Tour / Activity Description

Please Note

• Minimum age is 3.
• Entrances are not included. Please do not book entrances to Stirling Castle and Glengoyne Distillery until you receive notification from your guide of the timings for each one.
• Lunch is not included in the tour price.
• Must be 18 years of age or older to taste whiskey in Scotland
• Minimum total of 5 participants required for tour to operate.
• Tour vehicles seat 16 to 33 persons, based on the number of reservations received.
• Baggage allowance is one (1) cabin-sized piece of luggage (55cm x 40cm x 20cm, 15kg or less) to be stored in the boot of the bus, and one small handbag or rucksack to have on the bus with you.
• Smoking is not permitted on the tour vehicles.
• Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, acts of God, and other events outside the control of tour operators.
• Driver tips are not included in the tour price; but, if deserved, will be greatly appreciated!

Itinerary

As the tour drives northeast out of Edinburgh, you can marvel at the engineering feat of The Kelpies - two 30-meters-high horsehead sculptures made by the artist Andy Scott. These sculptures are based on the mythical shape-changing water creatures who disguise themselves as horses. Learn the rest of the story and why these sculptures are where they are today from your knowledgeable driver-guide.

Then, as you are traveling through Stirlingshire, your guide will bring to life the turbulent times of William Wallace, the famous Scottish knight, and as you pass the stunning scenery, your guide will explain his link to this area. You may recognise his story from the film "Braveheart."

The tour stops next at the beautiful city of Stirling for about two hours. Stirling is a market town and has a wealth of treasures to explore. You'll have ample time to visit the stunning Stirling Castle*, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. Most notably, Mary Queen of Scots was coronated here. If you prefer something a little different, why not visit the new gin distillery or take a stroll through the beautiful and ancient streets that make up the medieval old town? As you discover this ancient town, learn why it is known proverbially as the "Gateway to the Highlands."

The route then takes you over the Duke's Pass, where you will experience dramatic views of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with its multiple lochs, home of the Highland rogue Rob Roy - a Scottish outlaw turned hero during the Jacobite rising. Then you'll head to the lunch stop for the day, which will either be in Aberfoyle or Balmaha. Aberfoyle is a small holiday village at the southern edge of the West Highland Fault and the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. There are many varied things to explore there, something for everyone. If you are interested in wildlife, why not watch a sheepdog demonstration, learn about the sheep in the area or witness duck herding? If you prefer, take the opportunity to explore the beautiful village. Wander around the shops and be sure to not miss the woollen mill. Finishing off the time in Loch Lomond, you visit the beautiful lochside village of Balmaha, where you can take a short but steep hike up to Craigie Fort to enjoy stunning views of the loch or enjoy the bonnie banks on flat ground. Remember to bring suitable shoes for walking so you do not miss out! Be sure to visit the information centre to learn more about the history of Balmaha and the surrounding area.

The final stop of the tour is one of Scotland's prettiest distilleries, Glengoyne*. This family-owned distillery is unique in that it is the only distillery that is split between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Here you can learn the process of how they create the perfect dram and you can taste a couple too! Watch out for the ghost of the former distillery manager Cochrane Cartwright who drowned in the loch; some say he still roams the premises. Learn more about this distillery’s 200-year history on an optional guided tour.

If whisky isn't for you, take a walk to the nearby Dumgoyne Hill, a volcanic plug, and take in the stunning waterfall and tranquil secret glen that sits behind the distillery. This is an opportunity to walk a small part of the famous West Highland Way, the 154-km stretch from Fort William to Milngavie, known as the country's "best-loved long-distance walking route." This is the final stop of the tour before heading back to Edinburgh.

*Once you have booked the tour your guide will be in touch with the timings to book entrance into Stirling Castle & Glengoyne Distillery, please do not book until your guide has confirmed the right time to do so.

48 Hours Minimum Advance Booking Required.  Minimum age is 3.  Minimum 5 total participants required for the tour to operate.  Must be at least 18 years of age to taste whiskey in Scotland.  Tour does not include hotel pick-up; the departure location on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh will be specified on your E-Ticket.  Rates are per person in US Dollars.  Please order online or call us in the USA at 212-852-4822 to order or for more information.