7 Unforgettable Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

Whisky isn’t just a drink in Scotland — it’s a story, a tradition, and for many visitors, a full-sensory introduction to the country’s culture.

Edinburgh makes an excellent base for exploring it. From here, you can reach the Lowlands, Highlands, and even Speyside on a well-paced day tour or short getaway.

Most Whisky tours from Edinburgh include more than just whisky — expect scenic drives, castle views, and historic towns along the way.

When I first moved to Edinburgh, I wasn’t a whisky drinker. That changed quickly. Between ceilidh nights, visits to local distilleries, and a few tips (and drams) from my bandmates (yes, I play the bagpipes), I learned what makes whisky so tied to Scotland’s identity — and how enjoyable it can be with the right guide.

If you want a well-rounded experience with tastings, views, and a relaxed pace, I recommend the Ultimate Whisky Experience Tour.

It’s consistently the best-rated by travellers, and it’s the one I send friends on when they visit.

You’ll explore two contrasting distilleries, enjoy a proper Highland drive, and even get a whisky-and-chocolate pairing that actually works.

These tours often sell out weeks ahead — especially during festivals or peak travel months — so early booking is strongly recommended.

1. Ultimate Whisky Experience Tour

Best for: Scenic day trip with two distinct distilleries and chocolate pairings

This is the whisky tour I’d recommend to almost anyone. You’ll visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy – an interactive distillery with one of the most well-run tastings I’ve had – and Glenturret, the oldest working distillery in Scotland, full of traditional charm. It’s a full day out, but the pace is relaxed.

There’s a chocolate pairing included at Aberfeldy that actually works – one of those rare tasting gimmicks that delivers.

The drive takes you through Highland countryside with a guide who keeps the mood light but informative.

“The distillery tours were of real working distilleries, not just visitor centres. The trip through the Highlands was beautiful.”

Fiona’s Take: This is the one I suggest when friends visit. Great balance of whisky, views, and a bit of indulgence – without being too touristy.

Tour Highlights:

• Two distillery tours with full tastings
• Whisky and chocolate pairing
• Scenic Highland route with photo stops
• Small group format (max 16)

✅ Book now – This tour fills fast, especially Fridays and Saturdays

2. Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Tour

Best for: Those who want views, fresh air, and just enough whisky

This one’s less about getting deep into whisky lore and more about enjoying the Scottish countryside with a dram at the end.

You’ll explore The Hermitage (an old forest with waterfalls), get panoramic views from Queen’s View, stop in Pitlochry, and round it all out with a tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy.

“The guide’s storytelling added richness to every moment. I came for the whisky, but I stayed for the views.”

Fiona’s Take: This is a great intro tour. It’s ideal if you’re travelling with someone who isn’t big on whisky but still wants a scenic day. The distillery is a bonus, not the whole point.

Tour Highlights:

• Forest walks and loch views
• Dewar’s Aberfeldy whisky tasting
• Pitlochry and Queen’s View stops
• Easygoing pace and storytelling focus

✅ Reserve your seat – Best value if you’re balancing whisky with scenery

3. 3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Tour

Best for: Whisky fans ready to explore the heart of Scotland’s whisky country

This multi-day adventure is designed for those who want more than just a dram and a photo stop.

Over three days, you’ll travel into Speyside — home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries — with stops at legendary names like Cardhu, Dalwhinnie, and Lindores Abbey.

Accommodation is included at a local B&B, and the small-group setting (max 16) means there’s space to ask questions, chat with fellow whisky fans, and enjoy the journey at a slower pace.

“Even as a whisky newbie, I came away totally hooked — and far more knowledgeable.”

Fiona’s Take: If you’ve already done a whisky tour and want to go deeper, this is the natural next step. It’s also ideal for couples or solo travellers looking to connect with others over a shared interest.

Tour Highlights:

• 3-day tour from Edinburgh with expert guide
• 4+ distillery visits and tastings
• Highland accommodation included
• Drives through Cairngorms National Park

✅ Book now – This one often sells out months ahead during whisky season

4. Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour (Glengoyne & Deanston)

Best for: Travellers short on time who still want to try two distilleries

This tour is perfect if you’re only in Edinburgh for a few days but still want a taste of Scotland’s whisky scene.

You’ll visit two distinct distilleries: Glengoyne, known for its slow distillation process and scenic setting, and Deanston, a converted cotton mill with a more modern edge.

You’ll also stop at Loch Lomond, which adds a scenic break between tastings — ideal if your travel partner isn’t quite as excited about whisky.

“Our guide made the day – full of stories, humour, and deep whisky knowledge.”

Fiona’s Take: This is an easy win for first-time visitors. You’ll get two distillery experiences, a loch view, and a lively guide without committing your whole day to whisky.

Tour Highlights:

• Two contrasting distilleries (Highland and Lowland)
• Scenic drive through Stirlingshire and the Campsies
• Stop at Loch Lomond
• Compact, well-paced itinerary

✅ Check availability – A great starter tour with strong reviews

5. Loch Lomond, Stirling & Whisky Tour

Best for: First-time visitors who want castles, lochs, and a dram

This tour ticks a lot of boxes. You’ll visit the historic Stirling Castle, enjoy scenic stops around Loch Lomond, and round things off with a tasting at Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow.

The itinerary mixes culture, nature, and whisky — making it ideal if you’re travelling in a mixed-interest group.

“I got to visit a castle, taste whisky, and see the Highlands – all in one day.”

Fiona’s Take: This is a balanced tour for travellers who want variety. If whisky is just one part of your Scotland wish list, this one delivers without overwhelming.

Tour Highlights:

• Guided visit to Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond viewpoints
• Whisky tasting at Clydeside Distillery
• Great value for first-timers

✅ Book this trip now – Ideal if you’re trying to do a lot with one day trip

6. Rosslyn Chapel, Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery

Best for: Travellers who love history and mystery with a whisky finish

This lesser-known tour heads south into the Scottish Borders, combining a stop at the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel, a walk around the ruins of Melrose Abbey, and a whisky tasting at Glenkinchie Distillery – the Lowlands’ answer to Speyside.

“Even my non-whisky-drinking partner enjoyed it – the scenery and stories were brilliant.”

Fiona’s Take: This is one of the more unique tours from Edinburgh. It’s perfect if you’re interested in Scotland’s religious and literary history, but still want to squeeze in a tasting.

Tour Highlights:

• Glenkinchie Distillery tour and tasting
• Rosslyn Chapel visit (of Da Vinci Code fame)
• Melrose Abbey and Scottish Borders drive
• Small group size

✅ Reserve your spot now – A great option for history buffs who want a dram

7. Scottish Highlands Tour with Whisky Tasting

Best for: Scenic day trip with just enough whisky

This is a whisky tour with the emphasis on landscape. You’ll visit Highland towns like Dunkeld and Pitlochry, walk through ancient forest trails to Hermitage Falls, take in views from Queen’s View, and finish with a visit to Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.

It’s light on whisky but heavy on photo stops and fresh air, making it ideal for those who want to see more of Scotland — with a dram on the side.

“One of the most scenic tours we took. The whisky stop was a great bonus.”

Fiona’s Take: I often recommend this for visitors who want a Highland experience but aren’t ready to commit to a multi-day tour. It’s relaxed and very photogenic.

Tour Highlights:

• Dewar’s Aberfeldy distillery visit
• Walks at Hermitage Falls and Queen’s View
• Free time in Pitlochry
• Max group size of 16

✅ Check availability – Ideal for those prioritising nature over nosing glasses

How to Choose the Right Whisky Tour

Not sure which one to book? Here’s a quick guide based on what you want most out of the experience:

• First-timer or whisky newbie?
  Go for the Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour. You’ll visit two contrasting distilleries, stop at Loch Lomond, and still be back in time for dinner
  
• Want a scenic day with just enough whisky?
  The Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Tour combines forests, lochs, and one solid tasting — ideal if you’re not looking to sip all day
  
• Travelling with mixed interests?
  Choose Rosslyn Chapel & Glenkinchie or Loch Lomond, Stirling & Whisky. These blend whisky with castles, chapels, and landscapes
  
• Curious but short on time?
  The Ultimate Whisky Experience Tour is the most balanced one-day itinerary — two great distilleries, a scenic route, and standout tastings.
• All about the whisky?
  Book the 3-Day Speyside Trail. It’s designed for whisky fans and covers more ground (and more drams) than a single-day tour ever could
  
• Prefer views and villages over distillery deep-dives?
  Try the Scottish Highlands with Whisky Tasting tour — one dram, lots of fresh air, and plenty of Highland charm.

Still stuck? The Ultimate Whisky Experience is the one I recommend most often — especially if you’re after a scenic day that feels like a proper Scottish adventure, not just a tasting session.

What’s Next

Whisky might be the focus, but these tours offer more than tastings. They’re a chance to explore the Highlands, visit historic sites, and get a deeper sense of Scottish culture — all with a guide who knows how to keep things relaxed and engaging.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Pick the experience that matches your travel style.
   Use the cheat sheet above to narrow it down — whether you’re here for the whisky, the views, or a bit of both.
2. Check availability early.
   Most of these tours run with small groups and book out fast, especially around summer and festival season.
3. Book your spot.
   Once you’ve chosen, book directly using the links above. That’ll secure your place and support this site at no extra cost to you.

If you’re still unsure, I’d start with the Ultimate Whisky Experience Tour. It offers the best mix of distilleries, scenery, and storytelling — and it’s the one I recommend to friends visiting Edinburgh for the first time.

Your dram’s waiting. All that’s left to do is choose how you’ll get there.

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