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Rosslyn Chapel & Scottish Borders – Day Tour

Embark on a captivating Rosslyn Chapel & The Scottish Borders Short Day Tour from Edinburgh and delve into a world of ancient mysteries, historical landscapes, and captivating legends. This intimate day trip offers a unique opportunity to explore some of Scotland’s most intriguing sites.

Rosslyn Chapel

Your journey begins as you depart from Edinburgh, heading south into the picturesque Midlothian countryside. Your first destination is the world-famous Rosslyn Chapel, a place steeped in mystery and intricate symbolism. Made famous by Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code,” this 15th-century collegiate chapel is a masterpiece of Scottish Gothic architecture.

Spend time marveling at its astonishing carvings, including the renowned Apprentice Pillar, and explore the theories and legends that surround its every stone. From Knights Templar connections to alleged hidden treasures, Rosslyn Chapel is a site that truly sparks the imagination and invites contemplation.

Scottish Borders

After your experience at Rosslyn, your tour continues into the enchanting Scottish Borders. This region is a land of rolling hills, ancient abbeys, and a rich history of Anglo-Scottish conflict. The serene beauty of the landscape belies centuries of turbulent events, making it a truly evocative place to visit. You’ll travel through charming villages and verdant valleys, absorbing the atmosphere of this historically significant area.

A key highlight of your journey through the Borders is a visit to Melrose Abbey. Founded by David I in 1136, these beautiful Cistercian ruins are thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. Explore the intricate stonework, admire the detailed carvings, and immerse yourself in the rich monastic history of this significant site. The abbey’s setting, surrounded by the gentle Eildon Hills, adds to its timeless appeal.

Your tour also includes a stop at Scott’s View, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Scottish Borders. Named after the celebrated Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott, this panoramic vista offers breathtaking views over the River Tweed, the Eildon Hills, and the surrounding countryside. It’s a moment of pure serenity and a fantastic photo opportunity that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of this region.

As your short day tour draws to a close, you’ll return to Edinburgh, filled with memories of ancient mysteries, breathtaking landscapes, and profound historical insights.

See full details below and contact us to book your place.



Prices

  • £46.00 Adult from

Book This Tour
Book This Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Unravel the ancient mysteries and intricate carvings of Rosslyn Chapel.
  • Explore the evocative ruins of Melrose Abbey, burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart.
  • Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from Scott's View across the Borders.
  • Journey through the beautiful, history-rich landscapes of the Scottish Borders.
  • Discover the architectural wonders and legends of a 15th-century masterpiece.


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Tour Schedule

Morning: Edinburgh to Roslin

Departing Edinburgh, we journey south towards a hidden gem: Roslin, a picturesque village nestled in the beautiful Midlothian countryside. Your driver-guide will take you away from the city’s hustle and bustle to this serene location.

Mid-Morning: Roslin, Midlothian

Here in the tranquil village of Roslin lies the world-renowned Rosslyn Chapel, brought to fame by Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code.” This magnificent 15th-century chapel, with its intricate stone carvings and stunning stained glass, captivates all who visit. From its fascinating pagan symbols to legends of the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail, the chapel sparks the imagination. You’ll have time to explore the chapel’s mysteries or wander through the lush woodlands of nearby Rosslyn Glen.

Afternoon: Melrose for Lunch, Scottish Borders, and Return to Edinburgh

Next, we venture into the scenic Scottish Borders, following the beautiful Tweed Valley. This region of rolling hills, ancient abbeys, and quaint villages holds a rich history of conflicts and skirmishes beneath its tranquil facade. We’ll stop for lunch in Melrose, where you can opt to visit the 12th-century Melrose Abbey. This historic site is famously linked to the Knights Templar and is rumored to be the resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, brought back from the Crusades.

Please note: Due to ongoing works, a visit to Melrose Abbey may not always be possible.

Afterward, we’ll continue exploring the region, pausing to see the statue of Scottish patriot William Wallace. Then, we’ll visit Scott’s View, a stunning landscape that profoundly inspired Sir Walter Scott, offering breathtaking vistas before we begin our return journey to Edinburgh.



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Your Tour Includes:

  • Travel in a comfortable, 16-seat luxury mini-coach
  • An expert local guide (English-speaking)
  • 30lb (14kg) luggage allowance per person
  • Visits to unique, off-the-beaten-track locations

Optional Extras:

  • Rosslyn Chapel Entrance: Secure your entry to the famous Rosslyn Chapel
  • Melrose Abbey Entrance: Gain admission to explore the historic ruins of Melrose Abbey.

Does Not Include:

  • Flights and airport transfers
  • Food and drinks

Starting Your Tour

Departure Point: Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ

Boarding:

  • Starts: 9:45AM
  • Closes: 10:00 AM (prompt)

Returning to Edinburgh

Approximate Return Time: 5:00 PM Drop-off Location: Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George Street / St. Andrew Square area (within 5 minutes of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh

Your driver-guide will confirm a more precise return time on the final day of your tour.

Luggage Allowance

Each passenger can bring one piece of checked luggage and one small carry-on bag.

Your checked luggage will be stored in the luggage compartment and won’t be accessible until drop-off. Smaller bags for personal items like medication or water may be taken on board with you.

Here are the details for your luggage:

Checked Luggage

  • Number of items: 1
  • Max weight: 30lb (14kg)
  • Max dimensions: 22in x 17in x 10in (56cm x 43cm x 25cm)

Carry-on for Personal Items

  • Number of items: 1
  • Max weight: 10lb (4.5kg)
  • Max dimensions: 12in x 10in x 4in (30cm x 25cm x 10cm)

FAQS

Tour Attractions

You can conveniently book admission to certain attractions before your tour departs. These prices are separate from the tour cost and can be added during checkout. Please note that some attractions are only available for purchase while on tour.

Children

We regret we do not carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.

If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.

Luggage

You’re restricted to 14kg (30lbs) or 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person, depending on the tour. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland’s historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What’s more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don’t recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can’t wait for you if you’re late.

What happens if I’m late or miss the tour?

If you’re late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you’ve booked.

For tours of between two and nine days: You’ll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you’ll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don’t need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let’s be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it’s up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.



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Why stop there?


The ever-increasing demand and availability for well-organised, safe and reliable trips means that we now go further afield, so while we love taking people on tours of England, Ireland and Scotland we are pleased to offer that little bit more with river tours of Amsterdam, coach tours of Paris and train trips to the chocolate capital of the world, Brussels!

King Arthur Adventures of Britain

Australia and New Zealand Tours

Day Tours

Rest of World River Cruises

Scotland Tours

Africa Tours

River Thames Cruises

Small Group Tours of England

Our Most Popular Essentials

Hotels

Theatre

Out of London Attractions

London Attractions

Sports Tickets

Music Concerts

Christmas Tours

New Years Eve


There are so many and we cater for everyone so it may be a case of a leisurely Out of London trip to Stonehenge or you may want the buzz and excitement of a theatre tour of London – all the glitz and glamour is there. Out of London, we offer all sorts of adventures: Roman Baths, Shakespeare country, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton – you name it. Same with London – we don’t just do the round London tours – we can take you to Kew Gardens or we can take you on an expedition on the roof of the O2 Dome to the platform at the top offering spectacular views.

So we offer Out of London, Around London, Theatre and Hotels and then there are the spectacular Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day tours – what a way to celebrate the fun season.