A fluent command of English is essential for these tours. Speaking slowly or translating does not work. Find out about the early development of the game 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, and why the game of golf 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 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 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, 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 (excludes tournament days), 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 walking tour filled with golfing heritage! There are also plenty of daily tour options for you to choose from: April to October: 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm, 4 pm* November to March: 10 am, 12 noon, 2 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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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, and the golf course is on the latter part of the tour. Your guide for these tours is author and historical expert Richard Falconer. Learn about an extraordinary history as you explore the major historic quarters. Visit St Andrews town, Harbour, Cathedral (City), Palace, Scotland's oldest university, and the Old Course. Hear about royalty through the ages from Pictish Kings to Mary Queen of Scots, to Prince William and Kate and the drama of when 'The Crown' came to town. See Scotland's meridian line, the former seat of the Knights Templar in Scotland and Queen Mary's House. You will also visit the Old Course and learn how utilising the resources of the Links would transform St Andrews into the Home of Golf. Your tour then culminates with a photo shoot on the Silkan Bridge. Whatever your interests, this tour serves as a great orientation for any looking to explore and find out more about this unique part of the world.

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.

Enjoy a wee walk followed by a premium cocktail in the luxurious setting of 18 rooftop bar and restaurant at Rusacks St Andrews overlooking the Old Course. The perfect 2 hours spent; discovering St Andrews on foot and then a drink with your local guide. You'll spend the first part of the tour on a walking tour with your small group and guide, discovering the history and culture of St Andrews. Throughout the tour, discover 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. After the walking tour, relax with the guide and enjoy a bespoke or classic cocktail from 18 bar's signature cocktail menu, overlooking the Old Course and West Sand's Beach learning about Scotland's drink culture. Everything is included in the price, just show up and enjoy!