£570
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.
Each one of our private tours is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the small cobbled streets around Edinburgh and narrow back roads of the highlands.
Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.
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.
- Distance Instructions
Tour Gallery
Places this tour visits
No two private tours are the same, but these are popular places to see on this The Scottish Borders Private tour from Edinburgh
Recent Customer Testimonials
Renato B
Our host Alexander was very flexible and adapted the tour according to our requests and the weather. He had a deep knowledge of routes and destinations and knew exactly when to explain or introduce facts or curiosities about the Scottish history. Alexander went above and beyond to provide us with the [...]
Kathryn B
I had less than a day to see as much as possible of Edinburgh and could not have been in more capable hands. Alexander was professional, so easy to get along with and seemed to have endless knowledge, not only about this beautiful city, but included many anecdotal pieces of [...]
jlpGa
I wasn't sure what to expect with this tour but it was the best ever! Calais did an incredible job helping the Outlander sets come to life for us with stories and his knowledge from working with the show. I only wish we could have had more days to see [...]
Mateus M
Amazing experience!! Sandy was very kindly with us all the time! The whisky shot in the end was the cherry in the cake!
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