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Fife Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended Fife Castle & palace tours

Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour

1. Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour

On this guided tour of Scotland's most famous medieval landmarks, learn about the many heroes that battled in this ancient kingdom. The first stop on your tour will be the town of Dunfermline. Walk down the beautiful nave of Dunfermline Abbey*, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, who battled for Scotland's right to be a nation. Next, travel to Stirlingshire, where you will stop in the beautiful city of Stirling, site of the monument of Scottish hero William Wallace (whose life was dramatized in the film Braveheart). You'll have ample time to stroll through the beautiful and ancient streets that surround it. You will also have a chance to explore the city's stunning castle if you wish. From Stirling, head to Bannockburn, the battlefield where Robert the Bruce routed the English in 1314. Lastly, decode the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel, which was made famous in Dan Brown's novel the Da Vinci Code. Is this the resting place of the Holy Grail? No one really knows, but you'll love the chapel and the beautiful walk you can take through Roslin Glen and the ruins of Rosslyn Castle.

From Edinburgh: Full-Day "Outlander" Explorer Tour

2. From Edinburgh: Full-Day "Outlander" Explorer Tour

Departing Edinburgh at 08:45 AM, go on a journey to some of the most famous locations from the hit series such as Doune Castle, the seat of Clan MacKenzie and the historic Linlithgow Palace.  Your guide will give you an insight into the history of each location, making this the perfect trip for those looking for a quick Outlander fix. Leave the capital behind and drive west, view Linlithgow Palace before stopping at Doune Castle, also known as Castle Leoch.  Have time to explore the grounds of this historic castle (please note Doune Castle is currently closed due to structural inspections), which was also featured as Winterfell in Game of Thrones and in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  Next, go to the Kingdom of Fife, an area of great historical importance. Make a stop in Culross, where Claire was accused of witchcraft in the village of Cranesmuir. This is the most complete example of a 17th and 18th-century burgh in Scotland today. Your lunch stop will be in the village of Falkland, which was used for filming 1940’s Inverness. With over 28 listed buildings, it gives a good representation of this period. Your final stop is at Midhope Castle, the real-life Lallybroch. Arrive back in Edinburgh at 5:30 PM.

From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour

3. From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour

After leaving Edinburgh at 9:15 AM you will travel back in time as your driver guides you over the Queensferry Crossing to Culross. This virtually-unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir. You have time to visit Claire’s herb garden, explore the palace, or wander the ancient streets while you imagine what life must have been like 400 years ago. You will journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building gives you an insight into the living conditions of a Scottish earl in the 14th century. You can also listen to an excellent audio guide about how this castle was used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Your next stop is Linlithgow Palace. Here you have time to enjoy beautiful views to the Forth bridges, have a picnic by the loch, and explore the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace. If you’re feeling brave, you can visit the spot where that gruesome Outlander scene took place. You then travel the short distance to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive castle that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall. Midhope Castle* is your next highlight. Unfortunately, visitors are unable to go inside the castle, but Jamie’s lovely Lallybroch home is still an essential photo opportunity for any fan of the show. Before heading back to Edinburgh, you will have a final stop in the colorful harbor area of South Queensferry and will return to Edinburgh by approximately 5:45 PM.

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

4. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

As you drive north from Edinburgh on this 9-hour excursion you’ll get chance to marvel at the engineering miracle of the Kelpies sculptures as you pass. Then, as you travel through Stirlingshire, your guide will bring to life the turbulent times of William Wallace, dramatized in the film Braveheart, and explain his link to the area you're passing through. Your first stop is the city of Stirling, where you'll have ample time to visit the stunning castle (admission not included) or enjoy a walk along the atmospheric, ancient streets that surround it. Then, journey to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, and make a stop on the shore of Scotland's biggest loch: Loch Lomond. You will have a chance to take in the views and stroll along the shores of the loch. Take the opportunity to visit one of Scotland's best-known distilleries, where you’ll learn how they make their whisky and get a dram of their Single Malt Whisky (optional extra).

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour

5. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the history of Scotland on this day tour that takes you to all of the most important sites in Scotland. Visit the Highlands, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, and more. Your day begins on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, where a coach will pick you up for your day of adventure. As you head towards the Highlands, see the fantastic Forth Bridges. You can try some delicious home baking when you stop in the beautiful Highland town of Pitlochry. From there, continue on through the Cairngorms National Park, where you will enjoy stunning scenery amidst the unique wilderness of the National Park. Take a break at Loch Ness, which is famous all over the world for its beauty and mystery. From here, you will have the chance to take a 'monster spotting' cruise, visit Urquhart Castle, and look for the famous monster for yourself. Next, visit Glen Coe, a broodingly beautiful spot steeped in history. As you stand at the mouth of the glen, you'll feel the past come to life as your guide tells you about the terrible massacre of the Clan. On your way home, you pass by the beautiful city of Stirling, where you can see its stunning castle and learn more about the exploits of William Wallace that were dramatized in the film Braveheart.

Outlander Adventure 1-Day Tour from Glasgow

6. Outlander Adventure 1-Day Tour from Glasgow

Enter the world of the 'Outlander' TV series on this day trip from Glasgow aboard a climate-controlled mini-coach. Stop at the town of Falkland and Culross. Step back in time as you take in views of the castles of Midhope*, Stirling, and Blackness.  Depart from your meeting point in Glasgow and journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building gives insight into the life of a Scottish earl in the 14th-century.  Listen to an excellent audio guide about how this castle was used as a filming location for 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.' Heading north, your next stop is the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, its used as the 1940’s Inverness. See if you can recognize the familiar sights such as Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouses and the Bruce Fountain. Drive to Midhope Castle* where you can stop outside and get a picture of Jamie’s lovely Lallybroch home. Make your way to Blackness Castle, an impressive castle that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat.  Travel to the charming village of Culross - the 'Outlander' village that posed as the fictional village of Cranesmuir, and the home of Geillis and Arthur Duncan. Feel like you're travelling back in time as you explore the town's cobbled streets. Look carefully to spot Claire’s herb garden behind the impressive, historic Culross Palace. From here listen to stories that inspired Outlander on the drive back to Glasgow where you'll arrive around 6:30 PM.

St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife Tour from Edinburgh

7. St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife Tour from Edinburgh

Take a full-day trip from Edinburgh and discover the natural beauty of the Fife coast, taking in quaint fishing villages, abbey’s, and the famous university town of St. Andrews, led by an expert guide. From Edinburgh head to South Queensferry and take a look at 2 of the most remarkable bridges in the world–the Forth Rail Bridge built in 1890, and it’s much younger neighbor, the Forth Road bridge. Cross the River Forth and stop-off at the magnificent Dunfermline Abbey, the burial place of King Robert the Bruce. See the gold ornate tomb, and learn about the effect of the reformation on the Abbey, when under Henry VIII’s rule churches were destroyed, supposedly in the name of God. Travel along the Fife coast passing Carnegie Hall, the birthplace of world-famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Stop-off at charming little fishing villages, including Anstruther, an old Herring stronghold. Try the best fish and chips in Scotland, or have a snack at the Fisheries Museum. Continue on to St. Andrews, home of golf, religion, and the famous university. Here you will spend 2.5 hours. Explore the beautiful settings, in good weather the beach featuring in the movie Chariots of Fire is particularly popular, as are the 16th Century tunnels under the castle. Golf lovers may want to pay respects at the grave of Tom Morris, visit the Golf Museum, try out the Links Course Putting Green, or simply walk along Granny Clark’s Wynd–a public right-of-way running over the old course.

Edinburgh: "Outlander" Filming Locations Guided Tour

8. Edinburgh: "Outlander" Filming Locations Guided Tour

Your Outlander adventure starts in Edinburgh in the morning and begins with a visit to Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and the filming location for "Wentworth Prison". Next, you stop at Doune Castle, or the real-life "Castle Leoch" to Outlander fans. As one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland, Doune Castle has also appeared in Game of Thrones, Outlaw King and Monty Python & the Holy Grail. Over in the ancient Kingdom of Fife, you visit colourful Culross, which starred as "Cranesmuir" in Outlander, where Claire and Geillis Duncan were accused of witchcraft. Afterwards, you travel to Falkland, the setting for 1940s Inverness. Explore the quaint streets or chase Jamie’s ghostly figure around the village square. Saving the best until last, the final stop is at Midhope Castle, made famous as "Lallybroch". The perfect end to an amazing day!

Full-Day Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Scottish Highlands Tour

9. Full-Day Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Scottish Highlands Tour

Storytelling is one of the best and most important parts of Scottish and Irish culture. Here in Scotland, it brings the scenery, sites, and their characters alive for a tour that you won’t soon forget. You will experience the moving and incredible Edinburgh Military Tattoo, sample local whiskey, and see breathtaking scenery along the way. Scotland’s Highlands are beautiful and green, the land of forests, mountains, rivers, and glens. From Edinburgh, the tour goes through Stirling. Take in the views of the castle and learn the history behind the Wallace Monument. Continue to the Trossachs National Park, former home to the infamous cattle thief Rob Roy MacGregor. Characters and scenes come alive in your imagination as you take in the park and surrounding area. The tour follows the shoreline of Loch Earn on the way to a local whisky distillery. Here, you'll take a guided tour that will give you an insight into how ‘uisce beatha’ (the ‘water of life') is made, as well as going on a journey to discover the history behind one of Scotland’s most iconic exports. Explore the peaceful Hermitage, stretch your legs and take a woodland walk to Black Linn Falls on the River Braan. See Dunkeld and the spectacular cathedral on the banks of the River Tay. Return south past the Forth Bridge, to Edinburgh. There will be time to return to your hotel or explore the city a while before the evening event: the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.

St Andrews and Falkland Palace Tour from Edinburgh

10. St Andrews and Falkland Palace Tour from Edinburgh

Head north to Fife on a full day of exploring, departing from Edinburgh. You will get a sample of life in the area and come to understand the culture and history of the region. Your trip begins as you cross the Firth of Forth, passing the famous Forth Railway Bridge, before your first stop, St. Andrews. The town boasts a stunning beach, great cafes and shops, a beautiful university, and an ancient cathedral. Additionally, it is known as the spiritual home of golf. Next, continue west to Falkland, a beautiful village frozen in time. You can browse the craft shops or visit Falkland Palace, which has the oldest tennis courts in use anywhere in the world. Then make your way to a forgotten corner of Fife, East Neuk. Here you will pass through historic fishing villages and take in the stunning coastal scenery. At the end of your exploring, make a final stop in Anstruther and enjoy a fish supper feast, a meal fit for a Scot!

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What people are saying about Fife

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 352 reviews

To start a loooong day but…… worth doing!! We had Maj the tour guide who drove us around for 12 hours in his kilt! Saw Loch Lomond, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Urquart Castle, Loch Ness, Inverness and lots of small villages inbetween. We paid extra for Urquart Castle and a boat trip on Loch Ness and it was so worth the money. Take snack and drinks for the trip to nibble on but there are plenty of stops to pick food and drink up and use the bathroom! Throughly enjoyed the day trip out and worth the money. Nice small groups as well.

Amazing experience, easy to find the pick-up location; we found the coach parked right outside of the specified meeting point. Our driver/guide was well-informed but made sure the narration wasn't boring and added a bunch of jokes as well! The sights are absolutely beautiful, we opted not to do the cruise and castle visits but we were not disappointed with what we saw. The driver also added in extra stops along the way to Loch Ness as we were good on time. Would recommend this tour!

We had a great day. Our driver Michael, a real Viking, was very attentive to us. He tailored the tours so we didn't miss out on the fantastic visit to Blackness Castle with the awesome Ray (aka Dougal Mackenzy). We thank him very much for that.

Great tour! Our guide, Ashleigh, was really nice and knew a lot about the different locations and the relevant historical background. Would definitely book again!

Our guides are just incredible. We spent a great time discovering Scotland history and Outlander places.