On this 11 day tour we’ll explore the unrivaled, relaxed beauty of the Borders. Traveling from East to West through this lesser explored region of Scotland you’ll experience everything you’d expect from an adventure across this bountiful country, and into England.

Beginning in Stirling, follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s two great legendary warriors: William Wallace and Robert The Bruce and as we travel south to explore the sights and lands that these two men fought for.

Leaving Stirling we’ll first head for Rosslyn Chapel where you can hear the tales of the Knights Templar before settling down in Peebles for a three night stay. From Peebles we’ll explore along the River Tweed and take in the Great Map of Scotland as well as learning about the historic industries of the borders: farming, mining and textiles.

Understand how the Borders inspired the author Sir Walter Scott to write a series of ballads about its beauty and witness it through his eyes: from his home in Abbotsford House and his favourite view in the country, Scotts View.

Leaving Peebles we’ll head west, crossing over Greymares Tail Waterfall and climbing up to Wanlockhead, Scotland's Highest Village, before winding our way south to Ellisland - the farm of Rabbie Burns! We'll then go beyond the border and settle in the beautiful Lake District of England.

The Lake District is England’s largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll discover spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages, a warm welcome at our accommodation, and a experience the rich cultural heritage. We’ll also explore the fells, splash about on the lakes, have a wild adventure and take time to enjoy the peace.

Once we are across the border and into England, we’ll take advantage of our base and will take a day trip to visit Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda. Hadrian’s Wall marked the border of the Roman Empire, and there are still remains and ruins to be seen today. Vindolanda is a fascinating archaeological site that shows just how the Roman’s lived – both officer and commoner. 

To end the adventure we’ll head back north towards Stirling, winding past the lochs, forest and rolling hills which make the borders truly unique.

This whole tour will be peppered with the sounds and stories of Scotland. Experience music across the borders with a number of music sessions and concerts scheduled across the trip. Hear the songs and melodies inspired by the legends of this land.

Today we don't have any official activities, so that you may arrive, check-in and combat jet lag at your leisure. The hotel's check-in time will be 3pm, however if you arrive before then you can have them hold your luggage at reception in order to explore the town centre handsfree.

In the evening there will be an unofficial welcome dinner (not included in the tour cost). Your walking guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to a nearby restaurant where you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow passengers and prepare for the adventure ahead!

Today is the first official day full of events! 

To start the day, after your breakfast at the hotel, you will join us for a walking tour of Stirling's town centre. Learn about some of the important figures who once lived in this important location in Scotland's history. During the walking tour we will begin the journey up (we do mean up!) to Stirling Castle. 

We'll spend a couple of hours exploring the castle before getting a break for lunch and some free time to discover parts of the castle and town centre on your own. Feel free to explore as long as you wish, or head back to your hotel to relax a bit and find your own dinner (not included in the tour cost) before meeting together in the evening. 

We will meet back at the Golden Lion Hotel in the evening for your first private concert of the tour, with local musicians! Get ready to enjoy a dram or two while listening to the sounds of Scotland.

After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and begin our journey east, then south with the ultimate destination being Peebles.

Along the way we will visit iconic sites, some modern and some ancient, such as the Kelpies of Falkirk, Rosslyn Chapel, the Great Polish Map of Scotland, with other surprises along the way!

After we arrive in Peebles we will check into our hotel and have our first group included dinner of the tour (included in the tour cost). Once dinner is complete, you guessed it - another private concert for our group! This show will be performed by your tour leader!! Both dinner and the concert will take place in your hotel, so it will be easy for you to get comfortable, enjoy, and know you aren't far from the comfort of your room. 

After breakfast we'll have our first day exploring the borderlands of Scotland and England. The history of the Scottish Borders is unique and can be quite different from the well-known stories of the highland clans to the north. Just as fascinating a tale, you'll be surprised by some of the characters and history you'll learn here.

Today you'll spend the first part of the day in Jedburgh, where you'll see the top sites of Jedburgh Abbey, Mary Queen of Scot's House, and Castle Jail.

After lunch we'll see a few more notable attractions in the area, the first being Abbotsford House. This beautiful home and gardens were formerly the home of the Scottish hero and author - Sir Walter Scott.

On the way back to Peebles we'll see Scott's View and the Wallace Statue. After dinner (not included in the tour cost), there will be another private concert featuring local Borderlands musicians. 

Today marks halfway through the tour, and to celebrate we're giving you the day off!

Suggestions on what to do will be given the day before, but here are a few ideas: 

- Peebles Hydro Spa

- Golf

- Fishing

- Shopping

- Hiking

- River walk to castle

Today is the day we depart Peebles and head for our next "base" - the Lake District of Northern England!

After check-out and breakfast we'll get on the bus and head west, then south. First we'll see St. Mary's Loch and Greymare's Tail Waterfall on the way to Wanlockhead. In Wanlockhead we'll have a visit at the Museum of Mining and a lovely cafe for lunch.

After lunch we'll continue our journey south, stopping somewhere special before eventually getting to our destination of Penrith in the Lake District. Dinner has been reserved for the group (included in the tour cost), and afterward another Live Concert with Local Musicians before settling in for the night. 

Once we've had breakfast we'll head to the nearby lake of Ullswater for a lovely wee cruise on the water. The cruise will last about an hour and will deboard in the village of Glenridding. From there we'll make our way to one of the largest towns in the Lake District for lunch and a bit of shopping - Keswick.

After Keswick the group will visit a beautiful and ancient site - Castlerigg Stone Circle. An early arrival back at the hotel for you to have free time to explore the village and dine on your own (not included in the tour cost) before meeting for the second show by local Lake District musicians! 

Today we have an exciting and full schedule for you!

After breakfast we will head east to the ancient border made by the Romans - Hadrian's Wall. Many sections of the wall are still standing, and we'll have a private guided walk along some of these sections to learn more about why it was built and the soldiers who fortified it.

Nearby is the village these soldiers lived in, along with other Roman and local settlers. We'll continue our private guided tour into Vindolanda, this Roman village, to learn more about how the people lived. This site is complete with a museum and a lovely cafe where we'll break for lunch.

Once we return to the hotel you'll have some time to yourself to find dinner (not included in the tour cost) before our third night with a private show in the area is set to commence! 

Once we depart the hotel after breakfast, we'll head south to the largest and most well-known lake of all - Windermere!

We'll visit a special shop and explore a lovely wee village for lunch. After lunch the group will go to Hill Top - the home of Beatrix Potter!

Once back at the hotel you'll have another free evening to explore and dine on your own (not included in tour cost). 

Today we check-out of our Penrith hotel after breakfast and begin our journey north and back to Stirling. 

Along the way we'll have lovely views. For lunch we'll stop in a small and picturesque village, before continuing our journey onto Stirling. You'll have a bit of time to relax before our last event of the tour - a catered private concert in a great location. We hope you enjoyed your time and this cosy send off!

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye!

We will be providing one group transfer to the Edinburgh Airport and one to Glasgow Airport. As we try to catch as many passengers as possible, we do not coordinate this until we have all the return flight times. The transfer time will likely be early - mid morning. Therefore, if you book a flight between 10am - 2pm, then you are likely to have good timing for the transfer. 

If you aren't able to make the group transfer, we offer to book you your own taxi in the add-ons section.