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5 day scotland whisky tour itinerary – exploring speyside.

Moray Speyside is located just a few hours’ drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland. Although travelers tend to pop in for a day trip during a typical Scotland itinerary, there is so much more to see, eat, and drink along the world’s only Malt Whisky Trail.

We’ve already recommended the best Speyside whisky distilleries to visit, but here are our recommendations for how to plan the perfect 5 day Scotland whisky tour itinerary.

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How To Book Hotels In Scotland

Since leaving the US over a decade ago, we’ve traveled to Scotland numerous times. During these trips to Scotland, we learned a few things about booking hotels in Scotland. We’ve stayed at stunning luxury hotels like the Dowans Hotel of Speyside and Sherbrooke Castle Hotel in Glasgow. And sadly we have stayed in our fair share of not-so-great hotels in Scotland.

When planning our trips to Scotland, we use Booking.com for hotels in Scotland. In addition to booking hotels, we’ve used them to book apartments in Scotland for longer stays. We’ve even found some charming and less expensive guest houses in Scotland on Booking.com.

A 5-Day Malt Whisky Trail Itinerary

We spent 10 days exploring the region, but we travel pretty slowly. Many travelers to Speyside stop in at one distillery, either on their own or on a bus tour, and move on. That’s a big mistake!

Everyone we met in Moray Speyside was fabulously friendly and everything we ate was fresh and tasty. Well worth more time. If you golf or fish, this itinerary could easily be extended into a week or more.

A five-day trip can be added onto a visit to Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Island of Skye, or the Highlands to make the perfect 7 or 10-day Scottish itinerary.

Included above in this post are recommended accommodations across the region. If staying at any one of them, it’s possible to visit the entire region easily.

Nothing is more than a 30-45 minute drive from anything else. Or, pick two hotels to base yourselves on during the stay.

Traveling To Speyside? Check Out Our Scotland Packing Guide

Day 1 – Craigellachie And Aberlour

Morning : Start the day with a basic tasting tour at Cardhu , The Macallan , or Abe rlour. This will give you an overview of the distilling process.

Cardhu is very traditional and was one of our favorite tours. The Macallan is quite fancy and contemporary. Aberlour is a historic distillery, but we were not able to visit it.

Lunch : The Station Hotel in Rothes is just up the road in the direction of Elgin. Their Toots Cafe and Bar serves upscale versions of classic Scottish dishes. Try the haggis bon bons!

Afternoon : Visit the Speyside Cooperage . I think it helps to have visited one distillery before visiting the Cooperage to learn about the barrel-making process. It helps to put things into perspective.

Evening : Enjoy dinner at the Copper Dog in Craigellachie, a casual Scottish pub with great food and a selection of local craft beers, including Spey Valley Brewery. After, visit the Quaich bar upstairs and try a dram or two of local whisky.

Day 1 Tips : If looking for a midday snack, try the SA Mackie Butcher in Aberlour and try one of their fresh and warm meat pies. Also in Aberlour is the Walkers Shortbread Factory store , which is worth a stop for food souvenirs. Look for their ginger cookies and shortbread in the shape of a Highland coo.

Day 2: Fochabers, Elgin, And The Coast

Morning : Book another basic tour at Aberlour or Glen Grant in Rothes, then head up to the Gordon Castle Walled Garden . If it’s nice weather, walk the garden, and pop in for tea at their cafe.

Then continue north towards the coast towards Buckie and then head east. Stop for photos at Bow-Fiddle Rock and continue to Cullen.

Lunch : Enjoy Moray’s famous Cullen Skink in Cullen, either at Lily’s Kitchen Cafe or at the Cullen Bay Hotel .

Afternoon : There are a few options here. See about stopping in at Byres Farm in Fochabers for a bit of farm tourism.

Learn about the local livestock industry and how they grow barley for the Glenlivet distillery. Or, pop into Elgin and hit the Elgin Cathedral, Johnson’s of Elgin, and visit the historic Gordon & MacPhail shop.

Dinner : For a casual dinner, head back in the direction of Fochabers and visit the Foc habers Fish Bar. A super casual takeaway that won Scotland’s number one fish and chip takeaway in 2017.

Day 3 – Keith and Dufftown

Morning : Start the day with a drive out to the Glenrinnes Estate, east of Keith and enjoy a visit to Eight Lands Distillery . This is a break in the Scottish Whisky Trail for a little gin and vodka.

Eight Lands is a women-led distillery of organic gin and vodka, with stunning views even from the distillery floor.

Lunch : Pop into Keith for lunch at Square Roots Cafe , which serves up burgers, toasted sandwiches, soups, and even local craft beer. Try the Keith Lager, a local craft beer.

Afternoon : Book one of the VIP experiences at Strathisla , a historic distillery on the Malt Whisky Trail. Strathisla is the symbolic heart of the Chivas company. Try their Whisky Blending Experience and take home a small bottle of your own malt whisky blend.

Afterward, continue heading south to Dufftown and enjoy a tasting flight at the world-famous Glenfiddich Distillery . Nearby is also The Balvenie as well as Balvenie Castle.

Dinner : While in Dufftown, visit Seven Stills , a well-known whisky bar with a French chef whipping up interesting versions of traditional Scottish dishes. They offer a wide selection of daily specials that change with the seasons.

Day 3 Tip : While visiting Glenfiddich or The Balvenie, check out the small farm across from the Balvenie castle. Check the land behind the house to find the famous Highland cows, the hairy coos.

Day 4: Ballindalloch

Morning : Book a VIP experience at one of the distilleries still on the list, which includes Glenallachie , Glenfarclas , or The Glenlivet .

Lunch : The Glenlivet has a small cafeteria for a light lunch or snacks. Or make your way to Ballindalloch Castle, which has a cafe and tearoom serving up sandwiches for a light lunch.

There is not a lot on offer for lunch in this area, so take a look at these options and figure out how far away you will be. In the end, even heading back towards Aberlour or Craigellachie is not too far out of the way.

Afternoon : Head to Ballindalloch Castle to explore the castle gardens and the interior rooms. Ballindalloch also has its own, newer distillery for tastings, or Cragganmore Distillery is nearby.

Dinner : Head towards Aberlour to dine at The Dowans Hotel . They offer two options, Spé and 57, as well as a stellar selection of Speyside gins and tons of options for Speyside whisky tasting.

A 10 Day Scotland Itinerary For Food And Drink Lovers

Day 5 – Forres And The Coast

Morning : There are a variety of ways to spend a morning in and around Forres at the western edge of Moray Speyside. Visit the Benromach or Dallas Dhu distilleries . Also nearby is the Maclean Highland Bakery for a light snack or some food souvenir shopping of shortbread and Scottish oatcakes.

Just a two-minute drive from Maclean’s is Speyside Brewery , a young craft beer producer happy to do a tour and tasting. Also nearby is Logie Steading , an old farming estate during food and cultural destination, just south of Forres.

Lunch : Make your way to the coast and check out Findhorn and then Burghead. Stop at The Bothy Bistro in Burghead for lunch and enjoy some local Scottish seafood.

Afternoon : Continue the drive along the coast. Perhaps stop at Windswept Brewery in Lossiemouth for a local craft beer tasting before winding down toward Elgin.

If looking to squeeze in one final distillery, Glen Moray is located within Elgin.

Dinner : Enjoy dinner at the Knockomie Inn for Scottish classics along with craft beer, local gins, and a good selection of the malt whiskies of Scotland.

Moray Speyside Accommodations

There are a variety of accommodation options in Moray Speyside. There are historic and luxury hotels, B&Bs, inns, cottages, and even beachfront caravan parks.

Here are our recommended accommodations located along the whisky trail.

The Craigellachie Hotel

Built in 1893, the Craigellachie Hotel and its 26 rooms feel more like a luxury, countryside family home than a hotel. Situated at the crossroads of the world’s whisky production region, the Craigellachie Hotel features the Quaich bar and over 900 whiskies lining its walls.

Its Copper Dog Pub serves locally sourced traditional and contemporary Scottish dishes for lunch and dinner seven days a week. They are located near the Speyside Cooperage and many of the top distilleries including The Macallan and Cardhu. Rooms have touches of classic decor with luxury finishes.

The Craigellachie Hotel , Victoria St, Craigellachie, Speyside

Rates from £140 including breakfast, book here

The Dowans Hotel

Originally a Victorian mansion, the Dowans Hotel was reborn in 2012 by the Murray family. Now featuring 16 contemporary en-suite rooms, the Dowans Hotel maintains its historic past while providing modern comfort and hospitality.

After a day of exploring Speyside, take a relaxing stroll through the ornate terraced gardens before sitting down to a meal in one of their two delicious restaurants: Spé and 57.

Both feature locally sourced Scottish meats, fish, and produce. Before calling it a night, tuck into The Still bar and explore the Dowan’s collection of over 500 Scottish whiskies as well as local Scottish gins. Nearby distilleries include Arbelour, Glenallachie, and Glenfarclas.

The Dowans Hotel , Dowans Road, Aberlour

Rates from £170 including breakfast, book here

Ardgye B&B

Ardgye House B&B is a cozy and comfortable stay five minutes from the center of Elgin in the heart of Speyside. Originally built in 1904, this Edwardian mansion sits on 150 acres of land.

Twin, King, and Family rooms are available. Aside from breakfast, no other dining options are available. Nearby distilleries include Glen Moray, Benromach, and Dallas Dhu.

Ardgye B&B , Ardgye Guest House, Elgin

Rates from £79 including breakfast, book here

Gordon Castle Cottages

Dating back to the 1770s, Gordon Castle has been a fixture on the landscape of Speyside and part of its history. Featuring five charming cottages spread across the estate, Gordon Castle is a unique and relaxing holiday experience.

Available year-round, the cottages sleep between two and eight guests. All cottages are self-catering and equipped with all the comforts of home.

Gordon Castle Cottages , Gordon Castle Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers

Rates from £135 with no breakfast (self-catering), book on Airbnb but save €30 if you’re trying Airbnb for the first time with this link .

Knockomie Hotel

Beginning life in 1812 as a country villa, Knockomie Hotel has transformed over the years into a 15-room hotel and gastro destination. Owned and operated by Gavin and Penny Ellis, Knockomie Hotel is ideally located to explore the Speyside region.

Dining at Knockomie allows guests to enjoy delicious traditional and contemporary Scottish dishes. With its focus on all things local, Knockomie has over 70 whiskies available as well as a wide range of locally distilled gins. Nearby distilleries include Benromach and Dallas Dhu.

Knockomie Hotel , Grantown Road, Forres

Rates from £135 including breakfast, book here

West Beach Caravan Park

West Beach Caravan Park is a family-run, beachfront park providing holiday vans, glamping, motorhomes, caravans, and tents. On-site facilities include free showers, coin laundry, and dishwashing stations.

“Dory” the double-decker bus is an onsite food truck serving up locally sourced Scottish dishes. The park is open from May until the end of October. Nearby distilleries include Glen Moray, Benromach, and Dallas Dhu.

West Beach Caravan Park , West Beach, Hopeman

Rates: Caravan rental prices begin at £500 per week, book here

Get the Best Rates for Accommodations in Moray here

Other Things To Do In Moray Speyside (When Not Eating And Drinking)

As much as we travel on our stomachs, there’s no way to spend all day, every day eating and drinking – no matter how hard we try. In fact, many travelers visit Moray for attractions that have nothing to do with food or whisky.

What To Do On The Whisky Trail

In Elgin, visit the Elgin Cathedral , which dates from 1224. Elgin is also home to one of the most well-known Scottish cashmere producers, Johnstons of Elgin . Their visitor center helps to teach travelers about how cashmere is made. Nearby in Fochabers, visit Gordon Castle and its stunning walled garden. It’s filled with lavender during the summer.

The Moray Coast Trail includes about 50 miles of coastline, which can be traversed on foot over several days. Or, take a drive from Findhorn in the west to Cullen in the east. There are cliffs and sandy beaches in little pockets along the way.

Towards the east is Bow Fiddle Rock in the small town of Portknockie. Sometimes you can even spot dolphins playing just off the coast. The rivers Spey, Findhorn, Avon, and Livet are home to various types of Scottish salmon and trout – perfect for fishing excursions.

Castles On The Whisky Trail

There are a series of historic, Scottish castles that dot the landscape as well. The most well-preserved is Ballindalloch Castle , which is home to the 24th generation of the Macpherson-Grant family. You can walk the grounds, explore the house, or enjoy afternoon tea in their tearoom.

It makes the perfect pitstop during an afternoon of visiting some of the best distilleries in Scotland – several are only a handful of miles away.

Just near the Glenfiddich and Balvenie Distilleries in Dufftown is Balvenie Castle . It is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, dating to the 1200s.

Near Elgin, Duffus Castle is an example of an ancient “ motte and bailey ” castle. This type of castle was common during the 1100s and 1200s consisting of wooden buildings on man-made mountains of ground.

FAQs – Scotland Whisky Tour Itinerary

Throughout the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales) the legal drinking age is 18 years old.

Drinking and driving is against the law in the UK. Violators are subject to fines and potential imprisonment. Drivers can receive take away samples of whisky from participating distilleries. These samples are generally included in the price of the tour.

Currently, there are 50 distilleries in Speyside. Not all are open to the public for tours or tasting. It is recommended to contact the distilleries individually to confirm if they offer tours or tastings.

Amber Hoffman

Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together over the last 20 years, they have traveled to over 70 countries. Amber is the author of the Food Traveler’s Guide to Emilia Romagna. She regularly lectures on social media marketing to travel professionals throughout Europe.

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Great list, with many details, thanks!

Scotland Whisky Tour from Edinburgh: Review, Itinerary & Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

Scotland Whisky Tour from Edinburgh: Review, Itinerary & Tips

Are you thinking of taking a whisky tour in Scotland , but not sure what to expect or which tour to choose? My husband is passionate about Scottish whisky and recently he did a Scotland whisky tour from Edinburg. In this article, he shares his Scotch whisky tour itinerary and first-hand experiences . Find out!

UISGE-BEATHA. These were the first words my husband said to me after exploring the Scottish Speyside region on a 3-day whisky tour in Scotland . I wondered if he had too much whiskey, but then he proudly explained that it meant ‘ Water of Life ‘ in Scottish Gaelic.

And then he told me about the fairies that turn into sheep, Edinburgh penguins, and an angels’ share of whiskey… Apparently, he had lots of fun on this Scottish whiskey tour.

So I asked him if he could share his experience from the Speyside Whisky Trail for my blog. He was happy to finally cross the Scottish whiskey tour off his bucket list and tell us all about it. Whisky is a huge part of Scottish culture and going on a distillery tour is such a great way to get to know this beautiful country.

Good to know: In this article, we share a detailed itinerary of our 3-day Scotland whisky tour, exactly as we did it. At the bottom of the article, you can also find a short itinerary overview with practical tips and accommodation recommendations . Read on!

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the whole article and are just looking for the best whisky tour starting from Edinburg , here you can see more info about the tour that we did and recommend .

You can also book this same tour via GetYourGuide , our favorite one-stop shop for booking tours and activities worldwide.

Why Take an Organized Whisky Tour

Making a whisky tour in Scotland , UK had been on my bucket list for a long time. However, I couldn’t imagine visiting a whiskey country without enjoying a dram here and there. And drinking and driving didn’t seem like a good idea…

So this was one of the occasions to consider an organized tour. I didn’t want to sit on a bus with 50 other tourists though. After some thorough research, we found this beautiful 3-day Speyside Whisky Trail tour with a small group starting from Edinburgh. It turned out to be an excellent choice and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Just to make things clear from the start – this tour was not sponsored. We chose Rabbie’s because of their impeccable reputation and specialized tours that travel deeper, go off the beaten path, and show you more than you would be able to discover on your own. They have a great selection of all kinds of small-group tours in England, Ireland, and Scotland, so it’s definitely worth taking a look for some travel inspiration.

Scotland Whiskey Tour: 3-day Itinerary from Edinburgh

This Scottish whiskey tour itinerary includes a detailed description of our trip. I share all the details about the distilleries and landmarks that we visited during the three days in the Speyside region.

So you could probably follow this itinerary and make your own self-drive whiskey tour in Scotland. However, I strongly advise not to do this, unless you have a designated driver who doesn’t drink at all. Give yourself a break, relax, and enjoy a Scottish whiskey tour with a tour guide.

Distillery tours are also easier to do when arranged in advance. You can take advantage of the group rates and you don’t have to feel obliged to buy any whiskey if you don’t feel like (which is usually difficult to do if you show up there on your own).

Scottish landscape on the Speyside Whiskey Tour in Scotland

DAY 1: Edinburgh – Dunkeld – Dalwhinnie

We started our 3-day whiskey tour in Edinburgh , where we joined a small international group of whiskey enthusiasts. With just 9 people in a nice Mercedes minibus that could fit 16, this was going to be a comfortable trip. Our little group was very diverse: people came from Japan, Argentina, South Korea, and us, from Belgium.

David was our tour guide, driver, music arranger and, last but not least, joke and history teller (sometimes not sure which was which), and he showed up very appropriately in his Scottish Kilt.

And so our Sottish whisky adventure began…

Right after leaving Edinburgh, we made a first short photo stop at the impressive three Forth Bridges towards the Kingdom of Fife and the Cairngorms National Park.

As expected, the Scottish landscape was very green, wide and open and filled with sheep. While we watched the beautiful landscape pass by, our guide explained that Scotland has more than 30,000 lakes or Lochs (one containing a well-known monster) and some 18 million sheep . He said that there were only 5.5 million people living in Scotland and yet the Scots had invented everything there is – from rubber tires to Sean Connery.

I will not share all the Scottish jokes our guide told us along the way, so you have something fun to look forward to if you take the tour.

Our next stop was in Dunkeld where we visited the cathedral by the riverside; a very romantic setting. Other highlights included The Hermitage in Dunkeld , Black Linn Falls, and Tay Forest Park in Highland Perthshire .

We stopped for lunch in Pitlochry, where we just had to try the famous Haggis (a savory pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs…) – it was surprisingly good!

During this trip, we made sure to order typical traditional British food for every meal. That’s also what made the trip even more special!

You really have to try Haggis when in Scotland

By now it was high time for our first whiskey stop! We visited Dalwhinnie , the highest whiskey distillery in Scotland. After an interesting guided tour around the distillery, we were happy to taste several drams of great ‘water of life’.

Whisky tasting on Dalwhinnie distillery tour in Scotland

We then made a short photo stop at the Geographical Centre of Scotland before heading to Ruthven Barracks .

After all this culture and history the guide had a little surprise for us: we would go for a beer tasting in Aviemore’s Cairngorm Brewery . With Belgians on the tour that was a risky experiment, but we were impressed by the collection of Scottish beers at the brewery and the wall-filling collection of prizes and awards.

If you like Scottish humor, you will appreciate the philosophy on the walls ‘Men are from Mars, women are from Visa’, ‘No brain, no headache’, ‘I only have a kitchen because it came with a house’.. to name but a few.

We then made a last photo stop at Loch Garten before arriving in Grantown on Spey and our hotel for the next two nights.

DAY 2: Benromach – Findhorn – Elgin – Gordon MacPhail – Glenfiddich – Cardhu

David had warned us that we would start the day with a visit to a distillery, so we made sure to have a good strong Scottish breakfast with haggis, black pudding, bacon & eggs… Benromach distillery , here we come.

We did the tour of this nice small-scale distillery where we learned everything about the whiskey maturing process, the barley, the malting, the importance of spring water and yeasts, peat, different types of casks and the effect these have on the taste and color of whiskey.

We also learned about the ‘angels’ share’ (the whiskey that evaporates during the making process) and the effect of adding a small drop of water to the whiskey (definitely no Cola please!).

After the visit, we could, of course, taste the great whiskey. And it was still morning! There has to be a first time for everything. It was only after tasting the whiskey that I noticed that David was wearing jeans today instead of his kilt. So I concluded that whiskey sharpens your senses.

Our 3-day Scottish whisky tour from Edinburg

After Benromach distillery we stopped at Sueno’s (Pictish) stone for 10 minutes. We all agreed that this was enough culture for the day.

On to the beach at Findhorn to let the wind blow through our hair. This was a place where I could sit for hours and just watch the beautiful stones and hear the waves roll. But this was a whiskey tour, and not a Scottish landscape tour, so off we went again.

Our next stop was Elgin, where we visited the famous Gordon & MacPhail whisky retail shop which stocks around 1000 (!) different single malt whiskeys. We could sample some in the Whisky Room.

Elgin is also home to the beautiful ruins of a cathedral , so we made a short walk around the cathedral before stopping for lunch in Dufftown, aka the malt whiskey capital of the world.

Later in the afternoon we enjoyed a nice Cullen Skink (typical Scottish fish soup) at the Glenfiddich whiskey distillery and walked up to the ruins of Balvennie Castle .

Glenfiddich distillery is not to be missed on any whisky tour in Scotland

At the Glenfiddich distillery, you could create your own exclusive whiskey. And there was also a possibility to taste four kinds of Super Premium Range whiskeys for 1,250 £.

They also had the most expensive whiskey bottle we saw on this tour. Don’t fall off your chair – 26,750 £. For one bottle.

A very exclusive expensive whisky in Scotland

We also visited the Cardhu distillery and a place where they make/repair the whiskey casks. We could observe the coopers performing their heavy, but highly skilled work. Really impressive how they roll these heavy casks! Another beautiful stop was at the Craigellachie Bridge .

DAY 3: The Glenlivet – The Whisky Castle – Royal Lochnagar – Edinburgh

Our first distillery visit today was at The Glenlivet estate. If you know the Glenlivet, you probably have seen this little bridge on the logo, and we could see it right here. A beautiful place!

The Glenlivet Bridge is not to be missed on any Scotland whisky trip

The next stop on this last day of our Scottish whiskey tour was The Whisky Castle in Tomintoul, a family-run whiskey retail business with over 500 malt whiskeys to taste. And before you ask, no, we didn’t taste them all.

Royal Lochnagar distillery , next to Balmoral Castle (the summer residence of the British Royal Family), was our last whiskey stop of the tour.

After a short photo stop at the castle and lunch in Braemar, we drove back to Edinburgh. Normally we should have been there in 2.5 hours, but due to busy traffic, we arrived at 7 PM instead of 6 PM. So keep this in mind if you would be planning to depart Edinburgh right after the tour.

Beautiful green Scottish landcapes during our whisky tour in Scotland

Scottish Whisky Tour – Conclusion

We really enjoyed this short whiskey tour in Scotland. As expected, we discovered some really nice whiskey distilleries, but we also traveled through the most amazing landscapes and visited a variety of landmarks.

This tour is not just about the whiskey!

It has a very well-balanced itinerary that gives you a taste of real Scotland, one you would not easily be able to discover on your own.

I would definitely recommend Rabbie’s Speyside Whisky Trail to all Scottish whiskey enthusiasts. As for us, we will be back in Scotland. Next time with the kids, to do some hiking and discover the beautiful Highlands. But for a short, adults-only trip to Scotland, this whiskey tour was just perfect!

Practical Information

Speyside Whisky Trail tour (the same as we did) departs from Edinburgh three times a week in summer months and once a week in October. Rabbie’s also offers many other whisky tours in Scotland, including 1-day tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. You can find your perfect whisky tour and book it here .
The Scottish whiskey tour described in this post takes three full days, starting at 9 AM on day 1, and ending at 6-7 PM (depending on the traffic) on day 3. So you will need to also book a hotel in Edinburgh for the night before and the night after the tour.
You can book this whiskey tour with or without the accommodation for two nights during the tour. We opted for the option without accommodation, which turned out to be much cheaper. If you decide to book just the tour, as we did, you will need to arrange your own accommodation for 2 nights in Grantown on Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. Make sure that it’s centrally located and let Rabbie’s know where you are staying. They will drop you off at your hotel or B&B in the evening and will pick you up again in the morning.

Below, you can see our whisky tour itinerary, including the hotels where we stayed.

Scotland Whisky Tour Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival. Here you can find our suggestions for the best things to see and do in Edinburgh in one day . Stay 1 night in Edinburgh. We stayed at The Place Hotel – very convenient for departure the next morning.
Day 1: Start of the Speyside Whisky Trail tour . Stay 2 nights in Grantown on Spey . We recommend the Grant Arms Hotel or Garth Hotel (mid-budget options with excellent ratings). We stayed at the Craiglynne Hotel – it was the only somewhat affordable option when booking last-minute. It was ok, but not great.
Day 2: Whisky tour. Same accommodation as last night.
Day 3: Last day of the Scottish whiskey tour. Arrival in Edinburgh in the evening. Stay 1 night in Edinburgh. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Center because it was close to where our tour ended and one of the few available hotels in the center.
Day 4: Departure or continue your trip and explore more of Scotland.

TIP: Scotland (and especially Edinburgh) is an extremely popular destination. If you are traveling in high season (April-October), make sure to book all your accommodations as soon as possible. We waited too long and hardly found anything available in Edinburgh center, the same for Grantown on Spey.

Plan Your Trip

Plan your trip around Scotland’s whisky distilleries. Select multiple distilleries and download your map and directions direct to your inbox. Visit the bars, accommodation and shops dedicated to whisky in the area, and navigate from your choice of starting point.

This tour incorporates the Oban, Tobermory, Ardnamurchan, Ncn’ean and Ben Nevis distilleries.

For more information on these distilleries, please click the links on the map or, to find out more on things to see and do in the area, click the link below.

This tour incorporates the Isle of Arran, Lagg, Springbank, Glengyle Kilkerran and Glen Scotia distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Isle of Jura, Caol Ila, Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Port Ellen and Ardbeg Distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Glen Garioch, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh and Knockdhu distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Bladnoch, Annandale, The Borders, Glenkinchie, Port of Leith and Holyrood distilleries, The Scotch Whisky Experience and Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

For more information, please click the links on the map or, to find out more on things to see and do in the area, click the link below.

This tour incorporates the Glengoyne, Auchentoshan, Clydeside and Glasgow Distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Cardhu, Caol Ila, Clynelish and Glenkinchie distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Glen Ord, Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Balblair and Clynelish Distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Dallas Dhu, Benromach, Glen Moray, Benriach and Glen Grant Distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Edradour, Blair Athol, Aberfeldy, Glenturret, Tullibardine and Deanston distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Strathisla, Glenfiddich, GlenAllachie, Balvenie, Macallan, Aberlour, Cardhu, Glenfarclas, Ballindalloch, and Cragganmore distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Fettercairn, Arbikie, Eden Mill, Lindores Abbey and Kingsbarns distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Tomatin, Speyside, Dalwhinnie, Royal Lochnagar, Cairn and Glenlivet Distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay, Abhainn Dearg and Isle of Harris distilleries.

This tour incorporates the Wolfburn, Scapa, 8 Doors, Pulteney and Highland Park distilleries.

International edition
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10 of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland

Dreaming of a dram? These distilleries offer an insight into one of the world’s great drinks, and are often in stunning locations, too

Nc’nean, Morvern

It’s an adventure in itself just reaching Nc’nean, a remote and free-spirited whisky startup 12 (slow) miles down a single-track road on the Morvern peninsula on Scotland’s stunning west coast. For those that do make it, tours (with coffee and a slice of organic cake) are less about stats and more about the soul of this exciting, sustainably-minded enterprise. The team here is experimenting with different strains of yeast, curiously-shaped stills and longer mash times. To what end? We’ll find out next year when its first whisky is released. Walks in any direction offer the chance to spot otters, pine martens and sea eagles. Stay Achnacriche , doubles from £95 B&B Tours from £15pp, Lochaline , ncnean.com

Dewar’s, Perthshire

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Whisky Distillery, Scotland.

Perth’s Tommy Dewar understood the power of marketing. A globetrotting brand ambassador before that title had really been established, in the early years of the 20th century Dewar enlisted Thomas Edison to direct a film commercial for his White Label blend. It’s possibly why Dewar’s remains among the best-selling blends in the US. The remarkable story forms the heart of the interactive heritage museum at the visitor centre for Aberfeldy, the malt at the heart of Dewar’s blend. The distillery is on the banks of the Upper Tay, just outside Aberfeldy itself. Stay Brae House , doubles from £125 B&B Tours £10.50pp , Aberfeldy, dewars.com

Deanston, Perthshire

Deanston Mill now a distillery on the River Teith near Doune, Scotland.

A steady supply of water doesn’t automatically lead to whisky production. In Deanston, it once meant textile manufacturing. Which is why this distillery wouldn’t look out of place along the Rochdale canal. A Richard Arkwright-designed textile mill, Deanston was transformed into a distillery in 1966. Thanks to the River Teith, the distillery, as with the mill before it, generates its own power. Tour guides point out the ghostly remains of what was claimed to be the largest waterwheel in Europe – now replaced by turbines. Deanston is the location for film director Ken Loach’s affectionate whisky romp, The Angel’s Share. Stay Creity Hall , doubles from £90 B&B Tours from £9pp, near Doune, deanstonmalt.com

GlenDronach, Aberdeenshire

Glendronach Distillery, near Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

The stars and stripes flying high above the Aberdeenshire countryside is a clue that GlenDronach is now owned by the same American company behind Jack Daniel’s. With its row of workers’ houses and 250-year-old master distiller’s mansion, this is a thrilling distillery experience – more than 50 people lived and worked here in the early 19th century. In fertile farming country (the Valley of the Brambles responsible for its Gaelic name), you can pick a blackberries in the grounds for an appropriately sweet amuse-bouche before a tour of this Victorian whisky village and a tasting of its juicy, sherry-matured whisky in the darkly inviting tasting bar. Stay Netherdale House , doubles from £110 B&B Tours from £10pp, Forgue By Huntly , glendronachdistillery.com

Clynelish, Sutherland

Samples of Clynelish whiskey inside Brora Distillery, Scotland.

So discreet is its setting in farmland above the coast road, that many who pass en route to John o’Groats assume Clynelish is a hydro-electric plant. You can see their point. The 1960s-built distillery eschewed the traditional pagoda-style skyline of the malting roof (which is now mostly a distillery affectation anyhow, as barley is malted off site). However, the 200-year-old distillery buildings – home to the holy grail of lost malts: Brora – are being recommissioned by beverage multinational Diageo. The distillery has a dark past: it was built by one of the chief architects of the Highland clearances, the Duke of Sutherland. His hill-top statue looms over this coast, although slabs of its footing are regularly chipped away by those determined to see it tumble. Stay Clynelish Farm , doubles from £80 B&B (£70 a night for two or more nights) Tours from £12pp , Brora , malts.com

Strathisla, Moray

Strathisla distillery in Keith in the Moray District of Scotland.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a master blender? The Chivas Blending Experience (£60) at Strathisla, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Highlands, will put you to the test. Now owned by Pernod Ricard, whose portfolio includes Chivas Regal, the distillery’s cobbled courtyard leads to a mad professor-style blending lab, complete with bulbous burettes filled with fine malt whisky. Tours make it possible to mix (and keep) your own unique blend. The two-pagoda distillery is atmospheric, with many of its stones snatched from neighbouring 15th-century Milton Castle. Stay Isla Bank House , doubles from £130 B&B Tours from £15pp, Keith , maltwhiskydistilleries.com

Ardbeg, Argyll and Bute

Ardbeg Distillery on the coastline just east of the village of Port Ellen on the island of Islay, Scotland.

When burned as fuel to dry the malted barley, the seaweed and sea salt-infused peat of Islay produces the island’s signature whiskies. Ardbeg’s tours include a yomp over Islay’s peat-cloaked hills (perhaps by way of the eighth-century Kildalton Cross, one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland), with an outdoor tasting and a picnic lunch prepared by the team at the distillery’s restaurant. Round a visit off with a stay at Seaview Cottage, the former home to the distillery manager. Sipping an Ardbeg Supernova with a view of the Atlantic breakers outside your window, peat fire roaring in the stove – might that be the ultimate Islay whisky experience? Stay Seaview Cottage , sleeps six, from £200 a night (minimum two-night stay) Tours from £8pp, Ardbeg, Port Ellen , Islay, ardbeg.com

Oban, Argyll and Bute

The Ton room in Oban Distillery, Scotland.

Squeezed between the coast and the cliff that separates the harbour from the suburbs above, the Oban distillery is a tight huddle of grey granite buildings. When the distillery was built in the 1790s, Oban was little more than a scatter of herring storehouses, but since then the busy port has grown around it. This pocket-size distillery’s tours offer a rare chance to sample a west-coast style (somewhere between a sweet Speysider and the smokey islands). When the drizzle descends, the lively dramming bar is the place to settle in and see it out before catching a ferry to recently reopened Tobermory distillery on Mull. Stay Alltavona guesthouse, doubles from £115 B&B Tours from £12pp, Oban, malts.com

Springbank, Argyll and Bute

Springbank Distillery racked warehouse full of maturing whisky casks, Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK

In its prime, Campbeltown (a distinct whisky region in its own right at the end of the Kintyre peninsula) saw more than 30 distilleries pump their waste back into Campbeltown Loch, giving rise to the Andy Stewart eponymous song: “Campbeltown Loch/ I wish you were whisky”. Of the three remaining distilleries, Springbank is the oldest, producing its complex maritime dram on the same fortress-like site in the centre of town since 1828. As tours go, Springbank has more to see than most, as the entire production line takes place here, from the malting floor to the bottling plant. Stay Grammar Lodge , doubles from £90 B&B Tours from £10pp, Campbeltown, springbank.scot

Kingsbarns, Fife

A bottle of Kingsbarn whisky on display on top of bourbon barrels at the distillery and visitor centre in St Andrews, Scotland.

Easy-drinking Lowland whiskies can find it it hard to shout above the peaty monsters of Islay or the romance of the Highland drams, and a decade or so ago there were only a couple of distilleries clinging on. But a cluster of new Fife-based ventures point to a resurgence. Kingsbarns’ new visitor centre and restaurant sit within meticulously restored farmsteadings and a 200-year-old dovecot. It’s surrounded by golden fields of barley: the same stuff that you’ll see frothing away in the mash tun. Its first release, Dream to Dram, is a perfect distillation of Fife’s farming heritage, one that’s even managing to lure golfers away from St Andrews’ Old Course, just eight miles away. Stay The Old Station , doubles from £90 B&B Tours from £10pp, Kingsbarns, kingsbarnsdistillery.com

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Home » Whisky Tour Scotland

Private Whisky Tours of Scotland

Discover the Taste of Scotland

Scotch Whisky is world-famous for its smokey, peaty, and smooth flavors, and with over 120 active distilleries around the country , you’ll not be short of ideas of where to visit on your private tour.

Our bespoke Scotch Whisky Tours allow you to experience the art and craftsmanship of Scotland’s world-famous whisky brands and regions – soaked in history and legend.

Choose your own perfect blend of distilleries

With so many incredible distilleries around Scotland, it can be difficult to decide where to start; our Private Whisky Tours allow you to customize your itinerary and visit all your favorite distilleries and see some beautiful sites along the way – although depending on how many distilleries you’ve visited throughout the day, you’ll likely find everything beautiful!

Our private tour expert will make recommendations and help you organize each step of your scotch whisky experience and transport you in luxurious comfort to all your desired destinations, all you have to do is decide how long you want your tour to last .

Click on some of our most famous whisky regions to see some of the distilleries Scotland has to offer and get in touch with us by clicking ‘Create my custom tour’ below and we can start planning your unforgettable whisky tour.

Please note: Alcohol is not included in the price of our private tours.

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Request Your Whisky Tour Of Scotland

All our whisky tours are completely customizable and tailor-made to suit you and your group’s needs and wants. Our tour experts can make recommendations and help you plan each and every sip of your whisky tour experience while transporting you safely from distillery to distillery.

Whether your group is new to our famous spirit, or connoisseurs looking to visit your favorite distilleries, get in touch by filling out the form below and start planning your perfect whisky vacation today!

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glenturret distillery, Famous Grouse, Highlands, Scotland

Highlands Whisky Region

Number of distilleries: 47

Oldest Distillery: Glenturret (1775)

Most popular distillery: Glenturret, Famous Grouse Experience

Flavor profile: fruity, malty, spicy & swee t

The vast and wild Highland region of Scotland produces varied and unique Scotch from distillery to distillery. Some peaty, some with a strong salty presence from the coast, and some fresh, light, and fruity. The Highlands has a bit of everything: perfect for a group whisky tour with varying preferences, and taste ambitions.

Glenfiddich Distillery, Speyside, Scotland Whisky

Speyside Whisky Region

Number of distilleries: 50

Oldest Distillery: Strathisla (1786)

Campbeltown Whisky

Number of distilleries: 3

Oldest Distillery: Springbank (1828)

Lowlands Whisky Region

Number of distilleries: 18

Oldest Distillery: Auchentoshan (1800)

Isle of Islay Whisky Region

Number of distilleries: 9

Oldest Distillery: Bowmore(1779)

Whisky Tour Packages in Scotland

Embark on a flavourful journey with these Scotland whisky tours. Discover the rugged Highlands, visit Celtic castles and savour the finest Scotch. Trips include accommodation, local transport, 24/7 support, and more.

Try malt whisky on a tour of Scotland

Experience Scotland’s national drink at the source on a Scottish adventure. Explore your way, with the option to tour whisky distilleries on all travel styles.

Discover top Scotland distilleries with an expert local guide on a small group trip or private tour . Alternatively, you could travel at your own pace on a self-drive road trip .

Or, if you’re interested in spending more time in the Scottish capital, venture out on multi-day tours with Edinburgh as your base.

Read on for trip ideas and inspiration for your Scottish getaway.

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Visit a distillery on these small group tours

Enjoy a whisky tour and tasting as part of these guided group trips. Learn about the “water of life” and see Scotland’s top attractions in a group of up to just 15 like-minded travellers.

Wonders of Scotland

Highlights of Scotland

Try whisky on a privately guided trip.

Embark on a Celtic journey with your own private guide. Explore captivating landscapes, historic sites and vibrant cities with the option to add a distillery visit.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

Classic scotland - private, complete scotland - private, tour a distillery on a self-drive trip.

Take the wheel on a self-drive trip across Scotland's scenic landscapes. Enjoy the freedom to travel at your leisure and try locally made whisky on a distillery tour.

Classic Scotland

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, grand tour of scotland, scottish highlands & north coast 500, complete scotland, savour whisky on a multi-day tour.

See the best of Scotland on multi-day trips from Edinburgh. Uncover the city's top sights, venture into the Highlands and customise your adventure with optional stops at whisky distilleries.

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Edinburgh complete - loch ness, highlands & glasgow, edinburgh complete - loch ness, highlands & glasgow - winter, best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands - winter, explore scotland your way.

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If you're looking for an insight into Scotland whisky trips, you're in the right place. We've gathered expert advice to help you plan your journey. Uncover all the useful information to make sure you have a memorable and enjoyable exploration of Scotland's rich whisky heritage.

Go on a small group tour complete with a distillery visit

If you’d like an introduction to whisky, join a guided small group tour that includes a visit to a distillery.

You’ll soon find out that this honey-hued tipple is more than just a drink to the Scots. In fact, it’s been an important part of Scotland’s culture for centuries. Although the oldest licensed distilleries here date from the late 1700s, the locals have been producing whisky from malted barley since the 15th century.

During your distillery visit, a local tour guide will show you how Scotland’s malt whiskies are made and talk you through a tasting experience.

Throughout the rest of your tour, you’ll explore Scotland’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and top attractions with your knowledgeable guide. Plus, in a group of no more than 15 guests, you’ll get to know your fellow travellers and have opportunities to ask your guide questions.

As well as being an unforgettable way to uncover Scotland without taking the wheel yourself, small group tours are perfect if you’re travelling solo . So why not embark on a tasting adventure with like-minded whisky lovers from around the world?

All guided small group tours in Scotland include: • Stays in handpicked accommodation • Transport in a comfortable minibus • Professional English-speaking guide • Daily breakfast and some meals • Welcome pack with our Scotland travel guide • Your own detailed itinerary and a map of Scotland

Add a whisky-tasting or distillery tour to your travel package

If you’d like to discover Scotland differently, there are other ways to appreciate the local whisky. For instance, you could add a visit to the highly recommended Scotch Whisky Experience to your tour package as an optional extra.

For the freedom to go at your own pace, opt for a self-drive tour of Scotland . Being able to stop whenever you like means you could check out distilleries you pass along the way.

Do bear in mind that Scotland’s drink-drive limit is zero. So, if you plan to do more travelling that day, make sure to ask the distillery you’re visiting if you can get a takeaway tasting pack. This will let the designated driver try the warming whisky samples once you get to your accommodation.

Head out on a road trip of a lifetime. Uncover scenic routes and iconic sights in this round-up of the best road trips in Scotland .

On the other hand, pick a Scotland private tour , and you’ll benefit from the services of your own driver-guide. If you have a favourite whisky, they'll advise you on the best itinerary that incorporates the distillery. Plus, with someone else at the wheel, you can sit back and listen to local insights as you soak up the beautiful scenery.

Alternatively, base yourself in Edinburgh on one of these multi-day trips in Scotland , where you’ll take day tours into the countryside. With a combination of handpicked excursions and free time in Edinburgh, they’re ideal for getting a flavour of Scotland.

Discover the capital city of Scotland. Make your visit unforgettable with this curated list of the top things to do in Edinburgh .

Scotland’s whisky regions

In Scotland, distilleries are everywhere. Or that’s what it feels like once you know there are over 130 active distilleries. You’ll find them dotted throughout the country’s 5 whisky regions: Speyside, the Lowlands, the Highlands, Islay and Campbeltown.

On these guided small group trips, your whisky-tasting tour in Scotland will be at either a Lowland or Speyside distillery. If you’d like to visit other areas for a Scotch tour, Scotland self-drive packages give you opportunities to stop at whisky distilleries in the Highlands as well. This includes iconic west coast distilleries such as Talisker on the Isle of Skye.

If you already know a little about whisky, you’ve probably heard that each region is known for its characteristic flavours. But go on a Scotland distillery tour, and you’ll soon find out that there’s also lots of variation between brands.

Venture to Speyside – home to the Malt Whisky Trail – and you could try whiskies with light, fruity or rich sherry notes. Tour Highland distilleries and you can expect spicy or maritime drams.

Then there’s Islay, where some of the world’s most famous whiskies come from. Here, you’ll find peaty, smoky single malts from distilleries like Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Bowmore.

Get a taste of Scottish cuisine

If you’re interested in Scottish whisky, there’s a chance you’ll also want to delve into the local food scene . Scotland has plenty of top-notch eateries dishing up mouthwatering plates.

Look for refined tasting menus at Michelin guide-listed restaurants, noteworthy seafood shacks, and cosy cafés with platters of delicious home baking. Not to mention the traditional pub serving hearty favourites like haggis, along with a selection of ales and well-stocked whisky shelves.

Plus, with restaurant picks from Nordic Visitor's travel consultants, you’ll sample the best local cuisine along the way.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

William, United States

Wonders of scotland, july 2023, well-organised tour.

Great communication, well-organised, very knowledgeable and personable guide, overall a great tour with no negatives whatsoever!

Barbara, United States

Best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands, june 2023, we were in good hands.

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Voula, United States

Classic scotland - private, may 2023, our guide was exceptional.

Our overall experience was very good, minus some accommodation that we did not like as much as the others. What made the tour exceptional was our guide, Dave. His knowledge of Scotland and professionalism made the trip. He was awesome about tailoring each day's itinerary to our likes and taking us off the beaten path to experiences and sights that we would never have found on our own.

Andrew, United States

Classic scotland, june 2023.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

James, United States

Outlander experience, june 2023, one of the best trips we have ever taken.

The entire experience was excellent. Nordic Visitor made it easy for us, although we are amateur travellers. Our guide was the absolute best, we couldn't have asked for a better person. He was able to convey his experience and amazing knowledge to make the trip both fun and educational. One of the best trips we have ever taken, thank you!

Frederic, United States

Scottish highlands & the west coast, may 2023, our travel consultant was a delight to work with.

Rebecca was always prompt with responses to questions and always informative, always patient. We're first time (and older) travellers and her professional manner was a delight to work with.

Mary, United States

Classic scotland - private, june 2023, our experience was so special.

Airport transfers were excellent. Drivers were on time and friendly. Accommodation was all good. You couldn't have paired our family with a better guide/driver than Dave. He made our Scotland experience so special by taking us off the beaten path and showing us some of the most beautiful natural sites and places in Scotland. We covered 1000 miles in distance in our 7 days. We learned so much from Dave.

Diane, Canada

Wonders of scotland, june 2023, we loved every day.

This was our first travel outside of North America and we loved every day! We toured around Scotland, starting in Edinburgh, to the Highlands, Isle of Skye and finishing in Glasgow. It was a busy tour, and we didn't see all of Scotland, but we saw so many interesting places, met a lot of wonderful people, ate haggis, drank whisky and had such a fantastic time that we did not want to leave. We are already saving for our next trip!

Kelsie, United States

Highlights of scotland, may 2023, the most magical trip.

From communicating with Nordic Visitor, booking my trip, arriving at the airport and be welcomed by our driver Paul, each hotel, every meal, our amazing tour guide, Anita, our drivers, Gary and Stevie… everything was so perfect! It was the most magical trip!

Shavonne, United States

Classic scotland & the orkney islands, june 2023, seamless process.

We did a self-drive tour including the Orkney islands. The entire process from booking to flying home was seamless. Our accommodation was all amazing, especially the B&Bs. Our daily itineraries were great starting points for activities, and none of our days felt rushed or slow. We also appreciated the restaurant and travel guides. Scotland is amazing, and Nordic Visitor made the entire vacation worry-free.

Kristen, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, june 2023, enjoyed my tour so much.

I enjoyed my tour of Scotland so much! Booking with Nordic Visitor was so easy. Their itinerary showcased highlights across the country, so I feel like I experienced the best of the best! The communication from our tour consultant, Duncan, was prompt and detailed. It was so comforting knowing that Nordic Visitor was only a phone call away 24/7.

Jennifer, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - private, may 2023.

Our private tour guide, Pete, was phenomenal, and all of our accommodation was great! My husband is disabled and Nordic Visitor took every needed step to ensure our B&Bs could take care of his needs.

Research Your Vacation

Start preparing for your trip by doing some research before your Scottish adventure.

The starting point of most Scottish adventures is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where the...

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Trossachs National Park

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What to bring

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Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

Protect your money & plans with our flexible booking terms .
97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Get in touch with us to start planning your Scotland whisky tour package, or to ask about adding a tasting experience to your itinerary. Our Edinburgh-based travel experts are eager to share their local insight with you.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Scotland

Places to eat on the outlander trail in scotland, why scotland is perfect for romantic breaks and getaways, 12 best castles in scotland that you should visit, best time to visit scotland: your complete guide.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Whisky Explorer

The Whisky Explorer tour plan guides you on a whisky trail around Scotlands Lowland, Highland and Speyside distilleries.

The tour route also takes in iconic Scottish landmarks such as Culloden, Loch Ness, Balmoral castle and the Cairngorm Mountains.

Allow a minimum of 7 days to drive this tour route. The guide contains extra day trip suggestions for extending the tour to 10+ days

PLEASE NOTE: The Guides come in the format of PDF files. After payment, you will receive an automated email that enables you to access your Scotland Tour Itinerary.

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We are so confident that you’ll be delighted with your guide that we offer a full Money Back Guarantee. Read More .

Tour Stats :

Guide Updated - 23 December 2023

Core Route Mileage:

Approximately 482 miles / 775 Km

Tour Duration:

7 to 10 Days

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Tour summary.

Edinburgh is a compact city and easy to explore on foot. We provide directions for 3 walking routes that show you different sides of the Capital city; a walk down the historical Royal Mile , a riverside path to the Botanic Gardens that escapes the hustle & bustle of city life and a more energetic hike to Arthur’s Seat with the option to continue to a pub with lots of history.

Edinburgh boasts a great range of atmospheric old pubs and we steer you to a selection of our favourites where you can sample some single malts with the locals.

The guide also includes options for day trips around the surrounding area by car, bus or train.

The day trips by car include the option of a tour of West Lothian where you can notch up the first distillery visit on this Whisky Trail

Stopover in Edinburgh

Two route options are provided for this drive that ends in Pitlochry area where you find several distilleries that represent the Highland region of this Whisky Trail:

The longer route takes you west, via Stirling , and then into the Trossachs National Park. “Outlander” fans can stop to explore Doune Castle (“Castle Leoch” in the TV show), and further along the route we guide you to stone circles where you can try to travel through time. After a photo stop at the Falls of Dochart , you travel along the shores of Loch Tay towards Aberfeldy and Pitlochry , where you can end the day with a choice of distillery tours .

Driving Distance: ~111 miles

The shorter route allows you time to spend a full afternoon in Pitlochry. Heading north from Edinburgh, you cross the Forth estuary with views of the famous Forth Rail Bridge . You then speed north to Perth , but can extend the drive with a visit to the pretty village of Falkland where Mary Queen of Scots had her favourite palace. Falkland has also featured in the filming of "Outlander" . From Perth to Pitlochry, we suggest a back road route that visits Scone Palace , the ancient crowning place of Scottish Kings, and the romantic ruins of Dunkeld Cathedral beside the River Tay.

Driving Distance: ~81 miles

Short tours around Pitlochry - If you arrive early in Pitlochry, or wish to stay for several nights, you will enjoy the 2 short tour options supplied in this guide. These tours feature the grand Blair castle and scenic Loch Tummel as well as less obvious places such as a deserted Blackhouse village.

Stopover in Pitlochry / Aberfeldy area

You could start this day with a visit to nearby Blair Castle as the drive to Braemar in Royal Deeside does not take long. On the way to Braemar, you follow the path of an 18th century military road that was built through Glen Shee to enable the deployment of Redcoat troops into the “Jacobite” heartlands.

From Braemar , you can explore the quaint villages, verdant woodlands and wild mountains that Queen Victoria fell in love with.

Continuing the Whisky Trail theme, you can take a tour of the Royal Lochnagar distillery that supplied Queen Victoria during her visits to Balmoral Castle. But we wouldn’t recommend you copy her idea of mixing the whisky with port.

Driving Distance: ~56 miles Additional Sightseeing - If you arrive in Royal Deeside early, or wish to spend 2 nights in the region, you could explore further afield with our route directions for a tour of Castles and Standing Stones. This region has some of the most interesting and complete castles in Scotland, but it is also home to a large number of stone circles in secluded corners. We guide you on a trail that includes the castles of Crathes , Drum , Fraser & Craigievar , whilst also steering you to discover atmospheric Neolithic monuments where time stands still. ~ 70 miles

Stopover in Royal Deeside area

Today you traverse the Cairngorm mountains via one of the highest roads in Scotland. It is not far to drive so you have time to immerse yourself in the Speyside Whisky Trail.

The famous distilleries along this route are Glenlivet , Glenfarclas , Cragganmore , Aberlour, Glenfiddich and Macallan , but we include directions for exploring many more.

If you want a break from whisky tastings, you may enjoy a visit to Elgin with its magnificent cathedral and cashmere mill . We also give you tips on the best bars for continuing your whisky sampling into the evening.

Driving Distance: ~52 miles

Stopover in Craigellachie / Elgin area

A short drive via the Moray coast with options to mix your whisky with Scottish history.

You can explore Cawdor Castle with its curious legends, the spooky burial tombs at Clava Cairns , the imposing defences of Fort George and the windswept battlefield of Culloden Moor .

The day ends in the lively town of Inverness, or the quieter villages of the nearby Black Isle. Our guide gives suggestions on where to find live music and a great whisky bar with a very knowledgeable landlord.

Driving Distance: ~57 miles

Stopover in Inverness area

From Inverness, we provide a choice of route directions for the drive past Loch Ness . You can either take the main tourist trail past Urquhart Castle and the “Nessie” attractions, or you can follow a less travelled road along the south shore.

You continue through the Great Glen to Spean Bridge where you turn east to follow an old military road through the central Highlands. Along the way we will guide you to explore waterfalls, picnic spots and the origins of the River Spey.

The journey ends in the Cairngorms National Park where you might be able to arrive in time for a sheepdog demonstration , or a nostalgic steam train ride .

Driving Distance: ~108 miles

Stopover in the Cairngorms (Aviemore) area

The last journey leg of this Whisk Trail tour is a relatively direct drive back to Edinburgh that can be done in under 3 hours. But, if you aren’t in a hurry, we have an alternative route that lets you explore the outdoor activities and lovely woodlands of the Rothiemurchus estate before picking up the main road south.

On the way south, you can fit in one last distillery tour with a visit to Dalwhinnie which holds the title of the highest operational distillery in Scotland.

Driving Distance: ~128 miles

Tour Gallery

Accommodation

To help you book the best places to stay, we offer a guide to Recommended Accommodation along the route of this tour.

We personally visit all the accommodation featured in the guides and only select places where we would wish to stay ourselves. Read More...

When you "Checkout" , you will have the option to buy the Accommodation Guide.

Preview Accommodation Guide

Car Hire - How to Save Money

When you buy a Secret Scotland Tour Itinerary you will receive a Discount Code that gets you a 10% reduction on the cost of Car Hire from Arnold Clark Rental .

Simply use the Secret Scotland code when you book via the Arnold Clark website and your car hire discount will automatically apply.

Testimonials

I convinced my other half to get the Scenic Tour 4-5 Days guide (even though he very much wanted to do it all himself), and it was the best experience ever. In fact, ever since this trip, we're trying to re-create the experience. Of course, Scotland can hardly let anyone down, but this guide truly made it an adventure. We found so many hidden and not so hidden gems, and everything was perfectly laid out for us so that all we had to do was decide how much time we had and what we wanted to see next. I can't recommend it enough and wish more guides like this existed!

Excellent! We thought the information provided was fantastic and allowed us to see things I am sure we would have missed. Mike was very helpful in sending the itinerary through again for us when we had trouble with our downloads. Would definitely recommend this site. We have been travelling for a number of years and normally would just rely on the internet and books but decided to give this a go. So glad we did.

Secret Scotland is EXCEPTIONAL in providing guidance for itinerary planning and accommodation referrals for those wanting a self guided driving vacation in Scotland.... Simple to use. Thorough in suggesting ‘must see’ venues. Complete - sites, restaurants, pubs and experiences.” That is how I would describe what they do and provide. Exceptional accommodation recommendations. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

The itinerary Secret Scotland provided was a trip saver. We loved the suggestions for sight seeing, eating, and places to stay, but the best part was the detailed driving directions. Driving on the opposite side of the road from the opposite side of the car was a little easier without having to worry about how to get there! We will definitely use this service the next time we visit Scotland!

Secret Scotland's itineraries, accommodations guides, and other resources are incredible value with great attention to detail. Their owners, Mike and Aury, are experienced and honest, and they helped us so much as we attempted to narrow down a very long list of things we hoped to do during our time in Scotland. I feel so much more prepared for our trip and can now just look forward to our approaching vacation!

We have just got back from an EXCELLENT holiday following the Borders to Orkney route suggestions. We can't say enough about how much the detailed information enhanced our experience in Scotland. We had a wonderful time seeing so many interesting sites that we would have passed by without your guide. Thank you so much.

These guys really are the best. We used Mike's Flexi Days East to West itinerary last July and it was truly indispensable. His itinerary is full of detail, including driving directions and options. Mike is also very responsive if you have any questions. We had such a wonderful time we are going back again this year, and we will be using his itineraries again for our planning. I would also recommend his accommodations guide.

Just like pictures of Scotland can’t do justice to the magnificence of the actual landscape, words can’t do justice to the brilliance and sheer volume of work you put in your guide. The level of detail provided on each stopover sheet, in all the different itinerary options and on all the B&B features exceeded even my most crazy expectations.

Mike and Aurey from Secret Scotland prepared a fantastic itinerary for us. It was a huge ingredient in the success and huge enjoyment that we got from our trip. It was absolutely worth every penny and there is no way we could have seen so much and so well without their itinerary. We felt like we belonged in Scotland, we knew what we were doing and what it all meant at every step. We recommend their services wholeheartedly. Scotland is such a marvelous place. Thank you Mike and Aurey... and we will be back!

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Whisky Trails

Discover world-class whisky & stunning scenery.

A self-drive whisky tour around Scotland’s world-renowned distilleries is so much more than whisky – you will travel through breathtaking scenery, alongside spectacular coastline, and past some of the country’s most celebrated historical landmarks. Indulge in unforgettable flavours as you sample exceptional single malts in the most incredible of locations.

The holiday suggestions on our website are examples of the amazing trips we can offer , which are created uniquely for you by our award-winning specialists. Think of the itineraries below as inspiration for your specialised tailor-made escape. These can be customised to suit your preferences and individual requirements. Our packages include hand-picked accommodation, a personalised information pack, and 24-hour support from our dedicated team.

Highlands & Islands Malt Whisky Trail

Speyside malt whisky trail, islay & the west coast whisky trail.

From £1035pp

The Malt Whisky Trail including visits to Glenfiddich & the Macallan Distilleries
Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile & The Scotch Whisky Experience
The magical Isle of Skye & Talisker Distillery

From £620pp

Tour the famous Malt Whisky Trail including Glenfiddich and Macallan distilleries
Dewars World of Whisky & Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry
Explore mountains and lochs in one of Scotland's most picturesque regions

From £1135pp

Experience the beautiful Isle of Arran and sample The Arran Malt
Explore the world-famous distilleries on Islay, including Laphroaig, Ardbeg & Lagavulin
Visit Tobermory Distillery on the beautiful Isle of Mull

Select your country or region

How to plan a whisky trip in Scotland

Planning a whisky trip to Scotland can be an exciting and enriching experience for enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Scotland is renowned for its rich whisky heritage, and it offers a multitude of distilleries, picturesque landscapes, and cultural experiences for visitors.

If you’re looking to journey to the heart of the amber nectar, there are some must-see sights and must-do activities you’ll want to include in your itinerary. To help you plan an unforgettable trip, we’ve put together this guide that covers everything from essential considerations before you travel to etiquette and recommended excursions.

Researching and preparing for your Scottish whisky trip

Before you embark on your whisky adventure, it’s crucial to do your homework. Start by immersing yourself in the world of whisky . Online resources, books, and documentaries can provide a solid foundation. Learn about whisky production in Scotland, the history of scotch, and the different types and regions waiting to be explored.

Also, research the best time to visit depending on your preferences. If you enjoy hustle and bustle, then consider going during one of the annual whisky festivals. Quieter, off-peak periods will make for a more intimate experience. The key is to be well-prepared so make sure you don’t forget to pack the right clothing for the weather and terrain, a notebook and pen to record your whisky-tasting musings, and a camera to capture every magical moment.

Choosing your destination

When it comes to the whisky regions of Scotland , each has its own unique character and charm. These regions include Speyside, Islay, Highland, Lowland, and Campbeltown. Take time to understand the distinctions between them.

-Speyside: Known for its smooth and often sweet malts.

– Islay: Famous for its peaty and smoky whiskies.

-Highland: Offers a diverse range of flavours, from fruity to spicy.

-Lowland: Known for its gentle, lighter drams.

-Campbeltown: Distinct, full-bodied expressions come from this region.

If you’re a seasoned whisky drinker, then you might already have an area in mind as you know it’s home to your favourite brands. However, if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in what Scotland has to offer, then you might prefer hopping between areas to make the most of the country and its whiskies. Every region is home to at least one distillery but Speyside, which is where The Glenlivet Distillery is situated, has the largest number.

Itinerary planning

Creating an itinerary will help you to experience as much as possible and give you something to look forward to every day. While planning, consider a mix of well-known locations and hidden gems. It’s also wise to make advanced reservations for popular tours and tastings. A degree of flexibility is a good idea, however, as you might discover new places along the way.

Accomodation

Select accommodation that is conveniently located near the distilleries you plan to visit. Scotland offers a range of options, from cosy local inns to luxurious hotels. However, book accommodations well in advance, particularly if you’re travelling during peak tourist seasons.

Transportation

Getting around Scotland requires careful consideration. You can rent a car for freedom and flexibility, use public transportation, or opt for guided tours. If you plan on indulging in extensive tastings, having a designated driver or an alternative transportation arrangement is crucial.

Distillery tours and tastings

Distillery tours are the lifeblood of any Scotland whisky trip. They provide insight into the whisky production process, showing how every bottle is brought to life. During each tour, don’t hesitate to ask questions and engage with your guide. Take your time to savour the flavours and aromas, and don’t forget to pick up a memento of your visit to take home!

The Glenlivet Distillery was awarded Scotland’s Leading Whisky Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards 2023 and the Green Tourism Gold Award 2023. We offer a range of experiences to suit all budgets and time constraints including our Original distillery tour, The Single Casks tasting session, The Archives Warehouse tour and The Cellar Collection tasting session. Plus, there are plenty of highlights you won’t want to miss including the Smuggler’s Hideout, Process Room, and The Lounge.

Whisky tasting etiquette

When it comes to whisky tasting, follow a classic whisky tasting guide . Evaluate the appearance, nose, palate, and finish, and don’t forget to use your whisky tasting journal to record your impressions. Most importantly, practise responsible drinking and moderation, especially when visiting multiple distilleries.

Local cuisine

Part of the joy of a whisky trip to Scotland is pairing local dishes with much-loved drams. Traditional Scottish food and drink like haggis, smoked salmon, stovies, Irn Bru and Drambuie are a must-try. Experiment with flavour combinations that complement the whisky you’re enjoying. It’s a culinary adventure that adds depth to your whisky experience.

Cultural experiences

Scotland is not just about whisky; it’s a land steeped in history and culture. Explore castles, museums, and historic sites. Immerse yourself in local traditions and customs. Try to attend Scottish events and festivals for a truly authentic experience. For example, if you visit toward the end of January, you’ll be privy to some fantastic Burns Night traditions such as the Selkirk Grace and a Burns Night supper.

If you’re visiting The Glenlivet Distillery, there are plenty of other things to do in Speyside that will further enhance your experience. Cairngorms National Park, for instance, is a stunning showcase of Scottish scenery and offers magnificent walking routes, water sports, golf courses and a plethora of local interest spots.

Souvenirs and whisky purchases

Bringing back a bottle or two of scotch whisky is almost a rite of passage. When purchasing whisky as a souvenir or gift think about those you have sampled and the flavours you have enjoyed the most. You might want to be able to relive your time in Scotland once you get home by pouring a glass or further your whisky knowledge with a variety you didn’t get to try. Just be aware of the restrictions and regulations concerning transporting alcohol back to your home country.

A whisky trip to Scotland provides the perfect chance to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes, delve into its rich history and, of course, savour the finest scotch whiskies. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can plan a whisky adventure that’s not only memorable but also deeply rewarding. So, pack your bags, raise a glass, and enjoy every second. Slàinte mhath!

Fancy going further afield? Explore whisky types around the world with our informative guide. Or once you’ve unpacked, you can always settle into your favourite chair and enjoy The Glenlivet with one of our delicious whisky cocktail recipes .

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9 of the Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh 2024

Have you been wondering about the best whisky tours from edinburgh i’ve got you covered.

I’ve been living in Europe for a few years now and I can’t help but be drawn to Scotland’s whisky culture. From touring the distilleries to learning about the fascinating history that makes Scotch whisky so unique, nothing beats spending time in Edinburgh. After talking with so many fellow travelers looking to take a whisky tour from Edinburgh, I started to realize that there is simply too much choice out there. With all of these different operators offering tours, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why I’m here to help! Having spent a lot of time researching and taking Whisky Tours from Edinburgh, I’m confident that I can offer valuable advice on which tours are worth your time and money. So if you’re looking for an amazing whisky experience – look no further! Through this article you’ll find everything you need to choose the perfect whisky tour from Edinburgh, whether it’s a single malt tasting or a distillery tour with friends. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

Tasting of scotch single malt whisky from Islay island, most intensely flavoured of all whiskies in Scotland on old garden table in sunny day

Introduction To Whisky

Old Town Edinburgh
Four drams of whisky Included

Scottish Whisky collection in Edinburgh. As the capital city of Scotland, it is the largest financial centre after London in the UK.

Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour

Tour two distilleries
Small group tour

Rows of alcoholic drums in stock. Distillery. Cognac, whiskey, wine, brandy. Alcohol in barrels

Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh

Entry – 5 Distilleries
Accomodation included

9 of the Best Whisky Tours from Edinburgh

1. 90-minute introduction to whisky in the old town of edinburgh.

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes| ✅ Book it!

Scotland is known for its long history of whisky, and if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, going on a Whisky tasting tour is a must-try. In this 90-minute introduction to Whisky tour, you will be visiting an underground space in the Old Town of Edinburgh where you will be tasting four drams of Whisky.

The whiskeys included in this tour come from different regional distilleries. During the tour, you will also walk through Edinburgh streets to learn how these drinks are made.

“Really enjoyed the chance to sample whiskies I’ve never tried before. Our tasting guide was very knowledgeable about all the whiskies and what differentiated each from the rest. I’ve been a Scotch lover for over 50 years, and still learned a few new things about scotch and found a couple of new labels to add to my collection.” -Dennis_M

This is just one among the many whisky-tasting Edinburgh offers. But what makes this an ideal tour is that it gives a quick introduction to the world of whisky, including its creation process and how Scotch whisky is one of the finest in the world.

When you arrive at the underground space where the tasting tour will take place, you will be welcomed by your guide and a whisky expert who will let you taste four different whiskies. These 4 drams of Whisky run on different levels, each offering a different experience.

Important details

Start Time (and location): Time Varies at the Code Pod – The Court (Parliament Square Edinburgh)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Includes: Alcoholic Beverages, Experienced Local Guide

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy a day in Scottland as you treat yourself to a full-day Whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh. This 9-hour Malt Whisky Day tour will take you to the Scottish lowlands, where the whisky-producing region is. You will visit known distilleries such as the Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery.

At these distilleries, you will enjoy informative tasting sessions and tours. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Scottish whisky production while admiring Loch Lomond’s beauty.

This small group tour lets you have a more personalised experience and be away from the crowd.

“We wanted to get out of the city a little and this was perfect! We got some tidbits of the area history, 2 Distilleries and a great stop at Oak Tree Inn for a beautiful lunch. Andrew was an amazing host, answering all our questions. Thank you!” -Kayte_E

Among the many Malt Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh, this tour focuses on two famous distilleries in the Scottish lowlands. After meeting your guide in Edinburgh city centre, you will travel west. During the ride, your guide will also share information about Scotland’s most famous drink.

The first stop of this tour will be at Glengoyne Distillery in Dumgoyne. This distillery is known for its distillation process, as it is one of the slowest in the world. They believe that this makes the art of whisky-making better. Here, you’ll tour their grounds and learn about their complex production process from the expert.

The next stop will be at the Trossachs National Park, where you’ll see scenic forest-covered terrain and dramatic mountains. This is near Loch Lomond, where a hearty pub is located (you can get lunch here at your own expense).

Afterwards, you will head to Deanston Distillery, a converted cotton mill in River Teith. This is the most environmentally friendly distillery in Scotland. Here, you can enjoy two types of single malt whiskies and have fun discovering the hints of different flavours.

Start Time (and location): 9:30 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station
Duration: 9 hours
Includes: Admission fees – Tour and Whisky tastings at Glengoyne and Deanston Distilleries included, Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

3. 3-Day Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!

Get to be part of the ultimate whisky experience from Edinburgh when you join this 3-day Speyside Whisky Tour. This whisky tour, in particular, lets you experience the best of Scotland’s central whisky-producing region while you visit four renowned distilleries.

As you wind through the scenic Cairngorm National Park, your small group tour will visit Londores Abbey, Dalwhinne and Cardhu Distillery. You will learn about their unique process of creating Scotch whine at each distillery and taste their own version of malt whisky.

Since you will be travelling and going on distillery tours from Edinburgh for three days, accommodation in the quaint village of Grantown-on-Spey is already included in the tour.

“The tour was everything I hoped it would be! Dan Young, our guide, was excellent – knowledgeable alike on the history of Scotland as on the history of Scotch. Well-spoken, and great stories. Wonderful driving scenery; and excellently-chosen distilleries for the stops – each unique in its offerings of tours, whisky-making philosophy and lore. Highly recommended!”-Ramuh_H

This 3-day adventure begins in Edinburgh, where you will meet your guide and a small group of whiskey lovers. After setting off in the morning, you will head to Speyside, Scotland, home to more than 40 distilleries.

Along the way, you can enjoy learning about single malt whisky and Scotland from your tour guide. There will also be scenic roads before you reach your first stop of the day – Lindores Abbey Distillery.

The tour and tasting in this distillery are already included in the tour, so all you have to do here is enjoy tasting a sample of a dram while learning about the drink’s history.

The next stop of the day is at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, where you can sample the delights of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. On your second day, you will explore Speyside, including a visit to Glen Moray Distillery, Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre and Cardhu Distillery.

The last day of this 3-day distillery tour from Edinburgh features a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery and Cairngorms National Park, the tour’s previous stop. Here, you can have your lunch and get up close to nature while you walk in a fantastic woodland amidst the tallest trees in Britain.

Start Time (and location): 8:45 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station
Duration: 3 days
Includes: Admission Fees: Includes entry to 5 Distilleries, two nights overnight accommodation, breakfast, and private facilities. Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Pouring in tulip-shaped tasting glass Scotch single malt or blended whisky and whiskey bar on background

4. Holyrood Distillery Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book it!

If you’re short on time and still want to experience Scotland’s distillery tours, this Holyrood Distillery tour is something you can consider. Holyrood Distillery is well-known in Scotland and is even an award-winning distillery and Scottish Attraction.

You can enjoy a guided flavour-forward experience here as you learn how gin and whiskey are made. Whether it may be through the traditional or innovative method, Holyrood Distillery will show you how their craft has made them one of the best distilleries in Scotland.

“Marcos gave a thoughtful and engaging presentation on the young distillery’s approach. Along the way we got multiple tasty samples. Only wish we could get their Funky gin in the US!”-Neil_B

This Holyrood Distillery Tour only lasts for an hour, so it’s great for those who are short in time but want to go on a whiskey-tasting trip from Edinburgh. This tour already includes a guided experiential tour in a three-floored gin and whisky distillery and a tasting bar experience at the end of the tour.

You will also have the chance to look around the distillery’s shop and have the option to get your bottle of gin or whiskey to enjoy back home.

Start Time (and location): Time varies at Holyrood Distillery
Duration: 1 hour
Includes: Alcoholic Beverages

Flight of single malt and blended scotch whisky served on old wooden window sill in Scottisch house in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, dram of whiskey

5. Whisky And Folklore In Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Discover a bespoke whiskey lounge built by Scottish locals just for tourists to experience what it’s like to be part of an intimate whisky-tasting event in Edinburgh.

During this Single scotch whisky experience, you will be sampling four single malt whiskies from four different whisky-producing regions of Scotland while seated in the comfort of a lounge.

Aside from the whisky tasting, your hosts will also make the experience more engaging by sharing the stories and secrets of Scotch whisky-making.

Plus, this whisky and folklore tour highlights the chance to taste the difference between Scottish highland and lowland whisky with your taste buds and the help of an expert guide.

“We had a wonderful time during this whisky tasting and folklore. Our guide, Ben, was fabulous. He was funny, knowledgeable about whisky and truly brought the folklore to life through his talented story telling. Definitely recommend this tour if you are in Edinburgh!!!” – Batsheva_K

Before heading to the bespoke whiskey lounge, you will first have a short walk through the city before entering the bar reserved just for your group. Once you enter the bespoke lounge, you will have the place all to your own, which lets you experience an intimate whiskey tasting trip.

During the duration of the tour, you will be learning from an expert all about Scottland’s whiskey while also trying four outstanding Single Malt Scotch from the major whisky-producing regions of the country.

The whiskies you try will range from the relatively delicate and subtle flavours from the lowlands to Islay’s robust and bold tastes. The highlight of this tour includes the storytelling tradition that centres around the idea of people coming together while enjoying good whisky in a cosy place.

Start Time (and location): Time varies at Hot Toddy
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Expert guide, whisky enthusiast and storyteller, Drink alternatives are available upon request for those who do not drink whisky, Alcoholic Beverages

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - The Scotch Whisky Experience along the Royal Mile on July 28, 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland. They provide an amazing experience for tourists interested in scotch whisky.

6. The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction To Whisky

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 50 minutes | ✅ Book it!

For a comprehensive introduction to Whisky in Scotland, this guided whisky walking tour in Edinburgh is an ideal choice if you first want to get an overview of Scotland’s national drink. Compared to the other whisky tours from Edinburgh, this tour highlights lessons and sharing whisky information.

Learn about how Scotland’s regions come to create the Scottish drink and how the weather affects the flavour of your glasses.

During a guided tasting session, you will also view one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections inside the Scotch Whisky Experience. This is a family-friendly experience, as 18-year-olds and under are still welcome to join.

“I enjoy this tour. It covered a lot of information about whiskey that I didn’t know. I loved the interactive experience with the scratch and sniff cards to find which type of whiskey I would prefer. They did a very good job putting together a informative experience tour.”-Kathleen_E

This tour will take place at the Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle. Inside the area, you will be guided through and introduced to the world of whiskey.

A guide will share information and stories about the process of making and the history of Whiskey while you tour around to view an extensive collection of Whiskey in the area. Throughout the tour, you can also learn about the five whisky-producing regions and secrets of single-malt Scotch production.

This tour also includes a tasting of Scotch whisky (or non-alcoholic beverages for non-drinkers) at the end of the tour. No worries because audio guides of at least 20 languages are available, and at the end, you will be given a gift of a crystal whisky-tasting glass as your souvenir.

Start Time (and location): Time varies at The Scotch Whisky Experience
Duration: 50 minutes
Includes: Dram of Scotch whisky, audio guides in 20 languages, Expert whisky guide, Crystal Whisky Glass souvenir

Drinking single malt Scotch whisky at sunset with sea, ocean or river view, private whisky distillery tours in Scotland, UK

7. Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Book it!

Get away from Edinburgh and travel to Scotland’s rugged countryside to enjoy a whisky tour with a small group. You will be visiting the hilly lowlands and forested highlands of Scotland, where you’ll find the best distilleries in the country.

This tour also lets you see and admire the beauty of nature as you pass by and make time to visit waterfalls, rivers and lochs. You will then proceed with the whisky tour in quaint towns where you can enjoy tastings and discover distilleries while soaking up the stunning Scottish landscape.

“A lovely full day. Really kind and informative guide (such a treat to be driven everywhere and learn and laugh along the way). The Scottish scenery was beyond beautiful. We really enjoyed our lunch in the small town of Pitlochry and the distillery, Aberfeldy, was also an awesome experience.” – Teva_H

The full-day excursion starts at Edinburgh, where you will meet your guide and fellow tour joiners. You will then travel through the countryside and cross the Forth Road Bridge, one of the longest cantilever bridges.

As you make your way through the lowlands and highlands, you can enjoy the scenic landscapes of Scotland while your guide shares exciting stories. You’ll mainly be traversing through mountains, thick forests, and farmland before you reach your first destination.

The first stop is at the Hermitage Woodland Walk, where you will walk through the dense woodland to see the waterfalls. After your nature walks, you will head to the Queen’s View, the favourite queen’s view.

Afterwards, you will visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery or Glenturret Distillery, where you will learn more about whisky. Your guide will share the process of making whisky and how this distillery has a different method.

Start Time (and location): 9:00 AM at Edinburgh Bus Station
Duration: 10 hours
Includes: Admission Fee: Tour & Tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy, Distillery Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers), Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Rows of alcoholic barrels are kept in stock. Distillery. Cognac, whiskey, wine, brandy. Alcohol in barrels, alcohol storage

8. The Ultimate Whisky Experience From Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours| ✅ Book it !

Another ultimate whisky experience from Edinburgh you can join is this 10-hour whisky distillery Edinburgh tour. You will travel to the Scottish Highlands from the city centre to get a taste of Scotch whiskies and have the whole day learning about the famous drink.

This tour proudly offers a visit to unique destinations often missed by tourists. Between each distillery visit, you will also be making a side trip to see and explore the nature and landscape of Scotland.

“This was a great day trip – gorgeous countryside, excellent distillery tour’s and tastings and all very informative. Our guide prepped us with background on Scottish whiskey and also Scottish history. Definitely recommend.”-Victor_P

This tour is ideal if you want to spend your day in Edinburgh and explore the countryside while tasting good whisky. As you make your way to the highlands, you will enjoy a commentary from your guide in the minibus and see the scenic route you will be taking.

Before reaching the first Distillery you will visit, you will pass by South Queensferry, where you can take great photos of the famous bridge.

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery will be the first stop of this full-day tour, a renowned crafted whisky producer since 1898. You will have a full time of their warehouse and interactive heritage exhibition, plus a taste of Aberfeldy’s 12-year-old single malt whisky.

You will also head to Glenturret Distillery in the afternoon, just outside Crieff. This is the oldest working distillery in Scotland and is still hand-crafting whisky using the last remaining hand-operated mash tun.

Start Time (and location): 8:45 AM at Lawnmarket
Duration: 10 hours
Includes: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Tasting glasses with aged Scotch whisky or american bourbon on old dark wooden vintage table with barley grains

9. Whisky And Highland Waterfalls Day Trip From Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour combines two must-try experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland – a whisky tour experience and a highland waterfall day trip. During the journey, you will traverse the Scottish Highlands to enjoy a day at a distillery and marvel at the majesty of Loch Lomong and Trossachs National Park.

Meanwhile, at the Glenturret Distillery, you will tour their warehouse, learn about their whisky-making process, and sample some of their malt whiskies. The tour ends with a visit to the Hermitage forest and the village of Dunkeld.

“Dusty was a great guide. We had a wonderful time. He was very informative and gave us recommendations on places to eat. Our trip to the distillery was just the right amount of time. The waterfall was less than impressive but the walk in nature was very nice.”-Lenora_S

The trip begins with an early meet-up at Edinburgh with your small group tour and guide. From there, you will head to the National Wallace Monument, passing by spectacular views and landmarks such as the Stirling Castle.

You will also be heading to admire the natural and cultural sights like Loch Earn and Loch Lomond and then make your way to visit Trossachs National Park.

The next stop of the tour is at the famous Glenturret whisky distillery. Here, you can sample a dram of whisky straight from its cask and learn about its traditional methods to produce single malt.

The trip continues to the Hermitage, where you will stroll through lined paths and see the Braan River and Black Linn Falls. You’ll end the tour with a walk in nature, heading to the village of Dunkeld, where the famous Dunkeld Cathedral is located.

Start Time (and location): Time varies at Edinburgh Bus Station
Includes: Local Scottish English Speaking Guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

FAQs About whiskey tours from edinburgh

How long is the whisky tour in edinburgh.

A whisky tour in Edinburgh typically lasts around 1-3 hours, but can vary depending on the length of the guided part of the tour.

Visitors can expect to sample a variety of different whiskies, learn about their history and production process, and even find out more about Scotland’s whisky culture.

Of course, guests will also have plenty of opportunity to purchase bottles and other whisky-related merchandise while on the tour.

what is the most famous distillery in edinburgh?

Edinburgh is home to several renowned whisky distilleries, but the most famous of all is undoubtedly the Glenkinchie Distillery.

Located in Pencaitland, just outside of Edinburgh, it is one of only six distilleries in Scotland that make Scotch whisky.

The unique pale malt used in their whisky gives it a distinctive flavour and the distillery offers tours every day so you can learn more about how Scotch whisky is made.

So if you’re looking for the most famous distillery in Edinburgh, look no further than Glenkinchie!

is edinburgh known for whiskey?

Edinburgh is known for its whiskey, in particular Scotch whisky. The city has a long-standing tradition of whisky distilling and there are several whisky distilleries in the area.

Even within the city itself, there are several pubs and bars that serve Scotch whiskies from around Scotland. Edinburgh is a great place to visit for anyone looking to sample some of Scotland’s top tipple!

What is the best whisky distillery tour in Scotland

Whisky distilleries in Scotland offer some of the most interesting, unique, and educational tours in the world.

Some of the best whisky distillery tours in Scotland are offered by Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry, Glenkinchie Distillery near Edinburgh, The Macallan Distillery in Speyside, and The Oban Distillery on the west coast.

Each of these distilleries offers a variety of tour options for whisky enthusiasts to gain an insight into how traditional Scotch whisky is made. From a guided tour of the production facilities to an exclusive tasting with a master distiller, there is something for everyone.

Visitors can also buy bottles from the gift shop or sample their own blend after visiting one of these incredible distilleries.

No matter which distillery you choose to visit, you will be sure to have a memorable experience that will ignite your passion for whisky even further.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day out exploring Scotland’s rich whisky heritage then any one of these four fantastic whisky distilleries is sure to provide it!

Flight of Scottish whisky, tasting glasses with variety of single malts or blended whiskey spirits on distillery tour in Scotland, UK

Final Thoughts: whisky tours in edinburgh

Whisky tours from Edinburgh are an exciting and unique way to experience Scotland. From the Highlands to Lowlands, you can visit a variety of distilleries and be immersed in the culture and history behind Scotland’s national drink.

So why not make the most of your time here and book one of these amazing whisky tours? With knowledgeable local guides, you’ll get to sample some of the finest whisky Scotland has to offer!

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Scotland Scotch Tour: Best Itinerary, Tips, & My Reviews

Have you been wondering about Scotland Scotch Tours? I’ve got you covered!

Scotland has become synonymous with scotch and to truly experience the best of Scotland, you must take a scotch tour! From award-winning distilleries to well-crafted whisky tours, there’s no better way to discover the depth of flavor that Scotland has to offer than on a personal scotch tour.

I’ve taken several of the best Scotland scotch tours, so let me show you my favorite itineraries and distilleries – as well as some helpful tips for planning your own trip.

Read on to learn more about the ultimate Scotland Scotch Tour experience. By the end, you’ll be ready to book your own tour and explore the rich, exquisite flavors of Scotch whisky! Cheers! Slàinte mhath! (Good health!)

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend resources and items that I have thoroughly researched or love. Thank you for your support!

My Top 3 Picks: Scotland Scotch Tours

Scotch tours are a great way to learn about the history and production of one of Scotland’s most iconic exports. Taking a tour of one of Scotland’s renowned distilleries is an unforgettable experience, perfect for anyone who loves Scotch whisky.

On a scotch tour, you’ll get up close to where the magic happens – from the malting process and fermentation tanks to the whisky aging in oak casks. You’ll also learn about the different types of Scotch whisky, ranging from smoky Islay whiskies to smooth Speyside whiskies. You can even sample some of these unique spirits – giving you a better understanding of what makes Scotch so special.

Overall Best Whisky Distillery Tours In Scotland

A bottle of Glengoyne Scotch from a Scotland Scotch Tour

✅ Wonderful Staff

✅ Premium Experience

✅ Educational

✅ Passionate Staff

✅ Great samples

Auchentoshan

✅ Close to Glasgow

✅ Very informative

✅ Only distillery that triple distills

Best Whisky Tours From Edinburgh

Visiting Edinburgh's Best: Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh, Scotland

1. Scotch Whisky Experience

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: Starts at 45 min 📍 LOCATION: 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh | ✅ Book it!

The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh is an experience like no other for travelers heading to Scotland. It’s a one-of-a-kind, interactive multimedia tour that takes you through the history of Scotch whisky production with plenty of fun and educational facts along the way.

From there, you can sample up to three different malts depending on which package you pic, as well as learn how to nose and taste whisky like a pro.

Whether you’re a whisky novice or an enthusiast, it’s easy to get immersed in this world of malt and grain when visiting the Scotch Whisky Experience. With a wide range of activities on offer, you won’t be disappointed!

This is always on the top of my list when I bring people to Edinburgh! It is SO fun even for people who think they don’t like whisky. It is a legitimate ride that you get in that takes you through the whisky-making process before they explain to you about the different regions of Scotland that whisky comes from and what makes each unique.

It’s such an incredible experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Its ALWAYS on my small group tours ! They also have a restaurant downstairs, Amber, that is incredible. Definitely make a reservation though, it’s very popular.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. The Ultimate Whisky Experience from Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Book it!

Experience a whisky lover’s dream come true on the Ultimate Whisky Experience from Edinburgh! Get ready to be transported back in time as you visit historic sites and famous distilleries.

Start your journey by crossing the iconic South Queensferry Bridges, then visit Dewar’s Distillery, Aberfeldy, and Glenturrent Distillery – each one offering something unique and special for visitors.

Enjoy a guided tour of these locations, where you will learn about Scotland’s whisky culture, savor samples of world-renowned whiskies, and explore each of the stunning locales. Whisky lovers will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind adventure through Scotland!

The Ultimate Whisky Experience from Edinburgh offers its guests a unique and luxurious whisky-tasting experience. Guests can expect to sample some of the finest whiskies Scotland has to offer, as well as take part in an entertaining and educational whisky masterclass. Here are the top 3 benefits to the Ultimate Whisky Experience from Edinburgh:

What to expect:

1. Photo stop at Queensferry Bridge

2. Tour and Tasting at Dewar’s

3. Stop for lunch in Aberfeldy Village

4. Tour and tasting at Glenturret Distillery for £15

5. Roundtrip transportation to/from Edinburgh

“A wonderful experience all around!!! The scenery and whisky tours will not disappoint. Our guide, Stewart, was the best! He is friendly, informative and made the whole experience wonderful! Part of traveling for us is always meeting new people from around the world. Stewart made a point of knowing and acknowledging where everyone was from and we all enjoyed our time!” Susan_G, via Viator

3. Whisky Distillery Trifecta – Macallan – Glenfiddich – Glenlivet

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✅ Book it!

Scotch enthusiasts don’t have to choose between these three iconic distilleries, you get them all: Macallan for its signature sherry-aged styles; Glenfiddich for its award-winning range of whiskies to suit all tastes; or Glenlivet for its complex array of candy fruits, delicate florals and subtle spices that are truly unique.

The Macallan distillery, located in Speyside, Scotland, is one of the oldest and most famous whisky distilleries in the world. From its humble beginnings over two centuries ago, it has grown to become the benchmark for premium single malt whiskies. Glenfiddich whisky is equally renowned within the Scotch whisky industry. Founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Scotland, Glenfiddich remains independent and family-owned even today. Its award-winning range of whiskies offers something for everyone from novices to experts alike; ranging from light and fruity to sweet and smoky variations. The Glenlivet Distillery was established by George Smith in 1824 and is today one of Scotland’s premier single malt whisky producers. Located on the banks of river Livet in Speyside, this historic distillery produces some of the most complex whiskies on offer.

What to Expect:

1. Three whisky distillery tour or tasting experiences

2. Substitute distillery admission if one of the ones above are closed

3. Private transport

“This tour was amazing. Billy was a great driver, a quick friend, very knowledgeable, and entertaining. Communication pre-tour was great, everything was very clearly laid out. No surprises, just fun. I know there are a lot of choices when you look to book these tours but I can’t imagine a better experience then the one we had through this trip.” Trent_S via Viator

Interior of Glenfiddich distillery hall with pot stills

Scotland Whiskey Tour Itinerary Guides

1. 6 day whisky tour: unforgettable scotch whisky tour: edinburgh to islay.

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 Days | ✅ Book it!

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Come join us on our 6-day whisky tour to experience the best that Islay has to offer! We’ll be starting off in Edinburgh with a tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience where you can get up close and personal with some of Scotland’s finest whiskies and dinner at their restaurant, Amber.

We’ll also take you to Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace, must-see landmarks for any traveler coming to Scotland. Afterwards, we’ll head west to Oban where you can take in the sights and enjoy some local seafood dishes.

Finally, our tour will take the ferry over to Islay where we will be staying for the next four nights stay. We’ll be visiting all the famous Islay distilleries – complete with whisky-tasting sessions – to cap off your whisky-filled journey. So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the world of scotch whisky in one of its most historic locations. Book your trip today and start planning your whisky-fueled adventure!

6 nights hotel over 2 hotels
6 Islay distilleries with tours and tastings
Scotch Whisky Experience with dinner
Tickets and audios guide for Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace
Ground Transportation throughout
Farewell dinner at The Devil’s Advocate in Edinburgh
Breakfast each morning of the trip
Driver/guide roundtrip from Edinburgh to Islay and back

“We’ve taken 2 trips to Europe with Jessy, and I cannot say enough good things about each one. Being a novice traveler, it was so reassuring to have a guide direct us. She handles every little detail, allowing you to relax and just enjoy the trip. I can’t imagine even attempting travel without her!” Nikki, Camp Hill, Pa

2. 3-Day Whisky Tour: Speyside Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 days | ✅ Book it!

The 3-Day Whisky Tour: Speyside Whisky Tour from Edinburgh is a great way to explore Scotland’s whisky culture in one of Scotland’s whisky regions.

You go on a journey through some of the most iconic distilleries in all of Speyside, where you’ll learn about their unique traditions and techniques passed down over generations.

Plus, with two nights in a charming bed & breakfast, you’ll get to relax after your days exploring all that the Speyside region has to offer. Don’t pass up this chance to see one of the most beautiful regions in the country while indulging in local whisky – book your 3-Day Whisky Tour today!

3-day whisky tour around the Speyside region of Scotland
Small group tour with a more personalized experience
Four distilleries including Dalwhinnie, Benromach and Glenlivet
Two nights in a B&B

“We were four couples on this excellent Speyside tour. Each day was outstanding. Our tour guide and driver was outstanding: knowledgeable, flexible and high quality!” John_W via Viator

3. Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour

⭐️ RATING: #/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!

Take a tour from Glasgow to visit 3 unique distilleries and learn the secrets behind making perfect-tasting whisky. These Scottish distilleries in the Highlands and Lowlands regions craft luxury spirits from local barley and spring water.

Taste the unique flavors that make each whisky distinct and hear the history of Scotland’s national drink. Even better, enjoy local shortbread while sampling a variety of whiskies!

This tour offers pick-up from Glasgow airport, Ocean Terminal or other locations. Let us know if you have a favorite distillery to visit. Our knowledgeable local driver will provide insightful commentary en route. Join them for an unforgettable whisky adventure!

1. Whisky tasting with shortbread at 3 locations

2. Potentially customizable

3. Very knowledgeable local guide

“Great Tour if you enjoy whiskey! Our guide was excellent! The transportation was very comfortable! When we come back in 2024 we will book other tours!” Ian_M via Viator

Visiting Scotland: FAQs

Visiting Scotland is an incredible experience, but for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the culture and explore its history, a whisky tour is a must.

Not only can you sample some of Scotland’s best whiskies, and learn about their unique flavor profiles, but you can take home a bottle or two as souvenirs!

Why should I take a Scotland scotch tour?

A Scotland scotch tour offers an unparalleled experience in terms of the whisky and its history. You will be immersed in a unique culture and be able to observe how Scotland’s whisky has been produced and matured over centuries.

On top of this, you will have a chance to sample some of the world’s finest whiskeys from multiple distilleries. If you love whisky, then taking a Scotland scotch tour is something you should not miss out on!

What scotch tours are good for avoiding crowds?

The best way to avoid crowds while experiencing the beauty of Scotland’s whisky distilleries is to book a private scotch tour! With a private tour, you’ll have personalized guidance from an experienced whisky connoisseur and be able to explore the distillery in a more intimate way.

The smaller group size allows for more personalized attention from your guide and a more immersive experience. You’ll also get the chance to try rarer versions of Scotch that aren’t available on some of the larger tours.

No matter what kind of Scotch experience you’re looking for, booking a private scotch tour will give you the opportunity to avoid the crowds and gain an exclusive insight into Scotland’s whisky industry.

What is the prettiest distillery in Scotland?

The prettiest distillery in Scotland is undoubtedly the Glengoyne Distillery located in Dumgoyne, just outside Glasgow.

Its natural surroundings make it a stunning and picturesque spot, surrounded by rolling hills and ancient woodlands. The distillery has been producing whisky since 1833, and their whisky production process still follows traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.

The Glengoyne distillery offers tours of their facility as well as the chance to sample some of their products. They also offer a range of gift shop items made onsite with everything from single malt scotch whisky to souvenirs related to whisky production.

Where are most Scotch distilleries in Scotland?

The most well-known Scotch distillery region is Speyside, located in the North East of Scotland. It currently has the most Scotch distilleries with over 60 percent located in Speyside.

Other popular regions include Islay, which is located off the West Coast near Glasgow; and Highlands, which stretches from Inverness to Aberdeen. Each region has its own distinct style of whisky based on ingredients and methods used in producing them.

Can you stay at a distillery in Scotland?

Yes, you can stay at a distillery in Scotland! There is the Isle of Raasay Distillery Whisky Hotel which is a state-of-the-art facility with six rooms that can be booked individually or as a group.

Where is the Whisky Trail in Scotland?

The Whisky Trail in Scotland is a journey of discovery across the country to visit eight whisky distilleries where you can learn about and sample Scotland’s national drink.

The trail stretches from Speyside in the north of Scotland to Campbeltown in the south, with many stops in between, offering an insight into whisky-making practices and history. At each stop along the trail, you can explore the distillery grounds, taste samples from their selection of award-winning whiskies, and take part in masterclasses with local experts.

Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or just starting out on your whisky journey, you’ll find plenty of interesting facts and stories that will make your day truly unique!

Final Thoughts: Scotland Scotch Tour

Scotland is a paradise for whisky lovers looking to explore and expand their knowledge of Scotch whisky. With a Scotland Scotch Tour, you can explore the different regions, distilleries, and flavors of Scotland’s whisky offerings while traveling through this stunning country. You’ll learn about regional delicacies, popular distilleries, and unique blends that make up Scotland’s whisky culture. As you visit these famed locations and learn about all of the exciting varieties of Scotch whisky, your experience will be unforgettable. At the end of your tour, you’ll no doubt have had an amazing experience that you’ll never forget – but it doesn’t have to end there! Make sure to check out my Unforgettable Scotch Whisky Tour where you can find out more information about the trip as well as book your spot today. Now is your chance to explore Scotland in a way like never before!

Writer | Planner | World Traveler

Jessy Hamel is a syndicated travel writer and the traveler behind Brighter Things. She is hoping to inspire people to travel more through her blog and sharing her personal trips. You can also travel with her as she hosts small group tours to Europe through Brighter Things Boutique Group Tours.

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SCOTLAND WHISKY TOUR

Whisky tours across scotland.

A Scotland Whisky tour, the must do activity when you visit Scotland!

Scotland has a rich and fascinating history in producing the water of life. Join us and take a trip through the lesser known areas of Scotland where Whisky making has been perfected.

Taste world famous whiskies directly from their source and even try exclusive and rare drams only available from the distilleries.

Known as Scotch in the western world or Whiskey in Ireland and elsewhere, we call it ‘Whisky’ in Scotland.

As most visitors realise when they come to Scotland, we drive on the left side of the road. Combined with a drink driving limit that is four times stricter than most of the United States, the safest and most enjoyable way to Whisky Tour Scotland is to use a specialist operator such as Whiskywheels.

On your Scotland Whisky tour, you will hear from the local experts who have had whisky making in their families for generations. The knowledge and insight you will gain from visiting, taking in your surroundings and speaking with the local people who work at the distilleries, can be a once in a lifetime experience. Not to be missed.

Some of our customers have a favourite whisky and are eager to learn more about where their top tipple has been produced all these years, some people have a special connection to a distillery or a memorable occasion or a relative or descendent of Scotland that lived near to a distillery. Whatever the reason for your visit, we aim to provide a first-class experience and hope you leave Scotland completely satisfied with your experience and grateful took part in with Whiskywheels.

To find out more about our national drink, why not book one of our daily tours or customise your own Whisky Tour of Scotland?

Scotland has five whisky regions and we can visit all five, a combination of a few or just one if you are limited for time:

– Speyside

– Islay

– Highland

– Lowland

– Campbeltown

Click here for our regional tours

WHISKY TOURS TO ALL PARTS OF SCOTLAND

The Scotland whisky trips we offer are for groups of all sizes and also solo travellers. We can take you to the most popular spots or to the more remote and picturesque areas of the country.

We offer whisky tours to all parts of Scotland. As a nationwide company, we can create various customisable itineraries for the whole country with flexible pickup points. We’re based in the central belt, our standard daily experiences run from the city centre. Half day, full-day and multi-day experiences are all popular. One of the most enjoyable ways to spend time while in Scotland.

You can expect the following on your trip, but not limited to: visit the best distilleries in the world, take part in a full distillery tour, have a tutored tasting at a distillery or pub, stop at sightseeing locations, visit ancient castles and landmarks, guide lead walking tours and stops at museums and other attractions.

With pride and quality, our drivers and guides all have one important thing in common – a passion for Scotland. All our guides are local residents with knowledge you won’t find in a guidebook. You will be driven safely and professionally to your destinations while on your tour.

The vehicles we use are well maintained saloons, mini-vans and small buses. All clean, comfortable and reliable for your Scotland Whisky Tour.

Click here for all our tours or contact us here for a personalised quote with your own itinerary.

We hope you enjoy your Scotland Whisky Tour!

We provide bespoke whisky tours in Scotland.

07549 839 684 (UK)

CLICK HERE TO WHATSAPP

[email protected]

APRIL SALE Extended: Book now for up to 60% off!

Scotland Whisky Trail - 3 days

Fully Guided
Coach / Bus
Sightseeing
Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

Lindores Abbey Distillery - Visit this historic site that is mentioned in the oldest written reference to whisky
Cairngorms National Park - Traverse this picturesque National Park and look up at the rounded peaks of surrounding mountains
Cardhu Distillery - Enjoy some of Scotland's finest whisky in the first distillery pioneered by a woman
Speyside - Explore the heartland of Scottish whisky with its rivers, hills, villages, and 50 distilleries
Royal Deeside - Marvel at the castles, rivers, mountains and moors of this beautiful region that is a favourite of the Royal Family
Introduction
Day 1 Beginning of our Journey
Day 2 Scotland's Famous Whisky Region
Day 3 Back to Edinburgh

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What's Included

Accommodation
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Sustainability initiatives.

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Reviews About This Operator

Tour Operator On The Go Tours 4.6
Angela · 18th March 2024 I had 2 issues: 1- the tour states that 4nights accomodation were included, however when I got to the last night of... Show more
Michael · 27th April 2024 The address to our first hotel in Madrid was wrong. We felt anxious as we had to drag our suitcases across very busy... Show more Review collected by On The Go Tours
Aimee · 27th April 2024 Our guide Martina is very knowledgeable and accomodating to all question and maximising the experience. There was no... Show more Review collected by On The Go Tours

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

Upcoming departures
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
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February 2025
Monday 6 May, 2024 Wednesday 8 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €825 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 8 May, 2024 Friday 10 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €825 See Similar Tours For These Dates
1 Other Unavailable Departure

Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

Monday 27 May, 2024 Wednesday 29 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Double Room €825 See Similar Tours For These Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

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Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
For any tour departing before 6th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 6th July 2024, a minimum payment of €300 is required to confirm your booking with On The Go Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
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Lagavulin Distillery

Whisky and Castle Tour

Visit specially-selected Speyside whisky distilleries, enjoy breathtaking scenery, iconic castles, quaint Scottish villages and more.

Scotland is world renowned for its ancient castles, breath-taking scenery and of course its biggest export, our wonderful whisky. On your bespoke, private tour, you will live the history of iconic castles, absorb the natural beauty of our countryside and indulge in world class handcrafted whiskies from our special selection of distilleries. Travelling through the beautiful countryside of Perthshire, it is easy to see why Sir Walter Scott named it “The fairest portion of the northern kingdom”.

Enjoy the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Britain. Here you can find adventure, wildlife, beauty and more.

Discover one of the most famous whisky producing regions in Scotland, Speyside. The famous names of Speyside whisky include The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, The Macallan, but with over 60 distilleries in production, the choice is almost endless. The area is blessed with the River Spey and most of the distilleries use its crystal clear waters in their production.

You will experience wild mountain landscapes, quaint villages and beautiful castles. In fact, this Scotch whisky and history tour has something for everyone.

Our passion is to ensure you have an exceptional tour experience, where you will learn of the history and culture of Scotland, hear the myths and stories that will bring your tour alive. You will sample some of our outstanding whisky, savour locally produced food from Scotland's bountiful natural larder, local drinks in rural pubs and stay in some of the best locations in Scotland.

Create long lasting memories on this inspirational 3-day tour for whisky and history lovers, with a local guide who shares your interests by your side. A truly memorable tour that you will stay with you for a lifetime.

Price on Request

Departure days.

W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

View tour details
[email protected]

Tour information

Driver guide
Food and drink

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Tour company information

Nicolson tours.

We create luxury, personally tailored tours of Scotland and her islands. We are passionate about handcrafting unforgettable experiences that embody Scotland's traditional and contemporary spirit. From start to finish, we work with you to create a rich and personalized experience, taking care of every detail so that you can enjoy ultimate peace of mind.

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Visit Nicolson Tours

Opening times

0730 - 1930 / Every day of the week

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Small Group Tour of Scotland: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary 2024

This tour of Scotland is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024.

October 21, Monday Day 1:

Welcome to Edinburgh and the start of your Small Group Tour of Scotland! I’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel. Your room will be ready when you get there if you wanna take a nap or freshen up. The rest of the day is all yours.

Meet in the hotel lobby to walk over to The Devil’s Advocate for our Welcome Dinner! Dinner and a drink are on me!

October 22, Tuesday Day 2:

After breakfast (which is included all week), we’ll be heading to the Royal Mile.

Starting at the top, we’ll spend our morning at Edinburgh Castle . Everyone will get an audio guide and I will set you all free to tour at your own speed. We’ll meet back up for Afternoon Tea (included) in the castle restaurant.

Heading down the hill to the bottom of the Royal Mile, next up is Holyrood House Palace. Everyone will have an audio guide again to take in the Palace at their own speed.

The rest of the day is free for your own plans. Personalized suggestions can be made for what to do with your time.

October 23, Wednesday Day 3:

An optional early morning hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat for sunrise is available for anyone interested. We’ll meet up in the lobby later to head out for sightseeing and an Instagram-worthy photo tour of Edinburgh.

Lunch is at your own expense but I can make several suggestions. The evening will be at your leisure.

Add on Excursion: Consider adding on an exceptional evening at The Scotch Whisky Experience. We’ll be heading over to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a whisky pairing dinner after taking their tour of how whisky is made. This will be a very fun night!

October 24, Thursday Day 4:

We’ll be heading out early for a full day on a private tour with Rabbie’s (my favorite tour company…ever).

From their website:

“You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle.

This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore.

If you keep a lookout, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed.

Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views.

After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative.

Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans.

You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland.

You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise,* wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat.

Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 25, Friday Day 5:

Another fabulous day out on a private tour with Rabbie’s…this time we will focus on Outlander filming locations. Rest assured though, if you aren’t an Outlander fan…you’re still going to LOVE this tour. I’ve never seen an episode of the show but I’ve been on this tour three times and its incredible!!

“You leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. First, we travel to the place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie’s lovely home Lallybroch.

We then journey through the charming countryside to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive fortress that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall.

The next stop is Linlithgow Palace, otherwise known as Wentworth Prison.

Unfortunately, the palace is undergoing some refurbishment and you can’t explore the interior. But you’re still able to admire the structure and enjoy the surrounding settings.

Heading north, we journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building represents home to Colum Mackenzie and his clan in the 18th-century episodes.

Travel back in time once more as your driver guide takes you to Culross. This virtually unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir.

From there, we head back to Edinburgh, where we arrive in the late afternoon.”

Lunch will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

After our day trip, we’ll go to the Old Chain Pier Restaurant for our Farewell Dinner, where we can exchange stories and pictures from our epic stay in Edinburgh! Dinner and a drink are included with my gratitude to you for letting me show you one of my favorite cities in the world.

October 26, Saturday Day 6:

This morning, we’ll be packing up and heading out of Edinburgh. We’ll be making our way to Waverley Station to start our journey north. We’ll then settle in on the train for a four hour long journey watching the gorgeous countryside go by as we head into the Highlands.

Upon arrival, we’ll drop our luggage off at the hotel and I’ll take you on a walking tour of Inverness before giving you the rest of the evening with plenty of recommendations for dinner and things to do.

October 27, Sunday Day 7:

Today, we’ll be going over the sea to Skye (sorry I couldn’t help myself with another epic tour with Rabbies.)

“After an early start, you leave the city and travel along the Great Glen Fault Line toward Loch Ness. You’ll continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle.

The moment you’ve been waiting for, because it’s over the sea and onto the Isle of Skye. You travel up the island’s east coast through the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters.

You’ll explore some of the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish

Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful.

You venture to Kyleakin for a chance to view the dramatic ruin of Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban. Traveling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.

This will be a long but PHENOMENAL day. Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 28, Monday Day 8:

Sadly, we will all go our separate ways today (unless you’re coming with me to Ireland ! ) but I can point you in the right direction if you’re going to the airport or back to the train station to go back to Edinburgh and beyond.

Slàinte Mhath (cheers) and safe travels as you head home! Until we meet again!

Included in your small group tour of Scotland

Airport transfers
Seven nights in a Premier Inn
7 hot breakfasts at the hotel
1 entree, a side, and one alcoholic beverage or dessert
Sharing platters for the table at both restaurants
1 afternoon tea
Edinburgh Castle
Holyroodhouse Palace
Any entry tickets needed on day trips
Loch Ness and Glencoe
Outlander Filming Locations
Isle of Skye
Walking photo tour of Edinburgh
Walking tour of Inverness
Hike up to the top of Arthur’s Seat for Sunrise
Cab back to the hotel after Farewell dinner
One guide who is a text away if you need her (that’s me!)
Brighter Things Amenity Kit mailed to you before the trip to make your flight more comfortable
For example: flying internationally if this is your first time.
A swag bag waiting for you in your hotel room full of fun stuff.

NOT Included in your small group tour of Scotland:

Public transportation or cabs used during free time Meals not included:
Any meal not listed above
Meals and snacks during day trips
Meals and snacks purchased at M&S for the train ride
Entry tickets to places suggested for free time
Train ticket back to Edinburgh if you choose round trip flights instead of multi-city.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024

This tour is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

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