Scottish Borders Day Tour | Custom Tours Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Peaceful South and Storied Past

Explore the rolling landscapes, romantic ruins, and literary legacy of the Scottish Borders on this luxury 8-hour private day tour from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Stirling. Travel in comfort aboard our new Mercedes V-Class Avantgarde, guided by Johnny Dreczkowski MBE — honoured by His Majesty The King in June 2025 — a proud Scot and professional driver-guide renowned for his storytelling, heritage knowledge, and warm Scottish hospitality.

This beautifully scenic tour combines medieval abbeys, historic homes, and quiet villages with optional visits to a working whisky distillery, creating an unforgettable journey through one of Scotland’s most peaceful and culturally rich regions.

What's Included

Private Mercedes V-Class Avantgarde with professional driver-guide
Pickup and drop-off from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Stirling
Bespoke itinerary planning and expert commentary
Wi-Fi and device charging onboard
Bottled water and light refreshments
Curated Scottish music playlist (or your own choice)
A couple of traditional Scottish sweet treats

What's Not Included

Meals, lunches, or refreshments unless specifically stated
Admission fees or entry tickets to visitor attractions
Distillery tour or tasting costs (optional extra)
Gratuities (entirely at the client’s discretion)

Optional Add-ons

Guided whisky tour and tasting at Glenkinchie Distillery
Private guided tour of Abbotsford House
Visit to Dryburgh Abbey or Kelso Abbey
Lunch stop in Melrose or Kelso
Extended 10-hour Borders & Northumberland experience available

Tour Highlights

Melrose Abbey – Wander among the graceful ruins of this 12th-century abbey, final resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart. The carved stonework and tranquil gardens make it one of Scotland’s most atmospheric historic sites.
Abbotsford House – Step inside the magnificent riverside home of Sir Walter Scott, Scotland’s most celebrated author. Explore the writer’s library, armoury, and gardens that inspired his tales of romance and heroism.
Leaderfoot Viaduct – Pause for photographs at this elegant 19th-century railway bridge, spanning the River Tweed amid picturesque countryside.
Scott’s View – Enjoy one of Scotland’s most beloved panoramas — a sweeping view over the Eildon Hills and River Tweed, said to be where Sir Walter Scott himself often stopped to reflect.
Dryburgh Abbey (Optional) – Visit the peaceful ruins of this secluded abbey, where Sir Walter Scott is buried beneath ancient trees and stone arches.
Glenkinchie Distillery (Optional) – Add a visit to the Lowland Home of Johnnie Walker, nestled in the East Lothian countryside. Take a guided tour and enjoy a tasting of smooth, floral Lowland single malts.
Kelso (Optional) – Explore this historic market town, with boutique shops, cobbled squares, and the impressive remains of Kelso Abbey.

Your journey

Depart from your chosen pickup point — Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Stirling — and travel south through rolling farmland into the Borders, a region shaped by centuries of conflict, creativity, and craftsmanship.

Clients are collected directly from their accommodation and returned at the end of the day, ensuring a seamless door-to-door experience. As you travel, enjoy a curated Scottish music playlist or your own selection, while learning about the real people and events that shaped this corner of Scotland.

Guests will be offered a couple of traditional Scottish sweet treats during the journey, and there’s time to stop for lunch in Melrose or Kelso, where fine cafés and traditional inns serve delicious local fare.