From Edinburgh: 1-Day Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour

Discover Scotland’s Kings, Castles and Ancient Mysteries on a Day Tour from Edinburgh

Step into Scotland’s medieval heart on this unforgettable Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle tour from Edinburgh. Travel through the Kingdom of Fife and Stirlingshire to explore legendary castles, royal burial sites and one of the most mysterious chapels in the world.

Explore the Kingdom of Fife

Cross the River Forth and enter the historic Kingdom of Fife, once home to Scottish kings and queens. Hear stories of ancient battles, royal intrigue and the shaping of Scotland’s nationhood as you travel through rolling countryside and historic towns. Along the way, enjoy views of the iconic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Scotland’s greatest engineering achievements.

Dunfermline Abbey* & Royal Heritage

Your first stop is the town of Dunfermline, the former capital of Scotland and birthplace to many famous figures and monarchs including Charles I, James I and Andrew Carnegie. Explore the beautiful Dunfermline Abbey and Palace*, and visit the Abbey Church.

Dunfermline Abbey is home to a wealth of history; for example, it was the birthplace of the last monarch to be born in Scotland – Charles I. Take in the breathtaking views of the glen and admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture. Be sure to not miss the monks’ refectory, a symbol of Robert the Bruce’s confidence in his kingdom. The nave is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, who battled for Scotland’s right to be a nation.

Stirling Castle & The Gateway to the Highlands

Next, we travel into Stirlingshire and we stop just outside the beautiful Stirling Castle (entry to Stirling Castle is optional extra). This castle is one of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland. From here you can catch a view of the monument of Scottish hero William Wallace. This monument is situated among the beautiful Ochil Hills, which serve as the perfect backdrop for this incredible tale.

If you prefer something a little different, why not visit the new gin distillery or take a stroll through the beautiful and ancient streets that make up the medieval old town? As you discover this ancient town, learn why it is known proverbially as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’.

Visit the site of Scotland’s greatest victory

From Stirling, we head to Bannockburn, the battlefield where Robert the Bruce routed the English in 1314, resulting in the de-facto independence for Scotland. Discover the history of the site and the circumstances that led up to this resounding Scottish victory, and the impact it has had on the Scotland of today. Time permitting, we will stop to view the statue of Robert the Bruce on his horse.

Discover the village of Roslin and the historic Rosslyn Chapel

End your journey at the world-famous Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland’s most intriguing historic sites.
Built in the 15th century, owned by the same family since its construction, this richly decorated chapel is filled with intricate carvings, symbolic stonework and centuries of unanswered questions. Made globally famous by The Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn continues to inspire theories about the Holy Grail and Knights Templar.

Don’t miss the stunning stained-glass windows, its beautiful carvings and the explore the crypt below the chapel, shrouded in mystery. This chapel is in this state today partly due to Queen Victoria, who visited the chapel in a state of disarray and ordered its restoration in the 19th century.

Take time to explore the chapel, nearby Roslin Glen, and the atmospheric ruins of Rosslyn Castle, surrounded by woodland and legend.

*Please note that the interior of Dunfermline Abbey is closed to visitors on Mondays from the 1^st of October to the 31^st of March. On these days we will visit the exterior of the Abbey.

• No matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland), sunglasses and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person (no more than 15kg), along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.