7-Day The Borders Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 7-day The Borders itineraries
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MelissaThe Borders travel expert at TourRadar
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.
5 Days in Edinburgh, incl. Hogmanay New Year's Celebrations
Hogmanay celebrations come alive during 5 festive days in The Borders region. Witness Viking ships ablaze on Carlton Hill, join the magical torch processions through Old Town, and revel with thousands at Winter Wonderland's ice rink.
- Day 1
Edinburgh Arrival & Torchlight Procession
Book your accommodation near the Royal Mile to be close to all the action. The highlight of your first day is the Torchlight Procession from Parliament Square to Calton Hill. "Bundle up warm for the procession - Edinburgh's December winds are fierce, but watching the Viking ship burn on Calton Hill makes it worthwhile." Get there by 6:30 PM to pick up your torch and find a good viewing spot.
- Day 2
Edinburgh Exploration
Start your day at Edinburgh Castle before the crowds arrive. Book your tickets online for 9 AM to avoid tour groups. Walk down the Royal Mile afterward and stop at the castle esplanade for excellent photo opportunities. Spend your afternoon wandering through the historic alleyways off the Royal Mile. Don't miss Advocates Close and White Horse Close for some great photos. Keep your evening relaxed since tomorrow is the big celebration.
- Day 3
Hogmanay New Year's Eve
Get plenty of rest and eat well today. The street party starts at 7:30 PM but plan to arrive by 7 PM to avoid long lines. Bring cash for food and drinks and wear plenty of warm layers since temperatures often drop below freezing. You'll find the main stages along Princes Street with Edinburgh Castle as your backdrop. Want a better view of the midnight fireworks? Head to the gardens near The Mound instead of staying on the crowded street.
- Day 4
New Year's Day Recovery
Sleep in and take it slow today. If you're up for some exercise Arthur's Seat offers great views of the city. The hike takes about 45 minutes following the path from Holyrood Palace but watch your step in winter conditions. Looking for something more relaxing? The Grassmarket area has plenty of cozy cafes. Make dinner reservations in advance since many restaurants stay closed on January 1st.
- Day 5
Departure
The Airlink 100 bus runs 24/7 from Waverley Bridge to Edinburgh Airport taking about 30 minutes. Try to book an afternoon flight since New Year's weekend traffic can be heavy in the morning.
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.
