Discover Malt Whisky: 1 Day Distillery Tour from Edinburgh

Two distilleries, the shores of Loch Lomond and a view of Stirling Castle. Discover Scotland’s “water of life” with Drive Me Wild Scotland.

Whisky 1 day Small-group

+3 More

Duration 1 day

Group size 16

Minimum age 18+

Availability All year round

Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky.” Whisky is woven into Scottish life, and this day tour shows you why. You visit two very different distilleries: Glengoyne, a Highland distillery with a picture-perfect setting at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill, and Deanston, a converted cotton mill powered by the River Teith. In between there is a pub lunch beside Loch Lomond and a photo stop at Stirling Castle. We keep vehicles small and the pace unhurried, and your driver-guide shares the history, craft and stories behind Scotland’s national drink. Optional tours and tastings are available at both distilleries.

Itinerary

Day 1 Explore the flavours of Scotland's national drink

Morning: Edinburgh to the Forth Bridges viewpoint

Today you learn about whisky, or uisge-beatha, the “water of life”. We leave Edinburgh for one of Scotland’s best-known viewpoints, where three bridges from three centuries (1890, 1964 and 2017) stand side by side.

Mid-morning: Stirling and on to Glengoyne

We head northwest to Stirling and stop for a photo of its castle, which has seen so many battles. We then continue to Glengoyne, a Highland distillery in a beautiful setting.

Afternoon: Glengoyne, Balmaha and Deanston

At Glengoyne you can take the optional tour to see how barley, water and yeast become whisky, and to meet some of the slowest stills in Scotland, with two drams of rich, fruity malt. We then drive to the shore of Loch Lomond for a pub lunch in Balmaha, with a short walk to a viewpoint over the loch recommended. Our second distillery is Deanston, a converted cotton mill on the River Teith that makes some unusual flavours. You can join the optional tasting with a quick look at the key stages of distilling.

Evening: Back to Edinburgh

We return past Stirling and through green countryside, reaching Edinburgh at approximately 6:15pm.

Tour Route Map

Click to expand

Tour Highlight

Glengoyne Distillery

making whisky since 1833 with traditional copper stills

Deanston Distillery

a 200-year-old cotton mill powered by the River Teith

Glengoyne tour & tasting (optional)

tour with two tasting drams

Deanston tour & tasting (optional)

tour with three tasting drams

Loch Lomond

a glacier-carved loch steeped in history and song

Stirling Castle (photo stop)

a royal fortress at the heart of Scottish history

Good to know

Pickup point: 9.30am
Small-group departure, maximum 16 seats
Comfortable walking shoes and weatherproof layers recommended year-round
Lunch is at a pub in Balmaha, so bring money for food
Distillery tours and tastings are optional extras and are for adults aged 18 and over

Includes

Expert local driver-guide (licensed & DBS-checked)

Executive mini-coach (max 16 passengers)

Live commentary and storytelling along the route

Scenic photo stops at viewpoints and hidden gems

One small bag allowance

Optional Extras

Glengoyne distillery tour and whisky tasting (2 drams)

Deanston distillery tour and whisky tasting (3 drams)

Excludes

Meals, food and drinks

Driver-guide gratuities (optional)

Personal travel insurance

Flights, transfers and accommodation

What Other Explorers Say

Our driver-guide was exceptional! Travelling in a small executive group meant we could pull in at secluded Highland viewpoints the big 50-seater coaches couldn't reach. The local folklore through Glencoe made Scotland truly come alive.

Fiona & David M. 18/05/2026

A truly five-star experience from start to finish. The pace was relaxed and unhurried with ample time for photographs, lochside walks, and an authentic village lunch. Drive Me Wild Scotland exceeded every expectation!

Benjamin C. 11/05/2026

First time exploring Scotland, and this tour made the whole trip unforgettable. Having an authentic Scottish driver-guide sharing personal stories and deep clan history made every mile fascinating. Spotless Mercedes mini-coach!

Marco T. 30/04/2026

The scenery was breathtaking, and the small group atmosphere felt so welcoming. Our driver knew exactly where to stop for panoramic photos away from the crowds and gave great recommendations for the rest of our holiday.

Sarah & Craig W. 22/04/2026

From the prompt city departure to the scenic evening return, everything was seamlessly managed. Warm Scottish hospitality, executive seating with massive panoramic windows, and brilliant storytelling. Outstanding tour!

Louise H. 14/04/2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do tours depart from?

This tour departs from central Edinburgh. Your exact meeting point and time are confirmed on your booking voucher.

What should I bring with me on the tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, a camera, photo ID if you plan to join the tastings, and money for lunch and optional extras.

Are the distillery tours and tastings included?

No, they are optional extras.

Do I need to taste the whisky?

No. You can join the distillery tours without tasting, and you can enjoy the scenery, lunch and stops without taking any optional extras.

What happens if the Scottish weather is bad?

The tour runs in all weather. Your guide adjusts stops to make the most of conditions, and distilleries are cosy places to spend a rainy day.

Is accommodation included in the price?

No. This is a day tour and you return to Edinburgh the same evening.

How much luggage can I bring?

One small bag or day-pack per person.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of departure, unfortunately we cannot offer a refund. To cancel, please email us at hello@drivemewildscotland.co.uk as soon as possible. Your cancellation takes effect on the date we receive your written request.

More day tours

Highlands Small-group