TOUR WITH US
MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS:
FROM CROWN TO CAPTIVITY
TOUR DATES
11-17 MAY 2026
Mary, Queen of Scots
QUEEN. MARTYR.
ICON.
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life of Mary, Queen of Scots—a woman whose story is woven with threads of majesty, intrigue, and tragedy. Our tour invites you to step into her world, tracing her path from the splendour of Linlithgow Palace, where she was born, to the dramatic confines of Loch Leven Castle, where her reign met its end.
As you journey with us through Scotland, you’ll discover the pivotal moments that defined Mary’s tumultuous life. From the early promise of her reign to the heart-wrenching betrayals and political manoeuvrings that led to her downfall, each site we visit tells a part of this captivating tale.
Along the way, you’ll be joined by our historian-in-residence, Anna Turnham from the University of Kent. Anna is an expert on Anglo-Scottish diplomatic relations during Mary’s reign. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet various experts and see up close some incredible aretacfts associated with the Scottish Queen. Together with your tour hosts, your understanding of Mary’s life in Scotland will be enriched through detailed insights and fascinating stories.
Experience the grandeur of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where Mary’s court flourished, and the solemn solitude of Loch Leven, where she was imprisoned. Delve into the rich history that shaped this iconic queen, as we follow in her footsteps across the landscapes that witnessed her greatest triumphs and deepest sorrows.
Join us in uncovering the legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots—a journey of intrigue, power, and passion that continues to captivate the world.
SO, ARE YOU READY?
Read on!
MEET YOUR HOSTS
YOUR TOUR CO-HOSTS
Sarah
Morris
Founder of ‘The Tudor Travel Guide’ and ‘The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Tudor England’. Author of ‘In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn’ and ‘In the Footsteps of the Six Wives of Henry VIII’.
Adam
Pennington
Founder of ‘The Tudor Chest’ blog and podcast, historian and author of ‘Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles – The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty’.
Anna
Turnham
Historian Dr Anna Turnham specialises in Anglo-Scottish diplomatic relations during the personal reigns of Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, notably the period between 1558 and 1568.
MEET YOUR ON-LOCATION EXPERTS
Along the way, we are delighted to say that our group will be joined by a number of different speakers,
all experts in various aspects of sixteenth century Scottish history and the places we will be visiting.
Find out more about them below.
Historian and Author
Linda Porter
Linda Porter has a B.A. and a PHD from the University of York, where she studied under the direction of two inspirational professors, Gerald Aylmer and Gwyn A. Williams. She spent nearly ten years lecturing in New York, at Fordham and City Universities among others. Early retirement heralded a new full-time career as an author of historical non-fiction as well as reviewing for the BBC History Magazine, The Literary Review and History Today. As the author of a 2013 biography of Mary, Queen of Scots, ‘Crown of Thistles: The Fatal Inheritance of Mary, Queen of Scots‘ we are thrilled that Linda will be joining us as our headline speaker for the tour.
Author and Historian
Amy Blakeway
Any is a senior lecturer at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where her special area of interest is the Anglo-Scottish Wars during the minority of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Chief Curator,
Historic Museums of Scotland
Anna Groundwater
We are so lucky to be spending time with Anna at the Museum of Scotland. She is the Chief Curator of the Renaissance and Early Modern collections, encompassing objects relating to the Scottish Renaissance, including notable Scottish figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots.
Local Guide
Anne Daly
Anne hails originally from Glasgow, but also boasts a proud Gaelic heritage, with her MacLeod ancestors, coming from the Isle of Harris, where she spent her childhood summers on a traditional croft. Anne lives in Linlithgow and is passionate about the Stuarts and Mary Queen of Scots.
YOUR ITINERARY
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO DURING THE TOUR…
Please note that while we aim to stick to the following agenda, sometimes, closures of buildings or certain parts of a building made by local heritage organisations can occur at short notice and are out of our control. We will always try to flex our approach to get the best possible access or find a best possible alternative option.
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL AND SETTLING IN AT STIRLING…
Pick up at a central Edinburgh location…
Welcome to Scotland! We will pick you up from a central Edinburgh location before leaving Scotland’s capital behind and heading to our first location on the tour – Stirling.
As you arrive in Stirling, take a moment to breathe in the crisp Scottish air and immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of this ancient city. Stirling has been the site of some of the most pivotal moments in Scotland’s past, and its towering castle has witnessed centuries of royal intrigue.
Once we’ve checked in to our charming hotel, the Hotel Colessio, you can take time in the afternoon to relax or explore Stirling’s picturesque streets. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, there will be the opportunity to head to the nearby Church of the Holy Rude, where Mary’s infant son, James VI, was crowned King of Scotland following his mother’s dramatic and forced abdication.
For those who wish to take in the panoramic views of Stirling, there’s an optional bus ride up to the Wallace Monument, overlooking the valley where battles for Scotland’s independence were fought.
In the evening, we will meet for welcome drinks and dinner. Your hosts will give a short introductory talk before our historian-in-residence, Anna Turnham, introduces us to the main protagonists in our story as our journey into the extraordinary life of Mary Stuart begins.
DAY TWO: BIRTHPLACE AND EARLY LIFE
Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle…
Our adventure begins at the breathtaking ruins of Linlithgow Palace, where Mary, Queen of Scots was born in 1542. As you step through its grand archways, imagine the palace in its prime—a place of royal feasts, music, and political maneuvering. Stroll through the remains of the great hall, admire the fountain that still flows today, and stand in the very room where the future queen entered the world.
Our guide will be Anne Daly, local tour guide and resident of Linlithgow. Her passion for Mary and local knowledge make her the perfect person to regale us with stories of Mary time at Linlithgow. There will be the opportunity to visit the adjacent parish Church of St Michael , where Mary was baptised following her birth at the palace on 8 December 1542 or perhaps you might prefer a peaceful walk along Linlithgow Loch, where Mary’s mother, Marie de Guise, would have once gazed out upon the water, contemplating her daughter’s uncertain future.
In the afternoon, we ascend to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most magnificent strongholds. Here, baby Mary was crowned Queen of Scots at just nine months old. It was also where a grand baptismal celebration was held for Prince James, Mary’s son, in December 1566. Stand inside the Chapel Royal and picture these momentous occasions—the flickering torchlight, the solemn faces of nobles, and the whispered hopes for Scotland’s infant queen and, fourteen years later, for her son, the future James VI.
Wander through the Great Hall, where extravagant feasts were held, and visit Queen Anne’s Garden, a tranquil space where young Mary may have played as a child.
In the evening, we will gather to enjoy a talk from historian, Amy Blakeway before heading out into town to experience the local cuisine.
DAY THREE: ROYAL RETREATS AND LEISURE
Falkland Palace and Edinburgh Old Town…
A change of pace takes us to Falkland Palace, one of Mary’s favourite places. Unlike the imposing castles of her childhood, Falkland was a retreat—a place of leisure where she could escape the weight of her crown. Explore the ornately decorated Royal Apartments, where Mary would have entertained guests, and walk through the lush, restored gardens. Don’t miss the real tennis court, where she played this aristocratic sport—one of the oldest courts still in existence today.
Edinburgh’s historic streets set the scene for Mary’s later life. We begin at the Royal Mile, winding our way through alleys and closes filled with echoes of the past. We will stop at St Giles’ Cathedral, where John Knox, Mary’s fiercest critic, delivered fiery sermons condemning her Catholic rule. While there, we will enjoy a guided tour of the cathedral, regaled with tales of religious fire and fury! Feel the tension that once filled these streets as Scotland teetered on the brink of religious upheaval.
At the end of the day, we check into our boutique hotel, The Kimpton Charlotte Square, which is situated a stone’s throw from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
In the evening, we will head out into Edinburgh to dine at the celebrated Indian restaurant: Dishoom – a favourite with your hosts and guests alike!
DAY FOUR: POWER AND INTRIGUE IN EDINBURGH
Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse…
Today, we enter the imposing walls of Edinburgh Castle, where Mary faced both triumph and tragedy. Step inside the tiny closet where Mary gave birth to James VI, the future king who would unite Scotland and England. Gaze upon the Crown Jewels, also known as the Honours of Scotland. These are the oldest crown jewels in Britain, comprising the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State, symbols of Mary’s authority and the monarchy she fought so hard to maintain.
In the afternoon, our journey continues at Palace of Holyroodhouse where Mary’s life took a sinister turn. Here, in her private chambers, her closest friend and secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered in cold blood before her very eyes. Walk through the very rooms where she grieved, plotted, and attempted to hold onto her fragile power. End the day with a visit to the hauntingly beautiful Holyrood Abbey ruins—a place of solemn reflection amid the grandeur.
DAY FIVE: CONSPIRACIES AND ESCAPE
Craigmillar Castle and The National Museum of Scotland…
We begin the day by exploring the shadows of Craigmillar Castle, where Mary sought refuge following Rizzio’s murder. These walls bore witness to the infamous Craigmillar Bond, the secret plot to kill Mary’s troublesome husband, Lord Darnley.
Whether Mary knew of the plot, we do not know. However, recent events, including the long and difficult birth of her son, had left the Queen in need of safety and respite. While Mary recovered in the upstairs chambers, did her faithful Lords gather in the halls below to plot the end of the vain and arrogant Darnley. Walk among the ruins of Craigmillar Castle and imagine the whispers of deadly intrigue echoing around you.
From there, we head back to Old Edinburgh Town to visit the National Museum of Scotland. There, we will enjoy a private guided tour of some of the most precious artefacts related to Mary and her reign, including one of Scotland’s national treasures, the beautiful and rare silver casket, said to have been brought back from France by the Scottish Queen.
Afterwards, there will be spare time to explore Edinburgh at your leisure before meeting in the evening for dinner in the Hotel’s popular BABA restaurant where a bold turquoise palette and eye-popping textiles set the scene for what’s to come: contemporary cocktails and inventive cooking that blends dishes inspired by the Levantine with Scottish influences.
Image © Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons
DAY SIX: IMPRISONMENT AND ABDICATION
Loch Leven Castle
On this sixth day we journey to Loch Leven Castle, where Mary’s fate took a devastating turn. We will take a boat ride across the loch to the island fortress, just as she did in 1567—though her journey was one of captivity.
Here, Mary suffered a miscarriage of twins and soon after was forced to abdicate the throne to her infant son, James, signing away her crown under extreme duress. Stand within the tower where she spent nearly a year, and hear the tale of her daring escape, a brief moment of hope before her final downfall.
After our return to Edinburgh, there will be free time to enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the city. Alternatively, a dose of retail therapy to purchase some of the best of Scotland’s products might be more up your street!
In the early evening we gather to listen to our popular author and historian, Linda Porter, who will deliver a talk about the people, circumstances and fall out of Mary’s abdication before we head out to enjoy a wee dram of Scotland’s finest. Yes, there will be a fun evening of whisky tasting, storytelling followed by a four-course dinner and the five star rated Scotch Whisky: The Experience (Non-alcoholic drinks will be available). It will be the perfect way to end an incredible adventure with your new-found history-loving friends!
DAY SEVEN: FINAL FARWELLS
Time to say ‘Goodbye’ – for now!
As your journey comes to an end, we will take with us incredible memories of our travels in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots—a woman who continues to captivate hearts and minds centuries later.
Following breakfast at the Kimpton Charlotte Square, we shall say our final farewells. For those wishing to fly out of Edinburgh airport that day, the minibus will be available for a 10am transfer.
Until we meet again, safe travels!
Booking Information
For a summary outline of our tour itinerary, see below.
If you have any questions or encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact us via the contact form here.
Ticket Price
£4,800 per person, incl.VAT
Based on double occupancy.
(Double Room with Single Occupancy is priced at £6,525 incl. VAT)
If you are a solo traveller but would be open to sharing a room with another traveller, please contact us to discuss.
Limited room upgrades to King Premium rooms are available for our stay at The Charlotte Kimpton Square (see the gallery below of King Premium rooms available).
If you are interested, please indicate this at checkout, and we will be in touch to discuss your wishes further.
MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS: FROM CROWN TO CAPTIVITY
Tour Highlights
Overview of Your Tour Itinerary…
Day One: 11 May – Arrival and Travel to Stirling
- Pick up at a central Edinburgh location and travel to Stirling by luxury air-conditioned coach.
- After dropping our luggage off at the Hotel Collessio in the centre of Stirling, you will have time to explore the city at your leisure. There will be the option of taking a shuttle bus up to the famous Wallace monument for fabulous views of the city and castle, as well as a visit to the Church of the Holy Rude, where Mary’s infant son, James VI of Scotland, was crowned King in 1567.
- After gathering for drinks, your hosts will give an introductory talk in the early evening to set the scene for the week ahead. Our first dinner together will follow this as we look forward to our forthcoming adventures.
Day Two: 12 May – Birthplace and Early Life
- After breakfast at our hotel, we travel to the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots: Linlithgow Palace. There, we will be joined by our local guide, Anne Daly, a resident of Linlithgow and founder of Mary’s Meander’s Tours. Anne’s specialism is Mary and her time in Scotland, so we have no better guide to help us explore the substantial ruins of the palace. We will also visit the adjoining parish Church of St Michael, where Mary was baptised following her birth on 8 December 1542.
- After our tour, there will be time to explore the ruins at your leisure or stroll along the peaceful shores of the adjacent Linlithgow Loch.
- In the afternoon, we return to Stirling and visit the castle, where Mary was whisked away to safety during Henry VIII’s so-called ‘Rough Wooings’ of the Scottish Queen. It was in the chapel at Stirling that Mary was crowned aged around ten months and where she nursed Darnley when he fell dangerously ill with the measles, heralding the moment when the Scots Queen likely fell fatally in love with her young and lusty subject.
- In the evening, we gather again and head into Stirling to enjoy the best local cuisine.
Day Three: 13 May – Royal Retreats and Leisure
- After breakfast, we check out of the Hotel Colessio and head to Falkland Palace & Gardens. The palace provides a unique opportunity to explore a royal ‘pleasure palace’ with a Victorian twist. It was inspired by the grand châteaux of France. Successive Stuart royals transformed this favoured retreat into the Balmoral of its day, now one of Scotland’s finest surviving examples of Renaissance architecture. The palace witnessed the death of Mary’s father, James V. It was much-beloved by Mary as a pleasure palace, taking advantage of Falkland’s vast estate to pursue falconry and hunting while also enjoying a game of tennis in what is now the oldest surviving real (or royal) tennis court in the world. You will be able to wander through the palace and explore the re-created royal apartments, including the Queen’s Room, which has been arranged as Mary Queen of Scots might have used it.
- After spending some free time enjoying the beautiful grounds, we head towards Edinburgh and get our first glimpse on the tour of the famous Royal Mile, which connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Once there, we will visit St Giles’ Cathedral, infamously the parish church of the staunchly Protestant John Knox. Knox preached vehemently against the young Catholic Queen and was a persistent thorn in her side. Although Mary never worshipped at St Giles, she visited the church three times in the 1560s. We will enjoy a guided tour of the church, learn more about Knox and Mary’s turbulent history and see the grave of her illegitimate half-brother, James Stewart, Earl of Moray. Moray was Regent of Scotland during James VI’s infancy and one of the characters at the centre of Mary’s downfall.
- In the evening, we head into Edinburgh to enjoy the mouth-watering delights of Dishoom!
Day Four: 14 May – Power and Intrigue in Edinburgh
- Today is an Edinburgh day! After breakfast, we head the short distance to Edinburgh Castle, home to many Scottish monarchs, including Margaret Tudor (Mary, Queen of Scots’ paternal grandmother and sister to Henry VIII), Mary of Guise (Mary’s mother), James VI and, of course, Mary, Queen of Scots. Edinburgh Castle witnessed a key episode in Mary’s life in June 1566, when she gave birth to her son, James, in a tiny closet room. The castle was less comfortable but more secure than her usual chambers at Holyrood, where only three months prior, armed intruders had recently assassinated her secretary, Rizzio. The room was part of her privy apartments, and we will have the honour of standing in the very spot where the future James VI was born.
- You will enjoy a guided tour of the castle, including getting close to the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels). The highlight will undoubtedly be gazing upon the medieval crown, which was once used to crown Mary herself.
- Later in the day, we will transfer to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the far end of the Royal Mile. Holyrood remains a working palace and still contains Mary’s original private chambers. This includes her bedchamber, the place where she witnessed the horrific and brutal murder of her friend and personal secretary, David Rizzio, while heavily pregnant. Enjoy a wonderfully evocative tour of the palace and gaze upon incredible artefacts associated with Mary and her reign, including the glittering Lennox Jewel.
- In the evening, we will gather to dine in one of the Hotel’s restaurants.
Day Five: 15 May – Conspiracies and Escape
- After breakfast at the hotel, we travel the short distance across Edinburgh to explore the substantial ruins of Craigmillar Castle. Craigmillar was a place of refuge for Mary, where she spent time in 1567, recuperating after the traumatic murder of Rizzo and the difficult birth of her son the year before. We will hear about the Criagmillar Bond, the plot drawn up by Mary’s faithful Lords to rid her – and them of her by-now hated husband, the vainglorious Henry, Lord Darnley.
- From there, we head back to Old Edinburgh Town to visit the National Museum of Scotland. There, we will enjoy a private guided tour of some of the most precious artefacts related to Mary and her reign, including one of Scotland’s national treasures, the beautiful and rare silver casket, said to have been brought back from France by the Scottish Queen as well as seeing gems such as the Penicuik Jewels and the Seton necklace.
- Afterwards, there will be spare time to explore Edinburgh at your leisure before meeting in the evening for dinner in the Hotel’s popular BABA restaurant, where a bold turquoise palette and eye-popping textiles set the scene for what’s to come: contemporary cocktails and inventive cooking that blends dishes inspired by the Levantine with Scottish influences.
Day Six: 16 May – Imprisonment and Abdication
- After breakfast, we take the minibus north of Edinburgh, across the Firth of Forth, to the stunning Loch Leven to visit the place where Mary was taken prisoner after her defeat by the Confederate Lords at the Battle of Carberry Hill. We will sail across the loch, just as Mary did, and ponder on her disbelief and despair as she approaches the place that would be her goal for the following year. As we tour around the small island and the castle ruins, we will remember Mary’s grief at the loss of twins shortly after arriving at Loch Leven and the tearful drama surrounding her forced abdication on 24 July 1567.
- There will be time to wander around the island at your leisure and reflect on all we have seen of the places and artefacts intimately associated with one of the sixteenth century’s most romantic and tragic characters.
- With our visit to Loch eleven complete, we return to Edinburgh, where there will be free time to explore Edinburgh’s old town at your leisure and perhaps do a little retail therapy.
- In the evening, we meet again for our final evening out together. It’s a hop, skip and jump up the Royal Mile to taste a wee dram of Scotland’s finest. A fun evening awaits of whisky tasting and storytelling, followed by a four-course dinner and the five-star rated Scotch Whisky: The Experience. It will be the perfect way to end an unforgettable adventure following in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, whose member burns as brightly today as it did when she graced the streets and palaces of Scotland, 500 years ago!
Day Seven: 17 May – Departure
- Following breakfast at the hotel, we will say our final farewells.
- Our mini-bus will be available for anyone who wishes to travel straight to Edinburgh Airport at the end of the tour.