HIGHLANDS, WHISKY AND CASTLES PRIVATE TOUR FROM EDINBURGH

The Highlands, Whisky and Castles Private Tour from Edinburgh2022-11-15T19:53:59+00:00

For those looking to experience the best of Scotland’s scenery, history and whisky in an easy day trip from Edinburgh, this suggested tour itinerary fits the bill. Venture through rugged scenery with highland peaks and stunning lochs, see over 3000 years of history and stop at Glenturret Distillery to learn how we make whisky

This tour is ‘off the beaten track’ and includes roads that are simply not passable by tour buses.

Each one of our private tours is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the small cobbled streets around Edinburgh and narrow back roads of the highlands.

Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.

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Tour duration
1 day (9am – 5pm)

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You won’t find a better rate for our tours

We pick you up
We’ll collect & return you from your Edinburgh hotel, cruise port or airport

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Receipt for your booking immediately

Inclusions:

Exclusions:

  • Lunch (we can recommend a place)
  • Entrance into attractions & sites
  • Gratuities (optional)
KEY SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR…

South Queensferry & Forth Bridges

Upon departure from your accommodation or meeting point we leave Edinburgh and cross the Forth bridges at Queensferry. The famous cantilever designed Forth Rail Bridge, opened in 1890 can be seen spanning the river next to the 1964 road bridge, now superseded by the 2017 Queensferry Crossing.

The Glenturret Distillery
Scotland’s oldest continuously producing distillery, The Glenturret is nestled into a picturesque glen near Crieff. Learn how the masters create ‘the water of life’ on this hosted tour. Explore the ingredients and see the brew in motion, followed by a sample or two of your favourite dram.

Highland drive

We then venture north through The Sma’ Glen, Glenalmond and Glen Quaich through some impressive scenery with a stop to take in the highland air. We then drive towards Loch Tay.

The Scottish Crannog Centre

The Scottish Crannog Centre is a unique living history museum on Loch Tay. These iron age roundhouses were prevalent throughout Scotland between around 3000BC and 1600AD. There was a particular concentration of Crannogs on Loch Tay, with 20 or more dotted around the 28 mile shoreline. We learn about the Crannog and the Pictish way of life from the shoreside.

Note the Scottish Crannog is currently being renovated after a fire

Kenmore

The picture postcard village of Kenmore is nestled into the Tay valley at the mouth of the River Tay. The village boasts a long beach on the loch and riverside setting for a stroll before lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Balquhidder

After lunch we take the north shore road through Killin and down Glenogle into The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs national park. We stop at Balquhidder to visit the grave of rogue come hero Rob Roy MacGregor. Rob Roy was a herdsman who was betrayed by one of his staff who had stollen money entrusted to him. The result was seizure of land which lead to a bloody feud and the eventual death of his father, Clan Chief and his mother from ill health. The clan had already come under increasing oppression by British military forces during the Jacobite uprisings in the 1700’s and Rob was imprisoned before later being pardoned. Rob’s story epitomises the period and was made into a film in 1995.

Doune Castle

Standing on a picturesque site above the River Teith, Doune Castle was built around a central courtyard. You enter through a gatehouse almost 100 feet tall, and above the entrance, the Lord’s Hall has been restored with timber panelling and a minstrels’ gallery. There are extensive living quarters, a great hall and large kitchen. Doune has been used in many TV and film productions including Game of Thrones, Outlander and Monty Python.

Along the way

We will also pass many landmarks as we continue on our journey including Gleneagles Hotel, Stirling Castle and The Kelpies.

SUGGESTED TOUR ROUTE…

Each tour we operate is unique and designed to your requirements. Here is an example of this tour’s route, but we can add in and remove anything you want

September 28, 2020 9:15 am
  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 172 miles
  • Time 4 h 49 min
  • Speed 36 mph
  • Min altitude 0 ft
  • Peak 0 ft
  • Climb 0 ft
  • Descent 0 ft

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These are some of the frequently asked questions about our The Highlands, Whisky and Castles Private Tour from Edinburgh, however if you have a specific question please contact us

Can I customise the tour?2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, we can customise any itinerary. We’ll email you shortly after booking to ask if you have any customisation requests and suggest additions you may wish to make.

Can the tour start at the airport / cruise port2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, we regularly pick up guests from the airport or cruise port. Read more about shore excursions from cruise ships

Do I need to bring anything with me?2022-11-15T14:45:22+00:00

We recommend bringing a jacket (even if the forecast is good!) and comfortable shoes. We’ll provide everything else including umbrellas, binoculars refreshments and a wee treat or two!

Do you provide car seats for children?2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Yes, by law children under 135cm (4.4 foot) must travel in a booster seat. We can also provide baby seats. Please advise us if you need this.

How do I pay for the tour2022-11-15T14:42:58+00:00

When you book you pay a 20% deposit. The final payment is due on the date of departure and is taken from your card automatically. We don’t accept cash for your tour payment.

I need to change my tour date2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

No problem, as long as we have availability we can change the tour date. The deposit is transferable to your new date

What about ‘comfort stops’2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

There are plenty of toilet opportunities! Each of our tours is designed to have regular breaks and tour guide can accommodate most requests for bathroom stops.

What about lunch on tour2022-11-15T14:41:55+00:00

Scotland is full of amazing places to eat and we’ll recommend stops that champion the best in Scottish quality and make the most of your time.

What is the maximum number of guests2022-11-15T14:41:56+00:00

We have two versions of our minivan; either 6 or 7 passengers. Find out more about our premium minivans

Where do I meet the tour2022-11-15T14:41:56+00:00

We pick you up from your hotel or accommodation. In some instances parking in the city centre is restricted so there might be a short walk to your vehicle, but your guide will walk with you to the vehicle.

ALL OF OUR TOURS COME COMPLETE WITH…

KILT WEARING TOUR GUIDE

We are passionate, professional and full of personality. Let us share our knowledge of Scotland

HOTEL / CRUISE BERTH PICK UP

We’ll collect & return you at the start and end of the tour

BOTTLED SCOTTISH WATER

`Chilled, premium still and sparkling Scottish water is provided

PREMIUM MERCEDES MINIVAN

Our minivans offer luxury interiors and excellent legroom for up to 7 guests and their bags

ONBOARD WIFI

Stay connected to friends and family on tour with unlimited super-fast wifi

RECENT CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

  • Thomas W

    Guide picked us up and dropped us off on time (very important since we were coming from a cruise ship) and was very friendly and knowledgeable. Drove us to all the key points of interest, and the van was very clean and comfortable. Communication from [...]

    Published On: October, 2023
  • T Miller

    From the moment Sandy picked us up, we knew we were in for a wonderful day trip experience around Edinburgh. His historical knowledge of the city and surrounding area is top notch! He tailored our day to take in some hidden gems and provided us [...]

    Published On: October, 2023
  • Annemarie D

    We had so much fun with Andy! He was a pleasure to spend an afternoon with. We visited Rosslyn Chapel and some other places that were in keeping with our interests, like the oldest pub in Scotland (I know, many make the claim, but I'm [...]

    Published On: September, 2023
  • Mary Carol S

    Fantastic day with Michael! Great views of Loch Lamond. A nice hike and lunch there as well. Michael was really informative about Sterling Castle and all of Glasgow. I would highly recommend this tour and Michael.

    Published On: September, 2023
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