Excursion Rosslyn chapel & holyrood distillery tour at South Queensferry

Visit Rosslyn Chapel where you will learn of its fascinating history and legends and marvel at the intricate carvings in this most intimate of churches.  From one spirit to another – be some of the first to witness the birth of the first whisky distilled in Edinburgh for 100 years.

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel was built in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, third and last St Clair Prince of Orkney, planned as part of a larger building shaped like a cross. However, St Clair’s untimely death in 1484 brought the building work to an end. It became a place of pilgrimage thanks to its strong links with the Knights Templar, and if speculation is to be believed, its musty, undisturbed vaults may contain fantastic holy relics.

Learn about the history of the chapel and the mysterious Knights Templar.  See the multitude of fascinating and intricate carvings that adorn the pillars, walls and roof of the chapel, and search for the hidden codes.  Wonder over the carvings that suggest that America was discovered 100 years earlier than Columbus!

Holyrood Distillery

Return to the city to excite the senses at the Holyrood Distillery. Edinburgh was once a hub of whisky production, the last city distillery closed in 1925. Nestled under the shadow of Arthurs Seat, the spirit is starting to flow again at the Holyrood Distillery. Explore the sensory journey to creating and enjoying whisky and gin in the 21^st century. Sample one of the distillery’s gins, delicious gin liqueurs and a dram of whisky.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Leith, Rosslyn Chapel, Master Mason and Apprentice Pillars, Crypt, Carvings

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking at times over uneven, gravel, and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket or coat from the ship. No photography is permitted inside the Rosslyn Chapel, but exterior photos are permitted. Partecipants must be over 18 years old. Cancellation deadline is 7 days before the call.