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Scottish Lowlands Tour: History and Legends
4.7
163 Ratings
Edinburgh
Embark on an enchanting one-day tour from Edinburgh to uncover the rich history, fascinating legends, and breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands. This journey delves into Scotland’s heritage with visits to the iconic Rosslyn Chapel, the picturesque town of Melrose, and the historic Glenkinchie Distillery, the Lowland base of Johnnie Walker.
Embark on an enchanting one-day tour from Edinburgh to uncover the rich history, fascinating legends, and breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands. This journey delves into Scotland’s heritage with visits to the iconic Rosslyn Chapel, the picturesque town of Melrose, and the historic Glenkinchie Distillery, the Lowland base of Johnnie Walker.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Rosslyn Chapel - Starting from Edinburgh Castle, the journey leads to the village of Roslin, with the first stop at Rosslyn Chapel. Known as the “Library in Stone,” the chapel’s interior walls are adorned with thousands of ancient carvings, each telling its own story. Visitors can also explore the myths and legends associated with the chapel,…
- Rosslyn Chapel - Starting from Edinburgh Castle, the journey leads to the village of Roslin, with the first stop at Rosslyn Chapel. Known as the “Library in Stone,” the chapel’s interior walls are adorned with thousands of ancient carvings, each telling its own story. Visitors can also explore the myths and legends associated with the chapel, including those of the Knights Templar. Rosslyn Chapel gained international fame through Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, “The Da Vinci Code.”
- Melrose Abbey - The tour continues to the historic town of Melrose, the birthplace of Rugby Sevens and home to Melrose Abbey, established in 660. It is reputed to be the resting place of the casket containing Robert the Bruce’s heart. Lunch is enjoyed here, with free time to explore Melrose and its Abbey.
Please note that due to masonry inspections, the abbey church is currently not accessible to visitors.
- Glenkinchie Distillery - On the return to Edinburgh, the breathtaking scenery of the Borders is enjoyed before reaching the final stop: Glenkinchie Distillery. This is one of the last remaining distilleries in the Lowlands and the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely tour to learn about the traditional craft of whisky-making, followed by an optional tasting session of some of Glenkinchie’s finest single malts.
What's Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Knowledgeable driver-guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Knowledgeable driver-guide
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Attraction Tickets
- Gratuities
- On-board restrooms
- On-board WiFi
- Food and drinks
- Attraction Tickets
- Gratuities
- On-board restrooms
- On-board WiFi
Additional Information
- Minimum age is 4 years old.
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this…
- Minimum age is 4 years old.
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
- Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
- Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour’s departure time.
- Whisky at Glenkinchie Distillery can only be sold to passengers over 18 years old. You might need to show valid ID as proof of age.
- Children under the age of 8 are not permitted to join the distillery tour.
- Please note: from 3rd December 2024 our Edinburgh tours will depart from NCP Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW.
Location
9 Castle Terrace
Castle Terrace
Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(163 Ratings)
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Maryann_d
Apr 16, 2025
Great day! - We had a great trip with Kenny. His extensive knowledge of Scotland's history and his wonderful stories made the ride very enjoyable! We felt very safe with him driving. We would recommend this trip to others!
Review provided by Viator
Marlys_h
Mar 28, 2025
Unexpected Surprises - The chapel was beautiful to visit. The docents gave a wonderful presentation and then we were given time to explore and look at the carvings. Photography is not allowed in the chapel, so give yourself time to explore the gift shop to satisfy something you may have seen in the chapel with a postcard, photograph, or booklet. Driving through the countryside to the whisky distillery was gorgeous as we had a blue sky day. Our tour guide stopped at points giving us the opportunity to take lots of photos. The whisky distillery was fabulous and fun to visit. The aroma alone walking into the building was worth the cost of the trip. As someone who has never tried whisky, this distillery gave me an unexpected surprise.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_w
Dec 29, 2024
Eric was an excellent... - Eric was an excellent driver and guide. Multiple photo stops in addition to the itinerary. Chapel staff and Distillery staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
Oswaldo_f
Nov 3, 2024
Great experience and excellent guide - Great experience, really enjoyed the overall day trip, and excellent guide, above and beyond, thanks Eric for great job
Review provided by Viator
Joycf
Oct 9, 2024
Fun Tour! - This tour was very enlightening and informative. Hearing about the Rosslyn Chapter - its rich history, intricate details and overall process of maintaining it were wonderful. The Glenkinchie Distillery was also fascinating - processes from its inception to date and how they work with Johnnie Walker providing a consistent product! Tasting was lovely too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julied4868
Oct 3, 2024
Definitely recommend! Leisurely. Beautiful. - We LOVED this trip. Eric was wonderful, knowledgeable and fun to be around. This was a bit more leisurely pace than some other tours we have been on which was perfect for us. Leaned lots. Couldnt have asked for a better experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Victoria_l
Sep 28, 2024
Lovely day out - Really enjoyed looking round the Chapel. The guide at the distillery was also very good as was Eric our tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
Donald_r
Sep 20, 2024
Breath taking views - Martin was an excellent driver and commentator, quite knowledgeable.
Found the stop for lunch at Melrose too rushed, by time we got our food we had to leave.
Review provided by Viator
Oliver_h
Sep 15, 2024
Outstanding and fun experience! - The Rosslyn Chapel docent was outstanding … she brought the history of the chapel and its restoration to life. Outstanding experience!
And Willie at Glenkinchie was amazing … he brought scotch whisky making to life … and he taught us the real way to drink Scotch whisky.
If I could … I’d invite Willie to our next dinner party to teach our friends and family the proper way to enjoy a dram … or two … of the best whisky in the world.
Review provided by Viator
Claudio_h
Aug 22, 2024
Could have been MUCH BETTER! - The visit to Rosslyn and to distillery were GREAT!!!!! However, the trip to Melrose was a HUGE waste of time!!! One hour and half to get there, one hour eating lunch, and one hour and half driving back. WASTE OF TIME!!
Review provided by Viator
