Melrose tour + Abbotsford and Rosslyn

Unlock the Da Vinci Code

We will pick you up in our luxury 16-seater mini-coach and begin our tour by heading east towards Rosslyn Chapel on the outskirts of Edinburgh. This beautifully preserved 15th century chapel was thrown onto the world stage when it was made famous in Dan Brown’s intriguing novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and appeared also in the 2006 movie. Despite the attention, the stone chapel is still a working church, and retains much of its contemplative atmosphere.

Through to the heart of the Scottish Borders…

Once back on board our bus, we head south through the Scottish borders to pause at Melrose Abbey. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ruins in Europe, the stonework of this former Cistercian monastery is decorated with intricate and lavish sculptures that include hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and even a bagpipe-playing pig. A commemorative stone plaque can be found in the grounds, marking what is believed to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.

Abbotsford House through the eyes of the Romantics

Leaving the Abbey behind us, we continue our tour into the Scottish Borders. Stunningly located on the banks of the River Tweed, Abbotsford House sits at the heart of the landscape that inspired both the poetry and novels of its creator, Sir Walter Scott. Scott’s masterpiece includes sculptures and stones from the ruins of Scottish abbeys and castles, built into the very fabric of its walls, as well as an extensive collection of artefacts, ancient furniture, and armoury.

Two rivers and three bridges

From Abbotsford House our tour bus will follow the River Tweed through Peebles, before heading north to meet the mighty River Forth. Here, we’ll have a chance to stop at Queensferry to marvel at the engineering feat of the Forth Railway Bridge, completed in 1890, and its younger counterpart, the Forth Road Bridge, opened in 1964. Contrasting in design but equal in appeal, these two iconic and celebrated bridges are soon to be joined by a third, the Queensferry Crossing, on track for completion in 2016.