16-seat mini coach ensures a comfortable and efficient journey throughout the day.

Comfortable and efficient round-trip transportation in a 16-seat mini coach throughout the day.

A knowledgeable live tour guide provides insightful commentary in English, enriching the experience with their expertise. Travelers can sit back, relax, and let the guide handle the navigation while they take in the scenic views.

The guide’s attentive and competent demeanor, highlighted by consistently positive reviews, promises a smooth and informative tour.

With convenient pickup and drop-off at the starting point of Waterloo Place, this tour offers a hassle-free way to explore the historic sites of St. Andrews and Falkland.

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Important Information

This tour may not be suitable for families with children under 5 years old or wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities and transportation.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as visitors will be on their feet for extended periods.

Checking the weather conditions before the tour is advised, as the destinations may be impacted by Scotland’s changeable climate.

While some locations accept credit cards, it’s recommended to bring cash for personal expenses.

Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the scenic views along the way.

There's plenty more to explore in St Andrews

Scenic Route Through Fife’s Historic Fishing Villages

The tour takes travelers along a scenic route through Fife’s historic fishing villages, including Elie, St Monan’s, Pittenweem, and Anstruther.

These villages offer a glimpse into the region’s maritime heritage, with charming harbors, colorful buildings, and tranquil streets. Visitors can stroll through the quaint towns, browse local shops, and sample fresh seafood.

The drive along the coast provides stunning views of the North Sea, with picturesque cliffs and beaches.

This scenic portion of the tour allows participants to enjoy the unique character and natural beauty of Fife’s fishing communities.

Visiting St Andrews Cathedral and Falkland Palace

Visitors have the option to explore two of Scotland’s most renowned historical sites during the tour – St Andrews Cathedral and Falkland Palace.

At St Andrews, they can visit the ruins of the once-magnificent cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. The cathedral was a significant religious center in medieval Scotland.

The once-magnificent 12th-century St Andrews Cathedral was a significant religious center in medieval Scotland.

In Falkland, guests can tour the striking Falkland Palace, a Renaissance masterpiece with close ties to Mary, Queen of Scots.

The palace features:

Lavish royal apartments
Beautifully landscaped gardens
The world’s oldest real tennis court

These optional visits offer a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and architecture.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have consistently praised the Edinburgh Day Tour, awarding it a perfect 5/5 customer rating based on their reviews.

Reviewers highlight the attentive and competent tour guides, who provide insightful commentary throughout the journey. The tour’s well-planned itinerary, allowing ample time for exploration at each stop, also receives high praise.

Travelers appreciate the convenience of round-trip transportation, as well as the tour’s flexibility, with the option to visit St Andrews Cathedral and Falkland Palace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Depart and Return?

The tour departs from Waterloo Place and returns there as well. The total duration of the tour is 9 hours, with stops in Anstruther, St Andrews, and Falkland along the way.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized for individual preferences. It has a fixed itinerary, but travelers can choose to visit optional sites like St Andrews Cathedral and Falkland Palace based on their interests during the allocated sightseeing time.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or special offers at this time. However, customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and reserve their spot without upfront payment to secure their preferred date and time.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The 9-hour itinerary is fixed, but travelers can explore the key attractions at their own pace during the allotted sightseeing time. Any changes to the schedule would need to be arranged separately.

Can the Tour Be Booked for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be booked for private groups. Customers can contact the tour operator to discuss their group size and customize the experience to meet their needs. Private tours may be subject to additional fees or minimum group sizes.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh day tour to St. Andrews and Falkland Palace offers an enriching experience, showcasing Scotland’s stunning scenery, rich history, and iconic golf heritage. With knowledgeable guides, visitors can enjoy the local culture while exploring the picturesque fishing villages of Fife, the birthplace of golf, and the historic Falkland Palace. This tour promises unforgettable memories at an affordable price, making it a must-consider option for adults seeking an engaging day in Scotland.