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Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky Small Group Tour - 1 day tour
Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky
One day tour
Soak up the history and beauty of Scotland on this fascinating day out. Start the day with a drive to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city to visit the contemporary Clydeside Distillery, where we’ll discover how Scotland’s National Drink is.produced using traditional methods. Next, travel to Loch Lomond to enjoy the views of Britain's largest lake. After a drive through “Braveheart” country, we reach the historic city of Stirling where we can visit the castle or explore the old town. On the return journey to Edinburgh see the impressive Kelpies, two 30 metre-high horse head statues.
Whisky Distillery - discover how Scotland's national drink is produced and enjoy a wee dram
Loch Lomond - admire the views as you stroll along the "bonnie bonnie banks"
Craigie Fort - a steep hike is rewarded with stunning panoramic views
Rob Roy - discover the fascinating story of this famous folk hero and his many exploits
Stirling - visit one of Scotland's mightiest castles or explore Stirling Old Town
The Kelpies - see the towering horse-head statues
Movie locations - The Eagle, Braveheart & Rob Roy
Full Tour Itinerary
Leaving Edinburgh behind, we head across central Scotland to reach Glasgow where the first stop of the day is at the Clydeside Malt Whisky Distillery, located on the banks of the River Clyde. Here we have the chance for a behind-the-scenes tour followed by a wee taste of the end product.
The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is a beautiful area of lochs and wild mountain vistas.
Loch Lomond is the largest stretch of inland water in Britain. Sir Walter Scott called it "The Queen of all Scottish lakes" - Loch Lomond is sure to put a song in your heart!
We'll make a stop in the pretty village of Balmaha so you can enjoy a stroll along the "bonnie, bonnie banks". If you are feeling energetic, take a hike to visit Craigie Fort where you’ll get stunning views over the loch and the surrounding countryside.
After our break, the tour continues with a drive to the medieval city of Stirling. On the outskirts of the city, we'll pass Bannockburn, the location of the famous battle in 1314, where the Scots, under the command of King Robert the Bruce, won a famous victory over the army of King Edward II of England.
Stirling Castle dominates the city and surrounding countryside and is one of the historic buildings that have come to symbolise the spirit of Scotland.
On your visit, see the magnificent Great Hall, kitchens and the renaissance splendour of the Royal Palace. It was the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Our extended stop in Stirling will allow a leisurely visit to the Castle or the chance to explore the neighbouring old town.
On our return to Edinburgh we will see The Kelpies, two 30 metre-high horse head sculptures that have become an instant hit with both visitors and Scots alike. The Kelpies pay homage to the working horses that used to pull the barges on this and other canals in Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Small Group Tour?
With a maximum of just 16 passengers, a Small Group Tour provides a more personal and flexible travelling experience. You’ll enjoy more time off the bus, with freedom to explore free from the crowds.
While you will see all the highlights, these tours are carefully planned to travel off the highways, so you’ll discover quaint villages and picturesque vistas that other tours cannot reach.
Small group tours are operated by purpose-built mini-coaches with air-conditioning, panoramic windows and comfortable seating.
Each group is led by an experienced driver/guide who will entertain and inform you with stories of our history, nature and folklore.
Many travellers prefer small group touring as it’s considered more authentic and there is a better chance to connect with locals as well as their fellow explorers.
What are the optional extras on this tour and how much do they cost?
Admission fees are not included in the tour fare. Here are the attractions that are visited on this tour:
Stirling Castle
The Clydeside Distillery
The above links will provide you with more details including prices. The tour itinerary has been carefully created to allow sufficient time for an interior visit, should you wish. In some cases discounts are available to tour participants, your driver/guide will give you more information if this applies on this tour. Some attractions don’t accept payment by credit/debit card so it’s recommended that you bring sufficient cash should you wish to make a visit.
If you plan to visit Edinburgh Castle as well as Stirling Castle during your time in Scotland you may wish to consider purchasing a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. This ticket allows visits to up to 77 Historic Scotland attractions during the validity period of your pass.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.
Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.
Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
I am travelling on a budget. Can I do the same trip by public transport?
Almost certainly not!
Our tours are designed to maximise your sightseeing opportunities so we frequently head off the main road and take routes where there is little or no public transport available.
Please also bear in mind that the tour commentary that you will enjoy is designed to bring Scotland’s history, nature and scenic beauty to life as you travel around.
Reading about your surroundings from a guide book will just not be the same!
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available in Scotland.
Inclusions
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From 1 Parliament Square
Royal Mile/High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1RF
Check-in: 08:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 18:45 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 48 hours notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Small Group Tour
Enjoy a more personal travelling experience with a maximum of just 16 passengers.
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HEX 00002
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (4 /5) 14 Dec 2022
The tour was not breathtaking unfortunately - mainly due to the timing - December is not a suitable time to travel in Scotland. It was only a few stops with nothing extraordinary to see. On the other hand, our tour guide Andy was more than excellent - his profound knowledge and professionalism connected with outstanding sense of humor have saved a trip!
Dariusz from Lazy, PL
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Rating: (5 /5) 22 Mar 2020
We were a group of 6 people and we had a really great tour, really interesting ! This one-day tour perfectly met our expectations and the guide was really nice ! We would sign again without hesitation !
from CHOLET, FR
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Rating: (5 /5) 04 Nov 2019
Stephen H had great knowledge in his comprehensive commentary throughout the tour with side stories and anecdotes. One recommedation we have is to allow a little longer stop for lunch...50 mins is a little to short to have a relaxed restaurant meal
from London, GB
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