Description

Enjoy a 4 day private whisky tour through Speyside, home to the largest concentration of distilleries in Scotland. This is the extended tour of Speyside, aiming to give you more time to visit such classic distilleries as Glenfiddich, Macallan, Balvenie and Glenlivet, along with Highland scenery, historic routes and local landmarks. This is a bespoke private tour and the itinerary can be customised. Pick up is available in Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow. Below is a suggested itinerary.

Highlights

– Speyside whisky region
– Glenfiddich, Macallan, Balvenie, Glenlivet
– Highland scenery and historic routes
– Deanston, Dalwhinnie, Craigellachie, Benriach, Glenfarclas
– The Lecht, Corgarff Castle, Glenshee
– Pick up in Edinburgh, Stirling or Glasgow
– Fully customisable private tour

Itinerary

Day 1 – Deanston, Dalwhinnie and into Speyside

Depart Edinburgh, Stirling or Glasgow and travel north toward the Highlands. Your first visit is Deanston Distillery, a former cotton mill that was converted into a distillery in the 1960s. Deanston is known for its traditional open fermentation and for producing a naturally rich, honeyed spirit that appeals to visitors looking for an authentic Highland whisky with a handmade feel. The building still carries the character of its industrial past, and the tour gives a clear insight into how the old mill was adapted for whisky production.
After the visit you drive past Doune Castle, a medieval fortress that has appeared in several well known films and TV series. You continue into the Highlands and stop in Pitlochry for lunch. In the afternoon you visit Dalwhinnie Distillery for a tasting at the bar. Dalwhinnie is one of the highest distilleries in Scotland and is known for its gentle, approachable style. The whisky and chocolate pairing highlights the soft, honeyed character that has made Dalwhinnie a favourite among visitors. You then continue through the Highlands to Speyside. Overnight in Aberlour.

Day 2 – Glenfiddich, Macallan/Cardhu and Craigellachie Bridge

This morning you visit Glenfiddich Distillery, one of the most influential distilleries in Scotland. Glenfiddich was one of the first to promote single malt whisky internationally at a time when blends dominated the market. It remains family owned and is known for its consistency, large scale production and willingness to innovate. The tour offers a strong look at how a traditional Speyside distillery grew into one of the most recognised whisky brands in the world.
Afterwards you travel to The Macallan Distillery, available Thursday to Sunday. Macallan is known for its focus on sherry seasoned oak casks and for producing a rich, full bodied spirit that has become highly sought after by collectors. The modern distillery building is one of the most striking in Scotland and reflects the brand’s position at the premium end of the market. When Macallan is unavailable, the substitute is Cardhu Distillery, a historic site closely linked to the early development of Johnnie Walker. Later you stop at Craigellachie Bridge, an elegant cast iron structure that has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in Speyside. Overnight in Aberlour.

Day 3 – Balvenie (or Benriach/Glenfarclas) and Craigellachie

Today’s main visit is Balvenie Distillery, subject to availability. Balvenie is one of the few distilleries in Scotland that still maintains traditional floor maltings and a working cooperage on site. This gives visitors a rare chance to see older methods that have largely disappeared from modern production. Balvenie is known for its warm, honeyed style and for its long running cask finishing program, which has influenced many other distilleries.
When Balvenie is unavailable, the substitute is Benriach or Glenfarclas. Benriach is known for its experimental approach and wide range of cask types, while Glenfarclas remains family owned and is respected for its classic sherry matured style. In the afternoon you visit the Craigellachie Distillery tasting bar. Craigellachie produces a heavier, more muscular spirit that stands out from the lighter Speyside style and has gained a strong reputation among whisky drinkers looking for bolder flavours. The tasting bar offers a relaxed setting to explore the character of the distillery and the wider region. Overnight in Aberlour.

Day 4 – Glenlivet, The Lecht and Glenshee

Your final visit is Glenlivet Distillery, founded by George Smith in the early nineteenth century. Smith became the first licensed distiller in the area after the Excise Act of 1823 and carried two pistols for protection during a time when many illicit distillers opposed legalisation. Glenlivet grew rapidly and helped define the smooth, fruity style that Speyside is known for today. It remains one of the most recognised single malts in the world and continues to play a major role in shaping the region’s identity.

After the tour you drive over The Lecht, a high mountain pass with wide views across the Cairngorms and a clear look toward Corgarff Castle, a stark white, star shaped barracks that stands alone in the landscape. You continue to Braemar for lunch before travelling south through Glenshee, passing the ski area and open mountain scenery. Later you stop for a view of the Forth Bridges before returning to Edinburgh, with alternative drop off available in Stirling or Glasgow.

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 Speyside 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.