What to do and see in Scottish Borders, Scotland: The Best Sightseeing Tours

July 10, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

A short distance from Edinburgh is a landscape strewn with sturdy hill forts, ancient castles and ruined abbeys that hints at the tumult of the past. It's quite at odds with the picturesque rolling, if windswept, sheep-studded hills and quiet valleys that make all seem agreeably placid to today’s visitor. At its heart are the ruins of four medieval abbeys with Jedburgh, the most complete, the best to visit first for its insights into monastic life. Of the others, Melrose is both the pick of the bunch, and also close to Abbotsford, the sometime home of the Romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott, and a splendid receptacle for his engrossing collection of historical curios. There are fine country houses to visit, notably Mellerstain for its exquisite Robert Adam interiors, and Manderston, the enjoyable swan song of the Edwardian Country House. Anglers should note that the River Tweed is also one of Scotland’s finest salmon-fishing rivers.
Restaurants in Scottish Borders

1. Scottish Borders & Rosslyn Chapel Luxury Private Tour

Aura Journeys

Nowhere in Scotland is more riddled with mystery than Rosslyn Chapel. 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 excursion, 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 indulge in the beauty, mystery, and history of Scotland on your own Private sightseeing excursion. No waiting for other passengers remember you call the shots this is Your Day, Your Way! With Door to Door service from Edinburgh along with complimentary Bottled Water and Wi-Fi Access you truly are getting that First Class experience the Scottish Way.

Inclusions: Door to Door Service, Cruise Ship Pickup and Drop-Off, Transport by Luxury Vehicle, Services & Stories of a local Scottish Driver, Wi-Fi Access, Bottled water

Exclusions: Entrace Fees to Visitor Attractions, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)

Reviewed By Vic_Polly011

Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip

2. 3-day Private Tour: Edinburgh & the Borders

Brambling Bus

Our Edinburgh & the Borders tour is private and completely tailor-made to your interests and needs. Spend three days exploring one of the most inspiring European cities and the Scottish Borders, where romantic history, song and legend meet. Visit royal castles and aristocratic mansions, walk over hills and along lochs, follow in the footsteps of great poets and raiding knights - an adventure you cannot miss! See you in Scotland for an amazing adventure!

Inclusions: Snacks, Water, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Meals, Accommodation

Reviewed By chlorex

Me and a couple of friends choose the Brambling Bus to go around Callander for a day. It was amazing, perfect road trip with a nice playlist. Sara is an amazing driver and Maciek loves history so be ready to know some good facts to bring home with you! They took us to Callander, we had a nice walk by the Bracklinn Falls and then headed back to town to grab some food at a nice local bakery (delicious homemade pies). We also stopped by a couple of their favorites spots (like the huge antique shop). It was an amazing day, I highly recommend traveling with them. They are lovely and enthusiastic people who love sharing their love and knowledge about Scotland. Thanks Maciek and Sara!

3. Scottish Borders & Rosslyn Chapel Luxury Private Sightseeing Tour with Driver

Aura Journeys

Nowhere in Scotland is more riddled with mystery than Rosslyn Chapel. 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 excursion, 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 indulge in the beauty, mystery, and history of Scotland on your own Private excursion. No waiting for other passengers remember you call the shots this is Your Day, Your Way! With Door to Door service from Edinburgh along with complimentary Bottled Water and Wi-Fi Access you truly are getting that First Class experience the Scottish Way.

Inclusions: Door to Door Service, Cruise Ship Pickup and Drop-Off, Transport by Luxury Vehicle, Services & Stories of a Local Scottish Driver, Wi-Fi Access, Bottled water

Exclusions: Entrance Fee to Visitor Attractions, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)

Reviewed By Vic_Polly011

Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip

4. Private Roslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey Luxury Day Trip

TRIPorganiser

Join us to see one of the wonders of British architecture and the home of Scotlands renaissance saviour. Templar treasures, soaring abbeys and stately riverside mansions are all waiting to be discovered, along with a glass of Glenkinchie too! As our tours are more personal than some other tour providers, you will leave with a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you've seen what you wanted, how you wanted. Enjoy, relax and just switch off. Get to know the country and its people, immerse yourself in nature and tradition. At TRIPorganiser we know where to find something special. Trust us with your with valuable travel time. Authenticity is our top priority.

Inclusions: Door to door pick up service, Bottled water for passengers, Private transportation in luxury Mercedes mini van, Live commentary and WiFi on board

Exclusions: Entrance/Admission to Attractions, Lunch

Reviewed By pinaribr

We were a group of four and we spent 5 days in London and 5 days in Scotland. They booked and planned everything for us and sent us a plan with all the information that we needed (hotels, flight and train tickets, places to visit and restaurants).The plan was to guide us through Scotland with a private transportation so we were on our own in London but still they helped us book our hotel and gave us suggestions on what we can do in London. When we arrived in Edinburgh our tour guide picked us up from the train station and drove us to our hotel. And we travelled through Scotland for five days in wich we saw so many places that we couldn’t possibly manage to visit on our own. We could stop whenever we wanted to take pictures and ask questions about the places. Our tour guide planned everything and we only had to follow and after 5 days in London using only the underground for transportation someone guiding us through our journey was extremely nice. We could relax and enjoy the journey. So thank you for everything! It was a beautiful trip :)

5. Hadrian's Wall & The Borders Luxury Private Tour with Scottish Driver

Aura Journeys

The Romans came, they saw, but they couldn’t quite conquer. After centuries of raiding, plundering, and fighting the ancient north of Britannia, they decided to build a wall. But this isn’t just any wall, it’s an astounding achievement. It showcases the might of the ancient Roman Empire and illustrates how the Roman's interacted with tribal Britain. This excursion takes you to the most interesting parts and lets you learn about Rome’s influence on Britain, while also giving you a chance to explore the gentle rolling hills of the borders, and visit an ancient abbey. It’s perfect for anyone fascinated by the collision of cultures and quintessential British landscapes. No waiting for other passengers remember you call the shots this is Your Day, Your Way! With Door to Door service from Edinburgh along with complimentary Bottled Water and Wi-Fi Access you truly are getting that First Class experience the Scottish Way.

Inclusions: Private Excursion (1 to 6 Passengers), Door to Door Service, Cruise Ship Pickup and Drop-Off, Services & Stories of a Scottish Chauffeur, Wi-Fi Access, Bottled Water

Exclusions: Entrance Fee to Visitor Attractions, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)

Reviewed By Vic_Polly011

Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip

6. Full-Day Border Rover Tour with Private Driver

City Transfers UK

• After picking you up from your hotel in Edinburgh, we will head east along the coast to Tantallon Castle with its stunning views across the Forth Estuary. From there we will head south to the picturesque Glenkinchie Distillery for an optional tour and a taste of "The Water of Life". Your journey will carry on to Stately Floors Castle with its beautiful gardens before visiting Melrose for lunch and a chance to visit Melrose Abbey. Heading north we will stop at the majestic Scots View with its panoramic views of the Eildon Hills before heading on to the 15th century Roslin (Rosslyn) Chapel, made famous in the Da Vinci Code.

Inclusions: Hotel Pick up and Drop off, Transport by private vehicle, Water Bottle

Exclusions:

Reviewed By lrharper

I have used other transportation services from Heathrow to my hotels before visiting London, but this has been the best so far! As soon as I arrived in the airport terminal my driver Paulo greeted me, it was so easy to locate him which was a relief. Expedia booked the incorrect travel dates that I was arriving and advised me to cancel and re book again myself online, I explained to the rep I was having difficulty locating a private transfer suitable for my needs especially with Covid still running rampant. Instead I decided to call City transfers myself and there staff changed everything that expedia screwed up. I didn't have to cancel re book anything as Expedia advised me to do. I even received a courtesy phone call the day before my departure to confirm my details again. I also received text message when my drivers had arrived. Extremely great service, definitely new fav for private transportation when visiting in the UK!

7. Highlights of Scotland Luxury Private Tour with Scottish Driver

Aura Journeys

There’s no need to coordinate your own visit to the blustery Scottish Highlands, Lochs, and whisky distilleries, when you can explore in luxury on this full-day, comprehensive, and customizable sightseeing Excursion from any location in Edinburgh.

Inclusions: Bottled Water, Cruise Ship Pickup and Drop-Off, Door to Door Service, Services & Stories of a Scottish Driver, Wi-Fi Access

Exclusions: Entrance Fees to Attractions, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)  

Reviewed By Vic_Polly011

Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip

8. Scottish Borders Tour Between Scotland and England Lies hidden Beauty

Wee Scottish Tours

We will begin our adventure Visiting Rosslyn Chapel which is one of my personal favourite places and dates back to the 14th Century and was made famous by the Da Vinci Code. After a brief drive we find ourselves in the beautiful countryside of the Scottish Borders. Next on our agenda is Melrose Abbey you will have the opportunity to visit this magnificent ruin. The heart of Robert the Bruce one of the most famous Scots is also buried here. We will then give the senses an overload and take in one of the most magnificent views in Scotland at Scott's View. Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and family home of the Duke of Roxburghe. Built for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe in 1721, what you see is an evolving story of a house and gardens and outstanding views. We will then visit Abbotsford House, home to the literary genius Sir Walter Scott. Today the house serves as a museum and monument to its famous occupant.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance Fees

Reviewed By SidMaxwell

Kevin arranged a custom version of his St Andrews trip for us to add multiple stops at film locations for Outlander — our favorite TV series. Kevin is the expert on the show and is full of interesting details about the filming locations across Scotland and the show itself. I’m re-watching the early seasons now that I have his insights. We also enjoyed the St Andrews visit of course. Kevin was patience and great with the children and is simply a great tour guide. He is not only very knowledgeable but he is considerate and kind. Highly recommend.

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