Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh is a 8-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $766 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (25)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $766 per person
Your Private Highlights of Scotland Excursion allows you to escape into the heart of Scotland. You Customise the itinerary according to your interests, this excursion is private so you call the shots. Scotland has so much to offer, our team offer personalised advice on where to visit and being all locals if you want that real Scottish experience away from those tourist routes this excursion is for you. • Explore the Highlands & National Parks • Walk the shores of one of our many Loch's • Sample a Dram or Two of our Famous Whisky • Step back in time with a Castle visit All from the comfort of a luxury vehicle, skip the stress of a rental car or crowded bus tour, let your chauffeur do the driving while you take in all what Scotland has to offer. With Door to Door service from Edinburgh, complimentary Bottled Water and Wi-Fi Access you truly are getting that First Class experience the Scottish Way.
What you get
About this experience
Your Private Highlights of Scotland Excursion allows you to escape into the heart of Scotland. You Customise the itinerary according to your interests, this excursion is private so you call the shots. Scotland has so much to offer, our team offer personalised advice on where to visit and being all locals if you want that real Scottish experience away from those tourist routes this excursion is for you. • Explore the Highlands & National Parks • Walk the shores of one of our many Loch's • Sample a Dram or Two of our Famous Whisky • Step back in time with a Castle visit All from the comfort of a luxury vehicle, skip the stress of a rental car or crowded bus tour, let your chauffeur do the driving while you take in all what Scotland has to offer. With Door to Door service from Edinburgh, complimentary Bottled Water and Wi-Fi Access you truly are getting that First Class experience the Scottish Way.
What's included
Included
- Wi-Fi Access
- Door to Door Service from Edinburgh and Cruise Ports
- Services & Stories of a Scottish Local
Not included
- Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)
- Stirling Castle
- Deanston Whisky Distillery
What you'll see and do
The Kelpies & The Helix
Heading West from Edinburgh towards the The Trossachs National Park we will pass The Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures. Two gigantic, gliniting horse heads rising to the sky. Monuments in tribute to the horse power heritage of industrial Scotland.
Pass by without stopping
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to Stirling Castle to revel in its grandeur with its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. It was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations from christenings to coronations. You can meet the costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will welcome you into 16th century life. Families can have fun in the palace vaults where children can try out activities such as dressing in period costume and playing medieval instruments. Don’t miss a guided tour with knowledgeable staff who will bring the castle’s infamous characters and history to life in great detail. Other highlights include the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Castle Exhibition.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Loch Katrine
Set in the centre of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the loch has served as the main fresh water supply for the city of Glasgow for over 150 years. The name Loch Katrine comes from the Gaelic cateran meaning Highland robber, the most famous of which was born on the loch’s northern shores, famous hero Rob Roy MacGregor. The beauty of the loch has long inspired literary figures, including Sir Walter Scott who was inspired to write his famed poem Lady of the Lake in 1810 after visiting Loch Katrine. It also inspired poets Samuel Coleridge and William Wordsworth. Queen Victoria famously sailed up the loch in 1869. Following in the steps of royalty, the feat that can be repeated today on the historic steamship, Sir Water Scott. Launched in 1899, the steamship still ferries passengers up and down the loch from the Trossachs Pier. There are also bike hire facilities at the pier so you can explore the loch side on two wheels and be rewarded with some spectacular views.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
No visit to Scotland is complete without a stop and Photos with our famous "Highland Coos". Located next to the Trossachs Woollen Mill you will have the opportunity to meet some coos and feed them, freshly made goodie bags are available in the store for purchase. A great stop for some photos with these incredible Scottish animals, a memory to remember for sure.
15 minutes here
Callander
Lunch Stop - A journey through Scotland is as much about the food and drink as it is the scenery, your private tour is tailored to include the very best of Scotland’s vibrant culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for the rustic charm of a historic highland pub complete with roaring log fires and local cask ales. A refined elegance of a contemporary bistro serving award-winning Scottish fusion, we help you find the perfect spot. Our tours offer a seat at every table: Traditional Country Inns: Enjoy hearty, authentic dishes like Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties in a cosy, time-honored setting. Fresh Seafood Eateries: Taste the catch of the day at world-renowned restaurants overlooking our rugged coastlines and serene lochs. Modern Dining: Experience the innovation of Scotland’s top chefs using the finest local produce, from Aberdeen Angus beef to hand-dived scallops. Vibrant Whisky Bars: Relax after a day of exploring with a dram from an extensive collection of rare and regional malts.
60 minutes here
Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre
Located on the banks of the River Teith and started life back in 1785 as a cotton mill until 1966 where it transformed into today’s distillery, the only distillery in Scotland to be self-sufficient in electricity with its power coming from the River Teith. Tours are run hourly, there are many to choose from. Please use the link below to browse, and book your tour. Advanced Booking is required.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Our final stop is at the World-Famous UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge, recognisable all over the world. It has distinct sections stretching across the Firth of Forth made from red steel and millions of rivets. Over 100 meters tall and 2,529 meters long, around 200 trains cross every day, you stop in South Queens Ferry and allow you time to experience the awesome sight of the Forth Bridge.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Aura Journeys
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent, An Absolute Must Do Tour!
We had an incredible time with William. He picked us up at our hotel and dropped us off at the end of day. Our tour of Stirling Castle, the countryside, Deanston Distillery and The Kelpies was outstanding. I could spend days at the castle learning about the tapestries and history of the area. There was a young woman in the Queen's Chamber that gave great detail on the history of the tapestries on the walls, the lore of the Unicorn, and the royals who lived there. We were able to see some Highland Cows and made a stop at a shop where you can find all kinds of wool and cashmere treasures. Deanston Distillery is a great way to end the tour. The team at the distillery gives a great tasting tour and goes into detial about the unique barrels they use, the history of the distillery, and the area itself. You can also grab a drink and something eat at the distillery after your tasting. William has a great sense of humor, happy to take pictures of you and your group, and knows a great bakery where you can pick up a warm treat while on your journey (much needed on a cold January morning). He also keeps bottled water in the van for his guests. If it's your first time to the area or even a repeat visitor to Scotland, I highly recommend booking this tour.
Response from the operator: Hello David, thank you for your lovely review and feedback. So pleased that William looked after you all and a great day was had. Really pleased the Highlights Tour delivered on expectations too. If you are ever back in Scotland please do get in touch.
via Viator
Excellent experience
We had a wonderful driver, Kenny. We weee able to experience everything we asked for and were back in time for the cruise just as discussed.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the lovely review, so pleased your day with Kenny went well. We would like to thank you for trusting Aura Journeys with your time in Scotland
via Tripadvisor
Great Day Out
We had a fantastic day with William and would highly recommend Aura Journeys. William’s extensive knowledge of the area meant he could adapt our itinerary as the day progressed and he intuited our needs. We wouldn’t have been able to cover so many unique experiences (a loch, distillery, castle, and much more) in a few hours without a warm and helpful local guide. The car was also clean and comfortable. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day around Stirling, Edinburgh and beyond!
Response from the operator: Thank You so much for your business and lovely review, so pleased William looked after you and his experience certainly helped you get the most out of the day. We will ensure your kind words get passed on.
via Tripadvisor
Our tour with Bryan was...
Our tour with Bryan was unforgettable, with an outstanding quality of service and extraordinary views. Bryan’s passionate stories of the local history and culture combined with his affable demeanor had us beyond simply seeing these sights but truly experiencing them as well. Overall, a truly immersive experience that was well organised and personal.
Response from the operator: Thank You for your kind words, we will ensure Brian is given your feedback. We would like to thank you for your business and allowing Aura Journeys to be part of your Scotland Adventure.
via Viator
Great day
Brian was a great driver. We were able to see all the sights we had planned. The van was comfortable for all four of us.
Response from the operator: Thank You for your lovely review, so pleased Brian looked after you all and the day met expectations.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $766 to $1,125
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Aura Journeys, who run 24 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.5.
See everything Aura Journeys runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $766 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh?
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Included: Wi-Fi Access; Door to Door Service from Edinburgh and Cruise Ports; and Services & Stories of a Scottish Local. Not included: Gratuities (Passenger Discretion); Stirling Castle; and Deanston Whisky Distillery. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 193 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Highlights of Scotland Custom Private Tour from Edinburgh?
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Across 25 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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