Edinburgh old town walking tour with whisky tasting
Activities

Edinburgh old town walking tour with whisky tasting

from
£33.52
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 2 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Discover the history of the Old Town and its whiskey connections
  • Relish fine malt whiskeys and learn how your dram was created
  • Hear of Scotland’s past and the changing role of Scottish whiskey
  • Get immersed in the past with audio guides and a live storyteller
  • Enjoy a small group experience with a local storyteller for a more personal experience
What to expect

Embark on a sensory journey through Scotland’s whisky. Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, where the world’s largest Scottish whisky company was founded and a vibrant history of “aqua vitae” (or the “water of life”) began. Hear the stories of those who jump-started whisky production in Edinburgh, including the smugglers, bootleggers and other seedier characters of the Old Town’s underbelly.

We have King James IV of Scotland (commonly referred to as the world’s first famous whisky drinker) to thank for Edinburgh’s monopoly on whisky production in the 15th-century. He believed in the drink’s medicinal properties, which is why the Guild of Surgeon Barbers was originally tasked with manufacturing it.

The tour continues with a whisky tasting in our candlelit underground Megget’s Cellar. Hear captivating tales, breathe in the rich aromas, and savour a single malt tasting in our exclusive underground vaults. There’s no better way to warm the spirits. You’ll taste four Scottish whiskies, under the guidance of our whisky specialist.

Your expert will cover everything you need to know about the water of life; from how whisky is made to the effects that different fundamental elements such as water, barley, peat and the cask have on the production process. Nose and taste your way through the whisky regions, with sample whiskies from Speyside, Highland, Islay and Lowland distilleries. Just consider this your first step to becoming a whisky connoisseur!

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What's included
  • check Tasting of four Scottish whiskies, under the guidance of a specialist
  • check Audio-guided tour
  • check Guided walking tour
  • check Use of equipment
  • check Headsets (to hear the guide)
  • check Alcoholic drinks
  • check Local guide
Where

Mercat Cross, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom

Meeting point:
The Mercat Cross is an 8 sided monument situated on The Royal Mile. The tour departs from right in front of it. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the beginning of your tour to allow time to check in.
What to remember
  • This tour is available for adults only 18+
  • Concession tickets apply to seniors (aged 65+) and students (aged 18+) with a valid student ID
  • Your tour will be conducted by a live, English-speaking guide (no other language options available)
  • Visitors will be provided with audio device and headsets, or are welcome to bring their own 3.5mm jack headphones
  • Please note anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to join the tour
  • This tour runs in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly to the weather. Sensible walking shoes are advised
  • Please note only service dogs are welcome on this tour, no other pets
  • The maximum number of participants is 16 people
  • This tour route is partially wheelchair accessible
  • Suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted on the tour
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Provider
Mercat Tours
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

At the moment there are no reviews for this experience.

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