St Andrews

The Home of Golf and one of Scotland's most historic towns. Free time to explore the cathedral ruins, the medieval streets and the famous Old Course.

Lindores Abbey Distillery

The spiritual home of Scotch whisky, named in a 1494 tax record as the site of Scotland's first known distillation. A guided tour and tasting included.

Falkland

Scotland's first conservation village, home to a 16th-century royal palace and a regular filming location for Outlander .

Loch Leven

A calm freshwater loch with the island ruins of Lochleven Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567.

Morning — Departure from Edinburgh

Our St Andrews & Whisky tour begins by departing Edinburgh and travelling north. Shortly after setting off we cross the iconic Forth Road Bridge, an impressive feat of engineering with sweeping views over the Firth of Forth. As we enter the Kingdom of Fife, the landscape opens out into picturesque countryside.

Loch Leven

Our first stop is Loch Leven , a calm freshwater loch ringed by gentle hills and steeped in Scottish history. We pause here to take in the views and the atmospheric island ruins of Lochleven Castle , where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567 during one of the most turbulent chapters in Scottish royal history.

Falkland

Next we continue to Falkland , a beautifully preserved village and Scotland's first designated conservation area. Explore the cobbled streets and Falkland Palace , built in the early 16th century as a royal hunting lodge for the Stuart kings and queens. You may recognise several scenes filmed here for the hit series Outlander .

Afternoon — St Andrews

We arrive in the coastal town of St Andrews , a place that blends history, academia and sport. Named after Scotland's patron saint, the town is home to the ruined 12th-century cathedral and is known worldwide as the 'Home of Golf', where the game has been played on the links for over six centuries. You'll have ample free time to explore. Wander the university campus (founded around 1410, and where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met), browse the streets of shops and cafes, visit the cathedral and castle ruins, or enjoy lunch overlooking the greens.

Lindores Abbey Distillery

This afternoon we head to Lindores Abbey Distillery , where ancient history meets modern whisky-making. Founded in 1191, the abbey was named in a 1494 tax record as the site of Scotland's first known whisky production, making it arguably the birthplace of Scotch. We'll take a guided tour of the distillery and enjoy a tasting of their drams. Non-alcoholic alternatives are available.

5.30pm — Return to Edinburgh

After Lindores we make our way back to Edinburgh. Our tour concludes at the Cairngorms Coffee Shop by approximately 5.30pm.

Description supplied by the event organiser.