Afternoon in St. Andrews

Visit for an afternoon the medieval city of St. Andrews, famous for its golf course, shoreline, and university. Its quaint cobblestone streets wind along historic sites like a plaque announcing that The Dr. Samuel Johnson, the originator of the English dictionary, ate “here” or the ruins of St. Andrews Castle. 

The West Sands Beach stretches along St. Andrews Links golf course for two sandy miles, a shore made famous by the opening shot of Chariots of Fire. 

Idyllic shops and restaurants abound, including Jannetta’s Gelateria and Taste of Scotland Gifts.

On Friday, July 31, board a coach to Scotland’s largest castle: Stirling Castle. Here you’ll listen to knowledgeable interpreters explain royal personalities like Mary Queen of Scotts and key events in its history that spans centuries. 

Several recent multi-million-dollar projects have restored the carved ceiling in the King’s Chambers and the splendid Unicorn Tapestries. 

After lunch, use a scripted writing exercise to explore Stirling Castle’s ancient grounds.