Begin your tour at Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Built in 1425, Linlithgow is located midway between Edinburgh and Stirling. Even though the roof is now missing, the beautiful courtyard remains intact as well as the stone walls.
Visit Stirling Castle, the sight of Mary, Queen of Scots' coronation in 1543 when she was nine months old. Known as the "Key to Scotland," Stirling sits high upon a bed of volcanic rock. Its Great Hall, built by Mary's grandfather, James IV, was renovated and opened to the public in 1999.
Tour Holyrood Palace, in Edinburgh, where Mary set up her court upon her return from France in 1561. Holyrood was transformed into a lavish Renaissance palace, similar to those in France, by Mary's father, in preparation for his marriage to Mary's French mother.
Look out for ghosts at Falkland Palace at the base of the Lomond Hills. Visitors claim to see an unknown female ghost (not Mary) roaming the Tapestry Gallery, mourning a lost love.
Enjoy the views of Edinburgh Castle, which sits high on a hill overlooking the city. Mary and the unfortunate Lord Darnley were married at Edinburgh Castle, and this is where she gave birth to her son, the future James VI (James I of England). Today visitors can view the Scottish crown jewels, which are kept in Edinburgh Castle.
Travel to the border of England and Scotland to visit the ruins of Hermitage Castle. Home to Mary's third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, Hermitage is more fortress than castle.
Experience the lavish wealth of one of Scotland's oldest families, the Lyons, at Glamis Castle. Glamis is one of the best preserved tower houses in Scotland, and filled with hundreds of beautiful artifacts. While not actually a castle of Mary, Queen of Scots, she did stay the night at Glamis in 1562.
