Uncover the mystery of Loch Ness on a cruise Urquhart Castle on this guided tour from Inverness. Immerse yourself in local history at Culloden Battlefield. Enter the world of the hit TV show Outlander at the standing stones at Clava Cairns. Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness. Glide over the lake's shimmering waters on a 1-hour cruise to Urquhart Castle. Have free time to explore the13th-century ruins on foot. Stop to purchase lunch in one of the charming local cafés in Beauly and explore Beauly Priory, which was featured in the Outlander novel series. Next, stop at an ancient pine forest to see waterfalls. Visit a Highland whisky distillery, where you have the option of sampling a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on a visit to Culloden Battlefield. Step into the world of Outlander at the burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history that inspired the Outlander story, you might not want to travel back in time to meet Jamie Fraser after all. Return to Inverness in the early evening.

As you drive north from Edinburgh on this 9-hour excursion you’ll get chance to marvel at the engineering miracle of the Kelpies sculptures as you pass. Then, as you travel through Stirlingshire, your guide will bring to life the turbulent times of William Wallace, dramatized in the film Braveheart, and explain his link to the area you're passing through. Your first stop is the city of Stirling, where you'll have ample time to visit the stunning castle (admission not included) or enjoy a walk along the atmospheric, ancient streets that surround it. Then, journey to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, and make a stop on the shore of Scotland's biggest loch: Loch Lomond. You will have a chance to take in the views and stroll along the shores of the loch. Take the opportunity to visit one of Scotland's best-known distilleries, where you’ll learn how they make their whisky and get a dram of their Single Malt Whisky (optional extra).

Enjoy a full-day tour of the Scottish Heartlands departing Edinburgh and traveling in small groups for a more intimate experience. Take a scenic drive through Perthshire, looking at the lochs and glens of the Highlands. Cross the Forth Road Bridge, passing one of Scotland's great engineering wonders, and continue into the Kingdom of Fife. Pass Loch Leven Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. Pass Perth, before crossing the Highland Boundary Fault line. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, on the banks of the River Tay, visit the cathedral town of Dunkeld and the Hermitage, to take a fantastic woodland walk up to the Black Linn Falls. Stop at the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, and visit the great shops and restaurants, or take a stroll down towards Loch Faskally. See the unmistakable peak of Schiehallion, and beyond to the mountains of Glencoe.  Continue alongside Loch Tummel, and head past the spectacular 16th-century Castle Menzies towards the town of Aberfeldy and Dewar's Aberfeldy Whisky Distillery. After enjoying a dram of the "water of life," return to the lowlands and back to Edinburgh.

Depart from Edinburgh and journey north to South Queensferry, where you will enjoy a photo stop of the Queensferry Bridges. Continue on to Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery for the first whisky-themed stop of the day. Spend 2 hours here for their Whisky and Chocolate tasting tour priced at £19.55 per person. Head on to Loch Lubnaig, and then to the Glenturret distillery. Located on the Turret River, just outside of Crieff, Glenturret Distillery is Scotland's oldest working distillery and still hand-crafts its whisky using the last remaining hand-operated mash tun in Scotland. Here, enjoy a tour and tasting at a cost of £15.

Depart Inverness and travel through the spellbinding landscapes of Speyside towards Dava Moor for some great views of the Cairngorms National Park. Keep your camera ready to capture the vibrant color of blooming heather if you’re visiting in the summer and autumn months. Visit the forest village of Carrbridge. Here, you can get some refreshments, breathe in the cool mountain air, and wander around the Old Packhorse Bridge. Continue south to Glenmore Forest Park, where you'll have free time to explore. Take an optional walk through the woods to Loch Morlich, which is one of Scotland’s most scenic and popular lochs. You can admire a sandy beach and large and ancient pine trees before you make your way back to the mini-coach. If you prefer not to walk, there’s a café and exhibition at the visitor center. After working up an appetite, head to Aviemore for lunch at your own expense. Finish off with a dram of whisky at Tomatin Distillery*. Savor the aromas of fruit and spice, and feel the passion for community and environment in this little town clustered around the distillery. Leave the remote landscapes behind and start your journey back to Inverness, where you'll arrive in the early evening.

Enjoy a fabulous day trip from Edinburgh to experience Scotland’s beautiful countryside just minutes from the capital. Drive to the stunning Highlands, and stop to sample a drop of the national drink to get a complete taste of Scotland. Leaving Edinburgh, the tour makes its way to the ancient capital of Stirling, where the skyline is dominated by its castle on the rock and the iconic Wallace Monument. Stop to hear of Scotland’s most famous patriot and his part in the medieval Wars of Independence.  Say hello to “Hamish the hairy coo”, before driving through the scenic Trossachs National Park. Heading further into the Highlands, pass the shimmering waters of Loch Earn, before stopping for lunch at The Famous Grouse Experience, one of Scotland’s best-known whisky distilleries. Once revived, enjoy a “wee dram” of Scotch whisky and drink the “Water of Life.” Continue to the Hermitage in the heart of Perthshire for a short woodland walk to see the spectacular Black Linn Falls on the River Braan. On the return journey, visit the quaint village of Dunkeld, an area associated with Macbeth, where the stunning cathedral sits on the banks of the River Tay. Pass the iconic Forth Bridge on the way back into Edinburgh, admiring the fantastic 19th-century feat of engineering.

Depart from Edinburgh in the morning, heading for the Scottish Highlands via Stirling, the country’s ancient capital. Stirling’s skyline is dominated by its castle and the iconic Wallace Monument. After paying a visit to “Hamish, the Hairy Coo”, continue your drive into the Highlands, taking in the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Along the way, pass by the shimmering waters of Loch Earn before stopping for lunch at The Famous Grouse Experience, one of Scotland’s most famous whisky distilleries. There is an optional guided tour available that provides an insight into how “uisge beatha” (the water of life) is made and takes you on an interactive journey of the history behind one of the best-known brands of Scotch whisky. Having revived yourself with a wee dram, head to the heart of Perthshire to visit the Hermitage and enjoy a woodland walk to the spectacular Black Linn Falls on the River Braan. The return journey takes us to the quaint village of Dunkeld, made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Dunkeld is also known for its stunning cathedral, situated on the banks of the River Tay. Finally, drive past the Forth Bridges and return to Edinburgh.

Discover Scotland's glorious past on this exciting tour through the heart of the Highlands. Hear about heroes such as Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. Marvel at the natural beauty of the forests, lochs, and mountains in Loch Lomond National Park. Depart from Glasgow in the morning and travel towards Stirling, along a route that was once the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, and was later used by the English King Edward I as he marched towards Stirling.  Approach Stirling and take in views of the magnificent castle that dominates the area as you make your way up towards the high volcanic rock where it imposes itself upon the surrounding land.  Go north to see the towering National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland’s great hero William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning movie 'Braveheart.' Travel to Bannockburn castle where, in 1314, the great Scottish warrior-king Robert the Bruce defeated the English army of Edward II. From Stirling you will drive into the Highlands to an area known as the Trossachs National Park where the Lowlands meet the Highlands.  Stop to purchase lunch in the heart of the National Park forest outside Aberfoyle, where you can enjoy the magnificent nature all around you. After lunch you take the backroad to Loch Lomond.  Admire the country's biggest loch which takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. Following a walk out in the west highland, continue to the picturesque Distillery of Glengoyne where one of the bestselling malt whiskies in Scotland is produced.  Have the option to tour the distillery or peruse the refreshments that are on offer at their "Slainte Mhath Shop." From there, it’s just a short drive back to Glasgow where you will arrive in the late afternoon. 

*From April 2023 tour price includes admission to Speyside Cooperage and Cardhu Distillery. Before April 2023 these visits (and any others listed) are optional and tickets can be purchased while on tour. Leaving Aberdeen in the morning you’ll arrive first in Royal Deeside, one of the favored holiday locations of the British royal family. At the Cambus O’May forest, walk in the woods and reenergize in the pristine environment that makes this area such a draw for visitors. Invigorated by the walk, head deeper into the national park as you travel past Cockbridge and Tomintoul. This legendary stretch of road regularly sees the first of the snowy winter weather and crosses the mountain pass known locally as the Lecht. You’ll have plenty of time for photo opportunities on this unforgettable route. Then, delve into the home of whisky in the Speyside region. Stop at the *Speyside Cooperage where you’ll get to know the history of Scotland’s oak casks. Next, head to one of the Speyside towns for lunch before visiting *Cardhu distillery. This is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Today, Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label. You leave Cardhu full of appreciation for whisky and arrive in Aberdeen in the early evening. It’s now up to you whether you continue the whisky tasting into the night.

Get better acquainted with Scottish whiskey on this day trip by van from Edinburgh. Explore the distilleries of Glengoyne and Deanston (entry and tastings included after April 1, 2023) and go for a drive along the shores of the famed Loch Lomond.  Depart from Edinburgh in the morning aboard a climate-controlled van and relax on the drive west past Stirling castle. Arrive at Glengoyne Distillery and be introduced to the simple but magical process of turning barley, water, and yeast into whisky. Enjoy a tour and two dram tastings (included after April 1, 2023). Unwind with a scenic drive to the shores of Loch Lomond. Stop at a pub where you can purchase a hearty lunch and some local beer (cost not included). After lunch, have the option to go for a short walk to the viewpoint overlooking the loch. Later, make your way to Deanston Distillery where you can take a tour and enjoy a whisky tasting experience (included from April 1, 2023). Explore the features of this distillery that was converted from a cotton mill on the banks of the Teith River. Find out how the distillery produces some unique whisky flavors before returning to Edinburgh with the stories and flavors of single malt whisky fresh in your mind.