Rosslyn Chapel & the Scottish Borders
1 day tour
Uncover the myths and legends of the Da Vinci Code on this Rosslyn Chapel tour from Edinburgh.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Scott’s View - Take in this splendid view of the Scottish borders, which was once Sir Walter Scott’s favourite.
William Wallace Statue - This 200-year-old eccentric statue of William Wallace proudly watches over the landscape.
Melrose Abbey* - A beautiful and ruined Gothic abbey that may hold the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce.
Tweed Valley - Famous for its salmon fishing, the River Tweed is surrounded by soft rolling hills.
Rosslyn Chapel - A beautiful 15th-century chapel, full of impressive architecture, stone carvings, and many mysterious tales.
Your journey
Nowhere in Scotland is more riddled with mystery than Rosslyn Chapel.
There’s the apprentice who was murdered by his master after carving the ornate Apprentice Pillar. There’s the connection to the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. And there are even some who believe the chapel was built on a UFO landing site.
On this tour, you get a chance to explore the enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel, admire the gorgeous Tweed Valley, and visit Melrose Abbey, the alleged burial site of Robert the Bruce’s heart.
So, join this day tour and indulge in the mystery, beauty, and history of Scotland.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 09:45 (tour departs at 10:00) - Gate J And Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
17:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entrance to Rosslyn Chapel
- Entrance to Melrose Abbey
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Itinerary
Your tour takes you to the stunning 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, made world famous in Dan Brown’s book, ‘Da Vinci Code’. Here you have time to explore the chapel and find out more about the myths and legends surrounding the whereabouts of the ‘Holy Grail’.
From here, you travel south to Melrose where you can visit the ruined Melrose abbey*, founded by the Cistercians in the 12th Century. The Cistercian monks had close connections with the Knights Templar, and legend tells that Melrose Abbey is the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, brought back from the crusades in Moorish Spain.
You then get the opportunity to visit the statue of the great Scottish patriot, William Wallace and the nearby beautiful Scott’s View, overlooking the Tweed Valley, before you return to Edinburgh.**
*Please note that due to high level masonry inspections, unfortunately sections of Melrose Abbey may be closed during your visit. The sections which are closed do vary. We apologise for the inconvenience.
**Please note that if your tour departs on a Sunday, this itinerary will work in reverse.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.