Classic Whisky Tour of Scotland

Programme

Day 1: Forth Bridge and Pitlochry

Individual arrival in Edinburgh. Your first leg of the journey will take you across the Firth of Forth with view of the iconic Fort Rail Bridge – a symbol of Scotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the picturesque Victorian spa town of Pitlochry you can visit Bell’s Blair Athol Distillery or make a detour to Aberfeldy, where Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is located. Afterwards you carry on north, driving past the heather-covered plateaus of the Cairngorms National Park, which boasts a spectacular landscape and is home to many rare plants and animals. Arriving in Aberlour, on the banks of the river Spey, you have reached your destination. Accommodation: Aberlour

Day 2: Speyside Cooperage, Glenfiddich and Aberlour

You wake up in the heart of the Speyside, where more than half of all Scottish whisky is produced. The area in north-eastern Scotland is home to around 50 distilleries, including the two best-selling single malt whiskies in the world, The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. Discover the ancient art of coopering by watching the coopers use traditional methods for shaping, shaving and charring casks for the whisky industry. Visit Glenfiddich for a tour and a taste of their 12, 15 and 18 year old single malt, and perhaps pop into one of the many famous and some lesser known distilleries, most of them just a few miles from each other. For lunch you head back to Aberlour, which has a variety of places to eat and drink, and sample more whisky. Why not try the national dish ‘Haggis, Neeps and Tatties’, or other Scottish delicacies such as smoked Scottish salmon or the locally made shortbread? In the afternoon visit Aberlour distillery for one of the best distillery tours in the country, including a tasting of 6 drams! Accommodation: Aberlour

Day 3: Inverness, Loch Ness and the West Coast

On your way to Inverness you might want to stop at Glen Ord, Benromach or Tomatin distilleries.  The ‘Capital of the Highlands’ is a lively city on the river Ness, and one of the fastest growing cities in Western Europe. It’s the centre of the local folk music scene and packed with lively pubs, shops and restaurants. South of the city lies Loch Ness, the world-famous lake. On your way there you will cross the Caledonian Canal, which runs some 60 miles from the Scottish East Coast at Inverness to the West Coast near Fort William. From the grounds of the ruined Urquhart Castle you have a fantastic view over the loch and might even spot Nessie. Continue west through past tranquil lochs, heather-clad glens and huge sea lochs until you reach Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world. You eventually arrive on the magical Isle of Skye. Accommodation: Isle of Skye

Day 4: Isle of Skye, Talisker and Torabhaig

Explore the magical Isle of Skye, its mountainous interior often draped in mist and clouds! The Cuillin mountain range, picturesque fishing villages, waterfalls and thatched cottages – every view is a great view! The basalt columns of the famous Kilt Rock sea cliff resemble a kilt, here the Mealt Waterfall plunges 200 feet into the sea. Visit the truly spectacular Quiraing Massive, with its distinctive landscape an icon of Scotland. The landslip on the north eastern side of the Trotternish Ridge is still moving today. Rock formations like The Needle, The Table and The Prison in ever-changing lightin conditions provide superb motives to be captured with your camera. In the afternoon step back in time at the “Museum of Island Life” in the north of the island. Here, traditional thatched blackhouses have been restored and offer visitors a unique experience and a true insight into island life 100 years ago. In the afternoon you visit Talker, which produces the famous island whisky, and maybe Torabhaig, another recently opened traditional farm steading-turned distillery. Accommodation: Isle of Skye

Day 5: Fort William, Ben Nevis and the Western Highlands

Through the beautiful Glen Garry and past the majestic mountain rage of the ‘Fife Sisters of Kintail’ you will reach Fort William, the hiking capital of Scotland at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. Take the gondola up the mountain range, take a short walk to Glen Nevis or watch seals on a local boat trip before visiting Ben Nevis distillery, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the country. In the afternoon you will follow the coastal road south to the resort town of Oban where you can end the day in one of the fantastic local seafood restaurants by the harbour. Accommodation: Oban

Day 6: Harbour Town Oban

Take a walk along the harbour and up to the Scottish ´Colosseum` with spectacular views over Oban bay and the islands off the west coast. The town, also known as the `gateway to the isles`, offers day trips to the Isles of Mull and Iona as well as boat trips to the Isle of Staffa with its impressive basalt columns and its teaming wildlife. If you’re in luck, you might spot dolphins and whales and the charming puffins, on your way. Oban Distillery is just a short stroll from the harbour promenade, offering different tours where you will learn what shapes the Oban malt and see traditional craftsmanship of whisky making up close.   Accommodation: Oban

Day 7: Trossachs National Park and Edinburgh

Today you are heading to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Passing Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, watch out for the stags and red deer on the surrounding hills. In the historic village of Doune you can photograph the 14th century Doune Castle, better known as Castle Leoch from Outlander or from the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. And you will visit Deanston distillery for a tour and a tasting. The former cotton mill was transformed into a distillery in the 1960’s and has been distilling whisky using traditional methods ever since. In the afternoon you arrive in Edinburgh. Walk through the Old and New Town (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), discover Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy the view over town from Calton Hill. In the evening fantastic restaurants and cosy pubs invite you to linger and soak in the lively atmosphere. If you’re brave enough you can join one of the many ghost tours through to discover Edinburgh’s dark past. Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 8: Departure

Today you have to say goodbye to a wonderful, welcoming country. Take a last stroll through the streets of Edinburgh, buy a few last souvenirs or visit one of the many galleries and museums before starting your journey home.

Services

Tour includes

• 7 overnight stays in 3-4* B&B accommodation (en-suite)
• Scottish breakfast
• hire car for 8 days from/to airport including insurance and Sat Nav
• Scotland road map
• Comprehensive info pack including leisure and restaurant recommendations
• 24/7 emergency hotline

Not included

• flights
• lunch and dinner
• fuel
• admissions
• additional driver

Optional add-ons

• £69 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow B&B, based on 2 people sharing (£41 single supplement)
• £89 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow hotel, based on 2 people sharing (£61 single supplement)
• from £50 per day car hire extension
• from £300 per day for chauffeur (includes expenses)

Additional Information

Duration: 4 days
Participants: from 2 pax
Start: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport
Finish: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

Dates & Prices

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