Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery
ID: GYG12654-12654
Category:
Country: United Kingdom
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
Join this 1-day small group tour from Edinburgh to explore the history, legends, and landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands. Stop to visit the Rosslyn Chapel, Melrose, and Glenkinchie Distillery.
Travel through the Scottish Lowlands and Borders on an enjoyable small group day-tour. See the varied natural wonders that make this section of Scotland famous. See historic sites and sample real Scottish whisky as you travel with a friendly and knowledgeable guide!
Your tour will head out from Edinburgh Castle to the lovely village of Roslin. There, you will have the opportunity to visit Rosslyn Chapel. Dating back to 1445, the chapel gained worldwide fame thanks to the increasing interest in Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. See the intricate “musical” boxes and green men carved throughout the chapel.
Leave Roslin and continue your journey into the heart of the Scottish Borders in the eastern part of the Scottish Uplands. This area is rich in hills, valleys, rivers, and moorland, and is also the traditional home of Scottish rugby. Travel to the historic town of Melrose, the birthplace of the game of Rugby Sevens and home to of Melrose Abbey.
The Abbey, founded in 1136, is one of the most beautiful religious ruins in the United Kingdom, containing many intricate carved sculptures. It is also said to be the burial place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. Enjoy a tasty lunch in Melrose and have plenty of free time to explore the town and the abbey.
On our return journey to Edinburgh, we’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Borders before reaching our final stop: Glenkinchie Distillery, one of the last remaining Lowland distilleries and the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker. Here, you’ll enjoy a relaxed tour (optional extra) exploring the traditional whisky-making process, with the option to indulge in a tasting session of Glenkinchie’s finest single malts.
Highlights
- Explore the famous Rosslyn Chapel and seek out the secrets of the Da Vinci Code
- Visit Melrose Abbey, said to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart
- Enjoy a dram of whisky at Glenkinchie Distillery
- Have some lunch in Melrose and explore the town and its Abbey
- Marvel at Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain, and castles like Eilean Donan
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Whisky at Glenkinchie Distillery can only be sold to passengers over 18 years old. You might need to show a valid ID as proof of age
Children under the age of 4 are not permitted to join the distillery tours
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated provided the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
You can find the Edinburgh departure and return point outside the green Ensign Ewart pub, at 521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PE.
There is currently a shortage of taxis and private hire cabs in Edinburgh, which may make it harder to get to the departure point if you're thinking of using a taxi. It is strongly recommended that you allow for more time to reach the departure point in the morning and look into public transport options as a backup.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
