Bonnie Lochs & Bold Whisky
1 day tour
New for 2025 - Ground beneath your feet, breeze against your face, whisky thrumming in your veins... It's time to get to know Scotland up close and personal.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
The Forth Bridges - An incredible engineering feat. A gorgeous setting. And a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - Be drawn in by the beauty and history of Scotland’s first national park
Loch Katrine - Cycle, cruise, or stroll around this popular and mesmerising loch
Glenturret Distillery - Time for a wee tipple at Scotland’s oldest working distillery
Your journey
Rob Roy MacGregor was born along its shores. Sir Walter Scott was inspired to put pen to paper when he gazed upon its waters. Outlander stars sat down for a picnic and a view. And it's more than likely Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites found themselves here time and again.
We’re talking about Loch Katrine, by the way.
She’s a bonnie loch, not camera shy and always in good spirits. She’d love to meet you, take you in, treat you to a good day and a great memory.
Sometimes all you need is to step away from your life for a moment, from the bustle of a city and the responsibilities of work... and just become one with nature.
We planned your journey today quite carefully. First, we get outside – to cycle or cruise or walk – and then we introduce the uisge beatha. That’s ‘water of life’ in Gaelic. Or Scottish Whisky, as it’s more commonly known as.
Excited yet?
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Gate J And Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
18:30 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
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
- Attraction entry tickets
Itinerary
No matter the weather in Scotland, it’s always a great day to head outdoors. We’re the kind of people who want to be on the road, be in nature, see what there is to see... and we hear you’re those kinds of people too.
We leave Edinburgh this morning and make our way to a wee viewpoint that has a way of catching people’s attention: The Forth Bridges Viewpoint.
1890. 1964. 2017. Those are the years these three bridges were opened and – despite their differences – they oddly complement each other. History spanning three centuries, it’s a great spot for a wee break.
We continue north into Scotland’s first national park: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, often referred to as 'the birthplace of Scottish tourism'.
It’s renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife... but what makes this park so special? You’ll find things a little more unique to Scotland, such as standing stones and burial cairns, land trodden by the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century, ancient woodlands, upland moors – land that is a sanctuary for red deer and golden eagles, ospreys and otters.
So, make sure you keep your eyes peeled as we cruise through this landscape on our ways to the shores of Loch Katrine. This 13km-long freshwater loch is more than just beautiful, it’s served as the main freshwater supply for the city of Glasgow for over 150 years.
And her history is just as important and interesting. The name Katrine comes from the Gaelic cateran, which means Highland robber. Funnily enough, the most famous Scottish folkloric hero Rob Roy MacGregor was born on the loch’s shores... coincidence? We think not.
And old Katrine doesn’t mind a bit of attention, either. Outlander fans may recognise it from season 2, episode 13 when it was used during a scene in which Roger and Brianna have a wee picnic.
Famous writer Sir Walter Scott once looked upon the loch and was so inspired, he wrote his famed poem Lady of the Lake. That was back in 1810... but we see firsthand how it continues to inspire people to this day... you included perhaps?
We have plenty of time here at the loch to grab a bite to eat and explore – but how you explore is up to you! We’ll bring you to Trossachs Pier where you have a couple of options.
Perhaps you’ll hire a bike from Katrine Wheelz and cycle along the scenic banks of Loch Katrine*. The private road you’ll journey along is almost traffic free, giving you the chance to fully relax and embrace the beautiful views around you.
If cycling’s not your thing, you can jump on the Sir Walter Scott Steamship cruise. Sit back and relax as someone else does the heavy lifting, while you simply enjoy the views and the commentary from the captain as you sail the waters. With a licensed bar onboard, maybe now is the time for a wee snack... or something a bit stronger.
Then, of course, there are your good old-fashioned feet. And if you fancy ditching the machinery and taking a simple stroll along the loch, then go where your feet take you!
After some fresh air and yummy food, we jump back on the bus and take you to the doors of Glenturret Distillery, Scotland’s oldest working distillery, dating back to 1763. You’re not the only ones to have been drawn to its doors – famous writers like Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns once visited, Prime Ministers and Princes too.
And now it’s your turn. You’ll be treated to a tour of the facility and a sampling of Glenturret’s delectable range. What is it that you taste? Toffee apple? Citrus? Ginger? Freshly cut oak? Caramel?
Freshly buzzed, we make our way back down south to the city of Edinburgh where we arrive in the early evening.
*Please note, the cycling and cruise options for Loch Katrine are not included in the price of the tour. You choose on the day and pay directly.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
We have 2 options available that you might want to consider for Loch Katrine to enhance your experience should you not wish to walk around the Loch:
Option 1: Ride around the Loch with Bike Hire with Katrine Wheelz
Bike hire is available from Katrine wheelz cycle along the scenic banks of Loch Katrine on a private tarmac road almost traffic-free with a stunning view of Loch Katrine. The Road is 14 miles or 22 Km long.
- Standard bike - £15 per hour
- Tandem - £25 per hour
- E-bike - £20 per hour
https://www.katrinewheelz.co.uk/book-now/
Option 2: Take to the Waters by Boat
The Sir Walter Scott Steamship cruise: Through the spring and summer, there are three daily sailings on the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott, which has sailed since 1900.
Their captains provide live commentary on all their cruises, and you will find a licensed bar where you can purchase snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, or something stronger!
Spring/Summer Daily timetable from 23/Mar /24 to 27/Oct /24
- The steamer (steamship) runs at 1 pm and runs for an hour, until 2pm.
- There are also special cruises on selected days during the autumn and winter months.
- ‘Lady of the Lake’ is a smaller boat and runs every hour for a 45-minute cruise.
- 45-minute circular cruises departing Trossachs Pier at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1.15 pm, 2.15 pm, 3.15 pm & 4.15 pm.
You can decide on the day and let your driver-guide know which option you'd prefer.
You are also able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Glenturret Distillery
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
FAQs
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?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
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 tours@rabbies.com 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 tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.