6 Days
Mary Queen of Scots is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most intriguing historical figures. The centre of numerous films, TV shows, and books, now is your chance to follow her story through the country she ruled.
On this tailor made programme, Dream Escape will take you to the key sites associated with Mary’s short and tragic life. Complemented by five-star accommodation and chauffeur-driven transportation, this tour is perfect for history lovers and those wishing to dive deep into Scotland’s fascinating past.
GET IN TOUCHAll of Dream Escape’s programmes are bespoke but could be designed to include any of the following experiences:
Dream Escape recommends using Edinburgh as your base and staying in the city’s landmark hotel. A luxury property in every sense of the word, it has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a splendid spa, and comes complete with kilted doormen.
Edinburgh Castle, perched on ancient volcanic rock, has stood guard over the city for 900 years and is brimming with tales, from it near destruction on the order of King of Scots, Robert the Bruce to its role as a garrisoned fortress through the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite Risings.
Taking no more than 60 minutes, this museum will take you back in time into a world of Jacobite plots, royal feuds and ancient loyalties.
The official residence in Scotland of HM, The Queen and The Royal Family. It is also home to the changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring old master paintings, rare furniture, decorative arts and images from the vast photograph collection.
Perhaps one of Scotland’s most important castles as whoever ruled here, often ruled the nation.
Linlithgow Palace was the pleasure palace of Stewart royalty and is now a magnificent set of ruins. It was the birthplace of three monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots in 1542. Step inside to gain a unique insight into the life of Scottish Royalty, admire elegant architecture, and enjoy views of Linlithgow and the surrounding countryside from Queen Margaret’s Bower.
Craigmillar Castle is 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 Mary, Queen of Scots’ life. She fled here following the murder of Rizzio, her secretary, by her jealous husband. As a result it was in Craigmillar that the murder of Lord Darnley, the said husband, was first hatched.
Scotland’s historic capital city. 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 neo- classical New Town, dating from the 18th The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995.
The Royal Mile, which lies at the heart of the Old Town is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling cashmere goods and hand crafted silver jewellery. However, in centuries gone by it was a different story: delving into the Old Town is like leafing through the pages of a dusty historical novel, as each era unfolds with its own legends and characters.
Stirling is dominated by it’s towering castle, perhaps one of Scotland’s most important: whoever ruled here, ruled the nation.
Built on a crag and tail rock formation, the castle commands the countryside for many miles around. It towers over some of the most important battlefields of our history including Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe only 17 years later.