Discover the rich and diverse art scene of Scotland reflecting the country’s strong cultural identity and breathtaking scenery on this fascinating tour. From prehistoric carvings, Renaissance and Romantic periods to its popular contemporary installations like the famous equine sculptures of the Kelpies. Visit its famous art galleries and world-famous historic landmarks in Scotland’s elegant cities of Stirling and Edinburgh and beyond for a true picture of its artistic diversity.
Tour Inclusions
A comfortable, family run, 3-star hotel the King Robert is situated on the outskirts of Historic Stirling on the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, and the famous Robert the Bruce statue is just a short walk away. Guest rooms are well-sized with tea/coffee making facilities and a lift to each floor. There is a bright, informal restaurant and a relaxing bar area with outdoor seating.
Dumfries House is a remarkable 18th century Palladian country house set in 2,000 acres. Built in the 1750s for William Dalrymple, 5th Earl of Dumfries, by John & Robert Adam. The house contains the largest single collection of Thomas Chippendale furniture. Discover a series of ornate and richly decorated rooms including the Blue Drawing Room, Pink Dining Room, Pewter corridor, Tapestry Room and Family Room. The wonderful gardens have much for visitors to enjoy including the Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden, The Arboretum and the Chinese Bridge.
With 22 galleries and many temporary exhibitions changing throughout the year, Kelvingrove offers a diverse and impressive collection for art lovers to enjoy. See works from 17th century Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, pieces by eminent French artists, and furniture from Charles Rennie Mackintosh. View the impressive Fulton’s Orrery – a 3-dimensional model of our solar system from the 1820s, and catch a musical recital from an organ built in 1901.
The Mackintosh House, now an integral part of the Hunterian Art Gallery, is a careful reassemble of the main rooms from the Mackintoshes’ Glasgow home. The Mackintosh House Introduction Gallery tells the fascinating story of the artists, their house and the Mackintosh collection.
Set on a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles and home to generations of Scottish monarchs. Visitors can explore its main enclosures and admire the refurbished lavish Royal palace, childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Highlights include the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall in Scotland, the Chapel Royal and the intricate work of the Stirling Tapestries.
Stirling’s famous landmark stands above the fields where William Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge and tells the story of the patriot and martyr who became Scotland’s National Hero. Climb the 246 spiral steps to view the gallery exhibitions and be rewarded with 360 degree views or relax on the ground floor and enjoy the presentation video, Keepers Lodge and Tower gift shop.
The largest equine sculptures in the world stand at 100 feet tall and weigh more than 300 tonnes each. Modelled on real-life icons of times gone by, The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy.
Dating back in parts to the 12th century, the beautiful Holyroodhouse at the end of the Royal Mile is the King’s official residence in Edinburgh but is best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots and its brief association with Bonnie Prince Charlie. The State Apartments with beautiful plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of French and Flemish tapestries include the Throne Room and Privy Chamber, the Royal Dining Room and the King’s Bedchamber.
Enjoy time at leisure in Edinburgh with its wealth of attractions. Home to both the Scottish National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, and incredible array of paintings are on display in the city. The beautiful Holyroodhouse is best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, but today its state rooms are regularly used by The Queen. St Mary’s Cathedral is breathtaking with its stained glass windows; the Georgian House offers in insight into life in New Town during the 1800s; and the Royal Botanic Garden is world-renowned. For a more macabre side of the city, visit Edinburgh Dungeon and the Real Mary King’s Close.
The Burrell Collection houses a unique collection of over 8,000 articles gifted by Sir William Burrell in 1944. Focusing on late medieval and early Renaissance Europe, it also contains important examples of Chinese and Islamic art, French paintings, stained glass and works by Rodin, Degas and Cezanne.
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