edinburgh whisky tours scotland

9 of the Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh 2024

Have you been wondering about the best whisky tours from edinburgh i’ve got you covered.

I’ve been living in Europe for a few years now and I can’t help but be drawn to Scotland’s whisky culture. From touring the distilleries to learning about the fascinating history that makes Scotch whisky so unique, nothing beats spending time in Edinburgh. After talking with so many fellow travelers looking to take a whisky tour from Edinburgh, I started to realize that there is simply too much choice out there. With all of these different operators offering tours, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why I’m here to help! Having spent a lot of time researching and taking Whisky Tours from Edinburgh, I’m confident that I can offer valuable advice on which tours are worth your time and money. So if you’re looking for an amazing whisky experience – look no further! Through this article you’ll find everything you need to choose the perfect whisky tour from Edinburgh, whether it’s a single malt tasting or a distillery tour with friends. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

Introduction To Whisky

• Old Town Edinburgh
• Four drams of whisky Included

Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour

• Tour two distilleries
• Small group tour

Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh

• Entry – 5 Distilleries
• Accomodation included

9 of the Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

1. 90-minute introduction to whisky in the old town of edinburgh.

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes| ✅ Book it!

Scotland is known for its long history of whisky, and if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, going on a Whisky tasting tour is a must-try. In this 90-minute introduction to Whisky tour, you will be visiting an underground space in the Old Town of Edinburgh where you will be tasting four drams of Whisky. 

The whiskeys included in this tour come from different regional distilleries. During the tour, you will also walk through Edinburgh streets to learn how these drinks are made. 

“Really enjoyed the chance to sample whiskies I’ve never tried before. Our tasting guide was very knowledgeable about all the whiskies and what differentiated each from the rest. I’ve been a Scotch lover for over 50 years, and still learned a few new things about scotch and found a couple of new labels to add to my collection.” -Dennis_M

This is just one among the many whisky-tasting Edinburgh offers. But what makes this an ideal tour is that it gives a quick introduction to the world of whisky, including its creation process and how Scotch whisky is one of the finest in the world. 

When you arrive at the underground space where the tasting tour will take place, you will be welcomed by your guide and a whisky expert who will let you taste four different whiskies. These 4 drams of Whisky run on different levels, each offering a different experience. 

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Time Varies at the Code Pod – The Court (Parliament Square Edinburgh)
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Includes: Alcoholic Beverages, Experienced Local Guide

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 9 hours  | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy a day in Scottland as you treat yourself to a full-day Whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh. This 9-hour Malt Whisky Day tour will take you to the Scottish lowlands, where the whisky-producing region is. You will visit known distilleries such as the Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery. 

At these distilleries, you will enjoy informative tasting sessions and tours. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Scottish whisky production while admiring Loch Lomond’s beauty. 

This small group tour lets you have a more personalised experience and be away from the crowd. 

“We wanted to get out of the city a little and this was perfect! We got some tidbits of the area history, 2 Distilleries and a great stop at Oak Tree Inn for a beautiful lunch. Andrew was an amazing host, answering all our questions. Thank you!” -Kayte_E

Among the many Malt Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh, this tour focuses on two famous distilleries in the Scottish lowlands. After meeting your guide in Edinburgh city centre, you will travel west. During the ride, your guide will also share information about Scotland’s most famous drink. 

The first stop of this tour will be at Glengoyne Distillery in Dumgoyne. This distillery is known for its distillation process, as it is one of the slowest in the world. They believe that this makes the art of whisky-making better. Here, you’ll tour their grounds and learn about their complex production process from the expert.

The next stop will be at the Trossachs National Park, where you’ll see scenic forest-covered terrain and dramatic mountains. This is near Loch Lomond, where a hearty pub is located (you can get lunch here at your own expense). 

Afterwards, you will head to Deanston Distillery, a converted cotton mill in River Teith. This is the most environmentally friendly distillery in Scotland. Here, you can enjoy two types of single malt whiskies and have fun discovering the hints of different flavours. 

• Start Time (and location): 9:30 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Duration: 9 hours
• Includes:  Admission fees – Tour and Whisky tastings at Glengoyne and Deanston Distilleries included, Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

3. 3-Day Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!

Get to be part of the ultimate whisky experience from Edinburgh when you join this 3-day Speyside Whisky Tour. This whisky tour, in particular, lets you experience the best of Scotland’s central whisky-producing region while you visit four renowned distilleries. 

As you wind through the scenic Cairngorm National Park, your small group tour will visit Londores Abbey, Dalwhinne and Cardhu Distillery. You will learn about their unique process of creating Scotch whine at each distillery and taste their own version of malt whisky. 

Since you will be travelling and going on distillery tours from Edinburgh for three days, accommodation in the quaint village of Grantown-on-Spey is already included in the tour. 

“The tour was everything I hoped it would be! Dan Young, our guide, was excellent – knowledgeable alike on the history of Scotland as on the history of Scotch. Well-spoken, and great stories. Wonderful driving scenery; and excellently-chosen distilleries for the stops – each unique in its offerings of tours, whisky-making philosophy and lore. Highly recommended!”-Ramuh_H

This 3-day adventure begins in Edinburgh, where you will meet your guide and a small group of whiskey lovers. After setting off in the morning, you will head to Speyside, Scotland, home to more than 40 distilleries. 

Along the way, you can enjoy learning about single malt whisky and Scotland from your tour guide. There will also be scenic roads before you reach your first stop of the day – Lindores Abbey Distillery.

The tour and tasting in this distillery are already included in the tour, so all you have to do here is enjoy tasting a sample of a dram while learning about the drink’s history.

The next stop of the day is at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, where you can sample the delights of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. On your second day, you will explore Speyside, including a visit to Glen Moray Distillery, Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre and Cardhu Distillery. 

The last day of this 3-day  distillery tour from Edinburgh features a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery and Cairngorms National Park, the tour’s previous stop. Here, you can have your lunch and get up close to nature while you walk in a fantastic woodland amidst the tallest trees in Britain. 

• Start Time (and location): 8:45 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Duration: 3 days 
• Includes:  Admission Fees: Includes entry to 5 Distilleries, two nights overnight accommodation, breakfast, and private facilities. Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

4. Holyrood Distillery Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book it!

If you’re short on time and still want to experience Scotland’s distillery tours, this Holyrood Distillery tour is something you can consider. Holyrood Distillery is well-known in Scotland and is even an award-winning distillery and Scottish Attraction.

You can enjoy a guided flavour-forward experience here as you learn how gin and whiskey are made. Whether it may be through the traditional or innovative method, Holyrood Distillery will show you how their craft has made them one of the best distilleries in Scotland. 

“Marcos gave a thoughtful and engaging presentation on the young distillery’s approach. Along the way we got multiple tasty samples. Only wish we could get their Funky gin in the US!”-Neil_B

This Holyrood Distillery Tour only lasts for an hour, so it’s great for those who are short in time but want to go on a whiskey-tasting trip from Edinburgh. This tour already includes a guided experiential tour in a three-floored gin and whisky distillery and a tasting bar experience at the end of the tour. 

You will also have the chance to look around the distillery’s shop and have the option to get your bottle of gin or whiskey to enjoy back home. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Holyrood Distillery 
• Duration: 1 hour
• Includes:  Alcoholic Beverages

5. Whisky And Folklore In Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Discover a bespoke whiskey lounge built by Scottish locals just for tourists to experience what it’s like to be part of an intimate whisky-tasting event in Edinburgh.

During this Single scotch whisky experience, you will be sampling four single malt whiskies from four different whisky-producing regions of Scotland while seated in the comfort of a lounge. 

Aside from the whisky tasting, your hosts will also make the experience more engaging by sharing the stories and secrets of Scotch whisky-making.

Plus, this whisky and folklore tour highlights the chance to taste the difference between Scottish highland and lowland whisky with your taste buds and the help of an expert guide. 

“We had a wonderful time during this whisky tasting and folklore. Our guide, Ben, was fabulous. He was funny, knowledgeable about whisky and truly brought the folklore to life through his talented story telling. Definitely recommend this tour if you are in Edinburgh!!!” – Batsheva_K 

Before heading to the bespoke whiskey lounge, you will first have a short walk through the city before entering the bar reserved just for your group. Once you enter the bespoke lounge, you will have the place all to your own, which lets you experience an intimate whiskey tasting trip. 

During the duration of the tour, you will be learning from an expert all about Scottland’s whiskey while also trying four outstanding Single Malt Scotch from the major whisky-producing regions of the country. 

The whiskies you try will range from the relatively delicate and subtle flavours from the lowlands to Islay’s robust and bold tastes. The highlight of this tour includes the storytelling tradition that centres around the idea of people coming together while enjoying good whisky in a cosy place. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Hot Toddy 
• Duration: 2 hours
• Includes: Expert guide, whisky enthusiast and storyteller, Drink alternatives are available upon request for those who do not drink whisky, Alcoholic Beverages  

6. The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction To Whisky

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 50 minutes | ✅ Book it!

For a comprehensive introduction to Whisky in Scotland, this guided whisky walking tour in Edinburgh is an ideal choice if you first want to get an overview of Scotland’s national drink. Compared to the other whisky tours from Edinburgh, this tour highlights lessons and sharing whisky information. 

Learn about how Scotland’s regions come to create the Scottish drink and how the weather affects the flavour of your glasses.

During a guided tasting session, you will also view one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections inside the Scotch Whisky Experience. This is a family-friendly experience, as 18-year-olds and under are still welcome to join.

“I enjoy this tour. It covered a lot of information about whiskey that I didn’t know. I loved the interactive experience with the scratch and sniff cards to find which type of whiskey I would prefer. They did a very good job putting together a informative experience tour.”-Kathleen_E

This tour will take place at the Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle. Inside the area, you will be guided through and introduced to the world of whiskey. 

A guide will share information and stories about the process of making and the history of Whiskey while you tour around to view an extensive collection of Whiskey in the area. Throughout the tour, you can also learn about the five whisky-producing regions and secrets of single-malt Scotch production. 

This tour also includes a tasting of Scotch whisky (or non-alcoholic beverages for non-drinkers) at the end of the tour. No worries because audio guides of at least 20 languages are available, and at the end, you will be given a gift of a crystal whisky-tasting glass as your souvenir. 

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at The Scotch Whisky Experience
• Duration: 50 minutes 
• Includes: Dram of Scotch whisky, audio guides in 20 languages, Expert whisky guide, Crystal Whisky Glass souvenir

7. Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Book it!

Get away from Edinburgh and travel to Scotland’s rugged countryside to enjoy a whisky tour with a small group. You will be visiting the hilly lowlands and forested highlands of Scotland, where you’ll find the best distilleries in the country.

This tour also lets you see and admire the beauty of nature as you pass by and make time to visit waterfalls, rivers and lochs. You will then proceed with the whisky tour in quaint towns where you can enjoy tastings and discover distilleries while soaking up the stunning Scottish landscape.  

“A lovely full day. Really kind and informative guide (such a treat to be driven everywhere and learn and laugh along the way). The Scottish scenery was beyond beautiful. We really enjoyed our lunch in the small town of Pitlochry and the distillery, Aberfeldy, was also an awesome experience.” – Teva_H 

The full-day excursion starts at Edinburgh, where you will meet your guide and fellow tour joiners. You will then travel through the countryside and cross the Forth Road Bridge, one of the longest cantilever bridges. 

As you make your way through the lowlands and highlands, you can enjoy the scenic landscapes of Scotland while your guide shares exciting stories. You’ll mainly be traversing through mountains, thick forests, and farmland before you reach your first destination. 

The first stop is at the Hermitage Woodland Walk, where you will walk through the dense woodland to see the waterfalls. After your nature walks, you will head to the Queen’s View, the favourite queen’s view. 

Afterwards, you will visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery or Glenturret Distillery, where you will learn more about whisky. Your guide will share the process of making whisky and how this distillery has a different method. 

• Start Time (and location):  9:00 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station
• Duration: 10 hours 
• Includes:  Admission Fee: Tour & Tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy, Distillery Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

8. The Ultimate Whisky Experience From Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours| ✅ Book it !

Another ultimate whisky experience from Edinburgh you can join is this 10-hour whisky distillery Edinburgh tour. You will travel to the Scottish Highlands from the city centre to get a taste of Scotch whiskies and have the whole day learning about the famous drink. 

This tour proudly offers a visit to unique destinations often missed by tourists. Between each distillery visit, you will also be making a side trip to see and explore the nature and landscape of Scotland. 

“This was a great day trip – gorgeous countryside, excellent distillery tour’s and tastings and all very informative. Our guide prepped us with background on Scottish whiskey and also Scottish history. Definitely recommend.”-Victor_P

This tour is ideal if you want to spend your day in Edinburgh and explore the countryside while tasting good whisky. As you make your way to the highlands, you will enjoy a commentary from your guide in the minibus and see the scenic route you will be taking.

Before reaching the first Distillery you will visit, you will pass by South Queensferry, where you can take great photos of the famous bridge.

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery will be the first stop of this full-day tour, a renowned crafted whisky producer since 1898. You will have a full time of their warehouse and interactive heritage exhibition, plus a taste of Aberfeldy’s 12-year-old single malt whisky. 

You will also head to Glenturret Distillery in the afternoon, just outside Crieff. This is the oldest working distillery in Scotland and is still hand-crafting whisky using the last remaining hand-operated mash tun. 

• Start Time (and location): 8:45 AM at Lawnmarket
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

9. Whisky And Highland Waterfalls Day Trip From Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour combines two must-try experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland – a whisky tour experience and a highland waterfall day trip. During the journey, you will traverse the Scottish Highlands to enjoy a day at a distillery and marvel at the majesty of Loch Lomong and Trossachs National Park. 

Meanwhile, at the Glenturret Distillery, you will tour their warehouse, learn about their whisky-making process, and sample some of their malt whiskies. The tour ends with a visit to the Hermitage forest and the village of Dunkeld. 

“Dusty was a great guide. We had a wonderful time. He was very informative and gave us recommendations on places to eat. Our trip to the distillery was just the right amount of time. The waterfall was less than impressive but the walk in nature was very nice.”-Lenora_S

The trip begins with an early meet-up at Edinburgh with your small group tour and guide. From there, you will head to the National Wallace Monument, passing by spectacular views and landmarks such as the Stirling Castle.  

You will also be heading to admire the natural and cultural sights like Loch Earn and Loch Lomond and then make your way to visit Trossachs National Park.

The next stop of the tour is at the famous Glenturret whisky distillery. Here, you can sample a dram of whisky straight from its cask and learn about its traditional methods to produce single malt. 

The trip continues to the Hermitage, where you will stroll through lined paths and see the Braan River and Black Linn Falls. You’ll end the tour with a walk in nature, heading to the village of Dunkeld, where the famous Dunkeld Cathedral is located.  

• Start Time (and location): Time varies at Edinburgh Bus Station 
• Includes: Local Scottish English Speaking Guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

FAQs About whiskey tours from edinburgh

How long is the whisky tour in edinburgh.

A whisky tour in Edinburgh typically lasts around 1-3 hours, but can vary depending on the length of the guided part of the tour.

Visitors can expect to sample a variety of different whiskies, learn about their history and production process, and even find out more about Scotland’s whisky culture.

Of course, guests will also have plenty of opportunity to purchase bottles and other whisky-related merchandise while on the tour.

what is the most famous distillery in edinburgh?

Edinburgh is home to several renowned whisky distilleries, but the most famous of all is undoubtedly the Glenkinchie Distillery.

Located in Pencaitland, just outside of Edinburgh, it is one of only six distilleries in Scotland that make Scotch whisky.

The unique pale malt used in their whisky gives it a distinctive flavour and the distillery offers tours every day so you can learn more about how Scotch whisky is made.

So if you’re looking for the most famous distillery in Edinburgh, look no further than Glenkinchie!

is edinburgh known for whiskey?

Edinburgh is known for its whiskey, in particular Scotch whisky. The city has a long-standing tradition of whisky distilling and there are several whisky distilleries in the area.

Even within the city itself, there are several pubs and bars that serve Scotch whiskies from around Scotland. Edinburgh is a great place to visit for anyone looking to sample some of Scotland’s top tipple!

What is the best whisky distillery tour in Scotland

Whisky distilleries in Scotland offer some of the most interesting, unique, and educational tours in the world.

Some of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland are offered by Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry, Glenkinchie Distillery near Edinburgh, The Macallan Distillery in Speyside, and The Oban Distillery on the west coast.

Each of these distilleries offers a variety of tour options for whisky enthusiasts to gain an insight into how traditional Scotch whisky is made. From a guided tour of the production facilities to an exclusive tasting with a master distiller, there is something for everyone.

Visitors can also buy bottles from the gift shop or sample their own blend after visiting one of these incredible distilleries.

No matter which distillery you choose to visit, you will be sure to have a memorable experience that will ignite your passion for whisky even further.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day out exploring Scotland’s rich whisky heritage then any one of these four fantastic whisky distilleries is sure to provide it!

Final Thoughts: whisky tours in edinburgh

Whisky tours from Edinburgh are an exciting and unique way to experience Scotland. From the Highlands to Lowlands, you can visit a variety of distilleries and be immersed in the culture and history behind Scotland’s national drink.

So why not make the most of your time here and book one of these amazing whisky tours? With knowledgeable local guides, you’ll get to sample some of the finest whisky Scotland has to offer!

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Best Whisky Tours in Edinburgh: Distilleries, Experiences & Tastings

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Immerse yourself in educational yet entertaining whisky tours in Edinbugrh that teach visitors about the scotch production process, from malting and fermentation to distillation and ageing. Use all five senses, taking in flavours, aromas, and textures that bring Scotland’s water of life alive during the following distilleries, fun experiences, and whisky-tasting sessions!

Note: In Scotland, whisky is without the “e”. Whiskey is the Ireland and US spelling.

You may also enjoy our guide to gin tours in Edinburgh and whisky excursions in Scotland .

Whisky Distillery Tours in Edinburgh

Holyrood distillery for a local single malt.

Holyrood Distillery (19 St Leonard’s Ln) first opened the doors to its century-old Engine Shed in 2017, making it the first distillery in Edinburgh to produce single malt since 1925!

Learn about the vision of the founders, Rob and Kelly Carpenter and former Macallan master distiller David Robertson, and the process of making whisky during this 1-hour tour .

Visitors can also try four different drams, from new age to mature, the latter being launched in October 2023!

Holyrood Whisky Distillery is located close to the Royal Mile in the Old Town , perfect for those who don’t want to travel too far from the City Centre.

Reserve your spot  here .

Note: Most of the tours in our Edinburgh whisky experience guide require proof of age, as drinking participants are required by law to be over the age of 18.

• Duration 1 hour
• Drinks included: Yes

Pory of Leith Distillery For a Unique Take

Port of Leith Distillery (11 Whisky Quay) is the UK’s first vertical distillery located in the lively neighbourhood of Leith , which can be reached by foot, bus, and tram.

Leith is steeped in whisky heritage, dating back to 1822 when it received one of only six licences to store whisky.

Today, visitors can join this 1.5-hour tour , which includes visiting the copper stills on the ground floor, a tasting session, and the opportunity to fill your own 10ml bottle of the Port of Leith Distillery spirit.

Be sure to make time for a drink and snacks at the rooftop bar on floors eight and nine, which has floor-to-ceiling windows to the Firth of Forth and Leith skyline – an Ev Ed favourite!

This Edinburgh whisky distillery tour stipulates no high-heeled shoes.

• Duration: 1 hour

Whisky Experiences in Edinburgh

The scotch whisky experience – the city’s first whisky attraction.

The original whisky museum operating since 1988, The Scotch Whisky Experience (354 Castlehill), knows how to educate while entertaining visitors on the Royal Mile.

There are two tour options.

The 50-minute tour is ideal for those looking for a quick introduction to the nation’s drink and features a guided tour with one dram.

The 75-minute tour provides the same tour but with four single-malt whiskies.

The tour includes a ride in a barrel, beautifully shot movies with footage from the five whisky-producing regions, a lesson in the Blenders’ Sample Room, and the cherry on top is a walk through one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky, which has nearly 3,500 individual bottles.

Tour guests also receive a crystal glass to take home; we still use ours!

Reserve your spot h e r e .

• Duration: 50 mins or 75 mins

Johnnie Walker Princes Street For a Multi-Sensory Tour

Even as a non-whisky drinker, I thoroughly enjoyed this 1.5-hour tour in Edinburgh’s West End .

Johnnie Walker Princes Street (145 Princes St) offers a super modern experience starting with a taste test and a narrated story featuring Walker.

A professional and passionate guide then introduces the different stages of the Johnnie Walker whisky process, which is spread out over several diverse rooms, two of which give plenty of scope for trying neat whisky or highball cocktails; the latter was my preference.

If you have time, reserve a table at the rooftop bar, which also has an outside patio with views over Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.

After doing this tour ourselves, we have purchased gift vouchers for multiple family members, again not all of whom are huge whisky fans.

• Duration: 1.5 hours

Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh

Royal mile whisky tasting in a pub.

If the sound of a distillery tour sounds too daunting and an experience is a little bit too much effort, consider this 2-hour session that marries Scottish storytelling with single malt tasting in one location.

The event takes place in the upper level of a coffee/whisky specialist cafe, so the group has a private space to try their hand at sampling four whiskies and taking notes about each dram.

This is one of the best whisky-tasting tours in Edinburgh for couples and groups where some members don’t enjoy whisky, as they can request alternatives or non-alcoholic beverages.

• Duration: 2 hours

Small Group Whisky Walking Tour

Do you prefer to be on your feet while learning about the history of Uisge Beatha and its significance in Edinburgh?

This 2-hour tour follows in the footsteps of royalty, King James IV, who is said to have put whisky on the map, allowing Scotland’s capital to have a monopoly in its production.

The tour takes guests around the Old Town before concluding in the cosy Megget’s Cellar for a four-dram tasting session, which customers love.

Underground Tasting Session

Did you know that Edinburgh has a city that lies beneath the cobbled streets of the Old Town ?

This 1.5-hour tasting tour invites guests to join them in an underground vault to try whiskies from four of the producing regions of the country.

Eager whisky aficionados can upgrade to the five-tasting session, which features more rare options.

Private Whisky Tour

This 3-hour tour is completely personalised to your taste and is delivered by a professional tour guide who knows Edinburgh as much as they understand malt!

The price includes a walking tour, a visit to a whisky cellar, and four whisky samples.

Reserve your spot  here .

If you are serious about scotch, check out these 1-4 whisky day tours too.

• Duration: 3 hours

Final Words

In wrapping up our guide to the top scotch tours in Edinburgh, we’ve uncovered the city’s rich whisky heritage through its new distilleries, sampling sessions, and unique storytelling.

Don’t forget to say Slàinte Mhath with every cheers !

Which of the tours will you choose? Tell us in the comments.

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We’re not just here for whisky drinkers, we’re here for those looking to try something new. Come on in to Johnnie Walker Princes Street for five-star tours, immersive tastings, rooftop bars, astonishing views of Edinburgh Castle, expertly crafted cocktails, locally sourced cuisine, an outstanding store, and amazing spaces you can hire, all in one unique building right in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Whether you’re a whisky fan or not, this five-star experience will go beyond expectations with interactive projections, live performances and three cocktails specially made to match your flavour profile. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

Join us in our top floor Explorers' Bothy bar for a top tier whisky tasting. Led by our specialist, you’ll enjoy a curated exploration of five extraordinary Scottish whiskies, each matured for a minimum of 12 years.

Come experience STIR, an exclusive cocktails and cuisine collaboration launched with James & Maria Close of the two Michelin starred restaurant Raby Hunt. Try the new menu accompanied by a live jazz band.

Join us for a special tutored tasting of four iconic Johnnie Walker whiskies, each accompanied by a luxury chocolate truffle. Guided by our whisky experts.

Step into our unique underground cellar and enjoy exceptional whiskies taken straight from the cask, including our exclusive Johnnie Walker Princes Street expression made right here.

Discover the legends behind the label as our expert Archivist takes you through the inspiring story of John Walker and sons, served with a cocktail and an immersive performance.

Discover the beautifully balanced flavours of two remarkable Johnnie Walker whiskies in a new 45 minute sensory experience.

Discover the best tours, immersive experiences, and more. Perfect for locals and visitors alike, our selection has something for everyone. Start exploring now and make unforgettable memories in Edinburgh.

Awarded a 5* visitor attraction by VisitScotland

Rated 5* on TripAdvisor

“This experience is like no other whisky tour, it's on a completely different level...Well worth the money. Would highly recommend it.”

“The rooftop views over Edinburgh were awesome!”

rooftop bars

The 1820 rooftop bar.

Break tradition and treat your tastebuds with our contemporary menu. Served in our 1820 rooftop bar, enjoy delicious drinks and dishes with views of Edinburgh Castle. Explore the menu and book your table today.

The Explorers' Bothy

Come experience STIR, where Michelin star cuisine meets world-class mixology. Exclusive to our Explorers' Bothy bar, this must-try tasting experience serves exceptional whisky cocktails alongside small pairing plates created by two Michelin Star chefs. Book your experience now and have your senses stirred.

Join us in the Explorers' Bothy bar from 7pm-10pm on Fridays & Saturdays to sip world-class cocktails while you listen to the sultry tones from guest artists and a live band.

Discover this limited edition, experimental blend, exclusive to Johnnie Walker Princes Street during this guided whisky tasting experience. This whisky has been distilled using craft and heritage, finished in American oak casks in the cellar of Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

We’d like to invite you to a unique edition of this experience. Join us for a 90-minute tutored tasting led by a whisky specialist, with assistance from British Sign Language interpreters from Deaf Action.

Browse our range of special events, tastings and experiences at Johnnie Walker Princes Street to find the perfect one for you.

Shop at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Visit our retail area on the ground floor at Johnnie Walker Princes Street to discover limited edition whiskies, clothing and merchandise that you won't find anywhere else. You can even bottle your own whisky from our seasonal blends and engrave your own message. Perfect for a gift or memento of your visit.

Plan Your Visit

Check out our opening hours, location, accessibility information and FAQs to start planning your visit.

Stride into our world

Join our community of whisky explorers and stride into the world of Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

Thank You For Choosing To Make Every Sip a Story.

This is just the first step to a whole new whisky experience. We're glad to have you on board. Keep walking.

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Visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh for immersive experiences, unique personalised gifts or mementos and exclusive cocktails and cuisine, served with exceptional views of Edinburgh Castle from our rooftop bar.

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We're here whenever you're ready to take the plunge with Johnnie Walker and discover cocktail recipes, new product launches and the latest from our world of whisky.

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Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh

Taste the spirit of scotland on a day trip from edinburgh, where in scotland do you want to go.

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Those who want to experience our national drink do not have to travel much further than Edinburgh. Base yourself in the capital city and take one day tours to a different distillery every day. There are a few group tours you can hop on or you can tailor-make your own be-spoke private whisky tour. While on tour you will experience the stunning landscapes of the Highlands, Lowlands and Borders. Take a break from the whisky and go to a castle or historic house. Soak in the history and culture! Our guides are passionate about Scotland and the Water of Life. We will tell you all you need to know about whisky. From how to make it, the history, industry and of course how to drink it. Slàinte Mhath! Distilleries within reach of Edinburgh include Glenkinchie, Glenturret, Deanston, Glengoyne, Auchentoshan and Kingbarns. Even within the city of Edinburgh you can go to the Scotch Whisky Experience, Johnnie Walker, Holyrood Distillery and the brand new Leith Distillery. Check out the tours below and start planning your Edinburgh Whisky experience now! 

Group Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

Loch Lomond, Whisky, and Stirling Castle Tour Experience from Edinburgh - 1 Day - 9 hours 30min approx.

Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders and Glenkinchie Tour - 1 Day - 8 Hours approx.

The Ultimate Whisky Tour from Edinburgh - 1 day - 10 hours approx

Private whisky tours from edinburgh.

Highland Whisky Private Tour from Edinburgh - 1 day - 9 hours approx

Glenkinchie Distillery and Johnnie Walker Experience Private Tour from Edinburgh - 1 Day - 8 hours approx.

Private Tour to Blair Castle and Blair Athol Distillery - 1 Day - Duration: 9 hours approx.

Private Tour of Glasgow and Clydeside Distillery from Edinburgh - 1 Day - 7 hours

Private Tour to Stirling Castle, the Trossachs and Loch Lomond - 1 Day - 9-10 hours approx.

Private Tour to St Andrews and Fife - 1 Day - 8 hours approx.

Other distilleries you can add to your itinerary are abefeldy (world of dewars), lindores abbey, tullibardine, borders distillery and eden mill. contact us and plan your edinburgh whisky tour..

Tours by Start City

Scotland tours by type, tours by operator.

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH15 1tq

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EDINBURGH WHISKY TOUR

 Our Edinburgh whisky tour is a fantastic day tour experience!

Secure your space and book our edinburgh whisky tour below..

Edinburgh has a long and rich history, but the city has recently come back into the fore as a top class whisky tourism destination. Join us on a full day or half day tour of Scotland’s capital where you’ll sample the best whisky around.

Edinburgh is a modern and contemporary city, however it has fascinating history and many spirit drinks are a big part in Edinburgh’s growth to one of the most iconic cities in Europe. There are records of whisky being produced in Edinburgh as far back as 1505 with the Guild of Barbers and Surgeons being provided the only licence for distilling whisky in Edinburgh by James IV of Scotland.

Fast forward to 1777 and there were eight licensed stills in Edinburgh, however, as illegal distilling was common practice at the time, there were estimated to be around four hundred illicit stills.

Currently, there are three single malt distilleries in Edinburgh and we have selected Glenkinchie and Holyrood distillery as two stops on your Edinburgh whisky tour. Our selections for your tutored tastings include, but are not limited to the Scotch malt whisky society and Usquabe bar and larder.

FULL DAY ITINERARY

Rain or shine, weekday or weekend, no group too small or large, the one way to guarantee a great time during your stay in Scotland’s capital is to book your Edinburgh whisky tour. 

This is an example itinerary that we use as a guide, but there may be slight adjustments due to availability.

Hotel Pickup & Glenkinchie

Hotel/B&B pickup – 9:00am Glenkinchie – 10:00am – 11:30am

We’ll collect you from your hotel or B&B ready to start your Edinburgh whisky tour at 9:00am sharp. First stop is Glenkinchie Distillery, a Scottish single malt whisky distillery in East Lothian, Scotland. Arguably the best of the six distilleries in the Lowland region. The home of ‘The Edinburgh Malt’ is situated in the picturesque countryside of East Lothian and provides a superb exhibition in the listed red brick buildings. You’ll take part in the Glenkinchie distillery tour and fantastic tasting, guided by a local expert.

Lunch and whisky tasting

12:00pm – 2:00pm.

Our usual stop for lunch and a tutored tasting is the Scottish Malt Whisky Society. The society was formed in 1983 by a group of unconventional ‘water of life’ experts.  Quite different from a distillery tasting, the society exists to present their selected single cask whisky in its purest form, put flavour above all else, while coming up with some very unusual names for each of their bottles. Their motto: “We’re united and constant in our passion – to share the world’s best whiskies, to bring them to life, and to make you proud to belong to the world’s most colourful whisky club.” Due to the connections we have at the society , we can arrange for you or your group to be signed in for a great tasting experience.

Holyrood Distillery

2:30pm – 4:00pm

 Our final stop for your Edinburgh whisky tour is the newly built Holyrood distillery. Holyrood is all about flavour and having a memorable and sensory experience. Not held back by history or traditions, you will learn to read your nose, recognise the power of smell and participate in a practical hands-on distillery tour.

After the excellent distillery tour and tasting with your local distillery guide, we finish the tour around 4:00pm.

Drop off at your accommodation for 4:30pm.

Itinerary same as outlined above that we stick to. However, due to factors out-with our control, it’s very rare that we may have to use other distilleries and places for lunch nearby to Edinburgh. This will be communicated in advance and doesn’t affect the quality of experience.

Full Day Pricing

Our Edinburgh whisky tour is available for individuals or groups of up to 16 people. 

Hotel pick-up & drop off

Comfortable vehicle with driver

Distillery entry

Whisky tasting & guide

At least 3 whiskies per stop

Bottled water on the tour bus

Choose your tour date:

Fully booked on the day you’re visiting Edinburgh? Or have a larger group? Give us a call or email and we’ll see what we can do! 07549839684 or [email protected]

HALF DAY ITINERARY

Looking to take a shorter whisky tour in Edinburgh during your visit?  Why not book our half day whisky tour instead? 

Half Day Tour

Hotel pickup – 9:00am Glenkinchie – 10:00am – 11:30am We’ll collect you from your accommodation and head to Glenkinchie Distillery for a distillery tour and tasting, including four whiskies. This is a 1.5 hour sensory and heritage experience.

Depart Glenkinchie – 12.00pm After the tour ends, we’ll head back to Edinburgh for 12:45. We can sign you in to the Exclusive Malt Whisky Society for lunch, Usquabae bar and larder or drop off at your accommodation.

Half Day Pricing

A half-day Edinburgh whisky tour finishing at midday, perfect when you have less time in the capital.

Pick-up & drop off (Malone’s)

Whisky tasting

Bottled water on tour bus

Fully booked on the day you’re visiting Edinburgh? Or have a larger group? Give us a call or email and we’ll see what we can do! 07549839684 or [email protected]

“This experience was amazing! Euan was very professional and guided us to our two first distilleries in our first visit to Scotland also. 100% recommended!”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your covid-19 policy.

• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience.
• Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas.
• Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.
• Guides required to regularly wash hands.
• Regular temperature checks for staff.

When does the whisky tour run?

The tours run 7 days per week, you’ll see a calendar with date options to choose from. If you’re trying to book a tour within 24 hours of the start date, please call or email to check short notice availability.

Do you offer collection/drop-off at hotels?

The cost of the full day Edinburgh whisky tour includes collection and drop off at your accommodation (within 10 miles of Edinburgh).

If you are further away from Edinburgh, please email us your accommodation address and we can send a personalised quote from there – [email protected]

The half day tour has a pick up and drop off location at Malone’s pub, 242 Morrison Street, Edinburgh.

What's included in the full day tour cost?

Free pickup and drop off from your accommodation or from a location in Edinburgh (within 10 miles). Two stops for whisky distillery tours and tastings – at least 3 whiskies provided per stop. One stop for a tutored tasting – at least 3 whiskies provided. Driver Guide. Bottled water provided in the tour vehicle. Itinerary booked and planned and communicated by text or email. Lunch table booked.

Excluded: Food, extra whisky

What's included in the half day tour cost?

Free pickup and drop off from Malone’s pub, 242 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, One stop for whisky distillery tour and tastings – at least 3 whiskies provided. Driver Guide. Bottled water provided in the tour vehicle. Itinerary booked and planned and communicated by text or email. Lunch table booked at the Exclusive Malt Whisky Society for lunch, Usquabae bar and larder if requested.

What group size is the whisky tour?

This tour is tailored to your unique circumstances. It’s available as a private 1-2-1 your or any group size up to 16 people.

I have another question

If you have any questions not addressed here, please email us at [email protected] or call us on: 07549839684

Sample the best whisky in Edinburgh with WhiskyWheels

Our reviews speak for themselves, our Edinburgh whisky tours are fantastic value for money

We provide bespoke whisky tours in Scotland.

07549 839 684 (UK)

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[email protected]

A Taste of Scotland

A Scottish blend of whisky and cuisine. Fresh from your Platinum whisky tour, you’ll be seated in our award-winning Amber Restaurant to enjoy our renowned Taste of Scotland menu.

Taste of Scotland

This tour is strictly for those aged 18+ years old and is available in English only. Please bring ID.

Buy Taste of Scotland GIFT tickets here.

This tour includes:

The Platinum Tour PLUS

• Our three-course Scottish food experience menu in Amber Restaurant
• A ‘trio’ starter and a ‘trio’ main course, followed by dessert
• A dram of Scotch whisky matched with dessert
• Coffee or tea

The Platinum Tour includes;

• New! – Origins, The Art of Whisky Making, Maturation – an immersive whisky journey!
• Fully guided tour & tasting experience
• Sensory journey through Scotland
• Introduction to the art of blending
• Extended viewing of our world-famous Scotch whisky collection
• Membership of our Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society for 1 year
• A chocolate pairing
• Sample of a deluxe blend or blended malt in addition to 4 regional malt whiskies
• Gift bag which includes crystal whisky tasting glass and distillery map

Fantastic platinum tour with a fantastic selection of Whisky to taste too. We would also recommend the Taste of Scotland meal in Amber afterwards!

Thanks to all involved in our visit to Taste of Scotland Platinum Tour followed by traditional Scottish cuisine. All staff involved, from start to finish, were really pleasant and most informative, a real credit to The Scotch Whisky Experience.

We had the taste of Scotland tasting menu. 2 vegetarian and 1 meat eater. It was perfect. We could not fault it. Excellent flavours and the best meal I have had for a long time. The dessert was perfect - sticky toffee pudding with whisky.

We loved the haggis, vegetarian haggis, honey glazed carrots, tomato basil soup, and sticky toffee pudding for food! We also loved our whisky flight!

I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional quality and taste of the food here—it exceeded all my expectations. Plus, the location is incredibly convenient, just a stone's throw away from Edinburgh Castle. I indulged in some delicious Haggis and sampled a variety of whiskies.

Book our Taste of Scotland Menu

Our Taste of Scotland menu is also available to book on it's own - the perfect end to any of our tours.

Our Tours & Experiences

Tasting tales, the gold tour, the platinum tour, the silver tour, looking for something else, gift tickets, plan your visit, private/group bookings, accessibility.

Sign up for our Newsletter and get 10% off your first tour!

Whisky Tours

Embark on a spirited adventure through the heartlands of Scotch whisky with unforgettable tours to Islay and Campbeltown. Islay, known as the 'Queen of the Hebrides,' offers an unparalleled experience with its famous peaty single malts and a welcoming atmosphere at its ten distinctive distilleries, each with their own unique history and flavours. From the sea-sprayed shores of Lagavulin to the smoky complexity of Laphroaig, whisky enthusiasts can savour tastings that epitomize the island's rich peat bogs. Meanwhile, Campbeltown, once the whisky capital of the world, provides a more intimate experience with its three operating distilleries that maintain a tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. Here, you can explore the heritage of Scotch whisky and enjoy robust drams that reflect the unique maritime climate and local craftsmanship. Together, Islay and Campbeltown tours are not just about tasting whisky; they're about immersing yourself in the culture, history, and landscapes that shape this iconic drink.

Four-Day Islay Whisky Tour

Scottish routes.

This tour takes you to a Scottish island paradise. Islay is home to stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and nine of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries.

Five-Day Ultimate Islay Whisky Tour

The ultimate Islay tour is for those who want to experience as much of Islay as possible. We visit every distillery on the island, taste a range of drams and explore its secret spots.

Islay & Campbeltown Tour

The Islay & Campbeltown Whisky Tour is for those who want to experience 2 incredible whisky regions in Scotland. We visit many distilleries on Islay, at least 2 distilleries in Campbeltown and have an overnight stay in a castle!

Explore and taste whiskey in Scotland with Scottish Routes! Discover the isle of Islay, the Scottish Highlands and the heart of Malt Whisky Country, Speyside, on our whisky tours of Scotland. Book your tour today!

Speyside Whisky Trail 3 day tour

Relax with a dram in Speyside’s finest malt whisky distilleries on this tour from Edinburgh.

Tour Highlights

Lindores Abbey Distillery - The oldest written reference to whisky mentions this location. Sample a dram at the modern distillery and drink in the history.

Dalwhinnie Distillery - Try not to get too light-headed as you sample whisky at Scotland’s highest distillery.

Cairngorms National Park - Gaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks.

Speyside Cooperage* - Learn about the lifecycle of a whisky cask.

Cardhu Distillery* - The first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming

Speyside  With 50 whisky distilleries, this region is the heartland of Scotch whisky production. It also enchants with tranquil rivers, rolling hillsides and wee villages where hospitality is as warm as a dram by the hearth.

Elgin - Visit this spirited town and explore the best little whisky shop in the world.

Royal Deeside - Throughout history, the Royal Family have loved exploring this gorgeous region of Scotland.

Your journey

Join this whisky tour and wake up in a whisky lover’s paradise. This tour takes you to Speyside, home of over half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries. You get the chance to explore four distilleries, learn how whisky is intertwined with Scottish culture, and venture through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park.

Tour Details

Students, and seniors over 60

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Unfortunately, we don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour
• Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
• Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
• Distilleries may be substituted
• Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Tour accommodation
• Attraction entry tickets
• Travel through the inspirational landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park
• Sample your first delicious whisky of the tour

You head north through the Kingdom of Fife, to your first distillery; Lindores Abbey. This is a modern Scottish distillery built on the site of the first-ever recorded distiller in the country in 1494. Visit this site to discover the historic legacy of the area blended with innovation and sustainable practices all captured in their fine whisky.

Continue north towards the UK's largest National Park, Cairngorms National Park. This will be a stunning drive, so keep your cameras ready. You stop in Braemar and have some time for lunch and a little explore.

A bite to eat is a good idea though because your next stop is the Whisky Castle. This whisky emporium has been selling the finest malt whiskies for over 120 years and is stocking over 600 malts. Savour three Speyside whiskies to get familiar with a distinctive taste of this region.

Once you’ve warmed with this dram of “the gentle spirit”, you continue through the Cairngorms National Park before reaching Grantown-on-Spey, your base for two nights.

• Understand the craftsmanship of the whisky cask at the Speyside Cooperage
• Discover a distillery pioneered by a woman

Time for some fun. Today you spend the whole day exploring Scotland’s most famous whisky region. Your first stop is Cardhu Distillery, which is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Today, Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label.

After lunch in nearby Aberlour, you travel along the Spey River to Craigellachie for a visit to the Speyside Cooperage*, where you see another aspect of the whisky making process.

After a scenic drive towards the coast, you head to Glen Moray, where you can try whisky matured in a wide selection of casks.

Time permitting, your driver-guide might stop in at Sueno's Stone for a quick photo, where you can admire this incredible Pictish standing stone. From here you travel back to Grantown-on-Spey.

*Speyside Cooperage is visited on Monday and Wednesday departures.  

• Visit Dalwhinnie, Scotland's highest distillery
• Venture through the dense woodland of the Hermitage

In the morning get ready for a whisky and chocolate tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery, set in splendid mountain scenery at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. 

You then leave the Highlands and journey south to Perthshire. Lying in the heart of Scotland, Pitlochry is a beautiful little town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The time is yours to explore and have some lunch. 

Next, you stop for a walk among towering Douglas firs in the Hermitage, a lovely forest with a roaring waterfall. From here the route south takes you to the stunning wee village of Dunkeld, where you've got some time to explore before heading to your final whisky experience of the tour. 

You then over the Firth of Forth, take in the magnificent South Queensferry bridges, and head back into Edinburgh.

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Lindores Abbey Distillery
• Glen Moray Distillery
• Speyside Cooperage (Strathisla Distillery will be visited during April-May instead)
• Cardhu Distillery

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay two nights in Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park.

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE .

Alternatively, please email us your questions at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab : types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices,  per person per night :

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

Customer reviews

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Luxury Scotch Whisky Tours

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Scotland’s Unique Whisky Tours

Creating your scotch grand tour.

Personally curated tours of Scotland’s Whisky heritage. Allow us to create the most immersive Scotch Whisky Tour experience you could imagine.

At Scotch Grand Tour we have second-to-none experience of Scotch, Scotland and travel. As every one of our guests is unique, no two tours are the same. We curate each tour to suit your desires and taste.

Allow us to guide you in your once in a lifetime dream Scotch experience.

At Scotch Grand Tour we take great pride in only including the best options possible. Thus, resulting in Grand Tours of Scotland’s whisky-producing regions tailored specifically to you and your group.

INSPIRATION

• Campbeltown & Islay
• Glasgow & Edinburgh
• Hebrides & West Coast
• Highlands & Speyside

Edinburgh Whisky Tour

Speyside Whisky Tour

Lowland Whisky Tour

Campbeltown Whisky Tour

Islay Whisky Tour

Hebridean Islands Whisky Tou

Get inspired for your next scotch grand tour.

Learn about the Scotch Whisky regions of Scotland, each with its own individual charm. Find inspiration from our regional overviews.

Bespoke Whisky Tours in Scotland

Discover the gems off the beaten track, welcome to scotch mist.

The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are famous for their excellent whisky selections which are known worldwide. The unique and flavourful whisky alongside the beautiful landscape of Scotland create a paradise for anyone who wants to experience real whisky in its home country. At Scotch Mist we believe in the art and craft that goes into making whisky in Scotland’s distilleries. We are offering you the opportunity to visit and experience this with us by offering you bespoke luxury whisky tours. Whisky lovers who want to enjoy the beautiful Scottish countryside with a dram or two on the way will love our tours. Where  the whisky experience is concerned, we have done the research for you and identified the perfect distilleries for your tour. Our tours range from one day whisky tastings to various overnight tours where you will be whisky tasting with the help of trained staff members who have honed each aspect of whisky tasting and know where to take you to experience the best whisky that Scotland has to offer.

Whisky tasting tours

Our team has extensive knowledge about each whisky tasting spot and that enables us to provide the experience you have been looking for all your life. Our guides will take you to the most picturesque whisky distilleries, and the folklores and scenery will take your breath away.

In addition to whisky tasting tours, we find the best luxury hotels for you to relax in and when you feel ready for your evening meal, after all of the whisky tasting, we will help you find the perfect restaurant to suit you. 

Trust, quality, dedication and enthusiasm

We work according to the core values of trust, quality, dedication, and enthusiasm and have made them the backbone of our business operations. While we design the perfect bespoke itinerary for you, we pay attention to each and every detail to ensure that you enjoy a first class experience with us.

Our mission is to ensure that you have an unbeatable vacation experience and we endeavour to show you the best of Whisky in Scotland.  Ultimately you will enjoy the sensational Scottish scenery and diversity of Scottish whisky while we take care of everything for you!

Scotland Whisky Tour from Edinburgh: Review, Itinerary & Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

Are you thinking of taking a whisky tour in Scotland , but not sure what to expect or which tour to choose? My husband is passionate about Scottish whisky and recently he did a Scotland whisky tour from Edinburg. In this article, he shares his Scotch whisky tour itinerary and first-hand experiences . Find out!

UISGE-BEATHA. These were the first words my husband said to me after exploring the Scottish Speyside region on a 3-day whisky tour in Scotland . I wondered if he had too much whiskey, but then he proudly explained that it meant ‘ Water of Life ‘ in Scottish Gaelic.

And then he told me about the fairies that turn into sheep, Edinburgh penguins, and an angels’ share of whiskey… Apparently, he had lots of fun on this Scottish whiskey tour.

So I asked him if he could share his experience from the Speyside Whisky Trail for my blog. He was happy to finally cross the Scottish whiskey tour off his bucket list and tell us all about it. Whisky is a huge part of Scottish culture and going on a distillery tour is such a great way to get to know this beautiful country.

Good to know: In this article, we share a detailed itinerary of our 3-day Scotland whisky tour, exactly as we did it. At the bottom of the article, you can also find a short itinerary overview with practical tips and accommodation recommendations . Read on!

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the whole article and are just looking for the best whisky tour starting from Edinburg , here you can see more info about the tour that we did and recommend .

You can also book this same tour via GetYourGuide , our favorite one-stop shop for booking tours and activities worldwide.

Why Take an Organized Whisky Tour

Making a whisky tour in Scotland , UK had been on my bucket list for a long time. However, I couldn’t imagine visiting a whiskey country  without enjoying a dram here and there. And drinking and driving didn’t seem like a good idea…

So this was one of the occasions to consider an organized tour. I didn’t want to sit on a bus with 50 other tourists though. After some thorough research, we found this beautiful 3-day Speyside Whisky Trail tour with a small group starting from Edinburgh. It turned out to be an excellent choice and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Just to make things clear from the start – this tour was not sponsored. We chose Rabbie’s because of their impeccable reputation and specialized tours that travel deeper, go off the beaten path, and show you more than you would be able to discover on your own. They have a great selection of all kinds of small-group tours in England, Ireland, and Scotland, so it’s definitely worth taking a look for some travel inspiration.

Scotland Whiskey Tour: 3-day Itinerary from Edinburgh

This Scottish whiskey tour itinerary includes a detailed description of our trip. I share all the details about the distilleries and landmarks that we visited during the three days in the Speyside region.

So you could probably follow this itinerary and make your own self-drive whiskey tour in Scotland. However, I strongly advise not to do this, unless you have a designated driver who doesn’t drink at all. Give yourself a break, relax, and enjoy a Scottish whiskey tour with a tour guide.

Distillery tours are also easier to do when arranged in advance. You can take advantage of the group rates and you don’t have to feel obliged to buy any whiskey if you don’t feel like (which is usually difficult to do if you show up there on your own).

DAY 1: Edinburgh – Dunkeld – Dalwhinnie

We started our 3-day whiskey tour in Edinburgh , where we joined a small international group of whiskey enthusiasts. With just 9 people in a nice Mercedes minibus that could fit 16, this was going to be a comfortable trip. Our little group was very diverse: people came from Japan, Argentina, South Korea, and us, from Belgium.

David was our tour guide, driver, music arranger and, last but not least, joke and history teller (sometimes not sure which was which), and he showed up very appropriately in his Scottish Kilt.

And so our Sottish whisky adventure began…

Right after leaving Edinburgh, we made a first short photo stop at the impressive three Forth Bridges towards the Kingdom of Fife and the Cairngorms National Park.

As expected, the Scottish landscape was very green, wide and open and filled with sheep. While we watched the beautiful landscape pass by, our guide explained that Scotland has more than 30,000 lakes or Lochs (one containing a well-known monster) and some 18 million sheep . He said that there were only 5.5 million people living in Scotland and yet the Scots had invented everything there is – from rubber tires to Sean Connery.

I will not share all the Scottish jokes our guide told us along the way, so you have something fun to look forward to if you take the tour.

Our next stop was in Dunkeld where we visited the cathedral by the riverside; a very romantic setting. Other highlights included  The Hermitage in Dunkeld ,  Black Linn Falls, and  Tay Forest Park in Highland Perthshire .

We stopped for lunch in Pitlochry, where we just had to try the famous Haggis (a savory pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs…) – it was surprisingly good!

During this trip, we made sure to order typical traditional British food for every meal. That’s also what made the trip even more special!

By now it was high time for our first whiskey stop! We visited Dalwhinnie , the highest whiskey distillery in Scotland. After an interesting guided tour around the distillery, we were happy to taste several drams of great ‘water of life’.

We then made a short photo stop at the Geographical Centre of Scotland before heading to Ruthven Barracks .

After all this culture and history the guide had a little surprise for us: we would go for a beer tasting in Aviemore’s Cairngorm Brewery . With Belgians on the tour that was a risky experiment, but we were impressed by the collection of Scottish beers at the brewery and the wall-filling collection of prizes and awards.

If you like Scottish humor, you will appreciate the philosophy on the walls ‘Men are from Mars, women are from Visa’, ‘No brain, no headache’, ‘I only have a kitchen because it came with a house’.. to name but a few.

We then made a last photo stop at Loch Garten before arriving in Grantown on Spey and our hotel for the next two nights.

DAY 2: Benromach – Findhorn – Elgin – Gordon MacPhail – Glenfiddich – Cardhu

David had warned us that we would start the day with a visit to a distillery, so we made sure to have a good strong Scottish breakfast with haggis, black pudding, bacon & eggs… Benromach distillery , here we come.

We did the tour of this nice small-scale distillery where we learned everything about the whiskey maturing process, the barley, the malting, the importance of spring water and yeasts, peat, different types of casks and the effect these have on the taste and color of whiskey.

We also learned about the ‘angels’ share’ (the whiskey that evaporates during the making process) and the effect of adding a small drop of water to the whiskey (definitely no Cola please!).

After the visit, we could, of course, taste the great whiskey. And it was still morning! There has to be a first time for everything. It was only after tasting the whiskey that I noticed that David was wearing jeans today instead of his kilt. So I concluded that whiskey sharpens your senses.

After Benromach distillery we stopped at Sueno’s (Pictish) stone for 10 minutes. We all agreed that this was enough culture for the day.

On to the beach at Findhorn to let the wind blow through our hair. This was a place where I could sit for hours and just watch the beautiful stones and hear the waves roll. But this was a whiskey tour, and not a Scottish landscape tour, so off we went again.

Our next stop was Elgin, where we visited the famous Gordon & MacPhail whisky retail shop which stocks around 1000 (!) different single malt whiskeys. We could sample some in the Whisky Room.

Elgin is also home to the beautiful ruins of a cathedral , so we made a short walk around the cathedral before stopping for lunch in Dufftown, aka the malt whiskey capital of the world.

Later in the afternoon we enjoyed a nice Cullen Skink (typical Scottish fish soup) at the Glenfiddich whiskey distillery and walked up to the ruins of Balvennie Castle .

At the Glenfiddich distillery, you could create your own exclusive whiskey. And there was also a possibility to taste four kinds of Super Premium Range whiskeys for 1,250 £.

They also had the most expensive whiskey bottle we saw on this tour. Don’t fall off your chair – 26,750 £. For one bottle.

We also visited the Cardhu distillery  and a place where they make/repair the whiskey casks. We could observe the coopers performing their heavy, but highly skilled work. Really impressive how they roll these heavy casks! Another beautiful stop was at the  Craigellachie Bridge .

DAY 3: The Glenlivet – The Whisky Castle – Royal Lochnagar – Edinburgh

Our first distillery visit today was at The Glenlivet estate. If you know the Glenlivet, you probably have seen this little bridge on the logo, and we could see it right here. A beautiful place!

The next stop on this last day of our Scottish whiskey tour was The Whisky Castle in Tomintoul,  a family-run whiskey retail business with over 500 malt whiskeys to taste. And before you ask, no, we didn’t taste them all.

Royal Lochnagar distillery , next to Balmoral Castle (the summer residence of the British Royal Family), was our last whiskey stop of the tour.

After a short photo stop at the castle and lunch in Braemar, we drove back to Edinburgh. Normally we should have been there in 2.5 hours, but due to busy traffic, we arrived at 7 PM instead of 6 PM. So keep this in mind if you would be planning to depart Edinburgh right after the tour.

Scottish Whisky Tour – Conclusion

We really enjoyed this short whiskey tour in Scotland. As expected, we discovered some really nice whiskey distilleries, but we also traveled through the most amazing landscapes and visited a variety of landmarks.

This tour is not just about the whiskey!

It has a very well-balanced itinerary that gives you a taste of real Scotland, one you would not easily be able to discover on your own.

I would definitely recommend Rabbie’s Speyside Whisky Trail to all Scottish whiskey enthusiasts.  As for us, we will be back in Scotland. Next time with the kids, to do some hiking and discover the beautiful Highlands. But for a short, adults-only trip to Scotland, this whiskey tour was just perfect!

Practical Information

• Speyside Whisky Trail tour (the same as we did) departs from Edinburgh three times a week in summer months and once a week in October. Rabbie’s also offers many other whisky tours in Scotland, including 1-day tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. You can find your perfect whisky tour and book it here .
• The Scottish whiskey tour described in this post takes three full days, starting at 9 AM on day 1, and ending at 6-7 PM (depending on the traffic) on day 3. So you will need to also book a hotel in Edinburgh for the night before and the night after the tour.
• You can book this whiskey tour with or without the accommodation for two nights during the tour. We opted for the option without accommodation, which turned out to be much cheaper. If you decide to book just the tour, as we did, you will need to arrange your own accommodation for 2 nights in Grantown on Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. Make sure that it’s centrally located and let Rabbie’s know where you are staying. They will drop you off at your hotel or B&B in the evening and will pick you up again in the morning.

Below, you can see our whisky tour itinerary, including the hotels where we stayed.

Scotland Whisky Tour Itinerary

• Day 0: Arrival. Here you can find our suggestions for the best things to see and do in Edinburgh in one day . Stay 1 night in Edinburgh. We stayed at The Place Hotel – very convenient for departure the next morning.
• Day 1: Start of the Speyside Whisky Trail tour . Stay 2 nights in Grantown on Spey . We recommend the Grant Arms Hotel or Garth Hotel (mid-budget options with excellent ratings). We stayed at the Craiglynne Hotel – it was the only somewhat affordable option when booking last-minute. It was ok, but not great.
• Day 2: Whisky tour. Same accommodation as last night.
• Day 3: Last day of the Scottish whiskey tour. Arrival in Edinburgh in the evening. Stay 1 night in Edinburgh. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Center because it was close to where our tour ended and one of the few available hotels in the center.
• Day 4: Departure or continue your trip and explore more of Scotland.

TIP: Scotland (and especially Edinburgh) is an extremely popular destination. If you are traveling in high season (April-October), make sure to book all your accommodations as soon as possible. We waited too long and hardly found anything available in Edinburgh center, the same for Grantown on Spey.

READ ALSO: Edinburgh Travel Tips

So, this is our guide for a Scotland whisky tour from Edinburgh – a real bucket-list trip for any whisky enthusiast. Thinking of doing a similar trip and have a question? Leave a reply below and we’ll try to help.

More inspiration for your trip to the UK:

• Best UK Cities to Visit
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• One Day in Glasgow
• One Day in Edinburgh
• Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Best Day Trips in Yorkshire
• Best Places to Visit in Cornwall
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• Liverpool Day Trip from London
• Best Things to Do in Manchester
• Best Things to Do in Blackpool

London travel inspiration:

• Tips for Visiting London
• Best Tourist Attractions in London
• Where to Stay in London
• Hidden Gems of London
• Best London Views & Viewpoints
• 2 Days London Itinerary
• Things to Do in Greenwich
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Monday 20th of August 2018

This tour sounds like such a typical Scottish thing to do, will check it out for next summer!

Wednesday 29th of August 2018

My husband wants to go back and do another whisky tour in Scotland, he said it was one of the best tours ever. If you like nature and whisky, I'm sure you'll love it, Nina.

Wednesday 23rd of May 2018

Thanks for this! We were thinking of renting a car, but after reading this I think we will first do the whisky tour and then rent a car for the rest of the trip.

Wednesday 4th of March 2020

It's definitely a much better idea to take a tour than rent a car! Whiskey and driving is not the best idea. Enjoy it!

Monday 19th of June 2017

Do you know if there's any age restriction for this whiskey tour?

Hi Elaine, from what I see, they don't take kids under 5 on any of the tours, but for the rest, there are no restrictions for the tour itself. There might be age restrictions at the distilleries, probably 18 years (official data I found for Scotland).

Thanks for the detailed tips and all the info. I've never been to Scotland, but it's one of my husband's favorite places. He wants us to go on a whiskey tour this summer, but I was not sure what to expect. After reading this I think that I'll actually enjoy it as well. :)

Thanks, Jessica. Glad you found this useful. I'm sure you'll love it. It's such a beautiful country and whiskey is just a part of all you get to see (and taste).

Heather Raulerson

Sunday 18th of June 2017

I'm not a big fan of whiskey but, the photos alone would make this trip worth it. Although if I did partake in the sampling I would think that by the end my photos would be getting a little blurry and not as crisp as the ones at the start. But, that would prove you had a great trip in Scotland!

:) Don't know about the effect whisky has on photography, but I am with you this one - Scotland is definitely worth a trip!

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E dinburgh has become synonymous with the annual Fringe Festival, which sees thousands of attendees flock to the city every August. But there are plenty of other amazing sights and attractions that pull in visitors all year round. From whisky tastings, to exploring Japanese gardens and 300-year-old underground passages, this is how you can get to know the Scottish capital.

Read on for all our expert tips, plus here's what you can do for  free in the Scottish capital . We can also help you plan a  weekend in Edinburgh , alongside our dedicated guides covering the best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  bars & pubs ,  nightlife  and  independent shops . 

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• Out of town

Immerse yourself in the world's biggest arts festival

More than 60 years ago the International Festival’s founders set out to bring art, culture, colour and prosperity to a gritty and grey post-war Edinburgh. Now there are seven festivals in August, including the Fringe, Book and Comedy Festivals. Every year Edinburghers fall in love with it all over again as Auld Reekie becomes, quite literally, the city that never sleeps. 

Insider's tip:  It’s worth planning well ahead as hotels and restaurants book up early and headline shows sell out, but if you haven’t, don’t despair; there’s somehow always a room, tent or even a sofa somewhere, and always another free show.

Contact:   eif.co.uk  

Price:  £-£££

Visit the city's goriest museum

You’ll need a strong stomach and a morbid sense of humour to enjoy the fascinating Surgeons' Hall Museums. There are life-sized tableaux, tools of the surgical and dental trade that will make your toes curl (there’s probably a device for that), gruesome photographs, and pickled and preserved body parts. The unnervingly extensive collections include pathology and histories of surgery and dentistry.

Insider's tip: One of the more disturbing objects on display is a notebook bound in the skin of William Burke – one of the well-known Edinburgh bodysnatchers. It's possibly not the most family-friendly destination, unless your last name is Addams.

Contact:   museum.rcsed.ac.uk

Price:  £

Take your taste buds for a stroll around town

An Eat, Walk Edinburgh tour will provide you with an excellent gourmet introduction to the city. You’ll try 'starter-sized' taster dishes and samples of whisky, wine and beer along the way, but don't expect all the food to be Scottish – this is about all the variety Edinburgh has to offer.

Insider's tip: Plan this activity for day one, as you finish the tour with lots of useful information and a discount card for participating bars and restaurants. You'll also benefit from a lovely glow from the exercise (and the nips of malt whisky along the way).

Contact:  eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk

Explore the Queen's Scottish home

A tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse – Queen Elizabeth II's official gaff in Scotland –  will show you more tapestries, portraits, and plasterwork than you can shake a sceptre at. You'll also be able to see Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers, where her courtier Rizzio was stabbed 56 times and then thrown down the stairs by her jealous husband. There are free audio tours, a gift shop and a smart courtyard café.

Insider's tip: In summer, take a guided tour of the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the nearby abbey, but keep in mind that the star attraction is the Queen’s Gallery with its fabulous exhibitions of the best art from the Royal Collections.

Contact:  royalcollection.org.uk

Price:  ££

See Scotland’s Stone of Destiny

Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most famous landmark, broods over Edinburgh – an elephantine presence on its dramatic volcanic rock. Home to the oldest crown jewels in Britain, Mons Meg and the Stone of Destiny, not to mention the  military tattoo, it’s more than a monument – it’s part of the city’s every day life. In fact, locals have been setting their watches by the one o’clock gun since 1861.

Insider's tip: There are complimentary guided tours to help you make sense of it all, or you can pay for an audio guide. Give the crowds a miss by purchasing tickets and downloading audio guides in advance online and visiting early in the day.

Contact:  edinburghcastle.gov.uk

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Take part in a literary-themed pub crawl

As the first Unesco City of Literature, Edinburgh has a long – and sometimes dishonourable – literary history. It's cleverly brought to life on the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour by two professional actors who focus on writers from the past. Tours start at 7.30pm in the Grassmarket and tickets can be bought online, at the meeting point, or from the Visit Scotland Information Centre in the Waverley Mall.

Insider's tip: The tour makes stops in several pubs where you can have a drink while you enjoy the guides' performance, or if you’re more of a misanthrope there’s a self-guided tour app on the website (but it’s more fun with the live guides).

Contact:   edinburghliterarypubtour.co.uk

Take a whisky masterclass

You may not be sure about the plastic barrel ride at the start, but there are worse ways to learn how whisky is made. The tour leaders at The Scotch Whisky Experience are brilliant and the Gold Tour upgrade is a revelation. Aficionados should opt for the Morning Masterclass, and gourmands should consider the Taste of Scotland Whisky and Food Tour, which includes a three-course meal in the Amber Restaurant.

Insider's tip: After the tour, visit the bar to find 300 whiskies and great views. It also offers Scotland’s other national drink – Irn-Bru – for teetotallers. If you have a cold, ask for a restorative hot toddy.

Contact:  scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Go ghost hunting

You can’t throw a haggis on the Royal Mile without hitting a ghost tour, but if you’re looking for one grounded in history, The Real Mary King's Close is the tour for you. You’ll explore hidden 17th-century streets – long considered to be haunted by plague victims who were walled up alive. The odd murder and a healthy population of other ghosts adds further interest.

Insider's tip: Bear in mind there are 58 steps down and 38 up to be negotiated, so it’s not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, the claustrophobic, or those with limited mobility. Children under five will not be admitted at all.

Contact:   realmarykingsclose.com

Price:  ££

Step into a world of optical illusions

Even in a high-tech world, a simple pin-hole camera that can project razor sharp moving images from distances that defeat modern cameras feels like magic. Children will love Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and enjoy learning how to make do-it-yourself spyware using a cardboard box, tin foil and a blanket. There are optical illusions, games and a dizzying holographic exhibit that will delight visitors of all ages, too.

Insider's tip: It’s a great way to spend time on a wet day or revive tired children, and the 360-degree view from the roof is one of the best perspectives on the city – no matter what kind of camera you use.

Contact:   camera-obscura.co.uk

Experience life in 17th-century Edinburgh

Should you find yourself wandering down the Royal Mile, wondering what it was like to live in a towering tenement 300 hundred years ago, you can find out on a visit to Gladstone's Land. The National Trust has meticulously restored this wealthy Edinburgh merchant’s house to provide a fascinating recreation of the cramped conditions – even for the wealthy – in 17th-century Edinburgh. And there’s a good ice cream parlour, too. Try ‘The Butcher’: vanilla ice cream, candied bacon and whisky sauce.

Insider's tip:  You’ll see the kitchen and a pretty panelled parlour, but don’t miss the Painted Chamber. This bedroom contains what is considered the best original wall and ceiling decoration in Scotland.

Contact:  nts.org.uk

Price:  £

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

No one can fail to be stirred by this anachronistic but irresistible spectacle. Perhaps it’s the vibrating beat of hundreds of drums accompanying perfectly drilled marching bands, or the skirl of pipes (or twirl of kilts)? Or the sheer scale of it, under the towering walls of Edinburgh Castle, bursting fireworks overhead making the pulse beat faster. It certainly takes a heart of stone not to feel the pathos of the lone piper’s lament calling from high on the ramparts. Every festival-goer should go at least once (there’s a different theme each year). Just remember to take a handkerchief.

Contact:   edintattoo.co.uk

Tour the city in an open-top bus

You’ll find several sightseeing tours operating under the Edinburgh Bus Tours banner, but The City Sightseeing Tour offers a useful overview of the major attractions, operates all year round and is particularly good for children – the choice of audio commentaries includes a 'Horrible Histories' version for young ones.

Insider's tip:  A Royal Edinburgh ticket will give you 48 hours of access to all three of the available tours plus free entry to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Contact:   edinburghtour.com

Dress up like 18th-century landed gentry

A visit to The Georgian House (a National Trust property) on the enduringly fashionable Charlotte Square is an absorbing way to get a sense of what life was like in a prosperous 18th-century household in the New Town – both for the family and those below stairs. The house was designed by Scottish neoclassical architect Robert Adam, and is a particularly fine example of Georgian architecture that's been beautifully and accurately furnished.

Insider's tip:  Do talk to the guides in each room who like to show off their detailed knowledge and if your children aren’t inspired by antiques, they can dress up in the period costumes available in the activity room.

Learn to cook Scottish fare

Gourmands can get to grip with local ingredients on a full-day cookery course. The well-regarded Edinburgh New Town Cookery School runs small one-day courses that are both professional and fun. Use the best Scottish ingredients in the Fish and Shellfish Workshop, or learn how to cook with game in a masterclass of meat. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy mastering the indulgent creations in the patisserie workshop and at the end of the experience, you’ll get to try your hard work with a glass or two of wine in an elegant dining room with views all the way to the Firth of Forth.

Insider's tip: Book early as courses fill up quickly.

Contact:   entcs.co.uk

Visit Edinburgh's 'other castle'

Locals like to take visitors to this charming alternative to Edinburgh Castle. Craigmillar Castle is one of best examples of the medieval variety in Scotland and much of the structure is in remarkably good order. Explore from the top of the tower house to the gloomy basement where a skeleton was found walled up in the early 19th century. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here twice – the area is still called Petit France.

Insider's tip:  Wood from ancient yew trees in the inner courtyard is said to have been used for making bows, which is an interesting fact for inspiring children’s imaginations in a place where they are positively encouraged to run wild.

Contact:   historicenvironment.scot

Tee up for outstanding city vistas

The Gentleman Golfers of Leith established the 'rules of golfing' on Leith Links in 1744, arguably making Edinburgh the home of golf. While you can no longer play in Leith, the 18-holes at the Edinburgh City Council-run Braid Hills Golf Course is a bargain. The layout itself is vertically challenging and is a Par 71 course. You can hire clubs and trolleys if you haven’t brought your own.

Insider's tip: It's worth a round even if you’re not a golfer, if only for the glorious views across the city to the Firth of Forth. Also be sure to look out for the gorse bushes – an unusually painful hazard.

Contact:   edinburghleisure.co.uk

Climb aboard a floating royal residence

The Royal Yacht Britannia was apparently frozen in time long before she was decommissioned. Look out for the various props found inside – there's everything from well-used board games in the sun lounge to toothbrushes in tumblers in the crew quarters. Together, the items bring Britannia, and the Queen’s fascinating frugality, to chintz-upholstered, brass-polished life. The comprehensive tour proceeds at a leisurely pace set by handheld recorded information delivered in suitably plummy tones.

Insider's tip:  Do plan to pause in the Royal Deck Tea Room for remarkably good simple lunches or a slap-up tea. Don’t miss the gift shop either, which is amusingly filled with stuffed corgis. 

Contact:  royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Take in a unique distillery

There are any number of distilleries in Edinburgh, from micro to maxi, but the Port of Leith distillery is the first vertical distillery in Scotland, already a local landmark and just a hop from the Ocean Terminal tram stop. It’s a striking building and a fascinating tour; the guides lively, well-informed and engaging – although it’s worth going just for the views from the bar at the top. In fact, consider booking a table for a few cocktails and perhaps the steak pie or the Clava brie tartiflette. There’s a shop as well selling Port of Leith white port and Olorosa sherry as well as blended whisky.

Contact: leithdistillery.com

Out of Town

Discover the city on two wheels.

You can take a gentle three-hour guided ride around The Royal Mile, New Town, Holyrood Park and Portobello with Edinburgh Bike Tours, or hire by the day for your own tour on Edinburgh’s extensive system of cycle routes; tagalongs, trailers and bikes for children are available. You’ll need to be fit, but not Tour de France standard.

Insider's tip: Catch the sea breeze on a full-day tour along the coast, which takes in historic Cramond, Queensferry and the Forth Bridges. You’ll escape the city traffic and see fascinating areas other tours don’t touch.

Contact:   edinburghbiketours.co.uk

Explore underground coves

Many locals don’t know about Gilmerton Cove, and it is certainly one of the city's more obscure attractions. Even archaeologists can’t explain the 300-year-old underground passages and rock-furnished rooms, hand carved from sandstone and hidden underneath the streets of this quiet suburb; but there are plenty of theories, as the enthusiastic guides will tell you. Maybe it was a meeting place for the Hellfire Club, a hiding place for Covenanters, or a drinkers’ den? Make up your own mind when you visit.

Insider's tip: Tours must be pre-booked and are unsuitable for wheelchair users and children under five. Steep steps and rough (sometimes wet) floors require sturdy shoes. Remember to take a torch for solo exploring.

Contact:   gilmertoncove.org.uk

Amble through a Japanese garden

Lauriston Castle is a 16th-century tower house with Victorian extensions. The building overlooks the Firth and is surrounded by woodlands and a Japanese garden. Inside, it's home to an impressive collection of fine furniture and ceramics, as well as the personal belongings of its wealthy owners. Look for the newspaper in the sitting room reporting the sinking of the Titanic. 

Insider's tip: Take a pleasing 15-minute stroll to the Boardwalk Beach Club café. It sits right on shores of the Firth and has a huge outdoor seating area with blankets, great views and yummy soups, sandwiches and scones. Children and dogs are looked after, too.

Contact: edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Price: £; the grounds are free

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles - and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

NEWHAVEN HARBOUR

Ocean terminal & whisky quay, the royal yacht britannia, inside the royal yacht britannia, scottish parliament, royal botanic garden edinburgh, victoria swing bridge, palace of holyroodhouse, the shore, leith.

Choose Your Ticket

24 March 2024 – 2 November 2024 0840 - 1725 Every 15 Minutes

3 November 2024 – 5 April 2025 0920 - 1550 Every 30 Minutes

Edinburgh Bus Tours operates all year round daily

The full tour lasts around 80 minutes. Please note timetables are subject to change.

Route Map of The Regal Tour

You can join this tour at any bus stop, and hop-on hop-off for the duration of your ticket.

Find your nearest Regal Tour stop

LIVE TOUR TIMES

Download the Edinburgh Bus Tours App for live bus times, information on discounts and attractions. Available free for iPhone and Android

Get directions to Waterloo Place

The Regal Tour features a multi-lingual commentary in 9 languages. Headphones are provided on the bus and display screens on the lower deck show subtitled commentary.

Tour Description

The Regal Tour heads north of Edinburgh's city centre towards the port of Leith with highlights including Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Accessibility

All of our tour buses have ramped access.

A Class 2 mobility scooter is welcome on board if a wheelchair accessible space is available. Please note that legally wheelchair users have priority over the use of these spaces. Alternatively, Mobility Scooters can be folded and stored as luggage.

Display screens are located on the lower deck showing subtitled commentary.

Dogs, including assistance dogs, are welcome on all of our tour buses.

Looking for more? Try our other tours...

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A Man Was Charged With Voyeurism At Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ In Edinburgh

Taylor Swift began the European leg of her billon dollar-grossing The Eras Tour last month with dates in France, Sweden, and Portugal. More recently, the European leg continued with a trio of shows in Edinburgh, Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium where a man was arrested and charged with voyeurism. According to NME and Sky News , the arrest was made after the June 8 show for the incident confirmed by Police Scotland.

“A 64-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a voyeurism offence committed within Murrayfield during the event on Saturday, 8 June,” Superintendent David Happs said in a statement about the incident. “He was released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.” Aside from this statement, no additional information was provided about this incident.

This arrest comes three months after three men were arrested for sneaking fans into Swift’s The Eras Tour show in Singapore. Acccording to Variety , a man named Yang Chenguang allegedly distracted security while another, Li Xiao Wei, held a turnstile open to let three people into the venue. Both were charged with cheating. A third man was arrested, but not charged at the time of the report.

The Edinburgh incident comes after Swift voiced her support for Lady Gaga by stating that she has no patience for the “invasive and irresponsible” rumors about Gaga’s alleged pregnancy .