
Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour worth booking?
Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour is a 8-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $579 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $579 per person
For history enthusiasts and admirers of Mary Queen of Scots, this tour will take you through her remarkable, yet tragic life. Follow her footsteps, as you explore her favourite palaces, homes, and scenic views. From Linlithgow Palace to Stirling Castle and Falkland Palace, you’ll get to experience not only the history of this iconic monarch, but also the beauty of Scotland as you travel from place to place. Let us take the stress out of travel as you escape fixed itineraries and crowded buses. Sit back, relax and enjoy a private tour designed exclusively for you and your group, featuring: • A Private Day Tour tailored to your preferences. • An Expert Local Guide with decades of experience. • A Convenient Door-to-Door Service from your hotel or accommodation. • Travel in Style and Comfort aboard a luxurious Mercedes-Benz V-Class Minivan.
What you get
About this experience
For history enthusiasts and admirers of Mary Queen of Scots, this tour will take you through her remarkable, yet tragic life. Follow her footsteps, as you explore her favourite palaces, homes, and scenic views. From Linlithgow Palace to Stirling Castle and Falkland Palace, you’ll get to experience not only the history of this iconic monarch, but also the beauty of Scotland as you travel from place to place. Let us take the stress out of travel as you escape fixed itineraries and crowded buses. Sit back, relax and enjoy a private tour designed exclusively for you and your group, featuring: • A Private Day Tour tailored to your preferences. • An Expert Local Guide with decades of experience. • A Convenient Door-to-Door Service from your hotel or accommodation. • Travel in Style and Comfort aboard a luxurious Mercedes-Benz V-Class Minivan.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Experienced Kilt-wearing guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Entry Fees to Castles
What you'll see and do
Linlithgow Palace
The most fitting place to start your tour is where it all began: Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542. From the moment she was born, her life has been one of intrigue and tragedy, chequered with romances and family betrayals. Through the telling of her story in Hollywood movies, television series and books, the fascination with Mary Queen of Scots continues to grow every day.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
The Kelpies & The Helix
On the way to your first destination, you’ll not be short of sights to see. Dramatic against the skyline, you can marvel at one (or two) of Scotland’s most famous and celebrated art pieces: the Kelpies. Silhouetted against the sky, these impressive sculptures are a true tribute to Scotland’s myths and legends.
Pass by without stopping
National Wallace Monument
After visiting Linlithgow Palace, the tour will venture further north to the City of Stirling. Before arriving, you will pass by a dedication to another famous Scot, William Wallace. Standing proud against the backdrop of Stirling’s countryside, the Wallace Monument is a symbol of strength and passion for Scotland. 300 years later, his story has been immortalised by the Hollywood film, Braveheart, and continues to capture the hearts of people all over the world.
Pass by without stopping
Stirling Castle
From the Wallace Monument, you will also catch a glimpse of Stirling Castle sitting high on the Castle Hill. Upon entering the castle gates, you’ll be met with costumed characters who will transport you back to 16th-century life, showing you Mary’s childhood home and how the castle would have looked at that time. Stirling Castle is arguably one of the most significant places in Mary Stewart’s history. Aged just nine months, Mary was crowned Queen of Scots. The ceremony was conducted in September 1543 in the Chapel Royal of Stirling Castle, and was the first time the Honours of Scotland were used.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Falkland
On the way to Falkland Palace, you’ll pass through Falkland itself, a beautiful and historic village which was also used as a filming location for the much-loved ‘Outlander’ series. You might recognise it as “Inverness” in the opening scenes where Claire and Frank arrive for their second honeymoon. As you travel through the village, you’ll catch sight of our next destination: Falkland Palace.
Pass by without stopping
Falkland Palace & Garden
Falkland Palace was used as a Royal Hunting Lodge by Mary Queen of Scots. She was enchanted by the palace and its extensive formal gardens, where she would often pursue her hobbies in falconry, hunting, archery and tennis. Falkland Palace is actually home to the world’s oldest surviving royal tennis court, so you will be able to see where Mary Stewart played throughout her life.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Loch Leven Heritage Trail
As you travel back to Edinburgh, you will get to witness the wild and natural beauty of the Scottish countryside once more. Driving through rolling hills and towering mountains, you will pass by the still and beautiful waters of Loch Leven. A fantastic picture opportunity and a breathtaking end to your tour.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hopscotch Travel
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Absolute recommendation
Absolute recommendation, I was alone with my driver and she told me a lot on the way and talked to me incredibly nicely
Response from the operator: Vielen herzlichen Dank für Ihre tolle Bewertung! Es freut uns sehr zu hören, dass Sie sich bei unserer Fahrerin so wohl gefühlt haben. Wir legen großen Wert auf einen freundlichen und persönlichen Service – und es ist schön zu wissen, dass das bei Ihnen angekommen ist. Wir freuen uns, Sie bald wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen! 😊
via Viator (translated)
If my clients could give 10 stars they would have...
I am a travel agent who was looking for a Mary Queen of Scots private tour and came across Hopscotch Travel. From the start, they were incredibly responsive and professional in all email communication. They provided all the necessary information for my clients to have an amazing and seamless experience. Any questions or issues that came up were addressed promptly and with care, and the level of personalized service exceeded my expectations. My clients returned with glowing feedback, especially praising the knowledgeable guide (Frazier) and the thoughtful, well-paced itinerary. I highly recommend Hopscotch Travel to anyone looking for a customized, high-quality tour experience in Scotland.
Response from the operator: Thank you! We really enjoyed working with you on this trip and to make it perfect for your clients.
via Tripadvisor
Friends trip
OH MY!!! if I could give 10 stars I would. Frazier was amazing very knowledgeable. We will forever think of him. Very personable guy! Very clean vehicle and very respectful. Highly recommend a personal guide. Thank you from the Dallas ladies.
Response from the operator: Amazing! So glad to read you had a wonderful time - and that you would give us 10 stars! :-) Thank you and we hope to welcome you back to Scotland soon!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing trip!
Such an incredible and interesting tour! Very well organised and super easy to book! Would recommend Hopescotch travel to anyone looking for a great trip in Scotland!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed yourself and hope you visit us again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Mary Queen of Scots Hopscotch tour
Hopscotch is great! Our group of 6 did the Mary Queen of Scots day tour. Our guide, Fraser, was super knowledgeable, flexible and fun! The van was big enough for our group and very comfortable. The lunch in Falkland (aka Inverness on Outlander) was delicious and the town was so quaint. We learned so much Scottish history and had a blast doing it. I give Hopscotch 5 stars!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your tour with Fraser. All the very best and we look forward to hosting you on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $579 to $850
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hopscotch Travel, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.6.
See everything Hopscotch Travel runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $579 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; On-board WiFi; Bottled water; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch; and Entry Fees to Castles. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 235 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh: Mary Queen of Scots Privately Guided Luxury Day Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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