Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders and Whisky Tour
One day tour
Visit enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel which featured in Dan Brown’s blockbuster novel “The Da Vinci Code”. Next enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders to visit Melrose and it’s historic abbey. End the day at pretty Glenkinchie Distillery for a tour and tasting.
Price range: £37 - £44
Rosslyn Chapel - explore this fascinating building and marvel at the intricate carvings
Scottish Borders - enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hills and quaint villages of this attractive region
Melrose - visit the impressive ruins of one of Scotland’s largest abbeys
Scotts View - stop to discover this famous beauty spot named after the famous author, Sir Walter Scott
Glengoyne Distillery - take a “behind the scenes” tour to see how Scotch whisky is made and enjoy a tasting!
East Lothian - discover the gentle farmlands and coastal views
Movie locations - Da Vinci Code, Shoebox Zoo and The Wicker Tree
Full Tour Itinerary
From our starting point by Central Edinburgh, we head out of the city to the village of Roslin, making our first stop at Rosslyn Chapel. Described as the "Library in Stone", the inside walls of Rosslyn Chapel are covered in thousands of ancient carvings, each with a story of its own. You can also learn of the myths and legends surrounding the chapel, including tales of the Knights Templar. Rosslyn Chapel's worldwide fame increased thanks to "The Da Vinci Code", Dan Brown's blockbusting novel.
Leaving Rosslyn we continue into the heart of the Scottish Borders, an area rich in hills, valleys, rivers and moorland, as well as being the traditional home to Scottish rugby. We travel to the historic town of Melrose, birthplace of the game of Rugby Sevens and location of Melrose Abbey, founded in 660, said to be the burial place of the casket containing the heart of Robert the Bruce. Here we stop for lunch and have free time to explore Melrose and its Abbey.
On our return journey, we'll travel via St. Boswells and pause for a photo stop at Scott's View, where we can enjoy glorious scenic views. Our journey north takes us to Pencaitland, where we visit the charming Glenkinchie Distillery, one of few Lowland distilleries in Scotland for a whisky tour. Here you can enjoy "a tour and a taste", learn more about "the water of life" and sample some of Glenkinchie's finest malts. Then we'll return to Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Day Tour?
Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness. During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more. Luxury travel is provided by air-conditioned mini or midi coaches and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English. There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks. Please note that tours to some destinations, particularly to Loch Ness, can be faster paced so the number and duration of stops may be limited.
What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?
To give you maximum flexibility the cost of admission fees and other optional extras are not included in the tour price. This gives you complete freedom to choose as the mood takes you. On this tour there are optional visits to:
Rosslyn Chapel
Melrose Abbey
Glenkinchie Malt Whisky Distillery
Following the links above will give you more information on these attractionas including current admission prices. At some locations a special discount is offered to tour participants, your driver/guide will give you more information if this applies. Credit/debit cards are not always accepted so you should plan to have sufficient cash with you should you wish to make any visits.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process. Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation. Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
Do you offer a hotel pick-up service?
We know that you will want to start your tour straight away rather than spending valuable time travelling around hotels. By offering a single centrally located departure point we can get you to Scotland’s best scenery as quickly as possible .
Where does my tour depart from and return to?
Our tours depart from a central location in Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile/High Street which is easily reached by public transport. Full information on the departure time and place of your tour will be shown on your tour confirmation.
Inclusions
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From The Ensign Ewart
521-523 Lawnmarket
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 2PE
Check-in: 09.00 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:15 hrs
Tour Returns: 17:15 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 5 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQ's
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
TB 02092
