Visit beautiful Dunkeld, a Highland whisky distillery, and the famous Tattoo.
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Whisky, history, and scenery: a truly Scottish combination and you experience all three in one day on this Highland whisky tour from Edinburgh! First, visit the iconic Kelpies, a monument to horse-powered heritage across Scotland. Then, make a toast to the Highland scenery with a wee dram in a whisky distillery, journey through the breath-taking Sma’ Glen and explore one of Perthshire’s most beautiful woodland walks and waterfalls.
Tour Highlights
Sma' Glen
Sma' Glen is steeped in history, once used by ancient Scottish clans and even Roman soldiers as a key route through the Lowlands. Its sweeping hills and winding rivers make it an atmospheric highlight as we pass through Scotland’s stunning countryside.
Whisky Distillery
Our national drink is enjoyed around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try whisky than in Scotland itself. Learn about whisky production, and sample the ‘water of life’ straight from the source at a whisky distillery.
The Hermitage Forest
The Hermitage is a magical woodland, created by the 3rd Duke of Atholl, who helped with the tree planting by firing seeds out of a canon! Wander through the forest to admire a thundering waterfall and some of Scotland’s tallest trees.
Small Group Tour
Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.
Crieff
Crieff is a gem of a town, perfect for wandering through quaint shops, grabbing a coffee, and soaking in Scotland’s charm. Don’t miss the gorgeous Drummond Castle gardens—a local favorite that’s well worth a visit. You can visit Crieff as an alternative to the whisky distillery tour.
Dunkeld Cathedral
Dunkeld Cathedral is a beautiful, partly ruined structure, which sits in a peaceful location overlooking the River Tay. Look out for the cursed effigy of the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’ inside, and read about the cathedral’s history spanning hundreds of years.
Kelpies
The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.
Inclusions
Small Group Tour
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Hermitage Forest Walk
Foreign Language Audio Guide Available
Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones
What Other Explorers Say
Our day with Guide Torva, aka Lord Torva Farquard, was truly exceptional. His storytelling was captivating, and his deep knowledge of Scottish history made the entire experience both educational and engaging. Torva’s specially curated playlist added a unique touch to the journey, perfectly complementing the theme of our trip.
Agnė
14/09/2024This tour gave a small slice of history and a visit to some of the beautiful and unique places and things to see within a few hours' drive from Edinburgh. Ryan P. was an excellent guide: part entertainer and part historian. Amazing to see the Kelpies up close, visit Glenturret Distillery, and then go back in history to the Dunkeld Cathedral. A highlight of our trip.
James
17/08/2024The drive was beautiful all the way from beginning to end. The whiskey tour was amazing and delicious. Whiskey is fairly priced. The guide I had was Connor, he did an amazing job at balancing tour guide education with letting us take in the landscape.
Alex
06/07/2024I had an absolutely fantastic day !! Impressive buildings of the Kelpies, stunning views, a great Whiskey experience at the Glenturret Distillery (with good tasting Whiskey - Slàinte mhath!) and some top spots to make some beautiful pictures and enjoy the beautiful nature of Scotland. The Highlands are incredible - if you're not sure whether you should go - do it !! You wont regret ..
Geta
26/07/2024Great views, lovely guide with funny and interesting stories. Tasty whiskey. Good balance between the guided tour and our free time.
Mirit
06/07/2024Alistair was a lovely tour guide who kept us entertained with his deep knowledge of history of England and Scotland throughout the bus journey. He ensured that there was never a dull moment on the trip. He ferried us back and forth on time and drove very safely. Thanks Alistair for the fun trip!!
Abhinav
30/03/2024Incredible views and great stories/anecdotes told by Tim. I greatly recommend this tour (even if you're not a whisky person !)
Valentin
13/04/2024Wonderful tour. Definitely a half of my rating is thanks to our guide Ryan who was sharing interesting tidbits about history of Scotland all the way through the ride.
Polina
06/04/2024It was a fun trip with Torva in the driver’s seat. We enjoyed the distillery. The drive through the glen was beautiful. We got to hear some Scottish music and learned some history as well. Torva was energetic and entertaining ! We would recommend this trip to others .
Ozzy
29/07/2024Embark on a Highland Whisky Tour with @HighexTours
Tag or mention @HighexTours on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our channels, website, and in our brochure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Your Highland Whisky tour departs from Edinburgh city centre. For departure details and pick-up location, visit our Departure Info page.
How long is the tour?
In total, your Highland Whisky tour from Edinburgh lasts approximately 9 hours*. You will have plenty of time to take part in an optional whisky distillery tour, capture stunning photos of landscapes and The Kelpies, and enjoy a delightful woodland walk in the Hermitage Forest.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
What happens on the whisky distillery tour?
If you add the whisky distillery tour to your trip, you will get the opportunity to meet a knowledgeable distilling expert. They will guide you through the distillery, explaining each step of whisky craftsmanship—from malt to cask. The ideal way to sample whisky straight from the source!
What if I choose not to do the whisky distillery tour?
If you decide not to join the whisky distillery tour, you can explore the nearby market town of Crieff. This charming town offers plenty to see, including the beautiful gardens of Drummond Castle and a variety of vibrant local shops and cafés. Crieff’s rich history and picturesque setting make it a delightful alternative to the distillery visit.
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
- 1 Day Tours
- Scottish Glens, Highlands & Whisky
Scottish Glens, Highlands & Whisky Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Whisky & Waterfalls
We depart Edinburgh in the morning and make our way to the majestic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, dedicated to horse-powered heritage across Scotland.
We venture further into the Highlands, where you have the option to embark on an immersive tour of one of Scotland’s renowned whisky distilleries and sample the 'water of life’. Alternatively, head out to explore the charming market town of Crieff with its delightful local shops and cosy cafés. After passing through the stunning Sma’ Glen, a valley of ancient myths in the Scottish Lowlands, we explore The Hermitage forest in the heart of Perthshire to take a leisurely woodland walk amid captivating rivers and waterfalls.
Our return journey visits the charming village of Dunkeld, in Macbeth country, where a stunning cathedral sits beautifully by the banks of the River Tay. Our Highland whisky tour comes to and end as we pass the iconic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, arriving back into Edinburgh in the early evening.
1 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
Itinerary | Whisky & Waterfalls
We depart Edinburgh in the morning and make our way to the majestic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, dedicated to horse-powered heritage across Scotland.
We venture further into the Highlands, where you have the option to embark on an immersive tour of one of Scotland’s renowned whisky distilleries and sample the 'water of life’. Alternatively, head out to explore the charming market town of Crieff with its delightful local shops and cosy cafés. After passing through the stunning Sma’ Glen, a valley of ancient myths in the Scottish Lowlands, we explore The Hermitage forest in the heart of Perthshire to take a leisurely woodland walk amid captivating rivers and waterfalls.
Our return journey visits the charming village of Dunkeld, in Macbeth country, where a stunning cathedral sits beautifully by the banks of the River Tay. Our Highland whisky tour comes to and end as we pass the iconic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, arriving back into Edinburgh in the early evening.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street above.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes: 8:00 AM
Departs: 8:15 AM
Returns: 5:30 PM
Please Note
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
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- 1 Day Tours
- Scottish Glens, Highlands & Whisky
Whisky Distillery Tour
Reserve at the time of booking
This guided Whisky Distillery Tour gives you an insight into how 'uisge beatha', the 'water of life', is made and takes you on a journey to discover the history behind one of Scotland's most iconic exports. Enjoy our exclusive partnership with the Glenturret Whisky Distillery by receiving a discounted entry fee. Only available if reserved in advance.
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