Edinburgh

Culinary & Nightlife

Embark on an interactive chocolate experience, from chocolate tree to Scottish chocolate bar with an expert guide. Smell the roasting chocolate and see how chocolate is transformed from bitter beans to sweet, smooth chocolate. See real chocolate fruit and taste chocolate samples at different stages of the production process. In the Chocolate Kitchen, choose your own bar design, select your favorite flavors and create your own personalized bar, ready to collect at the end of your tour. While you are waiting for your chocolate bar to cool, take a seat in the Tasting Room. Here, learn about Scottish chocolate makers, sample fine single-origin chocolate, have a cup of hot cacao tea and choose your favorite chocolates to try from rows of chocolate tasting jars.

A modern distillery in the heart of historic Edinburgh, Holyrood Distillery is inspired by its surroundings, never afraid to experiment, and dedicated to shaping the spirit of tomorrow. Our guided experience allows you to discover how gin and whisky are created, as well as the traditions and innovative new methods in craft distilling. This is a hands-on sensory experience, taking in the sights of the gin and whisky distillery, with opportunities for tasting and nosing throughout. At the conclusion of the tour, you have the opportunity to purchase a flight of gin or whisky to enjoy at your leisure, with a full introduction by a member of the distillery's passionate team.

Enjoy an evening of whisky appreciation on a whisky-tasting experience on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. Taste four single malt scotch whiskies and enjoy storytelling from your guide. Meet your guide on the iconic Royal Mile for a short walk to one of the supplier's outstanding whisky venues. Over the next two hours, drink 4 outstanding single malt scotch whiskies taken from the 4 major whisky-producing regions of Scotland. Taste whiskies which range from the relatively delicate and subtle flavors of the Lowlands to the bold and robust tastes of Islay. You will also be given tasting cards giving notes on each of the whiskies that you sample. During the tour, experience some traditional storytelling and explore the significance of whisky to the Scottish identity. The entire upper floor of the venue is reserved, so there is plenty of space and privacy to conduct the story-orientated evening.

Step inside Edinburgh's 56 North Distillery to sample and discover how award-winning gins are made. Begin by entering Scotland's oldest dedicated gin bar with over 300 gins on the shelf. You will be welcomed with a South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic and introduced to the beautiful copper stills that produce all of the South Loch Gin. Savor your gin and tonic whilst learning all about botanicals, production, bottling, and gin production. Then, sample three gins made at the South Loch Gin distillery with tasting notes and insights into the research and development behind them. Finish off by enjoying a South Loch Gin cocktail made by a dedicated bar team.

Enjoy a unique walking tour of Edinburgh's historic Old Town tracing the history of the city through beer from the 1100's right through today's vibrant craft beer scene. Setting off from the Royal Mile, you'll discover how Edinburgh grew to become the most important city in the world for brewing and how beer money shaped the city's development. You'll hear stories of rivalry, global expansion, politics, geography and science. Along the way you'll stop for tutored tastings of Scotland's award winning beers. You'll also be introduced to the raw ingredients and science of brewing and the expert guides will help you discover flavours you'll love. This tour is for history lovers or beer lovers who'd like to discover the authentic story of Edinburgh's development and experience the exciting local craft beer scene. Tours are limited to 12 people so that your expert local guides can answer all your questions and help you discover your new favourite drink. You'll be entertained, informed and refreshed!

Journey through the food culture of Edinburgh on a 3-hour guided tour and introduce your palate to some authentic haggis served with "neeps and tatties" (swedes and potatoes) before meandering past the famous Edinburgh Castle. Hear about the castle's long history and take advantage of the fabulous photo opportunity. Next, try some real Scotch whisky as you step into a venue that serves a fantastic lowland single malt. Follow the whisky with some creamy cheeses from Scotland and then taste some genuine Edinburgh gin to learn why the Scots love it so much! Try a secret dish, only revealed to those who join the tour! Then, end with a traditional afternoon tea, including some scones from Scotland to wind down a truly original experience.

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 Dewars Whisky Distillery. After enjoying a dram of the "water of life," return to the lowlands and back to Edinburgh at approximately 6:30 PM.

The Firth of Forth is simply overflowing with myths, turbulent history, and fascinating marine wildlife. Join this boat tour on a 90-minute cruise onboard a superb vessel. Depart from South Queensferry, which is only a short distance from Scotland's bustling capital city of Edinburgh. Take in views of Blackness Castle, the ship that never sails and featured in Outlander and the Outlaw King. There are also views of Limekilns village, mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Kidnapped'. It was from Limekilns that David Balfour and Alan Breck were carried across the Forth in a rowing boat. You will also see the Three Bridges as you have never seen them before including the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge. For your comfort relax onboard with friends and family in the observation lounge or on the outside decks and listen to the guided commentary while you enjoy your complimentary cream tea. Spot the marine wildlife, during your tour, you will find plenty of opportunities to see a wide variety of marine wildlife including seabirds and seals.

Discover the best of Edinburgh's night life with this pub crawl to 7 excellent venues in the old town. Avoid the hassle of trying to find the best places by letting your party guide show you around. Take a walk on the wild side with 6 free shots that are specifically selected for you. Wander through various back streets to find the best kept secrets. Party hard with a party professional without worrying about paying a cover charge.

Heading north from Edinburgh, pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle and skirt the Trossachs (Rob Roy country) before crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and moving on to dramatic Glencoe, the site of the massacre of the McDonald clan in 1692. The tour takes you past Fort William and Britain's highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis, before following the Great Glen and stopping in the village of Fort Augustus by the shores of mysterious Loch Ness. You then have the option to take a boat trip on mysterious Loch Ness and hunt for Nessie, explore the shores of the loch, or simply relax and enjoy your free locally produced picnic lunch. A typical lunch includes a bottle of Scottish mineral water, a choice of freshly made sandwiches, and shortbread. Your return journey passes south along Loch Laggan stopping at one of the quaint Highland villages along the way. After one last look at the spectacular Forth Bridges, arrive back in the capital at around 8:00 PM. Loch Ness Cruise option: A cruise on Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience, where you might just catch a glimpse of Nessie. Locally-owned custom-built boats are used, designed with sonar and underwater imaging systems, giving you a fascinating view of the terrain and life underwater. You can also enjoy the views with a coffee or beer from the onboard bar. The cruise lasts about 1 hour. You can purchase your cruise ticket from your guide on the day of the tour. Tickets cost £12 (a savings of £1.00 on the standard ticket price) and allow you to board the boat immediately on arrival in the village without having to queue. The Loch Ness Cruise is subject to availability during winter months.