Shore excursions

After collection on dry land, we’ll cross over the Firth of Forth river via the impressive Queensferry Crossing into the Kingdom of Fife.

Travelling north, our first stop will be Falkand — a charming village nestled in the heart of Fife that’s frozen in time. Wander the cobbled streets to visit Falkland Palace, a Renaissance gem with lush gardens, or admire the Bruce Fountain, which you may recognise from the hit TV show Outlander. Follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie in the town square, and even pop into Mrs Baird’s for a coffee!

Then we’ll move on towards our next stop and highlight of your excursion… the town of St Andrews. It may be known as the home of golf, but there’s much more to this historic town than its famous courses. The town was the religious capital of the country and the site of the protestant reformation in Scotland. Not to mention it’s home to Scotland’s oldest university, considered one of the most prestigious in the world, with famous alumni including Prince William and Kate Middleton.

We’ll stop here for lunch. We recommend stopping by…
• The Seafood Ristorante £££
• St Andrews Links Clubhouse and Tom Morris Bar & Grill ££
• Forgan’s St Andrews ££
• The Jigger Inn ££

Along with various other options;
• take a walking tour of the Old Course (£) – ideal for golfing fanatics
• visit the castle & cathedral (£)
• dip your toes in the water at West Sands
• walk the historic cobbled streets and explore the university buildings

Leaving St Andrews, we’ll head south towards The East Neuk of Fife. A collection of beautiful fishing villages that have been immortalised on screen and in artwork around the globe. Our route will take us through the villages of Anstruther, Pittenweem, Elie and Crail.

Crail boasts one of the oldest and most picturesque harbours in Scotland, dating back to the 16th century. Here you can pop down to the harbour for some ice cream or have a look round the local shops.

Pittenweem is associated with St Fillan. Legend has it that St Fillan’s Cave, located nearby, was used by the saint as a place of retreat and contemplation. Pilgrims often visit this site seeking solace and a connection to Scotland's ancient spiritual history.

We’ll then make the journey back to your tender port in plenty of time before your ship departs.

Clothing
Glasgow comedian and actor Sir Billy Connolly famously said of Scotland that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes”.

It’s true that no matter what the season, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket and plenty of layers, particularly in the winter months.

Ensure you bring shoes that are suitable for short walks on rough or uneven terrain and, if you plan to do any hiking, we recommend appropriate boots.

The infamous Scottish midge
In the spring/summer months, we highly recommend you pack insect repellent to keep midges away, especially in the highlands. While bites aren’t painful at the time, they can become itchy and uncomfortable afterwards.

Cash or card?
Although all attractions we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.

And…
Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!