scotland castle and whiskey tours

Whisky & Castles 2 day tour

A two-day escape exploring the majesty of the Cairngorms, Deeside, Speyside and Highland Perthshire.

Tour Highlights

Cairngorms National Park - Gaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks.

Blair Castle* - Gardens, antlers, and gory battles: delve into Scottish history at this famous castle.

Lindores Abbey Distillery - Learn all about the 'Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky'.

Dalwhinnie Distillery - Try not to get too light-headed as you sample whisky at Scotland’s highest distillery.

The Hermitage - Walk over mossy paths and under a dark green canopy in a gorgeous forest.

Your journey

Everybody knows Scotland’s whiskies and castles go together like peanut butter and jelly. What’s less known is how much more you discover when you sample this famous duo yourself on our two-day whisky tour .

You become an expert in Speyside whisky as you savour smuggler-founded whiskies and visit the highest working distillery in Scotland . You rejuvenate your senses with forest walks, mountain views, and regional cuisine. And you relive 750 years of political scandals, fashion styles, and gory battles within the walls of an ancient castle.

So, pair the fruity flavors of whisky with a prestigious castle on our two-day adventure through the Highlands.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
• Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
• Distilleries may be substituted
• Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver guide
• Tour accommodation
• Attraction entry tickets
• Cast your eyes over the pine trees and rolling hills of Perthshire and the Cairngorms National Park
• Sample a delectable Speyside whisky at a traditional distillery

You leave Edinburgh behind and head north over the iconic Queensferry Crossing. Fertile farming lands roll into pine valleys as you journey from the Kingdom of Fife into Highland Perthshire. 

Your first stop of the day is at Lindores Abbey Distillery, known as the 'Spiritual Home of Scotch Whisky'. This wealthy Abbey entertained monarchs such as David II, Edward I of England and Robert the Bruce before it started producing its very own whisky in 1494. 

You stop in Blairgowrie to stretch your legs and admire a typical Highland town before heading to the village of Braemar for your lunch break. After a well-deserved rest, it's time to stretch your legs at Linn of Dee, a favourite picnic spot of Queen Victoria. 

With the promise of more delicious whisky tomorrow, and some fresh air in your lungs, you head to Grantown-on-Spey for your overnight stop.

• Take in views and drink up whisky at Scotland’s highest working distillery
• Step into Scottish history at Blair Castle*

This morning, you enjoy views of the Cairngorms as we travel to Scotland’s highest working distillery, Dalwhinnie Distillery. Their whisky is nicknamed ‘the gentle spirit’ due to its soft flavours.

After warming yourself up with dram, you journey to Blair Castle. Here, you can learn about Mary Queen of Scots, discover a ballroom adorned with 175 antlers, and roam the 9-acre Georgian garden. Here is also where you take your lunch.

You head further south to the Hermitage. This classic forest walk offers sublime views of Douglas Fir trees, salmon-loving rivers, and thunderous waterfalls. Nearby is the adorable village of Dunkeld where you stop for some refreshments. 

You arrive in Edinburgh early in the evening.

*You visit Blair Castle between April and October and you go to Stirling Castle between November and March. 

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Lindores Abbey Distillery
• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Blair Castle (or Stirling Castle as winter alternative)

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight.

Your tour stays one night in Grantown-on-Spey.

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE .

Alternatively, please email us your questions at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab : types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices,  per person per night :

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Castles & Whiskey

Edinburgh – Aberdeenshire – Inverness – Dufftown 

Welcome to Scotland!

Our  Castles & Whiskey Tour is a perfect week-long package for those looking for an experience that’s truly uniquely Scottish. 

Most importantly, consult with your Travel Specialist to ensure that the highlights of your journey are meticulously arranged in advance, guaranteeing a seamless and delightful experience. Generous leisure time is intentionally incorporated into the itinerary, allowing you to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in the journey’s discoveries.

*Please keep in mind – This is a SAMPLE itinerary and is meant for inspiration only!

Make it Yours

• Accommodation – Scotland boasts a diverse array of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to cozy B&Bs and opulent castle hotels. Juniper will curate your lodging based on your preferences.
• Transportation – We’ll create a seamless travel experience tailored to your preferences and budget. Whether it’s arranging airport transfers, car rentals, train passes, or even private chauffeurs, we’ll connect all the dots for you.
• Day tours and admission tickets – Enjoy a smooth and enriching travel experience with pre-scheduled tours and curated activities, ensuring you make the most of your Scottish adventure!

Castles & Whiskey Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in edinburgh.

Welcome to Scotland! Your exciting week of castle and distillery tours, exploring the world of Scottish whiskey, begins. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your castle accommodation in Edinburgh. Check into your castle accomodation and embark on your Scottish adventure.

Overnight in  Bonnyrigg

Day 2: Edinburgh

Explore the vibrant city of Edinburgh or choose from a variety of activities the castle offers, such as falconry or spa treatments. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner within the castle’s charming ambiance.

Day 3: Edinburgh to Aberdeenshire

Depart for your next destination in Aberdeenshire. Your private driver will take you to your next castle stay. Along the way, visit the Glenfiddich Distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting. Arrive at your next castle accommodation and immerse yourself in its historical grandeur.

Overnight in Turriff

Day 4: Aberdeenshire to Inverness

Explore the grounds of your castle accomodation in the morning before departing for Inverness. Discover the vibrant city or opt for outdoor activities like hiking or boating. En route, stop at the Tomatin Distillery for a guided tour and whiskey tasting. Lastly, check into your next castle accommodation!

Overnight in Cawdor 

Day 5: Inverness to Dufftown

Enjoy the morning at Cawdor Castle before departing for Dufftown, the heart of Scottish whiskey production. Visit the Aberlour Distillery for a personalized tour and tasting experience. Reach your final castle destination and take in the picturesque surroundings.

Overnight in Ballindalloch

Day 6: Dufftown

Delve into the rich heritage of Ballindalloch. Later in the day, explore more of Dufftown’s whiskey culture with visits to iconic distilleries like Macallan or Glenlivet.

Day 7: Depart for Home

Bid farewell to your unforgettable Scottish adventure. Your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home. Carry the memories of castles and whiskey with you, and perhaps a bottle of fine Scottish whiskey as a memento of your journey!

Get Ready to Travel!

Your castles & whiskey tour at a glance:, castles & whiskey highlights:.

• Castle accommodations
• Breakfast daily, except on arrival day
• Private Driver-Guide
• All transportation between cities and towns
• Optional travel protection
• Select activities based on your interests. 

Selected activities based on your interests:

• Privately Guided Distillery Tours and Tastings
• Beach Horseback Riding
• Island and Lobster Experience

Explore More Scotland Itineraries

Best of scotland, north coast 500 journey, self drive tour of scotland, ireland and scotland, classic scotland.

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• Luxury Scotland: Castles, Whisky Tasting and Exclusive Tours
• Castles & Estates

By Jade Braham

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Civilisation is gone and, in its place, enchanting sceneries of vivacious green mountains, hollows of mahogany brown and oceans of sapphire blue command the eye. There’s certainly nowhere in the world that has such evocative landscape as Scotland. But this is the Scotland as seen by everyone. Beyond trekking a list of staggering Munros, marvelling at serene lochs and fervently bustling through the famed streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow, there is a luxury Scotland waiting to be unearthed. Private tours of Scotland’s finest distilleries closed to the public, afternoon tea with the Royal Butler, and luxurious retreats to private castles are just a few opportunities waiting for you. This is Scotland like you’ve never seen before, and these bespoke, extraordinary adventures are unimaginable and yet exclusively yours.

Immediately after landing in Edinburgh airport, a chauffeur-driven luxury car arrives to convey you to one of your chosen luxury hotels in Scotland, or private castles, Versailles inspired mansions or studio rooms located in the heart of Edinburgh. On the way, guests are occasionally fortunate to have the chance to dine, tour and devour whisky at with aristocracy at Lord Bruce’s family home. As direct descendants of Robert the Bruce, with their bountiful collection of artefacts, history is palpable here. To have an occasion to explore such a place of historical importance denied to masses is unlike touring any public venue. Here, luxury travel converges with royalty, shaping an even more unique voyage through the rarely seen beau monde of Scotland.

Seeing a privately-owned castle or mansion is enchanting in itself. But to hire an entire one for the duration of your stay in Scotland is an experience straight out of a storybook. 30,000 tons of robust Ashlar Stone and 600 years of astonishing history are nestled within a majestic body of trees, rolling hills and the romantic Gore river at Borthwick Castle . Unlike many luxury hotels in Scotland, this castle’s portcullis is closed to the public and yet its opulent bedchambers and sublime dining areas offer one a royal Scottish sojourn . Spiral staircases and secret doorways unite with rooms embellished in ornate gold, lavish canapies carved out of oak and magnificent roaring fireplaces. Arched ceilings and alcoves are perfect for burying oneself in the pages of leather-bound novels which embody that quirky castle feel of a royal retreat.

"Private tours of Scotland’s finest distilleries closed to the public, afternoon tea with the Royal Butler, and luxurious retreats to private castles are just a few opportunities waiting for you."

Looking for the unusual? One might imagine that staying in the home of Billy Connolly is a far-flung fantasy. Maybe not. The beauty of Cairngorms National Park secrets his splendid 17 th Century Baronial mansion, featuring pepper-pot turrets that are identical to extravagant French Chateaux. While Borthwick allows one to live like royalty, staying in the private Candacraig House gives an exclusive insight into the celebrity world. It’s 18 acres of private woodland, walled garden, loch, impressive formal dining room and single malt whisky library make it look like the film location for the next big Hollywood movie. This house is an absolute gem in the world of luxury Scotland.

Whether your stay in Scotland is at Candacraig , Borthwick or somewhere else equally as exclusive, one’s journey, for the time as Lord or Lady is amplified by the presence of an efficient butler and diligent staff. Immaculate precision down to the plumping of cushions, exceptional turn down service, and full waiter assistance pre-empts every situation, making one’s trip seamless and extravagant, taking a luxury experience of Scotland to the next level.

From haggis to neeps and tatties, sampling Scottish food when in the country is considered a right of passage. Unbeknown to many are the plethora of dining opportunities open outside of the traditional watering hole of the Scottish pub. Whether one desires a Scottish breakfast or designs to be healthy, Michelin quality chefs, personal trainers or yoga instructors can be brought in at the above accommodation to make your ideal routine a reality. The whole nine yards of a formal dinner, mirroring that of a royal state occasion, can be carried out as guests, wearing kilts and elegant gowns are ushered into grand halls by the haunting melody of bagpipes.

Spend days relishing in afternoon tea with Prince Charles’ former Royal Butler or having cocktails and canopies on private steam trains. For something more adventurous, experience the Scottish Highlands like never before with 4×4 Highland Safari tours. These tour Scotland’s breath-taking landscape which can be enjoyed with either deluxe picnics created beforehand or professional chefs accompanying and preparing sumptuous feasts in the peaks of Scotland’s mountains. While many hikes the highlands, few dine in luxury style, and the same can be said for acquainting oneself with Scotland’s private beaches through gigantic bonfires and BBQ’s on boats. Here, premium chefs barbeque scallops in ways akin to art while replenishing glasses with top-tier champagne.

To enrich one’s experience of Scottish food, feasting in private tasting areas in some of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland is unprecedented yet indispensable. This venture cannot be bought online, and neither can access to the water sources, the barley fields nor to the distilleries’ warehouses. But these are the wider tapestry behind perfecting the process of distilling whisky in Scotland.

For a few, exclusive, behind the scene visits to the finest whisky distilleries in Scotland, such as the famously long white building emblazoned with the enormous distillery name of Lagavulin or to Scotland’s smallest and family owned Daftmill Distillery are possible. Here, the owners or a member of the distillery management team take guests on VIP, step-by-step guides through closed-off areas including the water source, the barley fields while allowing visitors to sample whiskies straight out of the casks stored in warehouses. Guests can channel their inner James Bond and arrive at Lagavulin by private boat or jet skis or, be welcomed to Daftmill and become a part of farmer Francis’ farming community. Such unusual whisky distillery tours are much more than just about having a dram, it is an exclusive and personal insight into a heritage that has shaped Scotland’s culture.

The rare experiences depicted thus far are only attainable through Luxury Scottish Travel and Events experts, MacLean & Bruce . Their aim is to offer off-the-beaten-track adventures based on their own and their friend’s personal knowledge and to bring the real side of Scotland to their guests in a luxurious way. Indeed, private stays in luxury castles, afternoon tea with aristocracy, galloping bareback on St Andrews beach, fishing in unheard of lakes and much more are only possible with this pioneering whisky-focused travel company.

As founder Vikki states, “there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t do anything. Everything is scalable and everything is achievable”. No doubt with author and whisky expert Charles MacLean as company director jet skiing to, and VIP tours of, whisky distilleries will never be so intimate, accurate and exclusive. Similarly, Vikki Bruce’s expertise in creating bespoke and luxurious itineraries and her knowledge of the industry means luxury Scotland is always presented individually and exclusively for you.

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Jade Braham

Jade Braham is a travel writer, assistant editor and photographer. She shares her adventures and destinations through high-quality photos, detailed articles in multiple travel publications and on her travel website, Jade Braham's Odyssey. Through her passion for authentic cultures, history and her distinct and eye-catching aesthetic, she documents hidden beauties that often go unseen.

• Bespoke luxury travel tours
• Luxury Scotland
• Luxury whisky tour

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1 Day Tours

• Jacobite Steam Train Adventure
• Castles and Whisky
• Inverness City Tour
• Eilean Donan Castle and Isle of Skye
• John O’Groats and the Far North
• The Highland Experience
• Loch Ness Passion
• Loch Ness Temptation
• Scenic Applecross

2 to 5 Day Tours

• Hebridean Discovery
• Orkney Discovery
• The Orginal Loch Ness Tour
• Loch Ness & the Highlands
• Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands
• Oban and the Western Highlands
• West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles
• A Look at Skye  (2 Day)
• Glimpse of Scotland  (2 Day)
• The Jacobite Highlander  (2 Day)
• Highlands and The Isle of Skye  (3 Day)
• Isle of Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train  (3 Day)
• Isle of Skye Explorer  (3 Day)
• Oban, Mull and Iona  (3 Day)
• Skye and the Scottish Highlands  (3 Day)
• Skye, Inverness and the Highlands  (3 Day)
• Best of the Highlands  (4 Day)
• Inverness, Skye and the Highlands  (4 Day)
• Highland Highlights  (5 Day)
• Isles of Iona, Mull and Skye  (5 Day)
• North Coast 500 and the Orkney Islands  (5 Day)
• Orkney Explorer  (5 Day)
• Hebridean Explorer  (5 Day)
• Road to the Isles  (5 Day)
• Oban, West Highland Lochs and Mountains

2 to 5 Days Tours

• Bealach na Ba
• Cairngorm National Park
• Culloden Moor
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Fort William
• Isle of Skye
• John O'Groats
• Loch Lomond
• The Cuillin Hills
• The Great Glen
• Urquhart Castle

Scotland's Top 10 Destinations

Discover the highlands with the locals, steeped in history and legend, the highlands of scotland are one of the last unspoilt regions of europe..

This is a land of high mountains, breathtaking islands, spectacular glens and deep, mysterious lochs. Eilean Donan Castle, John O’Groats, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, The Cairngorm National Park are just some of the exciting destinations that you can visit easily with Highland Tours.

Our comfortable tours depart from Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow Each and every one of our Highland tours is carefully designed to offer something for everyone; from the stunning scenery that surrounds us to the unique smells when you visit a whisky distillery .

There is our nature and wildlife to enjoy, imposing castles to explore and tales of folklore, heroes and legends to savour. All this and much, much more is the waiting to be experienced with Highland Tours!

Our local guides know the lochs and glens like few others, and will make sure your time in the Highlands is absolutely unforgettable. Of course you'll see the major sights, but you will also discover hidden gems that only a local would know about!

Highland Tours - create your own Scottish Highland adventure !

Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye

Loch Ness and the Highlands

Highlands and the Isle of Skye

Best of the Highlands

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Highlands, Castles and Whisky by Train

Visit spectacular Dunnottar Castle

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Experience the best of Scotland by train, including two privately-guided day tours.

Begin your holiday with two days in historic Stirling, with its superb castle and Wallace Monument, before a relaxing train journey through classic Highland scenery to to the Highland Capital of Inverness. From here, head east to the Granite City of Aberdeen. On the way you’ll experience breathtakingly scenic railways as well as two privately guided day tours, taking in some of Scotland’s finest castles and whisky distilleries.

• McKinlay Kidd

Holiday Details

Day one – splendid stirling.

The opening leg of your rail journey takes you the short hop from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Stirling, one of the most charming – and smallest – of Scotland’s cities. With history stretching back to Roman times, incorporating royal tradition and fierce battles for the crown, as well as the unforgettable castle, Stirling is the perfect first stop on your journey around Scotland. You’ll want to take your time at Stirling Castle, one of our favourites, whose location near the centre of town makes it so easily accessible from your B&B. Later, take a stroll around the surrounding streets, many of which retain the original cobbles from centuries gone by and feature a selection of quirky shops, galleries and eateries.

Your accommodation in Stirling

Just on the edge of the town centre, this family run guest house is a fabulously presented jewel. Festooned with original Victorian features, sky-high ceilings and a charming collection of art and artifacts, you’ll be welcomed with home-made shortbread and a glass of something special, before being shown to your beautifully appointed room.

Day Two – monuments and more in Stirling

You may choose to visit the National Wallace Monument, which tells the story of its namesake and inspiration for ‘Braveheart’ in impressive surroundings. A climb to the top is not one for the faint-hearted, but make the ascent and you’ll be rewarded with one of the finest views in Scotland. Just outside town, the Battle of Bannockburn Experience harnesses the latest technology to tell the story of a key episode in Scotland’s history.

Day Three – on the Highland rail line

A fabulous journey north today, through Perthshire via evocative place-names like Gleneagles, Pitlochry, Kingussie and Aviemore, skirting the impressive Cairngorms mountain range as you wend your way to the Highland capital of Inverness . Here, you’ll spend the next two nights in a convivial, privately owned guest house.

Your accommodation in Inverness

Set within easy walking distance of the river and city centre, this well- presented guest house is one we love to return to again and again. 

Enjoy the rest of the day in Inverness, exploring its winding streets, riverside walks and cosy taverns. Your host will be only too happy to advise you of the best local walks, cafes and restaurants.

Different accommodation will be used in the winter months.

Day Four – On the Whisky Trail in Speyside

After breakfast, you’ll be ready to take an exclusive, day-long private guided tour of Speyside with our specially chosen driver-guide. A tourism professional who has studied at the Edinburgh Whisky Academy. She will show you the very best this wonderful area has to offer, including tours of two of its best distilleries, with drams and a stop for lunch along the way.

Day Five – Towards the Granite City

Get set for the next stage of your train journey as you travel the two hours-or-so to Aberdeen. A sparkling city on the North Sea coast, Aberdeen boasts a wealth of attractions from shopping and theatre, to food, museums and galleries, and its world-famous granite architecture. Take the rest of the day to explore some of the city’s best sights.

Your hotel in Aberdeen

Set within the wide, leafy streets of the city’s fashionable West End, this is a stylish, family owned property featuring a vibrant bar and sophisticated dining. Beautifully appointed rooms feature a wealth of detail designed to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible, with beautifully appointed bathrooms and the highest-quality beds and bedding throughout.

Extensive guest lounging provides quiet nooks for morning planning or evening contemplation, perhaps while enjoying coffee or a refreshment, while dining on the elegant menu hotel’s own restaurant is a fine way to spend an evening.

Day Six – Castles, Castles, CASTLES!

Aberdeenshire boasts an incredible 300-or-so castles, more than any other UK county. Today, you’ll make the most of your time here as you take a private guided tour with our specially selected local driver-guide, taking you on an unforgettable day out to some of the finest scenery and sights you’ll ever see, perhaps including the atmospheric clifftop ruins of 11th-century Dunnottar Castle; the fairytale turrets, towers and beautiful gardens of Crathes Castle and a drive across the wonderful Cairn O’ Mount pass between Banchory and Fettercairn.

Day Seven – Heading back south

After breakfast, you’re back on the train, crossing the railway bridge over the Silvery Tay and heading south to Edinburgh or Glasgow and your onward journey home, reflecting on memories of the Scottish trinity of Highlands, castles and whisky.

Sustainable Travel 

This holiday is part of our ever-growing collection of public transport based holidays, enabling you to reach destinations around Scotland without the need to drive. We feel strongly that true sustainability also means promoting and helping to maintain a way of life in areas where the economic benefit of tourism can make a genuine difference to the local community, which is why we have used locally-owned small accommodation and local guides on this holiday.

This week-long exploration of the East and Central Highlands takes you first to Stirling, then heads north to Inverness, from where you will experience some of the whisky distilleries of Speyside. Continue to the Granite City of Aberdeen and the wonderful Castle Trail. The trip can start and finish in Edinburgh or Glasgow as you prefer. We can also tailor-make it to include time in St Andrews on the way south.

£1515 per person for November 2023 to March 2024, £1795 per person for April to October.

The above pricing does not include stays over Christmas or New Year from 23 December to 8 January . If you are interested in taking a holiday across these dates, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.

All prices are based on two adults sharing a double or twin room for six nights on a bed & breakfast basis in our hand-picked selection of small guest houses and hotels. This holiday includes train travel throughout, a full day with a local guide in Speyside to visit two distilleries and a private tour of Aberdeenshire’s Castle Trail.

The price for a single traveller, based on sole occupancy of double rooms is £2650 from November 2023 to March 2024 and £2955 for May to September.

We would also be delighted to assist with hotel or guest house reservations in St Andrews, Edinburgh or Glasgow, for the beginning or end of the trip.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

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Explore Scotland's most famous whisky region & discover that it's also home to wonderful historic sights and breathtaking scenery.

• ABOUT THIS TOUR
• ITINERARY & MAP

Interested in this tour?

This tour is available on a private basis only. Please get in touch to get a quote for your group.

This tour is only available as a private tour in 2023. Our private tours are conducted in our 16 and 30 seater mini-coaches and as such are best suited to groups of 8+. Prices starts from £1195 per day per group.

Tour Highlights

• Wonderful combination of whisky and sightseeing
• Fantastic distillery experience at Tomatin
• Visit Ballindalloch Castle - Jewel of the North
• Speyside Cooperage - an unexpected highlight, believe us!
• Great introduction to the Speyside region

Itinerary and Map +

Itinerary & map, tomatin distillery.

At Tomatin Distillery whisky production has been a way of life since the fifteenth century. You will be taken on a one hour tour to explore the distillery and find out how whisky is produced. You will visit the still house and the warehouse, as well as having a unique opportunity to step inside a mash tun. This in-depth tour will give you a great overview of the illicit history of our national drink.

After the tour you will be encouraged to, “experience the softer side of the Highlands”, with tutored tastings of three specially selected drams. You will then have the opportunity to browse the gift shop, which features many special whiskies and unique Tomatin merchandise.

Ballindalloch Castle

First and foremost a family home,  Ballindalloch Castle  has been lived in continuously by the Macpherson-Grants since 1546, this magnificent building is resplendent with family memorabilia, fine furniture and paintings. You will be able to independently explore the castle and its  lush gardens ; The Rockery, the Courtyard Garden and the Walled Garden. 

This will also be your opportunity to purchase lunch from the  delightful tearoom , which serves hearty soups, homemade cakes, scones and tray bakes.You may also wish to purchase souvenirs in their shop, which is well stocked with beautiful cashmere goods from Johnstons of Elgin, and local products ranging from jewellery and gifts to

You will spend around 2 hours at Ballindalloch Castle.

Speyside Cooperage

Watching these incredibly skilled craftsmen at work is a real highlight of today’s tour, and we guarantee you will be enthralled! The  Speyside Cooperage  is the largest working cooperage in the UK and the highly experienced coopers are still using traditional skills to restore and repair casks, which are an integral component of the whisky production process.  When we arrive we will watch a audio-visual presentation about the history of the cooperage. Then for the intriguing part; you will be shown up to the viewing gallery where, with the backdrop of a local guide talking you through the repair and restoration process, you will have the chance to watch this live from the viewing gallery.  There is lots to take in, and one cannot fail to be impressed! After the tour you will have the opportunity to browse the gift shop or pick up a coffee at the on-site cafe.

Great Highland Scenery

Sit back and enjoy the views

What sort of vehicle do you use? +

Here at WOW Scotland we only have two coaches, both of which were built to our precise specifications, to ensure the highest levels of passenger comfort.  The vehicles have 30-seats and are very well-appointed with panoramic windows, comfortable reclining seats, USB ports under every seat and on-board WiFi.  You can rest assured that you will be able to relax and enjoy the majestic scenery in complete comfort.   You can read more about our coaches here.

Can children come on the this tour? +

The minimum age for this tour is 18 years old.  Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 18 on this tour, due to age restrictions at the distilleries we visit.

Will I be able to purchase souvenirs? +

Yes, of course.  There are shops at Tomatin Distillery, Ballindalloch Castle, Speyside Cooperage and Macallan. The shop at Ballindalloch Castle has the widest variety of gifts, whilst the others offer a vast-array of primarily whisky-themed gifts.

Will we be stopping for coffee/snacks enroute? +

There are coffee shops at Ballindalloch Castle, Speyside Cooperage and Macallan so there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase refreshments along the way.  All of these places accept credit/debit card. 

Where will we be stopping for lunch? +

We will take orders on the coach for a sandwich lunch from Ballindalloch Castle Tearoom. The lunch offers really good value at £7 for your choice of sandwich, soft drink, crisps and a packet of two biscuits. Please bring cash as lunch cannot be paid for by card.

To see the full menu please click here to go to the  Whisky Tour lunch menu page.

What time does the tour start and finish? +

This tour departs promptly at 8.45am (0845). Please ensure that you are ready to board the bus at 8.30am (0830) as we will leave promptly at 8.45am (0845), and are unable to wait for any latecomers! The tour will return to Inverness city centre at approximately 6.45pm (1845) – it is possible that we may return a bit later than this although we always try to keep to our schedule as much as possible.

Can I reserve seats on the tour? +

Yes. Due to customer demand, we have a booking system for the following seats;

• 4 front row seats – these give you unparalleled views out of the front windows, and the opportunity to disembark first at every stop.  Our most popular seats.
• 4 second row seats – many guests prefer to sit near the front of the coach, or be reassured that you will be seated together if they are a couple/group, both of which you get with this option.  These seats also have a little more legroom than these front row seats.  These are available on some tours only.
• 2 extra legroom seats – these are situated near the back of the coach and have approximately 50% more legroom than regular seats.  They are particularly suited to those who are tall, or like to stretch out.
• 4 back row seats – these are ideal for groups who wish to sit together.  Unlike on most other coaches we have removed the fifth/middle seat so the seats are spaced further apart, giving you more elbow room.
• The price of the upgrades vary depending on which tour you are on, with prices between £2.50 and £22.50 per person.  If they are available, upgrades will be given as an option when booking.

Please note that it does not make any difference which side of the coach you sit on, so we don’t take requests for specific sides.

The rest of our seating works on a first-come-first-served basis, as we feel that this is the fairest system of allocating seats. It is not possible to reserve window seats, or seats together if you are travelling as part of a group but, if you do wish to choose your seat, we would recommend arriving early at the bus stop (i.e. a few minutes before check-in closes). If you are unhappy with your seat please let your tour guide know and he will do his best to accommodate your requests, although obviously many guests would prefer a window seat so it is not possible for everyone to have these!

Note that any fees paid for seat upgrades are non-refundable if you cancel your tour.

Can we be picked up and/or dropped off somewhere else? +

For our Whisky Tour and Whisky & Castle Tour we can offer pick-up from Carrbridge Train Station, for those travelling by train from Edinburgh or Glasgow. The pick-up is at around 1050 (to meet the train arriving at 0957). You must inform us if you want to do take this option, as we will not stop in Carrbridge otherwise.

We can also drop you off in Carrbridge at the end of the day, to get the 1916 train back to Edinburgh/Glasgow.

Note that you will miss Tomatin Distillery if you take this option.

Where is the pick-up point in Inverness? +

We pick-up from Stance 7 at Inverness Bus Station, Margaret Street, Inverness, IV1 1LT. Look out for the kilted WOW guide and WOW-branded coach and you won’t miss us!

Whisky Tour/ Whisky & Castle Tour Lunch Menu +

Whisky Tour/ Whisky & Castle Tour Lunch Menu

Lunch costs £7 per person and includes a sandwich, crisps, packet of Scottish biscuits and soft drink.

Please pick a sandwich and a drink from the selection below and your tour guide will take your order.

Note that we can only accept payment in cash.

Sandwich fillings (available on white sourdough or wholemeal bread)

Lockerbie mature cheddar cheese and chutney (Vegetarian)

Ayrshire ham and wholegrain mustard

Smoked salmon and cream cheese

Tuna, cucumber, red onion and mayonnaise

Roast beef and horseradish

Almond nut butter, beetroot and grated carrot with a homemade tahini dressing (Vegan option, sunflower margarine used)

Soft Drinks

Still water

San Pellegrino orange

Dietary requirements

If you are gluten free we can offer a gluten-free multi-seed bread sandwich (all fillings are gluten free), crisps, Millionaire’s Shortbread biscuit and a soft drink

If you are vegan we have a vegan sandwich (shown above), soft drink, crisps and gluten-free Millionaire’s Shortbread biscuits

If you do have any allergies please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate these – if allergies are severe then we would recommend bringing your own food as, although sandwiches can be prepared separately, we cannot guarantee that there will be no cross-contamination

All sandwiches have allergens shown on the packaging.

You may be interested to know that…

Our friends at the The Ballindalloch Castle Tearoom make our lunches to order so that they are as fresh as possible.

The tearoom uses locally-sourced Scottish produce as much as possible, with suppliers including: 

McIntosh Butcher of Dufftown (supply ham and roast beef), 

John Ross Ltd of Inverurie (supply salmon), 

Walkers of Aberlour (biscuits), 

Rizza’s of Huntly (gluten-free biscuits) 

Deeside Water of Ballater (bottled water).

Our sandwiches are packaged in fully recyclable cardboard boxes, and lunches are supplied in recyclable paper bags.  All other packaging materials are recyclable wherever possible.  After lunch your driver guide will collect all waste, and will sort and recycle it at the end of the tour.

All money paid for lunches goes directly to this wonderful little tearoom.

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Discover the Factor

Meet your guides, gordon pearson.

Founder & Tour Guide

  730 Reviews

Gordon founded WOW Scotland in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since. He is passionate about showcasing his homeland, and is continually striving to create the best possible experiences for every guest.

Robert Carr

  137 Reviews

Prior to being a tour guide, Rob ran successful food and tourism businesses in Edinburgh and Perthshire. He has now been in the Highlands for 16 years, where he loves to indulge in his joint passions of golf and hiking.

Andrew Jones

  210 Reviews

With over 10 years of experience as a tour director and guide, Andrew prefers to consider himself as a storyteller, amateur historian and, above all, an ambassador for Scotland

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Castles of Scotland custom tours

Whisky and castles tours

Looking for  things to do in Edinburgh  ? How about taking a tour from Edinburgh of Scotland’s amazing castles and whisky distilleries ?

Two ancient Scottish castles  and two distilleries feature in this tour –

•  Stirling Castle

Doune Castle

• Deanston Highland Malt Distillery
• Glenturret Distillery

Doune Castle featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail , Game of Thrones and the Outlander TV series.

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive castles due to its imposing position and amazing architecture.

Deanston Distillery makes award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The Standard Tour finishes off with a tasting of Deanston 12 year old whisky .

Phone +447305-294773 , Whatsapp +447305-294773 for bookings or contact us   online  .

Our whisky tours from Edinburgh include a guided tour of the distillery and a tasting of Deanston 12 year old , £5 voucher towards the purchase of any bottle of Deanston 70cl single malt whisky in the distillery shop . Duration: 50 minutes

Originally dating to the 13th Century, Doune Castle near Stirling plays Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in Outlander TV series .

It also features in the 20th century episode when Claire and Frank Randall visit the castle on a day trip.

Once a Royal residence, Doune Castle was rebuilt by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany in the late 14th Century.

Doune has appeared several times on screen and was widely used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It also represented the castle Winterfell in Game of Thrones.

Bookings can be made online on our  bookings page or by phone /  Whatsapp +447305294773

2  Deanston Distillery

In 1974 Deanston produced the very first bottle of Deanston Highland  Single Malt Scotch Whisky .

The standard tour at Deanston costs £9 per person ( not included on tour price )

Each tour warmly welcomes you into the heart of the distillery, where Deanston makes award-winning Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Here you will see a traditional open top mash tun, gleaming copper stills and a must-see vaulted maturation Warehouse 2B. Join the experienced tour guides on a journey through time, taking you back to the past as a cotton mill and through the evolution of Deanston Distillery . The Standard Tour finishes off with a tasting of Deanston 12 year old whisky .

Guided tour of the distillery Includes a tasting of Deanston 12 year old , £5 voucher towards the purchase of any bottle of Deanston 70cl single malt whisky in the distillery shop Duration: 50 minutes

Every drop of Highland Single Malt is a marriage of the finest local ingredients and the skill of the craft to create the wonderful, fresh, honeyed sweetness that Deanston is known for. The Distillery has a commitment to using a traditional, hand crafted approach to our whisky embodies the honesty of our community. Our adherence to traditional methods combined with the skills and experience of our distillery team makes Deanston the unique single malt it is today.

3  Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture.

From Stirling Castle’s ramparts, visitors can take in views of the Forth Valley and Ben Lomond , as well as two of Scotland’s most important battle sites – Stirling Bridge (1297) and Bannockburn (1314). The castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town.Like Edinburgh Castle , Stirling sits on a volcanic rock dominating the city skyline .

Stirling Castle is not only one of Scotland’s grandest and most imposing castles, it was also a real favourite with Scotland’s kings and queens. And their investment in it demonstrated just how much they loved to use it, as well as their desire to ensure it both impressed all who visited it, and represented a statement of their power and wealth. James IV created the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland, and James V’s Royal Palace, with its lavishly decorated Renaissance façades, was a masterpiece of the period.

Major conservation work has been carried out at Stirling Castle over many years to preserve the attraction as a major national and international monument. The refurbishment of the Great Hall was completed a couple of years ago . A particular feature of the Great Hall is stained glass windows featuring clan crests . A number of banquets and concerts are held in the Hall throughout the year .

Phone 07305-294773 for bookings or contact us   online  .

4 Glenturret Distillery, Crieff

The historic site of the Glenturret Distillery has been soaked in whisky since the early 17th century with early accounts of illicit stills and bothies since at least 1717. The one thing that those early bothies have in common with today’s distillery is that they all drew their waters from the cool, clear Turret Burn and used similar methods and equipment.

A taste of a Glenturret single malt should be as close to taking a step back in time as you could possibly get, and the only authentic traditional Scottish whisky experience.

At Glenturret Distillery, the whisky is still made By Hand and By Heart, an artisan process that evolved hundreds of years ago and is still used today in the production of The Glenturret single malt.

The award-winning Glenturret single malt is produced using traditional methods slowly, patiently and in small precious quantities. The Glenturret is renowned and celebrated for its quality, glorious bouquet and natural golden hue.

The tour takes about an hour and costs £10 per person .

Phone +447305-294773 for bookings or contact us online . This tour costs £345

entrance tickets

distillery tour tickets

• whisky tours
• castle tours
• tours of Scotland
• single malt whisky tasting

Other castle tours available include our four castles tour

Four ancient Scottish castles  feature in this tour –  Linlithgow Palace , Drummond Castle and Gardens , Stirling Castle and Doune Castle.

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Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

Book assured book, change or cancel this tour with peace of mind., for full details click here.

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Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky - 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

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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 signature day tour.

Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.

During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more.

Luxury travel is provided by air-conditioned mini or midi coaches and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English.

There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks.

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!

How many people will be in the group?

The group size is normally between 16 and 33 passengers, however at times of peak demand larger coaches may be used. 

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

• Transport by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
• Live commentary in English
• Services of an experienced driver/guide
• Service charges and taxes
• 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 .

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:.

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!

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 !

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

1 day tour from £ 16.00

1 day tour from £ 59.00

1 day tour from £ 69.00

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Castle Internal Guided Tour

SORRY - SOLD OUT

For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides.   They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle. You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family. Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. You will see why Balmoral is such a special place - the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal Family.

Castle Interior Tour Tickets       Castle Interior Tour SOLD OUT Castle Interior Tour with Afternoon Tea SOLD OUT (Adult only experience)  

The meeting point for Castle Internal Guided Tour is in the Port Cochere, at the front of the Castle - please note that we ask you to arrive at this meeting point at least 20 minutes before the entry time printed on your ticket, as security checks are required for this tour.

You will also be able to visit the grounds, gardens and the exhibitions.   If you wish you can also enjoy our audio tour, which is available in English with Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish translations. The audio tour lasts approximately an hour and guides you around the grounds and gardens. Handsets should be collected at the Main Gates on arrival. You can also visit the Ballroom where we are delighted to have His Majesty The Kings watercolour collection depicting scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham. We also have a collection of outfits worn by Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

Parking for this special tour is provided by the Estates Office - please drive up to the Main Gates and the staff on duty will be able to give you directions. Please have your ticket confirmation to show to the staff on duty and ensure you arrive for your allocated time slot. At the Admissions Desk you can collect the handset for the audio guide, which you can use to view the gardens and on to the Castle Ballroom. Please note that all audio handsets must be returned to the Mews Gift Shop at the end of your visit. During your time at Balmoral you can visit the Mews Gift Shop where you will find a wide range of gifts, many bespoke to Balmoral. Choose from our exclusive tweed gifts, home made preserves and Balmoral Whisky, Gin and Beer products. Parking facilities for disabled and elderly visitors are available within the grounds of Balmoral, near the Estates Office. Please ask the staff on duty at the Admissions Desk for directions for parking.

Booking conditions:-

• Prebooking tickets is essential for this adult only tour.
• There is a timed admission system operating on all tours. This is the time you select when purchasing your ticket.
• QR code / booking confirmation is required for check in at the Main Gates and also at the Castle Porte Cochere meeting point.
• Parking for this special tour is provided near the Estates Office.
• Please arrive at the Porte Cochere at least 20 minutes before the Castle tour entry time printed on your ticket, as identity checks are required for this tour.
• If you are late for the booked timeslot, you will not gain entry.
• Please not that no large bags permitted on the tour.
• Handbags can be carried at low levels.
• Security CCTV in operation and recording in progress.
• This is a closed door tour - bags can be left in the lobby if you wish.
• Less abled access is available – please contact us in advance to discuss requirements.
• We have a wheelchair that is free to use within the castle and our team are there to help. 
• If you have more specific needs please contact us in advance .
• Please note mobility scooters are not permitted within the castle.
• Please ensure you have photo ID with you as this may be required.
• Photography is not permitted within Balmoral Castle and the Ballroom.
• Please note the flying of drones, or any other aerial device, within one kilometer of Balmoral Castle is not permitted at any time of the year.
• Eating and drinking aren't allowed inside the Castle.
• Animals, other than guide, hearing or assistance animals, will not be admitted to the Castle and Restaurant.
• Please note that tickets are non refundable unless we have to close due to unforeseen circumstance, such as Government restrictions.

Balmoral Castle Will Open to the Public for the First Time

King Charles has granted permission for private tours to take place throughout the royal residence.

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Per Balmoral Castle's website , "For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides. They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle."

In 1852, Prince Albert purchased Balmoral as a gift for his wife, Queen Victoria. The original building was deemed too small, and the royals built a new castle (the one that exists today), and tore down the original.

On the tour, Balmoral Castle's official website notes, "You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family. Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesty’s The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. You will see why Balmoral is such a special place - the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal Family."

On the tour, visitors will also get access to the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions, and see King Charles's watercolors that show scenes at Balmoral, Highgrove , and Sandringham .

Balmoral was reportedly Queen Elizabeth's favorite residence, and it was where she passed away on September 8, 2022. "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands," Princess Eugenie said of her grandmother in the documentary Our Queen At Ninety .

In Spare , Prince Harry's memoir, he wrote about Balmoral . "Balmoral. Closing my eyes, I can see the main entrance, the paneled front windows, the wide portico and three gray-black speckled granite steps leading up to the massive front door of whisky-colored oak, often propped open by a heavy curling stone and often manned by one red-coated footman...." He also recalls the many rooms inside, "each with a specific purpose, like sitting or reading, TV or tea, and one special room for the pages, many of whom I loved like dotty uncles."

Tickets are £100, or £150 if you want to also get afternoon tea, and must be purchased in advance. This year, the tours will be available from July 1 until August 4, 2024, and are restricted to 10 people per tour. Tickets can be purchased on balmoralcastle.com .

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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King Charles opens Balmoral Castle to tours for the first time

Visitors will be able to see parts of Scotland's Balmoral Castle used by the British royal family for the first time this summer.

Guided tours of the royal family's beloved private Scottish retreat will be available from July 1 to August 4, before the King and Queen arrive for their summer break in Aberdeenshire, with each group restricted to 10 people.

Tickets for the "castle interior tour," priced £100 ($126) or £150 ($188) with afternoon tea included, are limited to 40 tickets per day and are already selling fast.

The Balmoral Castle website said the tours were the first since the castle was completed in 1855.

The website said: "They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle.

"You will learn about the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the royal family.

"Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used today by their Majesty's The King and Queen and other members of the royal family."

The tour also includes access to the ballroom with a collection of Charles' watercolour collection depicting scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham as well as a collection of outfits worn by Charles and Camilla, the late Queen and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Previous tours, which will continue, have concentrated on the grounds and gardens with access to the castle limited to the ballroom.

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King Charles Is Opening New Doors to Royal Palaces, Including Family's Summer Retreat, to Public for First Time

Visitors will be able to tour Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth died, and new nooks of Buckingham Palace, including the room that leads out to the iconic balcony

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty; Greg Balfour Evans/Alamy

Balmoral Castle and Buckingham Palace are welcoming visitors in new ways.

It was revealed this week that both royal residences will welcome visitors into previously unseen spaces through ticketed tours this summer. In fact, Balmoral Castle in Scotland is opening "for the first time since the castle was completed in 1855," its website says.

Balmoral is famed as the royal family's cherished summer sanctuary in the Scottish Highlands, but it also holds sad memories for the group. Prince William  and  Prince Harry were spending time there in August 1997 when their mother, Princess Diana , tragically died in a car crash in Paris.

Queen Elizabeth , who her granddaughter  Princess Eugenie  once said was "most happy" at Balmoral, died there in 2022. Sources told PEOPLE at the time it was fitting she spend her last hours there because it was such a special place for her and her family — and now, the public can step into the castle in Aberdeenshire for themselves.

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty

The Castle Internal Guided Tours experience is touted as a "historical journey" through "several of the beautiful rooms," comprised of a private guide that talks visitors through its history from acquisition by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 to a peek at how King Charles , Queen Camilla and other royal family members continue to use the space today. 

The royal family has previously permitted tours at Balmoral around the grounds and gardens, but access inside the castle was limited to the ballroom, making the Castle Internal Guided Tours the most intimate yet.

The tours are set to run from July 1 to August 4, capped at 10 people per session. The general guided excursion currently costs about $126 a person, while tickets with afternoon tea are about $189 — and are open to adults only.

Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty

While many of the internal Balmoral Castle tours have already sold out, there’s still plenty of availability for the Balmoral General Admission, featuring a trove of artwork by King Charles plus some royal fashion. The Ballroom promises "His Majesty The King's watercolor collection depicting scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham" and a "collection of outfits worn by Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother."

While Buckingham Palace has been a popular stop for royal watchers since 1993 when Queen Elizabeth opened its gates as a fundraiser after a devastating fire ripped through Windsor Castle in 1992, new areas of the famous London residence will be available to tour for the first time this year.

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace, where the King filmed his Christmas broadcast in December 2023, will be toured for the first time come summer. On April 3, the Royal Collection Trust announced that the iconic palace will open the wing via the Principal Floor following five years of restorative work.

Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool /Getty

The East Wing includes the front façade and iconic palace balcony, "where the monarch and members of the royal family have gathered for public appearances during special occasions or historic moments since 1851," including royal weddings, coronations and Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the monarch's birthday.

The Royal Collection Trust said that the royal family still uses the wing today for official meetings and events.

Royal watchers can save the date for East Wing Highlights Tours held daily in July and August starting July 15, booked in addition to standard admission to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

Chris Jackson/Getty 

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The palace will be open seven days a week in July and August for the first time since 2019 before scaling back to five days a week in September.

While Buckingham Palace is synonymous with the British royals and serves as the hub of the monarchy’s operations, King Charles and Queen Camilla don’t actually live there! The palace is in the middle of a $460 million renovation reportedly not due to be complete until 2027 .

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

As King Charles, 75, invites the public into new nooks for the first time this summer, The Times cited royal biographer Robert Hardman’s prediction that the King would open up Balmoral during his reign.

"Balmoral is private property. However, it needs public footfall not just to help pay the bills but to bring benefits to the wider community and to remain in step with other stately homes," the outlet quoted Hardman as writing in Charles III. New King. New Court. The Inside Story 2024 , which was published under the title The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy in the U.S. in January.

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