Award-winning Scottish guided tours

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£590

Pay a deposit of 20% per item

Tour Details

  • Duration 8 Hours
  • Departs from Edinburgh
  • Departs 9:00 am
  • Returns 5:00 pm (approx)

What’s included

Not included

  • Entrance to attractions

  • Lunch

  • Optional gratuitues

Our service

  • Over 400 5-star reviews

  • Book direct for the best rate

  • We’ll guide you through the places we visit

  • Guaranteed tour departure
  • Reschedule at any time if your plans change

  • Instant confirmation of your booking

  • Customisable itineraries and flexible routes
  • We support Trees For Life to help offset the carbon footprint of your tour

At one time Edinburgh was a hive of whisky production, with more than 80 distilleries producing the amber nectar. By the late 1900s all but one had disappeared. However recently, there has been a resurgence in demand for premium Scotch whisky and as a result, there are two relatively new entrants back on the scene.

This tour visits the historic Glenkinchie Distillery, a short journey from the city and a haven for whisky lovers. Then, we return to the city to sample the two newcomers’ product, with lunch at a specialist whisky bar in Leith.

Finish the day at the new multi-award winning Johnnie Walker Princes Street. This castle of Whisky offers a quirky and theatrical insight into the history of the iconic brand, finishing at the Sky Bar with panoramic views over Edinburgh.

Of course, the most important part of any whisky tour is your ‘designated driver’ to whisk you between distilleries  and show you some of the sights and stories on the road.


This bespoke luxury private tour of Scotland is hosted by your knowledgable, friendly local tour guide. We'll tell you the history, folklore and stories, really bringing the places and landscapes to life! We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.

All our tours are conducted in luxury Mercedes-Benz V Class minivans, with great personal space, sumptuous leather seats, A/C and panoramic windows.

RECOMMENDED SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR …
Glenkinchie Distillery

A hidden gem nestled in the rolling hills of East Lothian, Glenkinchie offers a captivating journey into the world of Lowland single malt whisky. As you step through the doors, you’re greeted by the aroma of barley and the gentle hum of machinery. Their tour takes you through the intricate process of whisky making, from the mashing of barley to the final stages of maturation. You’ll learn about the unique characteristics of Glenkinchie whisky, known for its delicate and floral notes.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the tasting experience, where you can savour the smooth and refined flavours of Glenkinchie’s single malt, overlooking the wild garden which stands testament to their sustainability pledge.

Holyrood Distillery

Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, is a vibrant and innovative distillery. Established in 2019, it marks the city’s first single malt whisky distillery in nearly a century.

The distillery is housed in a beautifully restored railway goods building, offering visitors a unique blend of history and modern craftsmanship.

Beyond whisky, Holyrood Distillery also produces a range of exquisite gins, including their popular “Holyrood Gin.” This contemporary gin pays homage to Edinburgh’s botanical heritage, offering a refreshing and distinctive taste. We’ll spend time in their sample room exploring their new found craft.

Lunch @ Teuchters

Tuchters Landing in Leith is a popular waterfront bar and restaurant named after the Aberdonians, nicknamed “Teuchters,” who would arrive by ferry from Aberdeen. The bar has a nautical theme, with a beautiful waterside setting and a pontoon for outdoor seating. It’s known for its great food, extensive whisky selection, and a wide range of Scottish beers. The menu features classic Scottish dishes as well as fresh seafood. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal and a drink while soaking up the atmosphere of Leith’s historic waterfront.

Port of Leith Distillery

The Port of Leith Distillery is a modern distillery located in the historic port of Leith, Edinburgh.
It’s known for its unique vertical design, where the production process flows from the top floor down to the bottom. This innovative approach offers visitors a unique glimpse into a vertical whisky-making process.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a multi-story interactive experience dedicated to the world’s most popular blended Scotch whisky. Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, it offers visitors a theatrical journey through the history and heritage of Johnnie Walker, from its humble beginnings to its global success. Explore immersive exhibits, taste a variety of whiskies, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the rooftop bar at the end of the tour.

Suggested tour route

November 13, 2024 7:29 pm
  • Distance Instructions

Tour Gallery

Places this tour visits

No two tours are the same, but these are popular places to see on the The Spirit of Edinburgh Private Scotch Whisky Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What about bathroom breaks?2025-05-28T23:43:36+01:00

Absolutely! Almost all of the places we visit have toilets / restrooms. Because this is a private tour, we can stop when you need us to.

When is the payment due for the tour2025-05-13T09:18:14+01:00

For day tours the final balance (plus any extras like admission tickets) is due 24 hours before the tour.

For multi-day tours the final balance is due 30 days before the tour.

What if the weather is bad?2025-05-13T09:18:14+01:00

Our climate is famous for being unpredictable. We provide umbrellas in our vans but if the weather isn’t working in our favour, just wait 5 minutes and it will change! Please don’t rely on the forecast either, it is invariably wrong!

What should I wear during my tour2025-05-13T09:18:17+01:00

We recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket and shoes suitable for walking over rough ground / cobbles, especially if visiting rural locations! Other than that, just bring yourself!

Can I amend the tour itinerary2025-05-14T22:57:51+01:00

Absolutely! Please contact us if you’d like to make an amendment to one of our suggested itineraries or would like a customised tour.

Is it possible to end my tour in any another location2026-08-17T09:01:27+01:00

Yes, we can end the tour in a different location from the start point. Please let us know if this is what you need. For locations further than 50 miles from the start point there maybe a charge.

What Vehicle do you use?2025-12-18T00:22:29+00:00

We use Mercedes-Benz V Class minivans. They are modern, luxurious and safe vehicles with a Euro N-Cap rating of 5 stars. They come with privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof, reclining leather seats, dual-zone air conditioning and unlimited high-speed WiFi. Learn more about our vehicles.

How many people can go on tour?2025-05-13T09:18:22+01:00

Our Mercedes V Class minivans come in two configurations, a 6 passenger version and a 7 passenger version.

Do you pick up from the Airport2025-05-13T09:18:22+01:00

Yes, we can meet you at the airport and have plenty of space for baggage.

Do you pick up from cruise ships2025-05-13T09:35:21+01:00

Yes, most of our tours are suitable for cruise ship shore excursions and we’ll meet you at the quayside.

Can I bring a mobility scooter / wheelchair?2025-05-13T09:35:18+01:00

Yes, our vehicle can accommodate most mobility scoters and wheelchairs. They normally require two people to lift in and out of the vehicle so one of your party will be needed to help. Note that if there is a scooter then the baggage space is limited.

Can I bring pets?2025-05-13T09:35:14+01:00

Support animals are welcome onboard however we typically ask for them to stay on the floor of the vehicle.

What is included in the price of the tour?2025-05-13T09:35:12+01:00

The total price of your tour includes your tour guide, use of our luxury minivans, the fuel, tolls and parking charges and insurances. Entrance to attractions etc is on top but we can manage that for you and add it to the invoice.

What language is the tour in?2025-05-13T09:35:10+01:00

All tours are conducted in English

Do we stop for lunch on tour?2025-05-13T09:35:07+01:00

Yes, there are a range of different options on each trip, from a historic tavern to a quaint cafe or bakery. We’ll make reservations to ensure that our lunch stop is quick and tasty!

How do I contact my guide?2025-05-13T09:35:04+01:00

A few days before the trip we’ll provide the guides contact details encase you need to contact them on the day of your tour

Will other people join the tour?2025-05-13T09:34:59+01:00

No, all of our tours are private so your party will be the only people on the tour.

Does the guide take us into attractions?2025-05-14T08:49:13+01:00

Yes, we will guide you through attractions and monuments as part of our service. This is not possible at The Royal Yacht Britannia or Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Recent Customer Testimonials

  • Peter C

    5 star review

    A wonderful day touring the Forth Valley with Calais, our amazing local guide. In addition to the landscape and attractions we were entertained by Calais with his knowledge and insight.

    Feedback from April 2026

  • Trip10642911480

    5 star review

    We had a fantastic and informative tour with Calais to Lindisfarne and Alnwick Castle. Calais was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the experience both fun and memorable. The scenery and history were incredible—definitely a highlight of our trip.

    Feedback from April 2026

  • Will W

    5 star review

    We booked this tour based on the recommendation of an Edinburgh local. It was easily one of the biggest highlights of our trip. Sandy was extremely helpful and crafted a personalized tour based specifically on our group (2 adults, 3 kids, 2 grandparents). He was very responsive via email and [...]

    Feedback from March 2026

  • Heather

    5 star review

    We had a lovely time with our tour. The tour was so informative, and very well suited to our group. The vans were very comfortable. I had trouble walking, and they were fantastic getting us up to each location, ensuring I could see everything. I highly recommend this company.

    Feedback from March 2026

Our service

We’re a luxury private tour company, with passionate local guides, Mercedes minivans and customised itineraries

Professional, local tour guides

We are a small team of SITOA accredited professional tour guides. We are passionate about Scotland and your experience.

Luxury Mercedes minivans

Our premium Mercedes-Benz V Class minivans come with reclining leather seats, AC, Panoramic sunroofs and WiFi.

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