Relax and enjoy Scotland’s splendour with Rabbie’s Tours. The Scottish Highlands and Islands are Europe’s last great wilderness so why not escape with Rabbie’s personalised small group tours. Small groups with a maximum of 16 passengers mean you can discover the real Scotland, get off the beaten track and onto the back roads that other tours cannot manage.Your educated driver/guide is there for you, dedicated to making your visit to Scotland memorable and enjoyable whatever your requests.
Full Day Tour – Tour Ref: SCO-EBDS-HADS-1S
Explore the incredible Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish Borders on this day tour from Edinburgh
The Romans came, they saw, but they couldn’t quite conquer.
After centuries of raiding, plundering, and fighting the ancient north of Britannia, they decided to build a wall.
But this isn’t just any wall, it’s an astounding achievement. It showcases the might of the ancient Roman Empire and illustrates how the Romans interacted with tribal Britain.
This tour takes you to the most interesting parts of this grand partition and lets you learn about Rome’s influence on Britain, while also giving you a chance to explore the gentle rolling hills of the borders and visit an ancient abbey. You also get the chance to explore the incredible Roman site of Vindolanda.
It’s perfect for anyone fascinated by the collision of cultures and quintessential British landscapes.
ITINERARY
You travel on old Roman Dere Street, which linked the supply ports of the south of England up to modern day Scotland.
Your first stop on this tour is the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh dominated by a magnificent 12th century Augustinian Abbey.
On arrival in Jedburgh, you may have time to take a short walk through the narrow streets and visit this impressive ruin.
Continuing south we make a stop at the scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the two countries for the past 700 years.
The tour continues towards Hadrian’s Wall. We follow the road that takes us along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. You have time to walk beside the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the ‘barbarians’ to the north.
You continue your journey along the wall where your guide will recommend the best of the sites to visit.
Next up is an optional activity but one we think you’ll love. Exploring the archaeoligical site of Vindolanda* allows you to step into the lives of those who lived at this Roman auxiliary fort. After years of excavation, many incredible things have been found, from shoes to jewelry, bones to pottery.
With history alive in your mind, you turn north and travel back to Edinburgh through the Galloway hills
DEPARTURE POINT
Inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrews Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ. Gate J and Gate K
Please be there ready 15 minutes before the departure time.
Inclusions – Transportation by top of the range minicoaches for a more personal service. Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie’s driver/guide.
Entrance to Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum (Housesteads Roman Fort when Vindolanda is closed Jan-15 Feb 2024)
Exclusions – Lunch and refreshments.
DEPARTURES:
Tour departs DAILY at 08.15 hours returning approx. 19.00 hours.
There are no tour departures on the: 24/12-26/12 & 31/12 & 01/01
Please note: Vindolanda is closed yearly from January to February. You will be visiting Housesteads Roman Fort instead.
