Description
Join Hayley Ramsey and Arielle Waters for a special five-day tour extension exploring some of Scotland’s most fascinating historic and prehistoric sites. Beginning in Edinburgh and journeying through the landscapes of Fife, Perthshire, and Aberdeenshire, this immersive experience brings you face-to-face with ancient stone circles, dramatic castles, sacred landscapes, and sites connected to Scotland’s legendary past.
Along the way, we will visit remarkable locations such as Cairnpapple Hill, the mysterious Wemyss Caves, the historic ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, and the legendary Stone of Destiny. Our journey continues north into Aberdeenshire, where prehistoric stone circles, medieval fortresses, and coastal castles reveal the deep and layered history of Scotland.
With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable landscapes at every turn, this extension offers a unique opportunity to continue your adventure through Scotland while exploring places rich in history, legend, and atmosphere.
Day 0 – August 8
Dinner at our hotel in Edinburgh.
Day 1 – August 9
From Edinburgh to Fife
After checking out of our hotel, we begin our journey with a visit to Cairnpapple Hill, a remarkable Neolithic ceremonial site perched high on a hill with sweeping views across central Scotland. Used for ritual activity for 5,500+ years, it is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the region.
Next, we visit the dramatic ruins of Ravenscraig Castle, once a stronghold associated with the powerful Sinclair family. Nearby we will conclude our stops for the day at the fascinating Wemyss Caves, where ancient Picts carved mysterious symbols into the rock. According to local tradition, the caves may also have provided refuge for the Knights Templar. We will enjoy a private tour with the Save Wemyss Caves Society, including special access to a cave normally closed to the public.
We then check in for a two-night stay at the elegant St Andrews hotel
Day 2 – August 10
Mysteries of Fife
After breakfast, we begin the day at the mysterious Dunino Den, an ancient woodland sanctuary long associated with Celtic pagan practices and offerings.
Next, we explore Scotland’s Secret Bunker, hidden 100 feet beneath what appears to be an ordinary farmhouse. Built during the Cold War, it was designed to house top military officials, government ministers, and civil servants in the event of a nuclear attack.
We then head to St Andrews, where we will visit the ruins of the cathedral and castle. Historically, the Bishop of St Andrews, William Lamberton, played a significant role in Scotland’s history— including presiding over the Scottish proceedings connected to the Templar trials, which took place at Holyrood Abbey.
Return to hotel for the evening for dinner.
Day 3 – August 11
The Stone of Destiny & Templar Legacy
After checking out, we drive toward Perth, where we will visit the Perth Museum to explore the legends surrounding the iconic Stone of Destiny, and view the stone itself.
Next we travel to Scone Palace, where Scottish kings were once crowned upon the Stone of Destiny. Lunch will be enjoyed on the estate.
Our journey continues to the Meigle Museum, home to one of the most important collections of Pictish carved stones in Scotland. The site lies near a historic Templar house and is also linked in local legend to Arthurian lore, including the supposed burial site of Guinevere.
We then travel just over an hour north to Maryculter House Hotel, originally founded in the 13th century as a Knights Templar preceptory. After settling in, we will enjoy a special Jacobite-themed dinner in the evening.
Day 4 – August 12
Ancient Aberdeenshire
Today we explore some of the remarkable historic and prehistoric sites of Aberdeenshire.
Our first stop is Drum Castle, a powerful medieval fortress long associated with the Jacobite cause and steeped in centuries of Scottish history.
We then visit Cullerlie Stone Circle, a beautifully preserved prehistoric site, followed by the Dyce Symbol Stones, remarkable examples of early Pictish carving.
Next we explore East Aquhorthies Recumbent Stone Circle, part of a unique type of stone circle found only in Aberdeenshire, and believed to be connected to ancient lunar cults as they track the movement of major lunar standstills.
In the evening we enjoy dinner in Aberdeen at The Silver Darling, a renowned seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor.
Day 5 – August 13
Castles, Declarations & Farewell
After checking out, we begin the day with a stop at the spectacular Dunnottar Castle, dramatically perched on a rocky headland above the North Sea.
We then visit Arbroath Abbey, where the famous Declaration of Arbroath— a declaration of Scottish independence that later inspired the American Declaration of Independence— was signed in 1320.
Lunch will be enjoyed at The Old Boatyard Restaurant.
We continue to Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, one of Scotland’s most revered kings. After exploring the abbey, we will enjoy lunch nearby at Seven Kings.
Our journey then returns south toward Edinburgh, with a final stop at Abercorn Church, which is home to intriguing Viking burials and mysterious medieval gravestones believed by some to be connected to the Knights Templar, including one featuring a carved chalice or Grail cup.
We conclude our journey by checking our final hotel, Dalmahoy Country House & Hotel.
