Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery

Explore the Scottish Lowlands on a 1-Day Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

This $58 per person tour offers a full day of discovering the highlights of Scotland’s Lowlands and Borders in a small group setting. Lasting 8 hours, the tour departs from Edinburgh and takes you through scenic landscapes, historic sites, and whisky tasting experiences, led by a knowledgeable driver guide. The tour’s focus on Rosslyn Chapel, Melrose Abbey, and Glenkinchie Distillery makes it ideal for those interested in Scottish history, legends, and whisky.

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is its balance — enough time to explore each site without feeling rushed. The tour’s reviews highlight excellent guides, scenic drives, and well-paced visits, though travelers should be prepared with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. This tour suits history enthusiasts, whisky lovers, and anyone eager to see more of Scotland beyond Edinburgh.

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Key Points

• Cost: $58 per person, including transportation and live commentary
• Duration: 8 hours, with multiple stops and free time at each site
• Start point: NCP Castle Terrace Car Park in Edinburgh
• Major highlights: Rosslyn Chapel, Melrose Abbey, Glenkinchie Distillery
• Highlights include: Scottish scenery, historic ruins, whisky tasting, and local lunch
• Tour group size: Small group for a personalized experience

From Edinburgh Castle to Rosslyn: The Journey Begins

The tour starts at NCP Castle Terrace Car Park, a convenient central location in Edinburgh. From there, a modern bus takes you through the Scottish Lowlands and Borders, offering scenic views along the way. The group’s intimate size allows for a more engaging experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy commentary from your guide.

The drive to Roslin takes about an hour, setting the stage for your visit to Rosslyn Chapel. This chapel, dating back to 1445, draws visitors with its intricate carvings and mysterious reputation linked to the Da Vinci Code. Your guide explains the musical boxes and green men carved into the stonework, revealing fascinating details about its architecture and legends.

Discover the Secrets of Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel is a highlight of the trip, offering a glimpse into medieval craftsmanship. The detailed stonework invites close inspection, and the guide shares stories about its links to Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. Visitors appreciate how the guide helps interpret the symbolism and history behind the intricate carvings, making the experience both educational and intriguing.

The chapel is small but rich in symbolism, making it a manageable visit that fits well into the overall schedule. Its popularity lies in the blend of history, mystery, and stunning architecture, making it a key reason this tour remains highly rated.

Exploring Melrose and its Abbey

After Rosslyn, the journey continues to Melrose in the Scottish Borders. This charming town is known as the birthplace of Rugby Sevens and offers a delightful blend of history and local flavor. The highlight here is Melrose Abbey, founded in 1136, which many describe as one of the most beautiful religious ruins in the UK.

Despite some construction work at the abbey during certain visits, the carved sculptures and imposing ruins make a lasting impression. The guide provides insights into the abbey’s history, including its reputation as the burial site of Robert the Bruce’s embalmed heart—a detail that adds a layer of Scottish legend to the visit.

Visitors appreciate the ample free time to explore the town’s streets and enjoy a tasty lunch. The local eateries serve Scottish produce, making the meal a relaxing break before more sightseeing. The town has enough charm to warrant a leisurely stroll, with plenty of photo opportunities and small shops to browse.

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Scenic Drive through the Borders

On the way back to Edinburgh, the bus weaves through the Scottish Borders, offering views of hills, valleys, rivers, and moorland. The landscape is often praised for its natural beauty, and the gentle drive provides a peaceful contrast to the busy city life.

The scenery enhances the overall experience, especially for photography fans and those who enjoy being surrounded by nature. The guide points out notable features along the route, enriching the sightseeing with historical and geographical insights.

Whisky Tasting at Glenkinchie Distillery

The final stop is at Glenkinchie Distillery, one of the last remaining Lowland distilleries. This distillery is known as the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker. Here, visitors are offered a relaxed tour of the whisky-making process, with the option to indulge in a tasting session of Glenkinchie’s finest single malts.

The tour of the distillery is an interactive experience, led by a guide who explains each step of whisky production. The tasting includes Glenkinchie’s signature drams, providing a satisfying conclusion to the day. Guests over 18 years old can purchase whisky, with a possible ID check, and children under 4 are not permitted on the distillery tour.

As the distillery is a working facility, the atmosphere is friendly and informative. Many reviews highlight the passion of the guide and the opportunity to learn about Scotland’s whisky heritage in an authentic setting.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The itinerary involves a one-hour bus ride to Rosslyn and a two-hour return journey to Edinburgh. The stops are structured to give you sufficient time without feeling rushed, allowing for quality exploration at each site. The modern bus is comfortable, and the live commentary from the driver-guides enhances the journey.

Included in the $58 price are transportation, live commentary, and a driver guide. Entrance fees to Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey are not included, but the guided visits are comprehensive. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 or wheelchair users, although collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated with assistance.

Travellers are advised to bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing due to the outdoor nature of some visits. The tour operates with flexibility—you can reserve now and pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highly Praised Guides and Customer Feedback

The tour’s reviews consistently mention excellent guides, with names like Eric, Andrew, and Marty praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to keep the group engaged. Many note the informative commentary, fun stories, and musical breaks that make the day enjoyable.

The pace is generally considered just right, with enough time at each stop to appreciate the sites and take photos. The scenic drives, combined with the well-chosen stops, create a well-rounded day that appeals to a variety of interests.

While some sites, like Melrose Abbey, may be under renovation at times, the overall experience remains positive thanks to ample free time and engaging guides. The whisky tasting is a particular highlight for fans of Scotch, adding a sensory dimension to the trip.

Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery – Final Thoughts

This small group tour from Edinburgh offers a practical way to explore Scotland’s Lowlands and Borders without the hassle of self-driving. The 8-hour itinerary packs in historic sites, scenic landscapes, and whisky tasting, making it especially appealing to those interested in history, nature, or spirits.

The high ratings and consistent praise for guides’ expertise and scenic stops make this tour a reliable choice. The value for money is reinforced by the inclusion of transportation and guided commentary, with the only additional costs being entrance fees and personal purchases.

Travelers seeking a comfortable, informative, and scenic day trip that covers some of Scotland’s most iconic sites will find this tour well worth the $58 investment. It suits those looking for a balanced mix of history, culture, and landscape with the bonus of sampling Scotch whisky in an authentic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 are not permitted on the distillery tour, and the tour itself is best suited for those able to walk and stand comfortably for several hours.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops include enough time to explore Rosslyn Chapel, Melrose Abbey, and Glenkinchie Distillery without feeling rushed, with additional free time in Melrose.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey are not included but are paid separately if you choose to enter.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, thanks to the flexible booking policy.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated with assistance; however, the tour is not fully accessible for all wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended due to outdoor exploration and variable weather conditions.

Is whisky tasting included in the price?
The whisky tasting at Glenkinchie Distillery is included, with the option for guests over 18 years old to purchase whisky.

Who leads the tour?
A knowledgeable driver guide, often praised for their storytelling and friendliness, leads the tour throughout the day.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on historic sites like Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey, combined with Scenic Borders views and a distillery visit, offers a well-rounded Scottish experience at a friendly price.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for those interested in history, scenery, or whisky, and who prefer a small group experience with expert guides.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby