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Discover the charm of Scotland’s east coast on a full-day St Andrews tour from Edinburgh. Journey along the Fife Coastal Route, passing through the East Neuk of Fife, a region dotted with fishing villages like Anstruther with its charming harbour and stone cottages. Spend time exploring St Andrews at your own pace, either by wandering through castle ruins, stepping inside the old cathedral, or visiting the world’s most famous golf course. On the way back, enjoy a stop in Falkland, known for its royal palace and Outlander connections, before returning to Edinburgh via the impressive Forth Bridge.
Tour Highlights
St Andrews
St Andrews is a charming little town, famed as the ‘Home of Golf’, and the place where Prince William and met Kate at university. The town is also home to quaint cafes, an impressive cathedral, and a coastal castle.
Fife Coast
The Fife Coast sits just north of Edinburgh and is known for its long stretch of sandy beaches, fishing villages and open views across the Firth of Forth. It’s part of the Fife Coastal Path, a well-loved walking route that follows the shoreline and links many of the region’s most scenic spots.
Anstruther
Anstruther sits on the coastal path of Fife and feels like one of those places that’s easy to enjoy straight away. A bright harbour, colourful boats and that fresh sea air that hits the spot after time on the road. If you fancy, wander along the waterfront and pick up a bag of chips from the famous Anstruther Fish Bar to enjoy by the pier.
Small Group Tour
Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.
Falkland (1940s Inverness)
Falkland is a charming wee village, best known by Outlander fans for portraying Inverness in the 1940s, where Frank and Claire embark on their honeymoon trip in the first episode of the show. Falkland became Scotland’s first conservation village in the 1970s, and has twenty-eight beautiful, listed buildings.
Forth Bridges
The Firth of Forth has a trio of iconic bridges. The 1890 Forth Bridge is a masterpiece in engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964, followed by the striking Queensferry Crossing in 2017.
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Small Group Tour
Foreign Language Audio Guides Available
Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones
Frequently Asked Questions
Your St Andrews tour departs from Edinburgh city centre. For departure details and pick-up location, visit our departure info page.
With plenty of comfort breaks and photo stops along the way, our St Andrews tour from Edinburgh is approximately 8 hours long*.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
We want you to have the freedom to choose which attractions to visit. Attractions are therefore not included, though spots like St Andrews Cathedral are free to visit.
Yes, when we arrive in St Andrews you’ll have over two hours of free time to explore the town at your own pace. Total time spent in St Andrews may vary slightly depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Yes, you’ll also stop in Anstruther and Falkland. Anstruther is a charming fishing village with a busy harbour and some brilliant spots for fresh seafood. Falkland is a beautifully preserved conservation village known for its palace, cobbled streets, and royal history. Both offer a lovely glimpse into traditional life in Fife.
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
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Coastal Path of Fife & St Andrews Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Coastal Path of Fife & St Andrews
We start our St Andrews tour from Edinburgh in the morning with a scenic drive along the beautiful Fife Coastal Route. The journey is just as charming as the destination, with old-fashioned stone cottages, rolling coastal scenery, and picturesque fishing villages passing by your window.
Our first stop is Anstruther, the largest fishing village on the East Neuk of Fife. Take a relaxed stroll along the harbour, once a bustling centre for herring fishing and trade. Today it’s home to small boats, seagulls, and some of the best fish and chips in Scotland.
Next, we continue north to St Andrews, a town famous for its mix of history, learning, and seaside charm. You’ll have free time to explore and find a spot for lunch. History fans can visit St Andrews Castle, where the ruins overlook the sea. Take a walk through the remains, peek into the eerie Bottle Dungeon – one of Britain’s most notorious medieval prison cells – and follow the story of Scotland’s turbulent Reformation period through the castle’s audio guide.
If you prefer something different, St Andrews Cathedral is just a short walk away. Once the largest church in Scotland, its impressive ruins are open to explore, and you can climb St Rule’s Tower for sweeping views of the town and coastline. Golf lovers might want to head to the Old Course, the world’s oldest golf course and the heart of the game’s history; a true pilgrimage spot for players from around the globe.
On the way back to Edinburgh, we stop in Falkland, Scotland’s first conservation village. Stroll past beautifully restored cottages and visit Falkland Palace, a Renaissance gem once favoured by the Scottish royals. Fans of Outlander may recognise the village square from the show’s first episode.
Before we reach the capital, we pass the striking Forth Bridge, an engineering icon and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1890, it’s often seen as one of Scotland’s greatest man-made wonders…a fitting sight to end the day! Your St Andrews tour from Edinburgh returns in the early evening, with plenty of time to enjoy dinner back in the city and reflect on a day well spent.
1 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
We start our St Andrews tour from Edinburgh in the morning with a scenic drive along the beautiful Fife Coastal Route. The journey is just as charming as the destination, with old-fashioned stone cottages, rolling coastal scenery, and picturesque fishing villages passing by your window.
Our first stop is Anstruther, the largest fishing village on the East Neuk of Fife. Take a relaxed stroll along the harbour, once a bustling centre for herring fishing and trade. Today it’s home to small boats, seagulls, and some of the best fish and chips in Scotland.
Next, we continue north to St Andrews, a town famous for its mix of history, learning, and seaside charm. You’ll have free time to explore and find a spot for lunch. History fans can visit St Andrews Castle, where the ruins overlook the sea. Take a walk through the remains, peek into the eerie Bottle Dungeon – one of Britain’s most notorious medieval prison cells – and follow the story of Scotland’s turbulent Reformation period through the castle’s audio guide.
If you prefer something different, St Andrews Cathedral is just a short walk away. Once the largest church in Scotland, its impressive ruins are open to explore, and you can climb St Rule’s Tower for sweeping views of the town and coastline. Golf lovers might want to head to the Old Course, the world’s oldest golf course and the heart of the game’s history; a true pilgrimage spot for players from around the globe.
On the way back to Edinburgh, we stop in Falkland, Scotland’s first conservation village. Stroll past beautifully restored cottages and visit Falkland Palace, a Renaissance gem once favoured by the Scottish royals. Fans of Outlander may recognise the village square from the show’s first episode.
Before we reach the capital, we pass the striking Forth Bridge, an engineering icon and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1890, it’s often seen as one of Scotland’s greatest man-made wonders…a fitting sight to end the day! Your St Andrews tour from Edinburgh returns in the early evening, with plenty of time to enjoy dinner back in the city and reflect on a day well spent.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes: 8:45 AM
Departs: 9:00 AM
Returns: 5:00 PM
Please Note
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
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