£630
Tour Details
What’s included
Not included
Our service
The Scottish Borders is a largely rural area to the South of Edinburgh and not normally on the ’tourist trail’. But it hosts many interesting places to visit and its highlights are easily explorable on a day tour from Edinburgh.
We leave Edinburgh and journey south across the Lammermuir hills to the south east of the city. As we venture into the borders we first stop at Scotts View, a stunning lookout that was reputed to be one of Sir Walter Scott’s favourite views and one which gave him inspiration for his love of Scotland.
This bespoke luxury private tour of Scotland is hosted by your knowledgable, friendly local tour guide. We'll tell you the history, folklore and stories, really bringing the places and landscapes to life! We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.
All our tours are conducted in luxury Mercedes-Benz V Class minivans, with great personal space, sumptuous leather seats, A/C and panoramic windows.
RECOMMENDED SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR …
Scott’s View
Scott’s View is a picturesque viewpoint located in the Scottish Borders, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the River Tweed valley and Eldon Hills. Named after famous Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott, this scenic spot provides stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside, including the iconic Abbotsford House.
Abbotsford House
Upon arriving at Abbotsford House, we will have the opportunity to visit Sir Walter Scott’s former home, which was built between 1817 and 1824. Designed by William Atkinson and Edward Blore in the Scottish baronial style that was very popularised in the 19th century due to its combination of historical themes with modern amenities. On today’s tour we will have the opportunity to see many of the public spaces in Abbotsford and learn about Scott’s life and times there.
Melrose Abbey
Located in the centre of Melrose is the ruined Cistercian monastery or Melrose Abbey. Originally built in 1136, this monastery is now a ruin. It has connections to the advent of the Roman Catholic faith in Scotland and the 6th century Saint Cuthbert. It is a large abbey that has played a significant role in the history of both Scotland and England. As a result of its location and significance in the late Middle Ages, Melrose found itself on the front line of conflict with England, having been destroyed and rebuilt at least three times over the centuries.
The abbey was eventually abandoned when Friar John Watson died in 1590 after playing a prominent role. In the year 1810, a new kirk was built nearby to replace the crumbling abbey church that had served as a parish church.
Historically, it has been believed that the embalmed heart of Robert The Bruce is buried at Melrose, however this claim has been challenged and remains a mystery to this day.
Traquair House
It is along the River Tweed that we find Innerleithen and Traquair House, which is Scotland’s oldest continuously inhabited property. As far as the 15th century property and gardens are concerned, the property and gardens are as intact as anything that dates from the period. The museum at Traquair has a collection of fascinating artifacts from the period. This includes a library with more than 3,000 titles and a collection of Mary Queen of Scots’ belongings. Traquair also offers a microbrewery for those who are looking to purchase a souvenir as a memento of their trip!
Rosslyn Chapel
Our return trip to Edinburgh will include a visit to Rosslyn Chapel. Rosslyn dates back to the 15th century and was a popular location during the period of the Knights Templar. Additionally, it was the final location and focus of the Dan Brown novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’ starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou. Completed in 1446, Rosslyn is adorned with the most intricate stonework including the apprentices’ Pilar that tells an incredibly violent story based on jealousy and murder.
We return to Edinburgh after a fantastic day off the beaten path.
Suggested tour route
- Distance Instructions
Tour Gallery
Experienced Tours guides at Loch Tay
Entrance to Walled Garden at Abbotsford House
Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders
Tour guide Gary
Abbotsford House information page
Alexander with guests at Loch Lomond
The interior of Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh
Panoramic view of Melrose Abbey
Edinburgh & Rosslyn Chapel private tour
Melrose Abbey Cloister
Middle Seats of Van
Tour van at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh
Entrance hall at Abbotsford House
Melrose Abbey Entrance
Scott's View looking to the Eildon Hills in the Scottish Borders.
Traquair House Header
Tour guide Ben in Edinburgh
Places this tour visits
No two tours are the same, but these are popular places to see on the The Scottish Borders Private tour from Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the frequently asked questions about our The Scottish Borders Private tour from Edinburgh, however if you have a specific question please contact us
Absolutely! Almost all of the places we visit have toilets / restrooms. Because this is a private tour, we can stop when you need us to.
For day tours the final balance (plus any extras like admission tickets) is due 24 hours before the tour.
For multi-day tours the final balance is due 30 days before the tour.
Our climate is famous for being unpredictable. We provide umbrellas in our vans but if the weather isn’t working in our favour, just wait 5 minutes and it will change! Please don’t rely on the forecast either, it is invariably wrong!
We recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket and shoes suitable for walking over rough ground / cobbles, especially if visiting rural locations! Other than that, just bring yourself!
Absolutely! Please contact us if you’d like to make an amendment to one of our suggested itineraries or would like a customised tour.
Yes, we can end the tour in a different location from the start point. Please let us know if this is what you need. For locations further than 50 miles from the start point there maybe a charge.
We use Mercedes-Benz V Class minivans. They are modern, luxurious and safe vehicles with a Euro N-Cap rating of 5 stars. They come with privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof, reclining leather seats, dual-zone air conditioning and unlimited high-speed WiFi. Learn more about our vehicles.
Our Mercedes V Class minivans come in two configurations, a 6 passenger version and a 7 passenger version.
Yes, we can meet you at the airport and have plenty of space for baggage.
Yes, most of our tours are suitable for cruise ship shore excursions and we’ll meet you at the quayside.
Yes, our vehicle can accommodate most mobility scoters and wheelchairs. They normally require two people to lift in and out of the vehicle so one of your party will be needed to help. Note that if there is a scooter then the baggage space is limited.
Support animals are welcome onboard however we typically ask for them to stay on the floor of the vehicle.
The total price of your tour includes your tour guide, use of our luxury minivans, the fuel, tolls and parking charges and insurances. Entrance to attractions etc is on top but we can manage that for you and add it to the invoice.
Yes, there are a range of different options on each trip, from a historic tavern to a quaint cafe or bakery. We’ll make reservations to ensure that our lunch stop is quick and tasty!
A few days before the trip we’ll provide the guides contact details encase you need to contact them on the day of your tour
No, all of our tours are private so your party will be the only people on the tour.
Yes, we will guide you through attractions and monuments as part of our service. This is not possible at The Royal Yacht Britannia or Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Recent Customer Testimonials
Peter C
A wonderful day touring the Forth Valley with Calais, our amazing local guide. In addition to the landscape and attractions we were entertained by Calais with his knowledge and insight.
Feedback from April 2026
Trip10642911480
We had a fantastic and informative tour with Calais to Lindisfarne and Alnwick Castle. Calais was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the experience both fun and memorable. The scenery and history were incredible—definitely a highlight of our trip.
Feedback from April 2026
Will W
We booked this tour based on the recommendation of an Edinburgh local. It was easily one of the biggest highlights of our trip. Sandy was extremely helpful and crafted a personalized tour based specifically on our group (2 adults, 3 kids, 2 grandparents). He was very responsive via email and [...]
Feedback from March 2026
Heather
We had a lovely time with our tour. The tour was so informative, and very well suited to our group. The vans were very comfortable. I had trouble walking, and they were fantastic getting us up to each location, ensuring I could see everything. I highly recommend this company.
Feedback from March 2026
Our service
We’re a luxury private tour company, with passionate local guides, Mercedes minivans and customised itineraries
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