Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Scotland
The Bonnie Borders
The Midlothian and Scottish Borders area of Scotland is easily accessible, stunningly scenic and rich in history, yet sometimes it is bypassed in favour of the Highlands. On this tour we explore this area including visits to the historic homes Traquair, Abbotsford and Thirlestane Castle. We also visit Rosslyn Chapel made world-famous by bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code, and Newbattle Abbey.
Dates
April - October 2024 & 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to the Borders
Arrive at your hotel in the Borders for your first taste of Scottish hospitality.
Day 2
Abbotsford and Thirlestane Castle
2023 marks Sir Walter Scott’s 250th birthday. It is no surprise then that his extraordinary home near Melrose will be the centre of celebrations. Here we will learn about Scott’s life and discover objects that inspired his poetry. There is also a large visitor centre and cafe on site. Next is Thirlestane Castle where will take a guided tour of the Maitland ancestral home, with its fairytale exterior and fascinating stories inside.
Day 3
Rosslyn Chapel and Newbattle Abbey
Founded in 1446, Rosslyn Chapel has intrigued visitors for generations with its ornate stone carvings which cover practically every surface. The neighbouring visitor centre tells the Chapel’s story from its 15th century origins, the Reformation, to The Da Vinci Code. In the afternoon, we visit Newbattle Abbey for a guided tour and afternoon tea. Now an adult learning centre, the original Abbey played a special role in the Declaration of Arbroath.
Day 4
Kailzie Gardens and Traquair House
Kailzie Gardens stand 700 feet above sea level on the south bank of the Tweed, and over the years have recorded frost in every calendar month! Despite this the gardens thrive and in their seasons, produce Snowdrops, Daffodils and Bluebells. In the afternoon, we visit Traquair. At over 900 years old it is Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited House and continues to be a family home.
Day 5
Return home
After a full Scottish breakfast we return home. Why not call in Hawick, a town famous for its Cashmere, Tweed and Whisky.
Greatdays offer a selection of quality hotels the Scottish Borders.
Dates | 5 days / 4 nights |
April – October 2024 | Price available on request |
April – October 2025 |
From £449.00 per person |
Single room supplement available upon request.