Description

Based within the Highlands, Speyside is its own distinct whisky region, producing more than half of all Scotch whisky on the market. It is home to iconic distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Cardhu, Macallan and Aberlour. The Cairngorm Mountains frame the area, giving it a romantic Highland atmosphere that feels made for whisky exploration.
This private Speyside whisky tour is fully customised and can be tailor made to include the distilleries you most want to visit. Below is our recommended 3 day itinerary with options throughout.

Tour Highlights

• Visit iconic Speyside distilleries including Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Cardhu, Macallan and Aberlour
• Explore the Speyside Cooperage and watch coopers at work
• Travel with a professional private driver guide
• Tailor made itinerary built around your preferred distilleries
• Flexible itinerary to suit your pace and interests
• Optional visits to Blair Castle, Dalwhinnie, Knockando Woollen Mill and Ballindalloch Castle
• Overnight stays in Craigellachie, Aberlour or Grantown on Spey
• Pick up available from Edinburgh or Glasgow

Day 1 - Glenturret, Pitlochry and Highland Options

Leaving Edinburgh, we travel to the Highland town of Crieff to visit Glenturret, the oldest working distillery in Scotland. Producing whisky since 1775, Glenturret is known for its traditional methods and handcrafted approach to whisky making.
We continue to the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit Blair Castle, the historic seat of the Duke of Atholl, or travel to Dalwhinnie Distillery for a whisky and chocolate pairing.
Overnight accommodation will typically be in Craigellachie, Aberlour or Grantown on Spey, depending on availability.

Day 2 – Speyside Distilleries and Cooperage

Enjoy a full day exploring the heart of Speyside.
Our first stop is Cardhu Distillery, an important component of Johnnie Walker. The classic tour takes you through the full whisky making process, from milling and mashing to fermentation and distillation. As an alternative, non whisky drinkers can visit the nearby Knockando Woollen Mill.
We then pass the impressive Macallan Distillery, one of the most recognised names in Scotch whisky. Visits are limited and only available Friday to Sunday, but we can adjust the itinerary if you wish to include it.
Next is a special visit to the Speyside Cooperage, where skilled coopers repair and rebuild casks used throughout the whisky industry. Watching the craftsmanship up close is a highlight for many guests.
We then continue to Glenfiddich Distillery for a classic tour of one of the world’s most recognisable single malts. Glenfiddich was the first whisky to successfully market itself as a single malt and has remained one of the top selling Scotch whiskies globally since the 1960s.
Non whisky drinkers can instead visit Ballindalloch Castle.
This day can be customised. If there is a distillery you want to include, we can adjust the schedule.

Day 3 – Glenlivet and Royal Deeside

This morning begins at The Glenlivet, a pioneer of the legal whisky trade. George Smith, the founder, famously carried two pistols to protect his newly licensed distillery. You can enjoy a tour and tasting or explore the free exhibition.
From here, we take a scenic drive through the Lecht, passing Corgarff Castle, and arrive in Braemar, near Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Highland residence. You will notice Royal Warrants displayed throughout the village. We can also stop at Crathie Kirk, often used by the Royal Family.
After exploring the area, we make our way back to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Why Choose Go Scotland Tours

• Local expertise and years of experience operating private whisky tours
• Professional driver guides who know Speyside well
• Tailor made itineraries built around your preferred distilleries
• Flexible itinerary to suit your pace and interests
• We can arrange distillery tour and tasting bookings for you
• Authentic Highland experiences mixing whisky, scenery and local history

FAQs

How many distilleries can we visit in a day?
Most guests visit two to three distilleries per day.
Can we choose the distilleries?
Yes. This is a fully private, tailor made Speyside whisky tour.
Do distillery tours need to be booked in advance?
Yes. Speyside distilleries often sell out. We handle all bookings.
Is this tour suitable for non whisky drinkers?
Yes. We can include castles, scenic stops, woollen mills and heritage 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.