The ‘Royal Route’ from Edinburgh to Stirling Private Tour

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Starting our day at The Palace in Edinburgh, we’ll learn about the history of the Stewart Monarchs that lived here and many of the historical and intriguing events that have taken place in the Palace’ 600 year history. While the abbey dates back to the 12th century, the first palace buildings were constructed in the early 16th century, around 1501-1505, by James IV.

The oldest surviving part of the palace today is the north-west tower, which was built by James V between 1528 and 1532. The ‘new extension’ to the palace, with its quadrangle layout, was constructed between 1671 and 1678 during the reign of King Charles II.

We are at the Palace before it opens in the morning, however your guide will bring the stories to life from outside on Abbey Strand.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands at the highest point of the city and steepest part of a volcanic plug at the top of The Royal Mile. Known as ‘the defender of the nation’, it is still a British Military garrison which gives visitors an interesting combination of historic monument and working military site.
There are many historical buildings inside the castle, including St Margaret’s Chapel, The Scottish National War Memorial, the Royal Apartments and Great Hall. The Castle was used used as a royal palace by the Stewart monarchs until 1603. As part of the castle’s military heritage, there is a small, mostly ceremonial garrison.

The Honours of Scotland – the Scottish crown jewels are housed the Palace Crown Room.

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace was home to the Scottish monarchy in the 15th and 16th century. Used for relaxing and entertaining, it was here that Mary De Guise gave birth to Mary Queen Of Scots in 1542. We’ll marvel at this impressive building and learn about its important place in Scottish history whilst exploring the ruins of the building.

Given her prominent place in history, it is surprising that here is the only statue of Mary, Queen of Scots in Scotland here at Linlithgow.

Bannockburn

The 13th century was a turbulent and complicated time in Scotland, viking dominance in the western isles and English military threat from the south put pressure under the nation and its leaders. Tragedy and death left Scotland without a Monarch and in June 1314 Bannockburn became the culmination of this difficult period.

Recognising a chink in Scotland’s armour, Edward II King of England released an army of some 20,000 soldiers north to Stirling Castle, but news travelled of the advance and they were met by three Scottish battalions at a site somewhere to the southeast of Stirling Castle. What followed was the largest and bloodiest battles in Scottish history.

We’ll visit this poignant location and learn about the circumstances leading up to the battle and ultimately how Scotland expelled the invading forces once and for all.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle awaits, perched on a volcanic plug with commanding views over the Carse of Stirling. As we drive up the cobbled streets to the ‘top of the town,’ you’ll understand why this castle and town were so crucial in Scotland’s history.

Explore the castle on a guided tour with your private guide and step back into the 16th century, immersing yourself in the lives of those who lived and worked here. Visit the Great Hall, Royal Apartments, and service areas to experience the castle’s rich past. Take in breathtaking views from ‘The Wall Walk,’ overlooking the Carse of Stirling, the Wallace Monument, and the Ochil Hills.

On a clear day, the vista stretches for 40 miles. Discover the castle’s dramatic history, including the pivotal Battle of Stirling Bridge, a key event in the Wars of Independence at the end of the 13th century, visible from the Ramparts.