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Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
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Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

By Heart of Scotland Tours
Recommended by 98% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
This day trip from Edinburgh saves you time and money by packing in several great activities, including a nature hike near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a visit to Stirling Castle, and a tour of Glengoyne Distillery with a taste of 12-year-old whisky. Since your rides are taken care of both ways, you won't need to worry about navigation or driving. 
from
$68.23
per adult
from
$68.23
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99, max of 16 per group
Duration:10h
Start time: Check availability
Ticket type:Mobile
English
Highlights
  • Book ahead to save your seat on this popular tour from Edinburgh 
  • Take the stress out of planning rides with round-trip transportation
  • Go on a guided nature hike without getting lost in the hills 
  • Taste and learn about a 12-year-old Scottish malt whisky
  • Live commentary on board
  • Local guide
  • Driver/guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
What's not included
  • All entrance fees
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entry/Admission - Stirling Castle
  • Entry/Admission - Glengoyne Distillery
Start with pickup in Edinburgh by an air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach. Once you meet your guide, sit back and relax as your coach makes it way through the city to the countryside. Along the drive, pass by Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.  Upon arrival at Stirling Castle, take in the views and the history before reboarding for the ride to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Follow your guide on a short nature hike around the lake.  Next, make your way to Glengoyne distillery, where you get a tour and a taste of its famous 12-year-old Scotch malt whisky. Your adventure ends with a relaxing drive back to Edinburgh.
Departure details
  • Waterloo Place, Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh, UK This tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ. Please arrive no later than 08.30
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9085P2
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Small group tour - maximum 16 passengers
  • Minimum age is 5 years old
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions (unless it is unsafe to do so), please dress appropriately
  • Please inform us 7 days in advance if you are bringing a service animal
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Face masks provided for travelers
Community
Ask a questionWrite a review
  • Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Which attractions will I visit with Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh?
During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
How much is Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh?
Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh price starts from $73.41. Discover and book Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
What is the Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh cancellation policy?
Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh?
Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh is hosted by Heart of Scotland Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Heart of Scotland Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9085P2
Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    Waterloo Place
    Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh, UK
    This tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ. Please arrive no later than 08.30
    See address & details
  • Pass by
    Linlithgow Palace
  • 1
    Stirling Castle
    Stop: 75 minutes - Admission excluded
    See details
    Pass by
    National Wallace Monument
    Duke's Pass
  • 2
    Aberfoyle
    Stop: 60 minutes
    See details
  • 3
    Loch Lomond
    Stop: 45 minutes
    See details
  • 4
    Glengoyne Distillery
    Stop: 90 minutes - Admission excluded
    See details
    Pass by
    Doune Castle
  • You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Heart of Scotland Tours
4,306
willkU6162WI
willkU6162WI
00
Fantastic experience and well worth the cost
My brother and I had a wonderful day discovering the Highlands with our awesome tour guide, Andy. He was extremely …
NamamiGaur
NamamiGaur
00
Thank you Keith!
Dear Keith and the heart of Scotland tour team, Thank you so much for the amazing tour! We had a wonderful trip! …
davemG7989SD
davemG7989SD
00
The best 5 days you could hope to spend in a Wee Bus in paradise
This was the most magnificent trip we have done to Scotland yet and my wife's second 5 day Highland Tour!. The driv…
Angie K
Angie K
00
I fell in love with Scotland
My husband and I had never been to Scotland and so we chose a small group tour to get the most of the experience. …
Z566GVjeffk
Z566GVjeffk
00
Great 8 day trip through Scotland.
One of the best tours we have ever been on! James was a fantastic driver and guide! His heart is with Scotland an…
M1keOleBuddy
M1keOleBuddy
00
The Experience of a Lifetime!
This was the highlight of my trip to Scotland. I’d been dreaming of visiting all life and was a little anxious abou…
Donna P
Donna P
00
Great tour
Our guide was Keith. He is a knowledgeable and interesting guide. Not only was this a great day out with magnific…
lizzorodizzo
lizzorodizzo
00
Just Book the Wee Red Bus - You won't regret it.
This is going to be a long day, but it will be a great day. Our driver Keith was knowledgeable and friendly. And …
MomOfHeathens
MomOfHeathens
00
Better Than I Could Have Imagined
I took the 3 day Skye tour it honestly made my entire trip better than I ever imagined! Our guide, James, was witty…
Q7970GYwilliamh
Q7970GYwilliamh
00
Great tour and tour guide!
We had a great 3 day tour of the Highlands and Isle of Skye. Our guide James made it special--- he was fun, funny,…
nicglu4
nicglu4
00
The tour was fantastic and James was brilliant!
The tour was fantastic and James was brilliant! Not only was he engaging, delightful and entertaining, but he had a…
725bill
725bill
00
Worst tour I have taken in 30+ years of Intl travel
Guide spoke Scottish brog NOT English so was impossible to understand except every 4 or 5th word. Volume kept chang…
Gloria W
Gloria W
00
The best way to see and learn about Scotland
We did the 5 day grand tour, our first real trip through Scotland. It was an amazing experience, the knowledge and …
GraysonCat
GraysonCat
00
5 day Highlands tour
Great experience from booking all the way through the actual tour. Our guide (Euan Alexander) was always on time. …
53lilianam
53lilianam
00
12 hour trip to Loch Ness
The trip itself was fine and the views gorgeous. Our problem was with the guide/driver (Richard ?). First he arrive…
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
243 reviews
Excellent
212
Very good
27
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Sarah H
Canberra, Australia190 contributions
Castles, lochs and whiskey - you can’t get more Scottish than that!
Our guide for the day on The Wee Red Bus was Graham who was a wealth of information on the history of Scotland and pointed out important locations during the drive. Only a small group on the tour meant that there was plenty of room on the bus and we didn’t have to continually wait for people at each of the stops.
First stop of the tour out of Edinburgh was the stunning Stirling Castle. You have the option of paying to tour the castle or wander in the nearby town. We chose the castle. It’s amazing how old the castle is, yet how well it is preserved. We were given plenty of time to wander around and grab a coffee from the cafe before the scheduled bus departure time. The views were fantastic.
Continued on the bus and had the opportunity to take in the scenery and stop at a number of locations to take photos. Got some up close pictures of the local hairy coos and got to pat/feed one. Just had to remember to watch out for the horns!
Aberfoyle for lunch at the Scottish Wool Centre located just off the main street of the town. No animals to look at in the cooler seasons, but there is an impressive shop and a good place to look for souvenirs.
Loch Lomond was stunning and I recommend taking the option to get off the bus and walk the trail along the edge of the loch back towards the visitor center which takes about 40 minutes at a very leisurely pace. The scenery is worth the stroll.
Julie at Glencoyne distillery provided a comprehensive tour and led the whiskey taking throughout. Perfect end to a great day.
Recommend you consider this company for your tours rather than one of the larger operators. Well worth it.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WeeRedBus
Hello Sarah, Thank you so much for your fantastic and very comprehensive review - I'm sure many travelers will find this really useful. We are so pleased that you had such a great day out with Graham on the Wee Red Bus and know that he too will be delighted to read your lovely comments. Kind regards Helen and the HOST team
Written January 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Slugs Worldwide
Phoenix, AZ4 contributions
Fantastic Scotland tour
Jan 2020 • Couples
My partner and I attended this tour on January 11th, 2020. Although the weather was quite bad, our tour guide, Paul, made sure everyone had an excellent day trip. Paul was very knowledgeable about all things Scottish and provided us with information throughout the trip. I especially appreciated that Paul included information about daily Scottish life. He was also available to provide recommendations at each location, and would pull over to offer us several photo opportunities while driving in the highlands. Paul was a very kind and accommodating tour guide, and included the perfect Scottish songs to play during the drive. Stirling castle was marvelous (free guided walking tour!) and the royal apartments at Stirling were especially fun to see. The restaurant/cafe at which we stopped during midday had delicious food and coffee, both of which were extremely well-priced. We didn’t get much time to walk around outside at Loch Lomond due to the weather, but we were still able to appreciate its beauty and take some good photos. Because our time outside was shortened due to rain, Paul took us to some extra stops, which was so appreciated! We were actually able to see more than we had expected (for example, a photo op at the castle used for Winterfell in GOT and at the bridge). Paul’s ability to adapt the tour to the weather conditions is the markings of a quality tour guide! We also stopped by a very cute little area of the highland town where we could grab a drink at a cafe or pub.

Although the weather was harsh, this tour was one of the highlights of our UK trip! (This is quite the statement, considering my partner and I are both from the very dry, warm southwestern USA...so we normally handle cold and rainy weather quite poorly!) Thanks so much to the tour company and Paul for being awesome and providing us with a fun and memorable day, which we remember very fondly!
- Briana W.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WeeRedBus
Hi Briana, Thank you so much for taking the time to write so warmly here about your recent Wee Red Bus tour and your guide Paul. He will be absolutely delighted to read your lovely comments and we are really pleased to hear your experience was such a positive one despite the Scottish weather! Best wishes Helen and the HOST team
Written January 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim S
Richardson, TX16 contributions
Keep Calm and Carry Hand Sanitizer
Mar 2020 • Family
We were beginning to think we’d made a mistake. We arrived in London at midnight on the 13th, spent the next two days walking around London and calling airlines panicked that we’d not be able to get back to Dallas, and then took a 9 hour Megabus trip (where these two guys kept getting into actual fist fights, making it difficult to relax and catch some sleep) to Edinburgh. We were absolutely exhausted and the last thing I wanted was to get on another bus and have someone drone on and on!!

Graham proved us wrong!!! He was a true professional, had the most pleasant voice and was absolutely enthralling. He was extremely knowledgeable, but not “boring teacher” way. He was excited and proud of everything he showed us. He played music throughout and I could swear I saw a wee tear when he played The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. Honestly, I could tell you about what to see, but it’s really Graham that makes the trip. We had ample time to see the sights, eat lunch, and take tours. Seeing Stirling Castle and being told about it’s connection to Braveheart was magic, Loch Lomond was Bonnie even in the rain (or as Graham called it “liquid sunshine”). We ate in Aberfoyle at the Scottish Wool Company - get the tea for two and Lentil soup. The Glengoyne Distillery was so informative and took us from water to whisky - I wish I could describe the smell!! On the way back, Graham played ya some relaxing Scottish music and we all fell asleep. He woke us up with a special song (no spoilers)! Thank you, Graham for making our day so very special!!
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nick R
Hello, it sounds like you had a very difficult start to your stay in the UK and we're glad Graham was able to turn it into such a special and memorable occasion. Hope your journey home to Dallas is uneventful. Carolyn and the HOST team
Written March 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Annelies R
Lelystad, The Netherlands1 contribution
Good day!
It was a cold snowy day February 11th and I was afraid it might cause our trip to be cancelled, like had happened the day before with another (unrelated) booking. However everybody was right on time and we were welcomed by Iain, our host for the day, in his Wee Red Bus. The weather did not affect his mood and soon after welcoming everybody aboard we were well on our way.

Not long after we left the city we were stuck in traffic on our way to Stirling Castle. Iain tried improving our lost time by taking alternate routes, telling stories to keep us in a good mood. Iain is a wonderful story teller, I really liked his version of Braveheart. Unfortunately we still arrived a wee bit late at Stirling Castle (sorry, not Scottish but really like to use 'wee' whenever I can :) ). It gave us little time to walk the premices but after Iain still managed to squeese in a wee visit to Doune Castle (that I had requested being an Outlander fan). I am really thankful for that moment.

Having had so much bad luck with our time, Iain decided to take us up into the highlands for a little photo op at Milarrochy Bay before having a lovely lunch at the Oak Tree Inn.

After lunch we visited Glengoyne Distillery. I am not a whisky drinker, but really liked this look behind the scènes. After our second glass of whisky we departed the distillery and headed back to Edinburgh. Iain played his playlist of Scottish artists, turns out he's an excellent DJ as well. It made for a pleasant journey back.

I had a wonderfull day and hope to return to Scotland soon. I'll then certainly be booking another tour with Heart of Scotland. I have my eye set on the Best of Scotland tour already.

Thank you Iain for a very good day!
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WeeRedBus
Thank you so much for writing such a lovely and detailed review of your tour with Iain. It certainly sounds like you had a great day out and really enjoyed your time with Iain. We hope to see you again on the Best of Scotland Tour! Happy Travels Jenny & Heart of Scotland Tours
Written March 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Flemishscouser
Ghent, Belgium54 contributions
Splendid tour with topguide IAIN
On a snowy, wet and windy day, Iain entertained us on the way to Stirling Castle a lot with good historical and cultural info about our next visits, also mixed up with a good joke. The weather was snowy, wet, windy so there were no good scenery views for picture, so Iain drove especially to Doune Castle as alternative for a goto moment. Loch Lomond walks were also impossible since flooding but that setback was for me totally compensated by the enthusiasm of Iain. Glencoyne distillery was also very interesting. My son and me would like to do the same tour again in Summer when there's more chance for sunny spells. If we do it a second time, we will ask Iain as guide again !!
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WeeRedBus
Hi Flemish Scouser (interesting 'handle' BTW!) and thanks for travelling with Iain on our Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky day tour. Pity about the rain but if you're planning to return in the summer months we look forward to seeing you then. We'll make sure the air conditioning is working properly :-)
Written February 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bingwong
Hong Kong, China3 contributions
A Must-join Tour
May 2022 • Friends
We are from Hong Kong and Euan was our tour guide. He is really really a nice guy who cares about everyone in the tour. On the red van, he introduced Scotland's history and explained how everything is related to the scenic spots. We also enjoyed the trip to the Whisky Distillery and will definitely join them the next time we visit Edinburgh again.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WeeRedBus
Thanks for taking the time to review Euan and Heart of Scotland Tours. Cheers from Edinburgh!
Written June 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark Stanley
27 contributions
A fun day exploring outside of Edinburgh
Apr 2022 • Couples
We are on a short stay in Edinburgh, Scotland but wanted to explore outside of the city. This one day excursion exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide Evan was outstanding. Fun, informative, funny stories, and gave us a much better feel of the real Scotland and not the Hollywood version. We covered a fair amount of territory and wish some of our stops were longer but there are only so many hours in the day. We made four stops and drove by several sites. First stop, Sterling castle, Euan gave us the real story behind the castle history and important battles. It is well worth the visit. Every room had a story to tell about the lives of the royalty and the common folk. The next two stops were short but picturesque and a chance to grab a quick bite. The final stop was Whisky tasting. Again a fun and informative experience. Highly recommend the experience and hope Euan is your guide. You are in for a great day.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mchaplin79
Grantsville, UT12 contributions
Best trip
Apr 2022 • Couples
This trip was amazing. Alan was so informative and had plenty of stories, it was like a friend was taking us around. Stirling Castle was awe inspiring. We found the best heilin coos.(highland cows). A fabulous way to see the sites.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen Y
Rhyl, UK23 contributions
Great day out, awesome scenery and a very helpful guide.
Mar 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this small group tour - max. 16 - we had just 8 in our group including 2 people who turned up on the wrong day !! But to be fair, our guide Paul took them with us and sorted out with the office later. Because we didn’t mind cutting back a little on stop times, Paul was able to take us via the Forth Estuary and Doune Castle extra. Paul also told us how to get served more quickly at lunch how to get the best out of the visit to Stirling Castle. Overall, a busy but well paced day and very well planned tour.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nick R
Hello Stephen, thank you for your review. We're glad you enjoyed your day on our Wee Red Bus with Paul and hope we might see you on tour again in the future. Carolyn and the HOST team
Written March 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Safari21601373285
1 contribution
Great driver, lackluster castle
It was a cloudy, foggy day. Driver was terrific. Sterling castle? Save your money, next to nothing to see. Edinburgh castle is closer, bigger and better. More to see. Glengoyne was nice but all in all, a long day of sitting in a bus with 3 lackluster stops along the way.
Written December 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh