Old Course, St Andrews

A fluent command of English is essential for these tours. Speaking slowly or translating does not work. Find out about the early development of golf through the evolution of the Old Course in St Andrews with your guide, Richard Falconer. He will take you on a journey through a golfing timeline to explore the many facets of the game here, including some rare photos and why the game we know and love may not be as old as many think. As an author, historian and a 1980s Pro A1 Old Course Caddie, Richard will tell you how golfing on the Old Course differs from what it was like back in his day and why you can't see his old Caddie Shack for the Old Course during the Open. You will find out why Nike bought a hotel on Golf Place for a week and see the longest-running golf shop in the world. As you stroll by the first fairway you will hear about early St Andrews golfing pioneers Allan Robertson, Old Tom Morris and the birth of the Open Championship. About the American Thomas Hamilton, who (inadvertently) raised the profile of the game. Learn about the landmarks forming an integral part of this unique course, including the stages of organic development the Old Course went through that would see 18 holes as a global standard. Then, across Granny Clarks Wynd - the widest fairway in the game learning about tee-off chaos and a little about Tiger and Rory You will also find out about such things as bulletproof windows, the rubber roof, the Himalayas, railway legacies and much much more! Plus: Have a photo shoot on the Swilkan Bridge (excludes tournament days), followed by memories of Road Hole blunders and mishaps. Finishing your tour here, you can enjoy refreshments overlooking the 17th fairway (not included) at the famed Old Course Jigger Inn. All this in a jam-packed walking tour filled with golfing heritage! There are also plenty of daily tour options for you to choose from: April to September: 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 4 pm* October, November and March: 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm* (Sundays - Walk the Old Course fairway - excludes championship/tournament days) *Check the booking calendar for availability Richards Tours are also endorsed by Rick Steves and famed St Andrews Golf Historian and legend David Joy.

A quaint town beaming with locals, students from all over the world and even royalty, our St Andrews is charming and captivating, whichever way you look! From the international home of golf, to the world’s third oldest university, with one of the most beautiful shorelines on the east coast, there’s something for everyone to discover in this idyllic town. Join your local guide on a 1.5 hour stroll around the main sights of St Andrews and discover things you wouldn't see visiting yourself. Explore St Andrews as you walk in the footsteps of golfing legends, royals, heretics who were burned at the stake, famous cats and those who live in St Andrews today! Your local guide will bring St Andrews to life. Key sights: St Andrews Cathedral St Andrews Castle The Old Course North St & Market St The University of Saint Andrews St. Salvator's Chapel …and many more hidden gems!

A fluent command of English is essential for all participants. Speaking slowly or translating does not work. These tours are unsuitable for those with walking difficulties, ie walking slowly; inc Zimmers, knee/hip problems, sprained ankles etc. Plus there are no rest stops and with the tour being a loop, dipping out once the tour has started wouldn't shorten the overall distance and the golf course is on the latter part of the tour. This tour was created with the golfer and non-golfer in mind, so while there is a lot of golf on this tour, it is not all about golf. There is something for everyone. After meeting your guide outside Hotel du Vin, we will head towards the ruined Cathedral. En route you will hear about the Dunhill Championship and see Scotland's oldest university with the quadrangle of St Salvator’s College. You will hear about William and Kate, and when the Netflix series 'The Crown' came to town. You will also take a peek inside one of St Andrews breathtaking hidden gems. Along with a few other points of interest along the way, the cathedral grounds are the next landmark on the tour: Pay your respects to golfing greats Old and Young Tom Morris, Allan Robertson and Jamie Anderson. You will also see the ruins of the Bishop's Palace - a prominent symbol of former Catholic wealth and power in Scotland. From there you'll walk along the Scores passing beautiful Victorian buildings of the university, the Principals House, and the residence where Prince William and Kate spent their first year as students. Heading to the Old Course you will hear about the early development of the Open Championship, and how the game of golf would develop in St Andrews to become the Home of Golf. Walk by the 18th green, 1st tee and first fairway hearing about some of the quarks of the game having shaped its remarkable history, how the Links came to have 18 holes plus details of the iconic buildings overlooking the course and a few memorable golfing moments. * The tour finishes at the Swilkan Bridge where you will be able to have your photo taken - excludes tournament days. You can then head to the Jigger Inn/Old Course Hotel to relax with iconic views and ponder the many heady days of St Andrews.

Travel to the town of St Andrews where you'll get a chance to explore St Andrews Cathedral and the historic St Andrews Castle. Get out for a scenic short coastal walk, visit some coastal towns and walk at Loch Leven Nature Reserve before visiting Dunfermline Abbey, the resting location of past Kings and Queens. Depart Edinburgh, Scotland's largest city and travel over the Queensferry crossing and drive along the coast towards the beautiful Coastal town of St Andrews. As you explore, you'll visit beautiful coastal towns and get gorgeous scenic views Arrive on the coast and go for a short walk to Lady's tower and Lighthouse and experience the the Sea breeze and beautiful scenery The town of St Andrews is mainly known for the historic Old Course, golf Course, though there is so much more to see. You'll get the chance to visit St Andrews Castle, St Andrews Cathedral and walk the streets of this historic town. You'll also, have time for a delicious lunch at one of many places in St Andrews After some lunch, you'll leave St Andrews behind and travel to Loch Leven nature Reserve for a lovely nature walk where you'll hopefully get the chance to see some wildlife Then there's the historic Dunfermline Abbey, resting location of Scottish Kings and Queens and dating back almost a 1000 years ago From here, you'll travel back to Edinburgh, where your Scotland Tour Guide will drop you of at the same location you were picked up.

Your first stop on this tour is to see the Kelpies Monument, created by artist Andy Scott. It is modeled after Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron, which symbolize the lineage of heavy horses throughout Scottish history that helped shape the surrounding region of Falkirk. Leaving behind these awe-inspiring creatures, it's time for a pleasant drive through the rolling countryside of the Kingdom of Fife to Falkland. Falkland Palace dominates this old village, and was one of the main residences of the old Royal family of Scotland, the Stewarts (Stuarts). Aside from the palace, the village is simply one of the most beautiful in Scotland, with an array of old cottages and narrow winding streets. Outlander fans may recognize this as the location for 1940s Inverness in the popular TV series. Next up is where you've been waiting for: the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland, and according to legend, his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. St Andrews is also home to the third oldest university in Britain and a beautiful ruined castle perched on a cliff. You have a few hours to explore this fascinating town and its impressive landmarks. As you head back towards Glasgow, stop in at Queensferry Crossing and get a great view of one of Scotland's greatest man-made landmarks, the Forth Rail Bridge. Arrive back in Glasgow in the early evening to wrap up your full-day tour.

**SELLS OUT IN SUMMER - please book early to avoid disappointment** St Andrews; the home of golf. What better way to discover St Andrews golf legacy and the Old Course than with a local expert! With flexible meeting and end points, and a dedicated local guide, maximise your time in St Andrews on a private tour. Do something different and discover the controversies and quirks of golf, as well as a local insight into the politics of golf in the town. Get the insider scoop to the Royal and Ancient politics from a local outsider - without the bias. From the origins of the sport, and spending time on the 1st, 17th & 18th fairways, finish off with a photo on the famous Swilken Bridge, discover our incredible legacy with your local guide. You'll also see where some of the most famous shots in golf history took place (The Sands of Nakajima, Eisenhower on the Old Course etc.). Discover: Royal and Ancient Club Royal and Ancient Golf Museum 1st Tee & Fairway Putting Green 17th Green 18th Fairway Swilken Bridge …and many more hidden gems you wouldn't discover yourself!

Make your own way to the meeting point in Edinburgh Old Town, and hop onto a coach or minivan. Head to Stirling, a medieval city that played a vital role in Scottish history. Look out for the imposing Stirling Castle, which sits on mound of volcanic rock, overlooking the town and surrounding region. If you choose to, you can enter the royal fortress and walk through the royal chambers, once home to Scottish kings and queens. Explore for around an hour before you travel to a nearby whisky distillery. Walk through the brewery to discover the steps it takes to produce the spirit. Finish your visit with a sample of whisky. Continue on to the coastal town of St Andrews. Hear your guide recount the story of the city's past and explain its connection to Catholicism. On arrival, enjoy free time to wander around. View the remains of the ruined cathedral, once the biggest Catholic church in Scotland, or visit the renowned Old Course, the world's oldest golf course. Take the opportunity to eat lunch here and after around two hours in St Andrews, begin the journey back to Edinburgh. Make one last stop in the village of South Queensferry to admire views of the Forth Bridge, an iconic Victorian structure, before your drive back to Edinburgh Old Town.

Here's hoping you get a sunny day because today you're going to get to know the coastline pretty well. Sun shimmering off Scottish water. Believe it or not, we do get sun here. But even if it's a cloudy day, the Scottish coastline is as stunning as it is dramatic. You leave Aberdeen, 'The Granite City', and head south along coastline and through countryside towards Dundee. Your driver-guide will drop you near the waterfront, which is perfect for you not just because of the views, you'll also be close to the V&A Dundee. This international centre for design showcases the best of Scottish creativity, and design from around the world. Or, if you prefer, you also have the Royal Research Ship Discovery to explore. Built in Dundee, it was the first purpose built Antarctic Survey vessel and at the beginning of 20th century, it took the first British expedition of the modern era to Antarctica, including Irish explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Enjoy the Discovery's extensive galleries, videos and films, interactive displays and artefacts. Or perhaps exploring the city and waterfront is at the top of your list. The time is yours to do as you please. After your visit to Dundee, we journey over the Tay Road Bridge with views over the Firth of Tay. We then enter one of the remaining ancient kingdoms of Scotland... the Kingdom of Fife. The home of golf, a hub for outdoor-enthusiasts, and landscapes spotted with history, Fife is a world of its own. We continue south to the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland and according to legend his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. St Andrews is also home to the third oldest university in Britain and is proud of its dramatic cliff-perched castle ruins. Not to mention, St Andrews is the home of golf. Golf-fanatics will love getting to know the Grand Old Lady, also known as the Old Course at St Andrews, considered the oldest golf course. You have around two and a half hours to explore this fascinating town. After St Andrews, we take a pleasant drive through the rolling countryside back to Aberdeen.

A quaint town beaming with locals, students from all over the world and even royalty, our St Andrews is charming and captivating, whichever way you look! From the international home of golf, to the world’s third oldest university, with one of the most beautiful shorelines on the east coast, there’s something for everyone to discover in this idyllic town. Join your local guide on a 1.5 hour stroll around the main sights of St Andrews and discover things you wouldn't see visiting yourself. Explore St Andrews as you walk in the footsteps of golfing legends, royals, heretics who were burned at the stake, famous cats and those who live in St Andrews today! Your local guide will bring St Andrews to life. Key sights: St Andrews Cathedral St Andrews Castle The Old Course The University of Saint Andrews St. Salvator's Chapel …and many more hidden gems!

Make your own way to the prearranged meeting point in Edinburgh Old Town, and then hop on to a coach or minivan and be chauffeured out to Stirling, a medieval city that played a vital role in Scottish history. Look out for the imposing Stirling Castle, which sits on mound of volcanic rock, overlooking the town and surrounding region. Pay a fee to enter (optional) the royal fortress and walk through the royal chambers, which were once home to Scottish kings and queens. After around an hour of exploring, leave Stirling and from here, we will continue on to the coastal town of St Andrews. On the way there, hear your guide recount the story of the city’s past and explain its connection to Catholicism. On arrival, enjoy some free time to wander around. View the remains of the ruined Cathedral, which at one time was the biggest Catholic church in Scotland, or visit the renowned Old Course, the world’s oldest golf course. You’ll also have the opportunity to eat lunch here (not included in tour price). After around two hours in St Andrews, we begin our journey to head to the distillery, you can walk through the brewery, discovering the various steps involved in producing the spirit. Finish your visit with a wee sample of whisky. It's now time to begin the journey back to Edinburgh where your day trip will end.