The Scottish Borders Full-Day Private Tour in a Luxury Minivan with Local Guide
Active
8h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour takes you off the beaten path into one of Scotland's less visited regions.
The Scottish Borders is full of fascinating history, historic places to visit and beautiful scenery. Because it is less popular the places we visit are often quieter, giving you more time to learn about the history, hear the stories and appreciate the scenes.
Your private tour guide and driver will bring the stories of the border region to life as we drive along country roads, spotting local wildlife and stopping to snap the rolling scenery of the area.
Available options
The Scottish Borders Full-Day Private Tour in a Luxury Minivan with Local Guide
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Kilt-wearing local private guide
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Rosslyn Chapel is world-famous because of its role in Dan Brown’s mystery novel ‘The Da Vinci Code. The chapel is surrounded by legend, and its building is of great beauty and interest. It was begun by William Sinclair, first Earl of Caithness in 1442.
2
Abbotsford is the the home of Georgian Scots novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. Designed by William Atkinson and Edward Blore in the Scottish baronial style, it and was constructed between 1817 and 1824. We’ll take the tour through the public areas of Abbotsford and learn about Scott’s life here.
3
We travel along the River Tweed to Traquair House. Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited property, Traquair is in as near an original state as any house in Scotland from the period and is full of interesting artefacts including a library of more than 3,000 volumes and display of possessions of Mary Queen of Scots.
4
Stop 4
We stop briefly to take in the inspiration views over the Eldon Hills from Scott's View. Fresh air and flora and fauna abound in this rich rural landscape.
What's not included
Gratuities
Entrance to attractions and sites
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Top Attractions
Edinburgh Castle
A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Historical
2-3 hours
£18 (adult), £11 (child)
Royal Mile
A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Historical/Cultural
Several hours to explore fully
Free to walk, attractions vary
Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.
Nature/Adventure
1-2 hours (hike)
Free
The Royal Yacht Britannia
The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.
Historical
2 hours
£19 (adult), £10 (child)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Haggis
A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).
Main Course
Not vegetarian or vegan.
Scotch Pie
A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.
Snack
Contains meat.
Cranachan
A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten.
Irn-Bru
Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.
Drink
Contains caffeine and sugar.
Popular Activities
Hiking Arthur's Seat
Kayaking on the Water of Leith
Cycling the National Cycle Network
Afternoon tea at The Dome
Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden
Strolling along Princes Street Gardens
Exploring the National Museum of Scotland
Visiting the Scottish National Gallery
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F)
59°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of your surroundings at night
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket
By bus
Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
New Town
Leith
Day trips
Lothian
10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day
Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Fife
30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day
Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.
Stirling
60 km (37 miles) • Full day
Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.
Festivals
Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August
Edinburgh International Festival • August
Hogmanay • December 31
Pro tips
- Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
- Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
- Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
- Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
