From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This full-day tour costs $126 per person and lasts approximately 9.5 hours.
• Highlights: Experience iconic Highland views, visit Dunkeld Cathedral, Black Linn Falls, and Queen’s View at Loch Tummel.
• Whisky Tasting: Enjoy an exclusive whisky tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, with an alternative visit to Glenturret Distillery if Dewar’s is closed.
• Stops and Towns: Explore the charming towns of Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and Aberfeldy, with time for shopping and lunch.
• Guides: This tour is led by knowledgeable guides praised for their storytelling and enthusiasm, making every stop engaging.
• Group Size: The trip is conducted in a small group setting, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.
• Accessibility and Booking: Children under 5 are not suitable; free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands in Comfort

This full-day trip from Edinburgh is offered at $126 per person, providing a comprehensive glimpse of the Highlands’ stunning scenery, historic sites, and whisky culture. The tour lasts 9.5 hours, making it ideal for those wanting to experience a rich variety of Scottish sights without feeling rushed. The journey begins at the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre and includes round-trip transportation in a minibus with a driver and guide, who animate the trip with stories, facts, and music.

Scenic Drive and Iconic Highland Landscapes

The route takes travelers over the Forth Road Bridge before arriving at the Highland Fault line, where the scenery shifts from lowlands to lush, forested hills. The journey offers plenty of opportunities for photographs — especially during stops at key viewpoints like Queen’s View at Loch Tummel, where the views of Schiehallion and surrounding mountains are particularly striking.

Exploring Dunkeld and the River Tay

One of the first stops is Dunkeld, a historic cathedral town on the banks of the River Tay. Here, visitors can walk inside the Dunkeld Cathedral or explore the charming streets. The stop often includes a photo opportunity, thanks to the town’s picturesque setting. Nearby, a woodland trail leads to Black Linn Falls, where a walk reveals the power of falling water amidst tranquil forest surroundings.

Discovering Pitlochry and Its Quaint Charm

Following Dunkeld, the tour moves into Pitlochry, a Victorian resort town with a reputation for scenic beauty and lively shops. Travelers typically have about an hour here to browse local stores, grab a snack, or simply enjoy the village atmosphere. The location is perfect for a leisurely lunch and a bit of shopping before continuing the journey.

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Visiting Queen’s View and the Surrounding Mountains

Next, the tour stops at Queen’s View at Loch Tummel, renowned for its panoramic vistas of the loch and Schiehallion. On clear days, this spot offers some of the most breathtaking views of the region’s mountains and valleys. The guide often shares stories about the history and significance of this viewpoint, adding depth to the experience.

Dewar’s Whisky Experience and Alternative Distillery

A highlight for many is the visit to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, where a guided tour reveals the whisky-making process, from malting barley to aging in oak casks. Visitors enjoy a whisky tasting as part of the experience, savoring a wee dram of Scotland’s national drink. If Dewar’s is closed, the group visits Glenturret Distillery instead, ensuring that the whisky experience remains a key part of the day.

Town of Aberfeldy and Leisure Time

The tour includes a stop in Aberfeldy, a charming town that offers a chance for shopping or a short walk. The stops are timed to give enough flexibility to explore, take photos, or enjoy a quick coffee before moving on to the next highlight.

Return to Edinburgh with Scenic Views

The return leg of the journey takes travelers back over scenic routes, ending at the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre in Edinburgh. The tour wraps up around evening, providing a full yet relaxed day of sightseeing, storytelling, and whisky tasting in one convenient trip.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

This tour is suitable for those aged 5 and above, offering a small group setting for more personalized attention. The driver/guide is praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to make the journey engaging. Booking is flexible with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour date, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep plans adaptable.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

Travelers interested in scenic landscapes, historic towns, and Scottish whisky will find this tour particularly rewarding. The mixture of outdoor walks, cultural sights, and whisky tasting offers a well-rounded experience. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ storytelling skills and the beautiful stops, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive Highland day trip from Edinburgh.

Final Thoughts on the Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting

This 9.5-hour tour balances scenic drives, historic exploration, and whisky appreciation at an accessible price point. The inclusion of stops like Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and Queen’s View ensures travelers see the best of the region’s natural beauty and culture. The whisky tasting at Dewar’s or Glenturret adds a special touch for enthusiasts.

The tour is ideal for small groups, led by guides celebrated for their storytelling and enthusiasm. While the pace is manageable, some outdoor walking is involved at stops like Black Linn Falls and Dunkeld, so comfortable footwear is recommended. This trip offers a trustworthy, enjoyable way to experience the Scottish Highlands without the hassle of driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 years are not recommended to join this tour.

What is included in the price?
The round-trip transportation, driver/guide, entry to Dewar’s Whisky Distillery, and whisky tasting are included.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included; there are stops in Pitlochry for shopping and eating.

What if Dewar’s Distillery is closed?
In such cases, the visit is replaced with a tour of Glenturret Distillery.

How long is the walking involved?
The tour includes short walks at stops such as Black Linn Falls and Dunkeld, with manageable outdoor activity.

What makes this tour stand out?
The mix of scenic views, historic sites, and a whisky tasting session at a renowned distillery, combined with excellent guides and small group comfort.

How do the reviews rate this tour?
With a 4.7 out of 5 based on 553 reviews, travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and beautiful stops.

Is this tour accessible?
It is not explicitly specified, but the stops involve outdoor walking, so some mobility considerations may apply.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are available through GetYourGuide, with options for flexible booking and free cancellation.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby