You must have a fluent command of English to enjoy the best possible experience on this tour. Find out about the early development of the game of golf, the R & A and 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, and why the game of golf we know and love may not be as old as you 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 the 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 oldest golf shop in the world. As you stroll by the first fairway you will hear about early St Andrews golfing pioneers Allan Robertson, along with 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, Rory and Sean Connery. Once by the Rusacks Hotel, find out why a lady called Doreen Stubbs was so sought after in St Andrews by golfing greats and Hollywood stars right up to her recent passing. You will also find out about such things as bulletproof windows, rubber roofs, the Himalayas, railway legacies and much much more! Plus: Have a photo shoot on the Swilkan Bridge, followed by memories of Road Hole blunders and mishaps. Then finish your tour by the famed Old Course Jigger Inn, where you can enjoy refreshments overlooking the 17th fairway (not included). All this in a jam-packed one-hour 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, 5:30 pm* October to March: 12 noon, 2 pm, 4 pm* (Sundays through the year - Walk the Old Course fairway - excludes championship/tournament days) *Check the booking calendar for availability Richards Tours are endorsed by famed St Andrews Golf Historian 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 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. After meeting your guide outside Hotel du Vin, you will see the former birthplace of Old Tom Morris before heading into the quadrangle of St Salvator’s College to learn about Scotland's oldest university. Hear about William and Kate and when the Netflix series 'The Crown' came to town. 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. Resting there are some 124 golfing greats, including Tom Morris family members and Allan Robertson. You will 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 which have shaped its remarkable history, how the Links came to have 18 holes plus details of the iconic buildings overlooking the course and memorable golfing moments. The tour then 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 and ponder the many heady days of St. Andrews.

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!

Travel through the historic country of Fife on this day trip from Edinburgh aboard an airconditioned bus. Dive into sights that you see along the way with live commentary. Stop in the charming towns of Anstruther, St. Andrews, and South Queensferry. Leave Edinburgh and admire views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge as you cross the Firth of Forth, and enter into the ancient “Kingdom of Fife.” Pass through Aberdour before continuing into the East Neuk of Fife.  Take in the views as you pass thorugh the picturesque villages of St. Monans and Pittenween, which were once thriving fishing. Reach the town of Anstruther, the home of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, where the bus will make a stop.  Leaving Anstruther, journey through Crail and then arrive in the beautiful medieval town of St. Andrews in time for lunch. Have free time to walk around the town which is famous as the home of golf and has the best-known golf course in the world. Spend your three-hours of free time purchasing lunch, walking down cobbled streets, seeing the ruins of the cathedral and castle, or visiting Scotland’s oldest university, where Prince William met Kate Middleton. Heading homewards, travel across the Lomond hills, descending to Loch Leven (where Mary Queen of Scot was imprisoned). Make a brief stop to admire magnificent views of the Forth Bridges in South Queensferry before returning to Edinburgh.

Enjoy a full-day van excursion into the Kingdom of Fife from Edinburgh. Discover the home of golf in St. Andrews, walk thorugh the cobbled streets of Anstruther, and learn about Scottish royal history in the charming village of Falkland. Depart in the morning from Edinburgh, heading north via the Forth Road Bridge. Enjoy sweeping view across the Forth Rail Bridge, one of Scotland's greatest man-made landmarks, at 1.5 miles in length. Cross the bridge into the Kingdom of Fife. Its easternmost stretch of coastline is home to a string of picturesque villages, each having a distinctive character and charm. Stop in the traditional fishing village of Anstruther Stroll down old cobbled streets and the network of alleyways and wynds. Enjoy a walk along the seafront to the harbor. From Anstruther travel north to the medieval town of St. Andrews, where you’ll see its huge Norman cathedral, known to be the largest in Scotland. View the oldest University in Scotland which dates back 6 centuries. Have plenty of time to explore this ancient and interesting town. Drive through the rolling countryside of central Fife which is dotted with small villages and farms until you reach Falkland. Admire views of Falkland Palace which dominates this old village, and was one of the main residences of the Stewarts, an important royal family in Scottish history. See an array of old cottages as you make your way through narrow winding streets. Take some time to wander around the village or stop at one of its traditional pubs or tearooms before hopping back on the bus for the drive back to Edinburgh.

Take a full-day trip from Edinburgh and discover the natural beauty of the Fife coast, taking in quaint fishing villages, abbey’s, and the famous university town of St. Andrews, led by an expert guide. From Edinburgh head to South Queensferry and take a look at 2 of the most remarkable bridges in the world–the Forth Rail Bridge built in 1890, and it’s much younger neighbor, the Forth Road bridge. Cross the River Forth and stop-off at the magnificent Dunfermline Abbey, the burial place of King Robert the Bruce. See the gold ornate tomb, and learn about the effect of the reformation on the Abbey, when under Henry VIII’s rule churches were destroyed, supposedly in the name of God. Travel along the Fife coast passing Carnegie Hall, the birthplace of world-famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Stop-off at charming little fishing villages, including Anstruther, an old Herring stronghold. Try the best fish and chips in Scotland, or have a snack at the Fisheries Museum. Continue on to St. Andrews, home of golf, religion, and the famous university. Here you will spend 2.5 hours. Explore the beautiful settings, in good weather the beach featuring in the movie Chariots of Fire is particularly popular, as are the 16th Century tunnels under the castle. Golf lovers may want to pay respects at the grave of Tom Morris, visit the Golf Museum, try out the Links Course Putting Green, or simply walk along Granny Clark’s Wynd–a public right-of-way running over the old course.

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.

Discover the best of St Andrews on this walking tour and immerse yourself in the city's unique history and beauty in the company of Richard Falconer, a professional author/historian and guide. Richard has been researching the town's history for over 40 years and will take you on a journey that includes its lost and forgotten history spanning over 2000 years. You will learn how it has been a spiritual centre since 500 BC and its royal connections through the Pictish Kings, Robert the Bruce, Mary of Guise, James V, Mary Queen of Scots and Prince William. Discover off-the-beaten-track locations and gems such as the former Scottish seat of the Knights Templar and the St Andrews Meridian Line. Hear about why its first observatory was demolished and about a near-forgotten 16th-century university dwelling. Learn also about the lost treasure of St Andrews Cathedral and why it may still be here, as Richard discloses the latest developments in his research and much more besides on this fascinating insightful introduction to St Andrews - and all in an hour and a half!

A fluent command of English is required. Following author and historical expert Richard Falconer, learn the history of St Andrews while exploring the major historic quarters of the city. Visit St Andrews town, St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle, Scotland's oldest university, and the Old Course. Set with the backdrop of Fife’s rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, thundering seas, long golden sands, and medieval buildings, discover an incredible wealth of treasures in St Andrews with your expert guide. As you explore, discover the history and stories of the city. Visit St Andrews Links, known as The Home of Golf, and learn about Old Course, the most prestigious golf course in the world. Hear about royalty through the ages from Pictish kings to Mary Queen of Scots, to Prince William and Kate. Then, learn about the Scottish inventor of the kaleidoscope that lost out on millions here. Whatever your interests, this is a great way for anyone looking to explore and find out more about this unique part of the world.