St Andrews and Falkland Palace Tour

Exploring St Andrews and Falkland Palace in a single day offers a wonderful mix of Scotland’s medieval charm, coastal scenery, and iconic landmarks. Priced at $77.07 per person, this 8.5-hour tour departs from Edinburgh and includes visits to fishing villages, the world-famous Old Course, and the charming village of Falkland, famous for its role in the TV series Outlander. With a well-paced itinerary and a dedicated driver-guide, this tour appeals to those eager to experience Scotland’s historic and scenic highlights, even if golf isn’t a primary interest.

While the tour features notable stops and stunning views, it’s also designed to suit visitors who enjoy cultural exploration and picturesque towns. The tour’s small group size—a maximum of 16 travelers—ensures a comfortable experience, and the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind. Be prepared for roughly 3 hours in St Andrews and around 1 hour and 10 minutes in Falkland, with additional time en route for scenic drives.

Key Points

• Visit St Andrews, the birthplace of golf, with nearly 3 hours to explore its medieval streets and landmarks.
• See Falkland, a village recognizable from Outlander, with the option to visit Falkland Palace.
• Travel along Fife’s Coastal Road, passing through scenic fishing villages like Anstruther.
• Enjoy a knowledgeable driver-guide who shares insights and suggestions for each stop.
• Includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with no entrance fees for towns and outdoor sites.
• Price of $77.07 offers a full-day experience with flexible booking options and free cancellation.

Exploring St Andrews: Golf Capital and Historic Town

St Andrews stands out as the pinnacle of this tour, known globally as the home of golf. The tour provides nearly 3 hours for visitors to wander through its medieval streets, visit the Royal and Ancient Golf Museum, and admire the Old Course. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to stand on the most famous golf course in the world, while history buffs can explore the St Andrews University buildings and the ruins of St Andrews Castle—admission costs apply if visitors choose to go inside.

The town’s atmosphere is alive with centuries-old architecture and scenic coastal views, making it an ideal stop for those wanting a snapshot of Scotland’s historic landscape.

Discovering Falkland Village and Its Film Fame

Falkland is a highlight for many visitors, thanks to its role as Inverness in the Outlander TV series. The tour allows a short visit to wander through this charming village, with the option to pay entry to Falkland Palace for an inside look at its historic rooms and gardens. The village itself exudes Scottish rural charm, with quaint streets and castle ruins that tell stories from the past.

This stop is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, providing plenty of time to take photos, soak in the atmosphere, or explore the palace if desired.

Scenic Drive Over the Forth Bridge and Coastal Villages

One of the scenic highlights of this tour is the drive over the Fort Road bridge, which offers spectacular views of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an engineering marvel from the 19th century.

After crossing the river, the route continues through Anstruther, the largest of Fife’s fishing villages. Here, visitors have 45 minutes to stroll cobbled streets, enjoy a coffee, or take in the maritime scene. The village’s relaxed pace and seaside charm make it a perfect break from the historical sites.

Practical Details: Transportation and Group Size

This tour features air-conditioned transportation with the services of a driver-guide who shares insights about each stop. The group size is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with plenty of room for questions and interaction.

The meeting point is Howies Restaurant in Edinburgh, with the tour starting promptly at 8:30 am. The tour concludes back at the same location, making logistics simple for participants.

The Highlights of Falkland and Optional Palace Visit

Falkland’s claim to fame is its appearance as Inverness in Outlander, making it a must-see for fans of the series. If time permits and interest exists, visitors can pay the entrance fee to Falkland Palace—adults pay £10, while concessions and children pay less. The palace’s architecture and gardens are a bonus for history and architecture enthusiasts.

The village’s quiet streets and picturesque setting provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling towns, making it a delightful part of the day.

Pacing and Duration of the Tour

The tour balances sightseeing with ample time for exploration, with roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes in St Andrews, 1 hour and 10 minutes in Falkland, and additional time for travel and scenic viewpoints. The total duration of 8 hours and 30 minutes includes travel time, giving visitors a relaxed, unhurried experience.

The pacing is suited for those who enjoy a comprehensive but not overly rushed day out, with enough time at each stop to take photos, walk around, or visit attractions.

Value and Booking Flexibility

At $77.07 per person, this tour offers good value considering the length, destinations, and included services. The free cancellation policy allows cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility in case of weather changes or schedule shifts.

The tour is particularly well-suited for small groups and those wanting a guided experience without the hassle of self-driving.

The Guide and Guest Experience

According to a highly positive review, the guide named Jamie is praised for being knowledgeable and friendly. He shares a wealth of information, offers suggestions for exploring each site, and makes the experience both educational and engaging. This personal touch significantly enhances the overall experience, especially for those interested in Scottish history.

Summary of the Tour’s Strengths

This St Andrews and Falkland Palace tour combines scenic coastal drives, historic towns, and notable landmarks into a full-day experience. Its small group size and expert guides make it comfortable and informative, while the flexible booking and free cancellation provide peace of mind.

Though the stops offer a good mix of outdoor and indoor visits, visitors should be prepared for walking and some entry fees if they choose to explore additional sites like Falkland Palace or St Andrews Castle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and the services of a driver-guide. Entrance fees to sites like Falkland Palace or St Andrews Castle are not included but are optional.

How long do I have in St Andrews?
You receive just under 3 hours to explore St Andrews, enough to walk around, visit the golf museum, or see the castle ruins.

Can I visit Falkland Palace?
Yes, visitors have the option to pay admission to Falkland Palace, which costs £10 for adults. The tour itself includes a short walk through Falkland village.

What scenic viewpoints does the tour include?
The drive over the Fort Road bridge offers spectacular views of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO site, and the coastal villages along the route.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under age 5 are not permitted, but most travelers of all other ages can participate. The tour is suitable for those enjoying outdoor exploration and cultural sights.

How flexible is the booking?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. The tour operates rain or shine, with options for rescheduling if canceled due to poor weather.

What is the guide’s reputation?
The guide, notably Jamie, is highly praised for knowledgeable storytelling and friendly attitude, which greatly enriches the experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Howies Restaurant, Edinburgh, at 8:30 am and returns to the same location at the end of the day.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and space to enjoy the sights comfortably.

Is this tour good for golf fans?
Absolutely. The Old Course and the Royal and Ancient Golf Museum are highlights for golf lovers, though the tour also appeals to those interested in history and scenery.

How long is the total tour duration?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, including travel, sightseeing, and free time at each stop.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if the St Andrews and Falkland Palace tour fits your Scottish adventure plans, offering a balanced view of what to expect and the highlights you won’t want to miss.