The "Codebreakers Choice: Rosslyn Chapel & the Da Vinci Code" tour promises an unforgettable deep-dive into Scotland’s captivating history and architectural marvels. Priced accessibly, this private 4-hour excursion immerses participants in the enigmatic Castlelaw Hill Fort, the charming Old Penicuik House, and the iconic Rosslyn Chapel, renowned for its intricate carvings and ties to the Knights Templar. With luxury transportation, live commentary, and a complimentary lunch, the tour offers an engaging journey filled with remarkable sights and intriguing stories. What secrets might this tour uncover, and how might they shed light on the enduring allure of the Da Vinci Code legend?
Key Points

- This guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of Rosslyn Chapel’s architectural intricacies and connections to the Da Vinci Code legend.
- The tour includes visits to the ancient Castlelaw Hill Fort and the 17th-century Old Penicuik House, offering a comprehensive experience.
- Luxury transportation, live commentary, and a provided lunch enhance the overall tour quality and convenience for guests.
- The tour is available in both English and German, catering to diverse language preferences for private group experiences.
- Positive customer reviews highlight the engaging guides, unique tour elements, and an overall unforgettable journey through Rosslyn Chapel’s wonders.
Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Codebreakers Choice: Rosslyn Chapel & the Da Vinci Code," is priced from $218.09 per person and lasts 4 hours.
It’s available in English and German and begins with pickup in Edinburgh. This private group experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.
Highlights include exploring the ancient Castlelaw Hill Fort, experiencing the 17th-century Old Penicuik House, and discovering the architectural intricacies and Templar legends of Rosslyn Chapel.
Transportation is provided in a luxury Mercedes Mini Van with amenities like WiFi, bottled water, and air conditioning.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Edinburgh.
Itinerary Highlights

Castlelaw Hill Fort kicks off the itinerary, offering visitors a 45-minute guided tour to explore the ancient remnants of this Iron Age hill fort.
Next up is Old Penicuik House, where guests can spend an hour photographing and sightseeing the 17th-century architecture and gardens.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly Rosslyn Chapel, where a 75-minute guided tour allows visitors to discover the chapel’s architectural intricacies and the Templar legends linked to the Da Vinci Code.
Throughout the excursion, guests enjoy door-to-door pickup, WiFi, air-conditioning, and a provided lunch, all while an engaging guide provides live commentary.
Castlelaw Hill Fort

Spanning the hilltop, Castlelaw Hill Fort stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Iron Age inhabitants.
This ancient fortification, dating back over 2,000 years, offers a glimpse into the strategic mindset of its builders. Visitors can explore the remnants of this impressive structure, including the well-preserved ramparts and ditches that once guarded the settlement.
The guided tour provides an opportunity to learn about the fort’s history and the daily lives of its residents. With a duration of 45 minutes, this stop allows travelers to enjoy the captivating past of Scotland’s archaeological wonders.
Old Penicuik House
After exploring the ancient Castlelaw Hill Fort, the tour moves on to Old Penicuik House, a 17th-century architectural gem.
During the one-hour stop, visitors can admire the elegant Georgian-style mansion and its well-manicured gardens. Once the seat of the Clerk family, the house now stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich heritage.
Guests can stroll through the grounds, capturing picturesque photos of the striking exterior and seeing the property’s captivating history.
This stop provides a pleasant respite from the exploration of Rosslyn Chapel’s legendary secrets, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s architectural past before the tour continues.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyRosslyn Chapel

The tour’s crown jewel is the Rosslyn Chapel, which has been steeped in mystery and intrigue for centuries.
This 15th-century chapel is renowned for its ornate carvings and architectural features that have been linked to the Knights Templar and the legends surrounding the Holy Grail.
During the guided tour, visitors will discover the chapel’s many secrets, including the famous "Apprentice Pillar" and the intricate stone carvings that have been the subject of much speculation.
The tour also explores the Templar connections and the chapel’s ties to the popular novel and film, The Da Vinci Code.
Visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of this remarkable and enigmatic landmark.
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Transportation and Amenities
To ensure a comfortable and convenient experience, the tour includes door-to-door pickup service in a luxury Mercedes Mini Van (V-Class).
Travelers can enjoy the air-conditioned vehicle and stay connected with the on-board WiFi while bottled water is provided.
The live commentary during the tour enhances the experience, as guests learn about the sites they visit.
While lunch is included, tips and gratuity are not.
With these amenities, the tour aims to cater to the needs of its participants, allowing them to focus on the fascinating Rosslyn Chapel and its connection to the Da Vinci Code.
What to Bring

For a seamless and comfortable experience, guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and pack weather-appropriate clothing. This ensures that participants can fully enjoy the tour without any distractions or discomfort.
Plus, it’s recommended to bring the following:
- Sunscreen and a hat if exploring outdoor sites like Castlelaw Hill Fort on a sunny day.
- A light rain jacket or umbrella in case of inclement weather, to protect against unexpected showers.
- Camera or smartphone to capture the stunning architecture and landscapes at Rosslyn Chapel and the surrounding areas.
- Any necessary medications or personal items to ensure a pleasant and stress-free journey.
Customer Feedback
Overwhelmingly positive reviews underscore the exceptional experience offered by this tour. Customers consistently praise the engaging guides, Chris and Sean, for providing additional information and insights that enrich the overall experience. The unique touches, such as the bagpipe performance, further contribute to the tour’s enjoyment.
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With a flawless 5-star rating from all 2 reviews, this tour delivers an unforgettable journey through Rosslyn Chapel’s architectural wonders and the enigmatic lore of the Da Vinci Code.
Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Time at Rosslyn Chapel?
The tour allocates 75 minutes for the guided tour of Rosslyn Chapel, allowing visitors ample time to explore the architectural intricacies and learn about the Templar legends linked to the Da Vinci Code.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography at the Tour Sites?
The tour allows photography at all sites, but visitors should check with their guide for any specific restrictions or guidelines at Rosslyn Chapel. Photography may be limited in certain areas to preserve the historical and sacred nature of the sites.
Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required for the Tour?
There is no dress code or specific attire required for the tour. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended to ensure a comfortable experience as the tour involves walking and exploring outdoor sites.
Does the Tour Provide Any Information About the Da Vinci Code’s Fictional Elements?
The tour provides information about the architectural intricacies and Templar legends linked to the Da Vinci Code, but does not differentiate between the book’s fictional elements and historical facts about Rosslyn Chapel.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?
The tour doesn’t seem to offer any options to extend the experience or add additional activities. The itinerary is fixed at 4 hours, covering the key highlights like Rosslyn Chapel and Old Penicuik House.
Recap
The "Codebreakers Choice: Rosslyn Chapel & the Da Vinci Code" tour offers an immersive and enriching experience, transporting visitors through Scotland’s captivating history and architecture. With guided visits to Castlelaw Hill Fort, Old Penicuik House, and the renowned Rosslyn Chapel, along with luxury transportation and a complimentary lunch, this 4-hour private excursion promises an unforgettable journey filled with engaging stories and stunning sights.
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