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Edinburgh Small group activities

Our most recommended Edinburgh Small group activities

Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

1. Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

Take a guided whisky tour and learn the story of Scotland’s most famous product. Visit one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky, with almost 3,500 individual bottles. Begin your tour with the story of the production and maturation process of single malt Scotch whisky. Then enjoy a sensory journey across Scotland, including an introduction to the five Scotch whisky-producing regions and an insight into their unique aromas and characteristics. Next, discover the art of blending, in the Blenders' Sample Room, learning the secrets of how the world-famous blends are created. Enjoy the chance to explore "one of the seven wonders of the Scotch whisky world", the glass vault containing one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky (guests under 18 years of age will be given Irn Bru, a Scottish soft drink). Take home your crystal tasting glass as a souvenir. When you select the Gold Tour option, after enjoying a full guided Silver Tour, you'll then compare and contrast four regional single malts, while relaxing in the McIntyre Gallery. Assisted by experienced guides, and provided with tasting notes, you'll be able to sip like a true connoisseur.

From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation

2. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour with Accommodation

Enjoy a full 3 days exploring the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the romance of the island of Skye in a small group tour. Dhoose your accommodation to suit your own budget and you will get an exclusive discount card to receive discounts at local restaurants and shops. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh by luxury Mercedes minibus at and travel west, passing Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Continue towards Stirling with its imposing castle and views of the Wallace Monument. You will pass Doune Castle, movie location for scenes from Monty Python's infamous "Holy Grail," before stopping at the edge of the Highlands for refreshments. As you drive into the Highlands you will pass Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Crianlarich and Tyndrum, stopping for lunch along the way. Drive north through Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Continue to Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, offering magnificent views over Ben Nevis. Next you will take the "Road to the Isles," through the splendor of the 5 Sisters of Kintail, the mountains that guard the pass to the Isle of Skye. Stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander" and located at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, you head north to Portree where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. Enjoy an evening and dinner at leisure, exploring the town’s Gaelic attractions and harborside. Day 2: You will spend the day on the Isle of Skye with flexible arrangements. There are many possibilities, depending on the weather, and the dynamics of your group. Your driver/ guide's local knowledge will come to the fore to arrange the best day for everyone. You could travel north to explore the Trotternish Peninsula with its stunning Quiraing mountain pass and some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery. Or head to Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns that are reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt. Enjoy the magic of the waterfall, cascading over cliffs and down into the sea below. Take a short break for lunch, before continuing to explore this most dramatic of islands. Head in a westerly direction to Dunvegan castle, the ancestral home of Clan Macleod, or enjoy spectacular views at Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye. Return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening to enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening at leisure. Day 3: Your driver will collect you from your accommodation and head south through the Cuillin Hills, back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Move on to Loch Ness for lunch. Look out for "Nessie," the mysterious monster that has haunted and confounded visitors since the 1950s. Head south through the Grampian Mountains along Loch Laggan, famous as the location for the TV miniseries "Monarch of the Glen," before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery. You will pause for refreshments at Blair Castle, before heading back to Edinburgh via Perth and over the extraordinary Forth Road Bridge.

From Edinburgh: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express

3. From Edinburgh: 2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express

This 2-day guided tour takes you from Edinburgh to the gateway of the Highlands at Fort William, and on a world-famous steam train ride that passes Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and other natural wonders of Scotland. Stay overnight in Fort Augustus at a B&B. Itinerary Day 1 Travel past the Forth Railway Bridge, then take a woodland walk in the Highlands at Dunkeld. Continue through the breathtaking Drumochter Pass, skirt the stunning peaks of the Cairngorm National Park, and visit Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against government forces. The first day ends in Fort Augustus, a quaint highland town. Overnight at a B&B in Fort Augustus.   Day 2 Take a steam train journey back in time. The Jacobite steam train route has been rated as one of the world's great train journeys. Travel past Britain's highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river, and westernmost train station. Cross the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and pass the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite rising. Have lunch in the west coast town of Mallaig, where you can taste the best of Scottish seafood. Head back to Edinburgh via Glen Coe. Visit Glen Coe, where the MacDonalds were betrayed, and then experience the beauty of Rannoch Moor and Stirlingshire en route.

Edinburgh: Waterfalls Hike, Scone Palace & Queens View Tour

4. Edinburgh: Waterfalls Hike, Scone Palace & Queens View Tour

Travel to Scone Palace and explore the Palace to learn its long history and see the ancient coronation site for the Kings & Queens of Scotland. Departing Edinburgh, we travel through the beautiful Perthshire countryside and begin the day with a short hike to Kinnoull Tower, with stunning views across the city of Perth. Then we're off to visit Scone Palace to explore this incredible place. Once the coronation site for the Kings & Queens of Scotland, this elegant Palace holds a commanding view across the city of Perth and the River Tay, Scotland's Longest River. Continuing the travels north into the Highlands of Scotland, the next stop takes its name from a visit by a very famous Queens from the British Monarchy, The Queens View. A spot visited by Queen Victoria on her travels north with her husband Albert, they decided to stop by this spot for a view over Loch Tummel & what a view it is! The next spot visited on the Scone Palace tour is Killiecrankie, where you'll learn about the 1689 Jacobite Uprising Battle of Killiecrankie, led by Bonnie Dundee. A short hike to a spot called the Soldiers Leap, you'll learn how this name came about and be offered stunning views down into the River Garry. Now begin your travels south to the Birks of Aberfeldy, a stunning hike through the beautiful woodland towards spectacular waterfalls which inspired one of Scotland's famous poets to compose his poem about the falls, Robert "Rabbie" Burns. After the hike, continue travelling south from the Highlands of Scotland to our next destination, Huntingtower Castle. This charming castle once hosted Mary Queen of Scots and her husband, Lord Darnley. Learn about the Ruthven Raid, where a young James VI (6th) was held hostage for months. After visiting our final stop, we travel back down to Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Outlander Experience 2-Day Tour

5. From Edinburgh: Outlander Experience 2-Day Tour

Day 1 Your first visit will be Blackness Castle overlooking the Firth of Forth. The castle was used as the backdrop for Fort William. Next, it's on to Wentworth Prison (or as it is also known, Linlithgow Palace). Onwards to Doune Castle, better known as Castle Leoch, home to Colum Mackenzie. The castle has also made appearances in the Monty Python and the Holy Grail film. Next, into the Highlands and through Glen Coe with a quick stop at Loch Ness before arriving at your overnight accommodation in Inverness. Day 2 Step back in time 4000 years ago at Clava Cairns, the inspiration for Craigh na Dun. Then, continue to Culloden Battlefield, the scene of the last battle fought on British soil. Discover a living history at the Highland Folk Museum and its various time period scenes. Relive one of the first scenes when Jamie's ghost looks up in Claire's room at Outlander's Inverness: Falkland Village. Finally, explore the outside of Lallybroch at Midhope Castle. There will be a quick photo stop before arriving back in Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Speyside Whisky Trail 3-Day Small Group Tour

6. From Edinburgh: Speyside Whisky Trail 3-Day Small Group Tour

A warm welcome awaits you in Speyside, home to more than half of Scotland's malt whiskey distilleries. Sample local whiskey and enjoy the scenery of Cairngorm, Speyside, and Royal Deeside on a tasting trip from Edinburgh. Day 1: Head north through the Kingdom of Fife to Lindores Abbey Distillery. This modern Scottish distillery is built on the site of the first-ever recorded distillery in the country.  After lunch in Braemar, you can sample the delights of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. The outstanding flavor of its whisky was appreciated by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on one of many visits to their summer residence, Balmoral Castle.  If your tour departs between November 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, you'll visit the Whisky Castle instead of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. At this whisky specialist shop, you can enjoy a tasting of 3 drams. At the end of your first day, continue through the Cairngorms National Park before reaching Grantown on Spey, your base for 2 nights (accommodation included). Day 2: Enjoy a whole day exploring Scotland’s most famous whiskey region. After a scenic drive towards the coast, make your first stop of the day at Glen Moray Distillery, where you can try whisky matured in a wide selection of casks.  Travel back up the Spey River to Craigellachie for a visit to the Speyside Cooperage (Monday and Wednesday tours only). At this location, discover another aspect of the whiskey-making process. After lunch in nearby Aberlour, visit Cardhu Distillery, which is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Today, Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label. From here, travel back to Grantown on Spey. Day 3: In the morning visit Scotland's highest distillery at Dalwhinnie, set in splendid mountain scenery at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. Then, enjoy the majesty of Royal Deeside. Pass by Balmoral Castle, and stop in the village of Braemar in the heart of the National Park. From here, the route south passes over Scotland’s highest mountain pass, through Perthshire, and back to Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Islay and The Whisky Coast 4-Day Tour

7. From Edinburgh: Islay and The Whisky Coast 4-Day Tour

Explore Islay and become a whisky expert on this unique 4-day tour. Sit back and enjoy the action-packed itinerary as you are driven in style in a luxury minicoach. And learn about the long history and traditions of this special Island. Discover everything Islay has to offer, from stunning sandy beaches to fascinating wildlife and a vibrant local culture. And try the famous Islay whiskies, renowned for their strong peaty flavors and nurtured by the salty sea air. Day 1 On day 1 you’ll travel through Loch Lomond National Park, with visits to Inveraray, Loch Fyne and the Kingdom of Dalriada. Here you can see the Kilmartin standing stones and community museum before catching the ferry to Islay for 3 nights in Bowmore. Day 2 Day 2 gives you the flexibility to visit the lovely sandy bays of Islay’s west coast, Saligo Bay, Kilchoman Distillery, Machair Bay, the tiny harbor village of Portnahaven, Bruichladdich Distillery, Ardnahoe Distillery, and the Islay Museum. Day 3 On day 3 you’ll explore the south side of Islay followed by a tour, tasting and lunch with local produce at Ardbeg. Other options include the ruins of Kildalton church or a visit to the community craft producers at Islay House Square and the woodlands along the River Sorn. Day 4 On day 4 you’ll take the ferry back to Argyll and the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. Lunch will be at Kilmartin, home to 350 pre-historic monuments and stone circles, with some free time in Oban before returning to Edinburgh via Glasgow.

Isle of Skye and West Highlands: 4-Day Tour from Edinburgh

8. Isle of Skye and West Highlands: 4-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Embark on a breathtaking 4-day journey through the Scottish countryside, enjoying the grandeur of the Scottish glens, mountains and coastlines at a relaxed pace. Spend some time exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye and stop to take in the dramatic views of untouched nature as you pass the dramatic Glencoe and Glenfinnan. Day 1: Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Glencoe - Fort William Depart Edinburgh at 9:15 AM and travel northwest to visit the Kelpies, the largest pair of horse sculptures in the world and one of Scotland's most fascinating modern marvels. For lunch, stop in either of the small towns of Killin or Callander, passing through beautiful lochs and castles. After enjoying beautiful views of rivers, lochs, and forests, cross the wild and remote Rannoch Moor, a beautiful location for photographers and nature lovers. You then travel to Glencoe, one of Scotland's most famous landscapes, before heading towards Fort William, where the tour stays for the first night. Day 2: Fort William - Mallaig – Skye After breakfast, get picked up from your accommodation and travel by Glenfinnan Viaduct. It's one of the most spectacular railway bends in Britain and featured in the Harry Potter movies. There is also an iconic monument that commemorates the Jacobites who fought for Scottish independence. After arriving in Mallaig, take the ferry with your group to the southern area of the Isle of Skye. Spend your afternoon exploring the incredible landscapes of the Sleat Peninsula, with potential stops at the waterfalls of Glenbrittle or Cuillin Mountains in Elgol. The tour then heads towards the Lochalsh/Skye area, the base for the next two nights. Day 3: Travel through Skye's most iconic scenery Today the tour offers great opportunities to enjoy some of the most famous wonders of Skye, such as Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, etc. This day's itinerary is quite flexible, depending on the weather and the group's interests. Your experienced guide will choose a unique itinerary and will ensure you get a chance to get off the beaten track and discover what the Isle of Skye has to offer. Day 4: Skye - Dunkeld - Edinburgh This morning you say farewell to Skye and travel south through Glen Shiel towards the Central Highlands. Stop at the historic village of Dunkeld, and have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the old cathedral. The tour then heads through the Lowlands, over the Firth of Forth, and gets back to Edinburgh at approximately 6:30 PM.

Edinburgh: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner

9. Edinburgh: Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner

Visit the Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh - a rock and roll legend with a Scottish twist. The Hard Rock Cafe is conveniently located a short distance from the world famous Edinburgh Castle and nearby include The National Museum of Scotland, and Holyrood Park. Experience what has made this iconic restaurant a crowd favorite since the first cafe first opened in 1976. The menu at the Hard Rock Cafe offers a plethora of culinary delights. Choose from the Gold or Diamond menu options and enjoy fresh, high-quality items, including a mouth-watering selection of Legendary Burgers. Additionally, Hard Rock’s Smokehouse Menu uses the very best hickory wood chips to slowly cook its ribs, chicken, and pork to juicy, tender perfection. Whatever your tastes, there is a delicious option for you. After dining, head to the Rock Shop and shop for souvenirs and much sought after Hard Rock merchandise. Gold Menu (2-course): Choice of main course - • Original Legendary burger (black Angus steak) • Moving Mountains burger (vegan) • Grilled chicken sandwich • Twisted mac, chicken, and cheese pasta • Grilled chicken caesar salad • Tupelo chicken tenders Dessert - • Brownie Choice of beverage - • One soft drink, coffee, or tea Diamond Menu (3-course):  Starter - • Fresh salad Choice of main course - • Original Legendary burger (black Angus steak) • Moving Mountains burger (vegan) • Smoked BBQ combo • Grilled salmon • Twisted mac, chicken, and cheese pasta • Steak salad • BBQ chicken Dessert - • Chocolate cake Choice of one beverage -  • One soft drink, coffee, or tea

Edinburgh: 20-Mile Cycling Loop Tour

10. Edinburgh: 20-Mile Cycling Loop Tour

Your meeting for this experience will be at the Bridgend Farmhouse, 15 minutes by car from The Royal Mile. From there, you'll start your ride out towards the Union Canal. You soon drop down to the Water of Leith and onto Dean Village. From there, continue your route to the Port of Leith for refreshments. Portobello Beach is a long promenade with an uninterrupted cycle path. Later, you complete your circle by going through the Innocent Tunnel and back to the Meadows. This is a 20-mile round-trip, throughout which you are invited to take it slow to ensure you have enough time to take photos and observe your surroundings.

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What people are saying about Edinburgh

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 326 reviews

Wonderful, well planned tour. There aren't any stops to visit the inside of castles along the way, but it makes up for it by taking you to breathtaking sights of the isle of Skye, loch Ness, 5 sisters of Kintail, and so much more. This trip is a great way to familiarize yourself with what the beautiful country of Scotland has to offer, especially if you have no private transportation. You will be put up in a cozy little B&B for the 2 nights where you get to explore the local town. Our guide, Robert, was accommodating, enthusiastic, kind, and eager to show off his home. He had so much information and so many stories to tell. We had a marvelous time and half of it was attributable to the proficiency of our guide and the other half to the wonders of nature that is Scotland. We will definitely be back!

Such an amazing experience! The tour guide was great and we got the Gold Tour, so in total, we got to taste 5 whisky’s, and learn about how they were made from the different regions of Scotland. Definitely recommend! I went in not being too fond of whisky and left liking it ☺️

This was an informative and educational tour. The presenter is personable as well as professional. After the tour I can better understand and appreciate the nuances that goes into making whiskey. Great way to kickoff your whiskey journey.

Bert was great! We had such a good time. All the food was really good and he had such a great knowledge of the food and history of Edinburgh.

Great experience lead by Conor. As someone isn’t a whisky drinker, still worth going!