On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, you are met and welcomed by your chauffeur and taken to your hotel in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: The Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the Georgian New Town, dating from the 18^th century. The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and what saw it be awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Check-in to your accommodation for five evenings. It is a luxury hotel in the true sense of the word. Complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant, tranquil spa and kilted doormen, the hotel is the city’s premier property. While many Edinburgh hotels claim to have Edinburgh’s landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their own doorstep is a landmark.

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of HM, The Queen and The Royal Family in Scotland.

Accompanied by an expert guide, enjoy a private tour which provides a unique and special opportunity to go ‘behind the ropes’ in selected rooms.

This baroque palace stands against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and is closely associated with Scotland’s rich history.  From Mary’s story, it perhaps takes centre-stage as it was the setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent and short-lived reign and life; she gave audience to John Knox, she was married at Holyroodhouse and in 1566 witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary, Rizzio by her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley, thus setting into motion a chain of events that that saw her abdicate in favour of her only son, James VI (who later became James I of England) and ultimately shape Scotland’s destiny for ever.

Visit Linlithgow Palace, the pleasure palace of Stewart royalty.  It was the birthplace of three monarchs, including Mary.

Mary was the only surviving legitimate child of King James V of Scotland. Known as the “Infant Queen”, she ascended the Scottish throne at only six days old and as the history books tell us she went on to lay claim to the English throne with disastrous results.

There is something almost prophetic about the words that she embroidered on her cloth of state in 1569, “In the end is my beginning”.

It is said, that while her jealous cousin (‘once removed’) Queen Elizabeth I ruled with her head and rose above the 16^th century’s political and religious storms, Mary was ruled by her heart and was a pawn by those around here.

After pausing for lunch, head to Stirling Castle. It was here that Mary was brought to be crowned as an infant and this was her home until she was five years old. In the castle Mary also saw the baptism of her son and sadly this is also where she saw him for the last time.

Visit Craigmillar Castle, one of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland to this day.

A comfortable residence surrounded by fine gardens and pastureland, the castle played an important part in Mary’s life. She fled here following the murder of Rizzio, viewing it as a haven.  Ironically, its owner, Sir Simon Preston, a loyal supporter of Mary, would turn her jailer just a year later.

From Craigmillar, head east to Lennoxlove House, the family home of the Duke of Hamilton.

By special arrangement, a privately guided tour has been arranged for you.

On your tour, your guide will reveal the history of the building and its previous occupants which include William Maitland of Lethington, who acted as Secretary of State (in effect, Prime Minister) under Mary. He was involved in the plot to murder Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, but supported Mary after she abdicated. He was taken prisoner after Edinburgh Castle was captured in 1573 and died, possibly after being poisoned, soon afterwards.

Travel to Loch Leven where you board a boat to cross the loch, just as Mary once did.

It is at Lochleven Castle where she was jailed in 1567. On your visit, you will see the tower – one of Scotland’s oldest – built in the 1300s where she was held against her will.  It was here that she suffered a miscarriage and was forced to abdicate in favour of her son. Eventually she escaped, never to see Scotland again.

Afterwards, travel to Falkland Palace, the country residence and relaxation spot for dignitaries dating to the Stewarts.   Set in the heart of Falkland conservation village and surrounded by extensive gardens, this Renaissance palace is partly in ruins but the original and reconstructed rooms are packed with 17^th century Flemish tapestries, elaborate painted ceilings and antique furnishings.

Your chauffeur will take you to Edinburgh Airport in time for your onward flight