Edinburgh Shore Excursion -
St Andrews and the East Neuk of Fife
Visit Falkland, a Lowland village with a Highland backdrop
Explore St Andrews, the home of Golf
Stroll the cobbles of the picturesque East Neuk Fishing Villages
All excursions backed by our Shore Excursion Guarantee
Important information
Port pick up and drop off included
Excursion Length - 8 hours, including time for lunch
Activity Level - Light
Maximum Group Size - 14 passengers
Experienced Tour Guide behind the wheel
Entrance fees and cost of lunch not included
Suitable for ages 12 and over
Excursion Itinerary
Experience one of Scotland’s most picturesque regions on this private shore excursion from Edinburgh’s cruise ports — available from South Queensferry, Newhaven, Leith, or Rosyth. With door-to-door service, flexible pacing, and your own driver-guide, this journey through Fife’s royal and coastal heritage offers the perfect blend of history, scenery, and relaxation.
Your adventure begins once you’re collected on dry land from your Edinburgh cruise port, travelling north across the Firth of Forth and into the rolling countryside of Fife. Our first stop is the village of Falkland, once a royal hunting ground for the Stuart kings. Admire the magnificent Falkland Palace, one of Scotland’s finest Renaissance buildings, and stroll its picturesque streets — which doubled as 1940s Inverness in Outlander.
We then continue to the coastal town of St Andrews, famed as the home of golf and one of Scotland’s most historic centres. Visit landmarks such as St Andrews Cathedral, the Castle ruins, and the University of St Andrews, alma mater to Prince William and Princess Catherine. You’ll have over two hours to explore, with the flexibility to adjust your time as you wish — whether that means browsing shops, relaxing over lunch, or soaking up the views along the shoreline.
For golf enthusiasts, we can even arrange a guided walking tour of the Old Course (subject to availability) — a special opportunity to walk in the footsteps of golfing legends.
Our journey then takes us through the East Neuk of Fife, a string of fishing villages known for their colourful harbours and seaside charm. Pass through gems like Anstruther, where traditional cottages line narrow lanes that hint at centuries of maritime life.
As the day draws to a close, relax on the return journey to your cruise port, reflecting on the stories and scenery of the Kingdom of Fife — a region that perfectly captures the spirit of coastal Scotland.
With private transport, expert local insight, and a Shore Excursion Guarantee for peace of mind, this Edinburgh cruise excursion promises a truly personal and memorable day ashore.
-
For any shore excursion in Scotland, preparation is key to enjoying your adventure comfortably. Our weather is famously changeable, so checking the forecast and dressing in layers is essential:
Light base layer
Sweater or fleece
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable shoes are also a must, as many destinations feature cobbled streets, rugged trails, or castle grounds that require footwear capable of handling different types of uneven surface.
While many places accept cards, having a bit of cash on hand can be helpful.
A small backpack is useful for carrying essentials like snacks, extra clothing, and any souvenirs you may pick up along the way.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture all those sights on your excursion with us!
Excursion Highlights