10 Hour Stirling Castle, Highlands & Whisky Private Guided Tour

Edinburgh , Scotland

10 Hour Stirling Castle, Highlands & Whisky Private Guided Tour

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is one of our favourite day trips from Edinburgh that covers most things visitors wish to experience in one day. Castles, Lochs, Rivers, Glens, woodland walks and whisky. Oh and maybe even a legendary hairy Highland cow. On the spectacular scenic drive you will be able to relax and listen to Scottish music on the sound system.

You will hear about key points and people in Scottish history, such as Mary Queen of Scots, the Scottish Wars of Independence (the truth behind Braveheart), the Romans, the Vikings, Jacobite's and more.

If you wish to partake in a Distillery Tour from £15 please go to the Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery website to make an advanced booking for 2/3pm. Tours may not be available upon arrival without advanced bookings. Please also notify us if your booking once completed.

This is a 10 hour tour with drive time between stops and out of Edinburgh. Total drive time is around 4 hours.

Please be advised that and age restriction applies for this tour of 18 and over.

Available options

Dewars Whisky, Doune Castle & The Highlands Private Guided Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Driver / Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our meet and greet at your accommodation will introduce you to your driver guide and get you settled in the vehicle. Heading west of the city for roughly 1 hour drive, to your first location and stop at the Kelpies, passing Linlithgow. On this section you will hear a brief history of Edinburgh and see residential addresses of key historical figures.

Stop 2

The Kelpies are a magnificent piece of art and are the largest horse head sculptures in the world. Erected in 2024 they have become a must see on any tour passing the area. This usually a great little stop to grab a coffee too.

Stop 3

From the Kelpies we continue on a 30 minute drive along the motorway to stop for a photo at the famous medieval fortress of Stirling Castle. As you stand at the foot of this imposing building, you get a great sense of scale and its importance to our Scottish History.

From Doune we venture into the Scottish Highlands, where we will stop at your first Loch for a photo stop. Loch Lubnaig is situated in the Trossachs National Park and is one of the most popular Lochs for wild swimming.

Refreshments and toilets available.

A stunning scenic 30 minute drive through the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands takes you to the Highland village of Killin. Enjoy the epic cascading Falls of Dochart and lunch in the local old Inn.

Your second Highland Loch of the day is Loch Tay. You will drive along the full length of this stunning Loch from Killin to Kenmore, where you will have the opportunity to stop for photos before continuing to Dewar's Whisky Distillery.

Stop 7

Aberfeldy is the home of Dewar's Highland Whisky. One of our favourite distilleries in Scotland. You will have time to explore the shop and have a tasting at the bar. Distillery tours can be arrange in advance bookings. If this is something of interest please contact us to book.

Tours from £15

Stop 8

30 minutes south of Dewar's is the stunning woodland walk of the Hermitage. This 45 minute easy walk takes you into the Tay Forest, where you can look for Red Squirrels and admire the nature of the Highlands.

What's not included

Stirling Castle £19.50 Per Person

Dewar's Distillery Tour £15 Per Person Must be advanced booking

Coffee and/or Tea

Gratuities

Lunch

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery

Stirling Castle

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travel time is included on the total duration of the tour.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture