In Mary’s Footsteps: A Mary Queen of Scots Tour of Scotland
From the palace where she was born to the island where she lost her crown.
8 days in Scotland · All-inclusive
From $5,995 per person
Trace the life of Mary Queen of Scots on an eight-day, all-inclusive Scotland tour. Explore her royal apartments in Edinburgh, visit her birthplace at Linlithgow Palace, and discover the story of her escape from Loch Leven Castle.
At Linlithgow Palace, Mary was born into a reign that began when she was just six days old. At Edinburgh Castle, she gave birth to the son who would one day rule both Scotland and England. On this eight-day, all-inclusive tour, you’ll follow Mary Queen of Scots through the places where she lived as a daughter, a mother, and a queen.
Walk through Mary’s private apartments at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then see a different side of her at Falkland Palace, where she came to hunt and fly falcons. At Loch Leven Castle, look out across the water that held her prisoner until the night she escaped. In the Scottish Borders, visit Hermitage Castle and hear how Mary’s ride to see the wounded Earl of Bothwell became one of the most debated episodes of her life.
Along the way, explore the carved interior of Rosslyn Chapel, stop for lunch in the village of Falkland, and spend two nights on the coast at Marine North Berwick, where the journey closes with a farewell dinner overlooking the Firth of Forth.
Your Daily Itinerary
Please Note: All tour itineraries are subject to change. Finalized itineraries will be announced closer to the departure date. We strive to ensure each experience is as enriching and seamless as possible, and adjustments may be made to enhance the overall journey.
Monday, June 14, 2027
Arrival in Edinburgh
Welcome to Scotland!
Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to Carberry Tower. Settle into your room before gathering for a welcome dinner and an introduction to the week ahead.
Carberry Hill
On 15 June 1567, Mary surrendered to the Confederate Lords on the hill beside the estate. She had married James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, just a month earlier. By the time she left Carberry Hill, she was a prisoner.
Overnight at Carberry Tower.
Tuesday, June 15, 2027
Edinburgh: A Queen’s Court
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Walk through Mary’s private apartments, where her secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered in her presence. The palace later witnessed her marriage to James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell.
Edinburgh Castle & Craigmillar Castle
At Edinburgh Castle, visit the royal apartments where Mary gave birth to her son in 1566. He would become James VI of Scotland and James I of England. At Craigmillar Castle, the story turns to Lord Darnley, Mary’s husband, as nobles close to the queen discussed how to remove him from power.
St Giles’ Cathedral & John Knox House
Explore the Scottish Reformation in Edinburgh’s Old Town. At St Giles’, where John Knox preached, and at John Knox House, discover why his opposition to Mary’s Catholic faith brought him into conflict with the queen.
Overnight at Carberry Tower.
Wednesday, June 16, 2027
Birth of a Queen
Rosslyn Chapel
Begin at Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 by Sir William Sinclair. Look closely at the stone carvings that fill its interior, from the pillars to the vaulted ceiling. They offer a glimpse of the religious world Mary inherited before the Scottish Reformation.
Linlithgow Palace
Explore the palace where Mary was born on 8 December 1542. Just six days later, her father, James V, died, and the infant princess became Queen of Scots.
Stirling Castle
Continue to Stirling, where Mary spent part of her early childhood. She was just nine months old when she was crowned at Stirling Castle. A few years later, she left Scotland to grow up at the French court.
Overnight at Hotel Colessio, Stirling.
Thursday, June 17, 2027
Falkland Palace
A Royal Retreat
Visit Falkland Palace, one of Mary’s favourite residences. She came here to hunt and fly falcons in the royal forest. Her husband, Lord Darnley, also enjoyed hunting at Falkland, and the palace gives us a glimpse of how the young queen spent her days away from Edinburgh.
The Village of Falkland
Enjoy lunch in the village beneath the palace before continuing to St Andrews, where you’ll settle in for the night.
Overnight at The Kithmore, St Andrews.
Friday, June 18, 2027
Loch Leven & Dunfermline
Lochleven Castle
Journey to the island castle where Mary was imprisoned after her surrender at Carberry Hill. Here she was forced to give up the throne in favour of her infant son, James VI. The loch that kept her captive also became her route to freedom when loyal supporters helped her escape across the water.
Dunfermline Abbey
Continue to Dunfermline Abbey, the burial place of generations of Scottish monarchs. Among them was Robert the Bruce, whose heart was buried separately. His story will take us to Melrose Abbey later in the week.
Overnight at The Kithmore, St Andrews.
Saturday, June 19, 2027
Following Bothwell’s Footsteps
Hailes Castle
Explore the stronghold of the Hepburn family and the likely birthplace of James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. In May 1567, Mary and Bothwell stayed here on their way to Edinburgh, shortly before their marriage at Holyrood. Within weeks, she would surrender at Carberry Hill.
Preston Mill & Haddington
Visit Preston Mill before stopping for lunch in the historic burgh of Haddington. At St Mary’s Church, explore how the Reformation changed worship in a community that had gathered here long before Mary’s reign.
North Berwick
Settle in at Marine North Berwick, overlooking the Firth of Forth, for the first of two nights on the coast.
Overnight at Marine North Berwick.
Sunday, June 20, 2027
The Borders & Bothwell
Hermitage Castle
Travel into the Scottish Borders to visit Hermitage Castle. When word reached Mary that Bothwell had been wounded, she rode through difficult country to see him. The visit fuelled rumours about their relationship that historians still debate today.
Melrose Abbey & Dryburgh Abbey
At Melrose Abbey, visit the memorial marking the traditional burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. Then explore the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, where the Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott is buried.
Farewell Dinner
Return to North Berwick for a farewell dinner and an evening to share the places and stories that stayed with you.
Overnight at Marine North Berwick.
Monday, June 21, 2027
Departure
A Morning in North Berwick
Enjoy breakfast and a final morning on the coast before your transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your onward journey.
In Mary’s Footsteps
Over the past week, you’ve stood where Mary was born, where she was crowned, and where she gave birth to the son who would inherit her throne. The journey began beside Carberry Hill. Now that quiet hillside has a place in a much larger story, alongside the island where Mary was held and the loch she crossed to freedom.
Departure from Edinburgh Airport.
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