Description

Go Scotland Tours arranges private whisky tours throughout Scotland, offering fully customised itineraries led by experienced driver‑guides. This tour combines two of Scotland’s most famous whisky regions: the smoky coastal malts of Islay and the sweeter, fruit‑forward whiskies of Speyside.
On Islay, your tour can include such distilleries as Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain and Kilchoman. In Speyside, you can explore classic names such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Cardhu and Cragganmore. Below is a suggested itinerary, although everything can be tailor‑made to your request. Distillery visits are subject to availability and day of the week.
Below is a suggested itinerary, although everything can be tailor‑made to your request. Distillery visits are subject to availability and day of the week

Highlights

– Private whisky tour covering Islay and Speyside
– Visits to world‑famous distilleries including Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet
– Scenic West Highland and Cairngorms driving routes
– Cultural stops including Inveraray, Kildalton Cross and Kilmartin Glen
– Speyside Cooperage and optional visit to Johnstons of Elgin
– Fully customisable itinerary with pick‑up in Edinburgh or Glasgow
– Led by qualified guides and experienced whisky driver‑guides

Itinerary

Day 1 – West Highlands, Inveraray and Ferry to Islay

Your professional whisky guide can meet you in Edinburgh or Glasgow as we begin our journey to the West Highlands. Along the way you have the option to stop at Auchentoshan Distillery for a tour and tasting. We then continue to Inveraray and its fairytale castle (closed Tue/Wed). Later we travel to the ferry port at Kennacraig, arriving on Islay around 8pm.

Day 2 & Day 3 – Islay: The Whisky Isle

Enjoy two full days exploring one of the most iconic whisky regions in the world. Islay is home to nine distilleries, many known for their distinctive smoky, peated style.
We begin with the southern distilleries: see the malting floor at Laphroaig, enjoy a tasting at Lagavulin, and visit the shop at Ardbeg.
We also take time to explore the island’s cultural heritage, including a scenic drive to the Kildalton Stone Cross and ruined church, with possible seal and deer sightings along the way.
On the other day we visit the western and northern distilleries. Kilchoman, the island’s only barley‑to‑bottle farm distillery, offers a unique insight into traditional production. At Bunnahabhain, you can enjoy a special warehouse tasting. If time permits, we also visit the shops at Bruichladdich, Caol Ila and Bowmore.

Day 4 – Return to Mainland, Kilmartin Glen and Oban

We take the morning ferry back to the mainland and travel to Kilmartin Glen to explore its ancient standing stones. Afterward we stop in Oban for lunch and a visit to the distillery whisky bar. The day ends with a scenic drive to the Victorian town of Pitlochry for our overnight stay.

Day 5 & Day 6 – Dalwhinnie and Speyside Whisky Region

We begin with a visit to Dalwhinnie, the highest distillery in Scotland, for whisky and chocolate tastings. Then we continue into Speyside, home to the largest concentration of distilleries in Scotland.
Here we visit Glenfiddich, one of the world’s most recognised single malts, and the Speyside Cooperage, where you can see coopers at work maintaining the casks that shape whisky flavour.
The following day offers options including Cardhu, Cragganmore, Benromach or Strathisla, depending on availability. We can also stop at Johnstons of Elgin for a quick visit to the cashmere shop.
Overnights in the Aberlour area.

Day 7 – Glenlivet, Cairngorms and Return to Edinburgh

In the morning we visit Glenlivet, founded by George Smith, who famously carried two pistols for protection during the early days of legal distilling. Afterward we enjoy a scenic drive through the Cairngorms, stopping in Braemar for lunch, then continue through Glenshee. The final stop is at the Firth of Forth to view the bridges before returning to Edinburgh.
This tour can also be shortened to five days or extended if needed. Contact us to start planning your itinerary.

Why Choose Us

We only hire fully qualified guides and experienced driver‑guides who know the Highland roads, the distilleries and the stories that bring them to life. We look after the planning, timings and bookings so your days run smoothly, and along the way we share the history, landscape and whisky knowledge we’ve gathered over years of guiding. It’s a relaxed, informative way to explore Scotland with people who genuinely enjoy talking about its past, its places and its drams.

FAQs

How many distilleries can we visit in a day
Normally we visit two to three distilleries per day, depending on timings and the type of tastings you choose.
Can we choose the distilleries
Yes. This is a fully private, tailor‑made whisky and Highlands tour.
Do distillery tours need to be booked in advance
Yes. Many distilleries sell out, and we handle all bookings.
Is this tour suitable for non‑whisky drinkers
Absolutely. We include castles, scenery, coastal stops and historic sites.
Can you pick us up from Glasgow
Yes. Pick up from Glasgow is available.
What type of vehicle is used
Comfortable, modern vehicles suited to your group size.