Relax and enjoy Scotland’s splendour with Rabbie’s Tours. The Scottish Highlands and Islands are Europe’s last great wilderness so why not escape with Rabbie’s personalised small group tours. Small groups with a maximum of 16 passengers mean you can discover the real Scotland, get off the beaten track and onto the back roads that other tours cannot manage.Your educated driver/guide is there for you, dedicated to making your visit to Scotland memorable and enjoyable whatever your requests.
Full Day Tour – Tour Ref: SCO-GLBS-STAF-1S
When was the last time you stared in awe? The Kelpies monument has a way about stopping people in their tracks. Standing at 100ft tall, they are the largest equine sculpture in the world. A dedication to the heavy horses of the Scottish industry and economy.
And in St Andrews, you’ll find monuments of a different kind. Its cathedral was once one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings. And though it stands in ruins today, there is still something so mesmerising about it. Haunting, too. That’s the whole town of St Andrews. Elegant architecture backed by sweeping coastal views. Castle ruins nestled alongside an ancient golf course.
There is so much history, myth, and beauty on this tour, you won’t know where to begin.
ITINERARY:
Do you believe in monsters?
If you do, best to not stray too close to water while you’re here in Scotland. We’re not talking about Nessie. We’re talking about the kelpies, deadly shape-shifting creatures that often appear as horses, luring people to a watery death. Your first stop on this tour is to see the Kelpies Monument and you might just be grateful that they’re not this enormous in ‘real life’.
Though that’s not what this monument was built for. Created by artist Andy Scott, these icons are modelled after Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron, a symbol of the lineage of heavy horses throughout Scottish history that helped shape the surrounding region of Falkirk.
Leaving behind these awe-inspiring creatures, it’s time for a pleasant drive through the rolling countryside of the Kingdom of Fife to Falkland. Falkland Palace dominates this old village, and was one of the main residences of the old Royal family of Scotland, the Stewarts (Stuarts). Aside from the palace, the village is simply one of the most beautiful in Scotland with an array of old cottages and narrow winding streets. Not to mention the kick Outlander fans will get when they recognise this as the location for 1940s Inverness in the popular TV series.
Next up is where you’ve been waiting for: the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland, and according to legend, his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. St Andrews is also home to the third oldest university in Britain and a beautiful ruined castle perched on a cliff. You have around three hours to explore this fascinating town.
As you head back towards Glasgow, you stop in at Queensferry Crossing, and get a great view of one of Scotland’s greatest man-made landmarks, the Forth Rail Bridge. You arrive back in Glasgow in the early evening.
HIGHLIGHTS:
-Forth BridgesAn incredible engineering feat. A gorgeous setting. And a UNESCO World Heritage site.
-St Andrews CathedralThis ruined cathedral was once one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings.
-St Andrews Old TownImmerse yourself in 1,000 years of history as you explore the winding streets and ancient castle.
-The Old CourseGolf was so popular in Scotland, it was banned in the 15th century. And nowhere was it more popular than in St Andrews, ‘the Home of Golf’.
-Historic Village of FalklandWander through this serene town in the Kingdom of Fife which boasts a beautiful palace and links to the Outlander series.
-The Kelpies Monument At 100ft tall, these horses are hard to miss and are now an icon of the landscape.
DEPARTURE POINT:
Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW (Tours will depart from a stand between 23-32).
EXCLUSIONS:
Lunch, tips, attractions entrances
DEPARTURES:
01/04/24-31/03/25: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
From 01/04/25 – 31/03/26: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Tour starts at 8.30hrs and finishes at 18.30hrs. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior departure time
No tours on 24-26/12 & 01/01
PLEASE NOTE: Falkland Palace is closed from November to March