We cross the Forth by the Kincardine Road bridge, having collected tour particpants continuing from our Oban based tour at Sterling, and drive to Culross. When you stroll through the narrow cobbled streets of the quiet old burgh of Culross, it is not difficult to imagine yourself back in the 16th or 17th century. Almost the entire village is a living museum, as all the pan-tiled houses with their crow-step gables have been carefully restored.

Next, to Dunfermline, one of the oldest settlements in Scotland. The abbey dates back over 900 years to the time of King Malcolm and Queen Margaret, later Saint Margaret. The town was the capital of Scotland for more than 500 years and the ruins of the ancient palace adjoin the abbey complex. 'King Robert The Bruce' was buried beneath the abbey, and his final resting place is now marked with a spectacular brass plaque. In more recent times, the town was the birthplace to Andrew Carnegie who spent his early childhood in Dunfermline before emigrating to the 'new world' of America with his family. He later made his millions in the Pittsburgh steel industry, then returned to gift many of the towns greatest treasures including the Carnegie Hall, Pittencrieff Park and the town's central library.

Next, we take to the water and row to the small island in the centre of Loch Leven to see where Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned. Another place with both royal and historic Pictic connections is Abernethy. Here, beneath the towering 8th century peel tower, King Malcolm gave fealty to the English king, William the Conqueror. The bakery opposite sells the most delicious cakes!

Our base for two nights is at the traditional fishing village of Anstruther. This pretty and traditional harbour is not only noted for an excellent museum of fishing but for having one of the very best fish and chip shops in the whole of the UK! And yes, one of our dinners will be fish n chips!

Today's circular tour takes us through Dundee and into the magnificent and spectacular Caingorm Mountains. In addition to some simply unbeatable back road scenic drives, taking us through paces such as the Spittal Of Glenshee, Glen Dye, Lochnagar Forest and the Devil's Elbow, you'll also see castles, small towns and historic site aplenty. Manmade highlights will include the Queens Scottish residence village of Balmoral, Glamis Castle, the Meigle's collection of Pictish sculpted stones, the Tay Road Bridge and Robert Scott's Antartic ship 'Discovery'.

Fife is perhaps best known for two major icons - the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews, and the Royal palace at Falkland. We'll be seeing both today. The past is still very much alive in the Kingdom of Fife. We'll also be seeing the picturesque villages of the East Neuk of Fife, whitewashed buildings with red pantiled roofs overlook cobbled winding streets leading to secluded little fishing harbours, settings which seem to have changed little over the preceding 150 years. Crail, for example, is home to one of the prettiest little harbours in the country. Crab and lobster can be bought in season down by the harbour. Crail is also home to Crail Pottery, a delightful pottery that is a pleasure to visit. We'll also see where the real Robinson Crusoe lived and, if time permits, visit a secret underground bunker built during the Cold War.

We return to Glasgow via Edinburgh where those wishing to spend independent time may do so. Those wishing to combine this tour with our tour of Ayreshire and Northern Ireland continue with the guide to Glasgow.

Overnight: Accommodation tonight is not included.