Leith - Historic Royal Scotland
On this tour you'll explore Scotland’s royal past. You'll visit the impressive Stirling Castle, strategically the most important of all Scottish castles, and Scone Palace, the crowning place of kings and the capital of Scotland during the 12th century.
- Visit two iconic sites with great historic significance
- Learn more about Scotland's history
- Enjoy time at your leisure in the magnificent gardens
From Leith to Stirling Castle
On this tour head from the port of Leith to the city of Stirling, with its towering Wallace Monument and imposing castle, set high atop a rocky hill overlooking the whole of the surrounding area. Located at the center of Scotland, and of huge strategic importance, this historic city provides innumerable tales of battles, heroes, and bloodshed.
At your visit to Stirling Castle you can discover its history and marvel at the magnificent architecture. The furniture and décor will give you insight into how the king’s and queen’s chambers may have looked in the mid-16th century.
When you enter the King’s Inner Hall you’ll see wonderful replicas of the ‘Stirling Heads’. The medieval, hand-carved, oak medallions are often described as Scotland’s other ‘Crown Jewels’.
All around the castle you’ll encounter ‘lords’, ‘ladies’, and ‘servants’ who bring history to life by introducing you to daily life at the castle. You’ll end your visit at the Tapestry Studio and see world-class weavers at work on one of the world’s finest surviving set of medieval tapestries. Then you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The history of Scone Palace
After lunch you'll head north to Scone Palace. This is a place that breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. Today it is home to the Earls of Mansfield, and a major attraction to visitors from all over the world. Fifteen hundred years ago it was the capital of the Pictish kingdom and the center of the ancient Celtic church. In the intervening centuries, it has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of kings. It has housed the Stone of Destiny and been immortalized in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
The lawns and formal gardens are home to free-roaming peacocks and Highland cattle may be seen in adjacent fields. The castle stands high above the River Tay, overlooking the routes to the Highlands and the coast.
You’ll have a guided tour of the palace and enjoy time at your leisure to explore the beautiful, magnificent gardens.
Then you’ll return to the ship in Leith via the magnificent Forth Bridges, a major landmark and Victorian marvel of steel construction.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
- Included: lunch and entrance fees
- Language: English
- Max. participants: 90