Day 1-2 – U.S./Edinburgh, Scotland

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Edinburgh, and transfer to St Andrews upon arrival. Settle into your residence hall at the University of St Andrews—Scotland’s first university, founded in 1413. Join your fellow Smithsonian students and St Andrews faculty members for a welcome reception and an overview of the educational system at the university. Continue to dinner at a local restaurant. (R,D)

Note: Guests will reside in a traditional residence hall (rooms with shared bath), or may choose to upgrade to the nearby Ardgowan Hotel at a supplemental cost.

Day 3 – Scottish Folklore, Castles, and Classics

Begin the course of your choosing, enjoying classroom lectures as well as excursions to sites relevant to your subject. In your free time, seek out a quiet spot on campus to read, or head into town for a coffee or a pint with new friends.

Scottish History: Explore how enduring myths and mysteries—from creatures like selkies and kelpies to the famous Loch Ness Monster—relate to historical events and trends in Scottish history. Then set out on a walking tour to learn about the role of St Andrews in the Scottish Reformation.

Scotland’s Medieval Castles: Delve into the dramatic history of St Andrews Castle in the classroom, then head out to tour the seaside castle and cathedral, venturing into dungeons and tunnels where important battles occurred.

Great Scottish Writers: Examine the impact of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott on modern Scottish literature; then tour St Andrews, visiting sites with historical and literary connections.

(B)

Day 4 – The Clans, Falkland Palace, and Treasure Island

After breakfast, attend your second day of classes and enjoy outings relevant to the day’s subject matter.

Scottish History: Discuss the emergence of clans as a political force in Scotland and explore aspects of their predominately Gaelic culture. Examine one of the most brutal betrayals in the history of the clans: The Glencoe Massacre. In the afternoon, visit the Scottish Design Galleries at the V&A Museum in Dundee, which holds works by Scottish artists and architects including Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Scotland’s Medieval Castles: Learn the history of Falkland Palace, a favorite of Mary, Queen of Scots; then explore the palace, its Chapel Royal, and its formal gardens—including one of the world’s oldest surviving tennis courts. Lunch will be at a popular local café.

Great Scottish Writers: Focus on the life and works of Robert Louis Stevenson, author of enduring favorites such as Jekyll and Hyde, Kidnapped, and Treasure Island. Travel to Dundee to board the tall ship Discovery, and imagine a day in the life of Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver.

Later, meet up for a private tasting tour at a local whisky distillery. (B,L)

Day 5 – Perspectives on Edinburgh

Following your morning classes, set out as a group on an afternoon excursion to Edinburgh. 

Scottish History: Delve into the causes and effects of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745-46 and examine the social and cultural consequences that are still playing out today. In Edinburgh, take a guided walk through the Old Town and see historic treasures at the National Museum of Scotland.

Scotland’s Medieval Castles: Learn about the “Athens of the North” and the history of Edinburgh Castle in the classroom. Then tour the castle—perched high on Castle Rock—before gathering in a lively pub for a discussion about its historical legacy and its modern significance in Scotland’s capital.

Great Scottish Writers: Explore the connections between Arthur Conan Doyle’s life and the personality of his world-famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. During your afternoon in Edinburgh, set off on a literary walking tour and visit the Writer’s Museum, home to artifacts from Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott.

Enjoy a free evening in Edinburgh to discover its restaurant scene before returning to St Andrews. (B,L)

Day 6 – Global Scotland, Dunnottar Castle, and Peter Pan

Delve further into your subjects during two days of classes and excursions. Enjoy free time to soak up the rhythms of life in St Andrews.

Scottish History: Examine Scotland’s role in the British Empire, including its prominence in the slave trade, and consider the impact of the Scottish Diaspora in the United States and beyond. Later, visit the birthplace of one of the best-known Scottish emigres, Andrew Carnegie, and trace the history of Robert the Bruce and MacBeth at Dunfermline Abbey.

Scotland’s Medieval Castles: Depart for Dunnottar Castle with lunch and a lecture en route. Dunnottar Castle is a striking medieval fortress, known most famously as the hiding place of the Scottish crown jewels during the invasion of Oliver Cromwell’s army in the 17th century.

Great Scottish Writers: Focus on another beloved Scottish literary character: Peter Pan, the creation of St Andrews alum JM Barrie. Visit Barrie’s birthplace in Kirriemuir and take an exclusive tour of Glamis Castle, which inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Tonight, everyone is invited to attend an evening of Scottish music and poetry featuring a celebrated Gaelic-language folk singer. (B,L)

Day 7 – Global Scotland, Dunnottar Castle, and Peter Pan

Take part in a final day of classes and activities.  

Scottish History: In the last hundred years, calls for Scottish independence have grown from a niche political movement to a dominant issue in contemporary Scotland. Delve into the cultural and social influences that brought about the rise in popularity of Scottish independence and reflect upon the implications for its people. Pay a visit to the St Andrews Special Collections to view books and manuscripts that you have been learning about during the course, and hear from a contemporary author this afternoon.

Scotland’s Medieval Castles: Take a final field trip to Glamis Castle, once the childhood home of the Queen Mother and among the most beautiful and storied castles in Scotland. Tour the castle and gardens, which have been at the heart of Scottish history for more than six centuries.

Great Scottish Writers: Explore how the legacies of earlier writers have created a “Scottish Renaissance”—a literature linked to Scottish identity. In the afternoon, view rare books relating to great Scottish writers in the University’s archive, followed by an exclusive visit from a leading contemporary author.

This evening, gather with St Andrews staff to toast the end of your seminar with a farewell reception and dinner at a local restaurant. (B,R,D)

Day 8 – Departure

Depart this morning for Edinburgh Airport and individual flights home. (B)