Departing from your hotel we will travel south towards our first stop of the day – the magnificent “Rosslyn Chapel”. This has been a popular destination for visitors throughout the centuries, drawn to the chapel by its mysterious carvings and gargoyles. In 2003 Rosslyn Chapel was placed firmly on the map by Dan Brown’s novel and blockbuster film, “The Da Vinci Code”. Hear all about the history and legends associated with Rosslyn Chapel and then take time to explore the intricate workmanship for yourself.
Leaving Rosslyn Chapel behind, we will drive through the rolling hills and moorlands of the Scottish Borders passing through little villages along the way until we reach our next destination – “Traquair House”. Traquair House is Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, it dates back to 1107 and has been lived in by the Stuart family since 1491. It has strong Jacobite connections and was visited by 27 Kings and Queens. We will have the opportunity to explore the house, its gardens, sample some beer from the brewery and perhaps stop for lunch – the café here has an excellent reputation for its locally sourced foods and its home-baking.
Driving alongside the picturesque River Tweed, we will have a short photo stop at Scott’s View, which offers stunning views across the Tweed Valley, before we make our way to the historic town of Melrose which sits at the foot of the Eildon hills. You will have the opportunity to visit the majestic ruins of Melrose Abbey believed to be the burial ground of King Robert the Bruce’s heart. Alternatively you may wish to wander around this pleasant market town browsing the boutique shops and perhaps sampling some of the local delights of the Borders before we travel north towards our final stop of the day – Glenkinchie Distillery.
Surrounded by barley fields and the Lammermuir hills, Glenkinchie Distillery has been distilling whisky for over 180 years. Your visit to Glenkinchie will include a tour of the distillery before savouring a ‘wee dram’ of their light, fruity, dry lowland single malt whisky.
Leaving Glenkinchie Distillery and the countryside behind, it’s time for us to make the short journey back to your hotel where your tour will end.