Rosslyn Chapel & The Scottish Borders Private Guided Tour

Edinburgh , Scotland

Rosslyn Chapel & The Scottish Borders Private Guided Tour

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Stand in absolute awe, taking in the beautiful Rosslyn Chapel and all its majestic detail. Featured in the Da Vinci Code, this magnificent building dates back to 1446 and was built by Sir William St. Clair. A scenic drive into the borderlands will lead you to the beautiful Scott's Viewpoint. Find out about the legendary Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott, and photograph his favourite landscape view. Melrose is a charming small town in the Scottish Borders. The town is famed both for Rugby and the Abbey, which is the resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Enjoy lunch in Melrose at one of the lovely bistros, before making way to the impressive home of Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford House. After Abbotsford House, it is a beautiful drive north back to Edinburgh.

Relax in comfort of our Mercedes V Class or our comfortable SUV, as you hear stories about key points in Scottish history, such as Mary Queen of Scots, the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Romans, the Vikings, and more.

Available options

Rosslyn Chapel & The Scottish Borders Private Guided Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Driver / Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

After our meet and great, we take a short panoramic tour of the city centre before heading south to Rosslyn Chapel. On this section you will hear about the old and new towns, a brief history of Edinburgh and see residential addresses of key historical figures.

Stop 2

15 minutes out of the city we arrive at our first key location. Stand in absolute awe, taking in the beautiful Rosslyn Chapel & all its majestic detail. Featured in the Davinci Code, this magnificent building dates back to 1446 built by Sir William St Clair.

Stop 3

A Scenic drive into the Scottish Borders will lead you to the beautiful Scott's Viewpoint. A favourite view point of Sir Walter Scott's that over looks the River Tweed and the Eildon Hills.

The quaint border town of Melrose is the perfect stop for lunch. Melrose is famed for Rugby and the famous Melrose Abbey, which is home to the heart of Robert the Bruce King of Scots.

Located west of Melrose is Abbotsford. Upon the estate is Abbotsford House, which was home to Sir Walter Scott. Explore the house, visitor centre and gardens.

A stunning scenic drive takes us through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders back to the city of Edinburgh.

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea

Gratuities

Lunch

Rosslyn Chapel £9.50 Per Person

Abbotsford House £13.00 Per Person

Abbotsford

Rosslyn Chapel

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

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