7-Day The Borders Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day The Borders tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaThe Borders travel expert at TourRadar
4 Days in Edinburgh, incl. Old Town and Royal Mile
The historic Old Waverley Hotel serves as your gateway to The Borders region. Your stay includes tours of Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and visits to famous Outlander filming locations like Midhope Castle and Blackness Castle, complete with daily breakfast and expert guides.
- Day 1
Edinburgh Arrival & Old Town Orientation
Getting from the airport to the city takes about 30 minutes. After checking in at 2 PM go straight to the Royal Mile for your first look at Edinburgh. Walk the Old Town's main street in late afternoon when most tour groups are gone. Start at Edinburgh Castle and walk downhill to save your legs. Stop at Gladstone's Land to explore a preserved 17th-century merchant's house. End your day with dinner at Advocate's Close which serves excellent traditional Scottish food.
- Day 2
Outlander Film Locations Tour
The tour starts at 8:45 AM from High Street. Bring layers since Scottish weather changes quickly. Your first stop is Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) which is usually quiet in the morning. At Doune Castle you can climb the same stairs used in Outlander's Castle Leoch scenes. Be careful on the uneven medieval steps. Stop for lunch around 1 PM at the Biscuit Café in Culross (Cranesmuir) where you can try local specialties. The tour continues to Falkland Village and Blackness Castle before returning at 6 PM. Spend your evening exploring the pubs in Grassmarket.
- Day 3
Royal Edinburgh Highlights
Begin at 9:30 AM from Waterloo Place. Visit Edinburgh Castle first and try to catch the one o'clock gun ceremony. Take the hop-on-hop-off bus to the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith during mid-afternoon when it's less crowded. Visit Holyrood Palace last. The audio tour takes about 1.5 hours and the gardens look beautiful in late afternoon light.
- Day 4
Departure & Final Morning
Book your airport pickup at least 4 hours before your flight. If the weather's good spend your last morning climbing Arthur's Seat. The sunrise views are incredible and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. Bring warm layers and good shoes since the path can get slippery. If you prefer shopping Victoria Street's shops open at 10 AM for last-minute Scottish souvenirs.
5 Day Scotland Itinerary, incl. London and Edinburgh
Explore Scotland's historic capital during peak Hogmanay season, from Royal Mile walks to Edinburgh Castle visits. Join torch processions to Carlton Hill, experience Winter Wonderland's festivities, and hike Arthur's Seat. Optional dinner at Murrayfield showcases regional cuisine.
- Day 1
London to Edinburgh
Take a morning coach from London for a 4.5-hour drive through the English countryside. You'll reach Edinburgh by mid-afternoon, perfect for exploring the Royal Mile. Pack plenty of warm layers and waterproof boots since Edinburgh averages 4°C (39°F) in December with frequent rain. Your evening starts with the Torchlight Procession through Old Town. Get there by 6:30 PM to buy your torch (£15) and find a good spot near Carlton Hill.
- Day 2
Edinburgh Exploration
Get to Edinburgh Castle when it opens at 9:30 AM to beat the crowds. The castle sits on volcanic rock with a steep climb to reach it. If walking is difficult, take the #23 bus. Spend your afternoon browsing Prince's Street shops and the Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens. Visit the market before 2 PM or after 7 PM to avoid peak crowds.
- Day 3
Hogmanay New Year's Eve
Take the morning to rest since you'll need energy for the night ahead. The Hogmanay Street Party starts at 7:30 PM but lines form early. Wear lots of layers because you'll be outside for at least 6 hours. Your Street Party ticket includes access to multiple stages and the midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. Meet your group at The Grassmarket before the party starts to avoid searching for each other in the crowds.
- Day 4
New Year's Day
Start slow today. If you feel up for it, climb Arthur's Seat for great city views. The hike takes about 45 minutes but skip it if conditions are icy. For something more relaxed, visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It stays quiet on January 1st while other attractions close. A recent visitor shared: "The gardens were a perfect peaceful retreat after the wild Hogmanay celebrations, and the Victorian glasshouses offered welcome warmth."
- Day 5
Edinburgh to London
Your coach leaves Edinburgh mid-morning for the 5-hour return trip with a rest stop. Book breakfast at your hotel the night before since many cafes open late on January 2nd. If you plan to travel independently, trains take about 4.5 hours and offer better prices when booked early.
4 Day Edinburgh Itinerary, incl. Old Town and East Lothian
Explore The Borders from Edinburgh base, including visits to Edinburgh Castle's Crown Jewels, drives through scenic countryside, and stops at historical towns. 4-day adventure includes Old Waverley Hotel stays and daily breakfast.
- Day 1
Edinburgh Old Town
Start your day at Edinburgh Castle when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid the crowds. Book your tickets online to skip the long entrance lines. The castle sits on volcanic rock so wear sturdy shoes with good grip. You'll need 2-3 hours to see the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. Walk down the Royal Mile but skip the tourist shops near the castle. The best local boutiques are closer to Holyrood Palace. For parking choose the NCP lot on St John's Hill which is cheaper than spots near the castle.
- Day 2
Arthur's Seat and Museums
Start early with Arthur's Seat. The 251m climb takes about 1.5 hours total. Drive to Dunsapie Loch for the easier hiking route. Visit the free National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street if it rains. The museum's rooftop terrace gives you great city views without the crowds you'll find at Calton Hill.
- Day 3
East Lothian Coast
Put your rental car to good use with a coastal drive. Take the A1 east to North Berwick which is about 45 minutes from Edinburgh. Park at the harbor and walk to the Seabird Centre. You can take boat trips to see Bass Rock with its massive northern gannet colony. Next stop is Tantallon Castle with amazing clifftop views from the parking area. Take the scenic route back on the B1347 through East Lothian's countryside.
- Day 4
Final Morning
Pack early since Edinburgh Airport gets busy between 8-9:30 AM. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes to navigate the rental car return area. A recent visitor noted: "Return your car with a full tank—the closest petrol station is the Shell on Glasgow Road, just 5 minutes from the terminal."
