Best of Scotland in a Day Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This small group tour (average group size of around 12 passengers) combines all that’s great about Scotland into a short day out – a castle, mountains, lochs, photo opportunities, a riverside walk, a battlefield, history, heroes and highland cows. Enjoy lots of time off the bus, perfect for those who want to experience Highland scenery and nature at a relaxing pace. Highlights include mighty Blair Castle, the stunning Highland viewpoint of Queen’s View and a short riverside and waterfall walk at The Hermitage.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Small group tour - average group size of 12 passengers
Minimum age is 5 years old
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions (unless it is unsafe to do so), please dress appropriately
Please inform us 7 days in advance if you are bringing a service animal
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini coach
Live commentary on board
Small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers
Driver/Guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Attraction Entrance Fees
What To Expect
Dunkeld Cathedral
Stroll through quaint narrow streets and/or visit Dunkeld Cathedral (free of charge).
Blair Castle & Gardens
Lunch is available in the castle restaurant.
Options
Best of Scotland
9.5 hour mini-bus tour to Dunkeld, Blair Castle, Queen's View, Kenmore and The Hermitage
Reviews
177 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent adventure outside of Edinburgh
Krshneel M,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Our guide Angela was a wealth of knowledge. She also kept us on schedule and got us to all the sites and back in a speedy manner. For a 12 hour trip, it didnt feel like it. We enjoyed Scotland!
Brilliant day tour and special thanks to our brilliant guide and driver Roddy
34simranr,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the “Best of Scotland in a day tour”. I saw a lot in the space of a day but it felt that for a day tour there was a good amount of time at each stop. I especially enjoyed taking a quick walk to Loch Faskally in Pitlochry to see the reflections of the beautiful autumn leaves and the walk at The Hermitage to see the waterfall. The main reason the tour was so enjoyable was due to Roddy, our brilliant guide and driver, who was funny, informative and always made sure we were comfortable. Thankyou so much Roddy!
Great Small Group Tour for an Experience of the Scottish Countryside
cherylfR188DP,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We (spouse and I) had an unforgettable time on the Heart of Scotland's 'Best of Scotland in a Day' on the Wee Red Bus with Roddy as our guide. Roddy was funny, warm and charming, with an encyclopedic knowledge of Scottish history and a witty delivery that really added depth to the experience. The itinerary had a lovely balance of historic sites (castle, church, village) and sites of gasp worthy natural beauty, with historical and contemporary Scottish music playing in between locations. Roddy was so attentive to all the travelers, making sure each person was having the day they had hoped for. The tour itself was grand, but Roddy made it especially memorable. And, Roddy, if you are reading this, we are the two white haired women from San Francisco on a recent tour. Hiya and great meeting you!
A great Tour Experience
sherylr592,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great experience on this tour. Roddy was great, full of Scottish history knowledge which I found interesting. I loved all the places we went, especially Killiecrankie Gorge, Queens View and The Hermitage. I have mobility issues but I was able to handle the walking and took breaks when I needed to save my energy for the things I really wanted to participate in. I would highly recommend this tour.
Fun day near Edinburgh
Kari D,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide, Roddy, was informative, friendly and helpful. His stories and facts made the drive go quickly, and we thoroughly enjoyed all our stops as well. So much history and beautiful scenery! The waterfall area was amazing, wish we had more time there. And feeding the cows was a fun end to the day. Would recommend!
Highly Recommend!!
Anne P,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful day, nicely paced, Roddy was a warm, and engaging host! The scenery was stunning with plenty of time to take pictures!
A PERFECT Cruise Stop, a WONDERFUL guide, and a GREAT day!
RebekahM794,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00On Sunday, 20 July 2025, Angela took us on a red bus to tour around Edinburgh. We met her at the cruise ship dock where she was waiting close by... she was extremely knowledgeable, full of entertaining stories, and had obviously taken several days to map out her route through the city (which is like a maze) so that we could see everything to the best advantage! After a driving tour, we popped out at Holyrood House to see the official home of the monarch in Scotland, then we went up the Royal Mile as far as was possible and around to Edinburgh Castle... it was a perfectly Scottish day, weather-wise, so we got a little damp... she made sure to get all 11 of us a spot at a pub nearby for lunch... we nipped over to St. Giles for a brief moment before hopping back onto the bus for our entry time to the Royal Yacht Britannia... which was a REALLY wonderful experience... Finally, she got us back to our ship in PLENTY of time. ALL IN ALL - I have NOTHING but EXCELLENT and GLOWING memories of our time with Angela and Heart of Scotland Tours. I will be recommending them to friends, I would recommend them to ANYONE... they are a wonderful and efficient outfit to work with!!
Fantastic Day!!
L3766PKkristih,
Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So much to see in so little time. Roddy was an amazing tour guide on the wee red bus. He was personable friendly and knowledgeable. He had great stories. We did the best of Scotland tour. We walked to see the old Birnam Oak Tree near Dunkeld, we saw a castle, stopped at a Loch, hiked to falls and pet hairy cows. What a fantastic day!!
Great trip
Andrzej G,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Roddy was a great host and very knowledgeable about the areas we were shown. He also was so kind and friendly, offering to take pictures of us at scenic spots. When he learned the couples were celebrating, he got them postcards and we all signed it.
Very well planned and...
Richard R,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well planned and Roddy was so helpful to us and it made our trip even better. He showed us so many nice spots castle and waterfall hairy cattle etc and made a long day a lot of fun!!!
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Operated by Heart of Scotland Tours Ltd