Speyside Whisky Trail Tour
Description
A warm welcome awaits you in Speyside, home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries. Your 3 day adventure allows you to sit back and let us do the driving whilst you visit some of the finest whisky distilleries in Scotland and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Cairngorm, Speyside and Royal Deeside.
DAY 1: EDINBURGH - GLENSHEE - CAIRNGORM NATIONAL PARK - GRANTOWN ON SPEY
The oldest written reference to whisky mentions Lindores Abbey and the Cistercian monks, who were among the first to distill spirits in Scotland in the late 15th century. Explore this modern Scottish distillery, built on the site of the first recorded distiller in the country in 1494. Discover the area's rich historical legacy, combined with innovative and sustainable practices, all reflected in their fine Lowland whisky. Continuing north, watch the scenery transform into forested hills and mountains in Perthshire. The journey features classic Highland landscapes as we approach Cairngorms National Park, heading toward Braemar for lunch. This charming village has close ties to the British royal family. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with the area and purchased nearby Balmoral Castle, which remains a private residence today. Next, you will visit the Whisky Castle, a whisky emporium that has been selling fine malt whiskies for over 120 years, with an impressive selection of over 600 malts. Enjoy tasting three Speyside whiskies to appreciate the distinct flavours of the region. After warming up with “the gentle spirit,” we'll continue our journey through the Cairngorms National Park to Grantown-on-Spey, a charming town nestled along the River Spey, which will be your base for the next two nights.
DAY 2: EXLPORE SPEYSIDE WHISKY DISTILLERIES
The Glenlivet Distillery began with a bold move: it became the first licensed distillery in the wild and secluded Glen of the Livet, quickly earning a reputation as the region’s favourite whisky. Nearly two hundred years later, visitors can explore its story and enjoy the smooth, floral character that made it famous. Step inside the Process Room for an immersive look at how their whisky is crafted, then savour three carefully selected drams, including limited releases available only at the distillery. Once you’ve warmed up with your first tasting, we continue to Aberlour for a well‑deserved lunch. After lunch, we follow the River Spey to the Speyside Cooperage, one of the last places in Scotland where traditional coopering skills are still practised alongside modern techniques. Watch the craft in action – from shaping staves to firing the casks – and discover how this ancient trade, with roots stretching back 5,000 years, remains essential to great whisky. Our final stop is Cardhu, a celebrated Speyside distillery with a remarkable history. Learn about Helen Cumming, whose determination helped shape Cardhu’s success, and see how the distillery became a key component in blends such as Johnnie Walker. Your visit includes their mystery whisky challenge: a guided tour paired with a tasting of five distinctive drams. .
DAY 3: GRANTOWN - PERTHSHIRE - EDINBURGH
By now you've become well-versed in whisky tasting, so a visit to Dalwhinnie will take you to the next level as you enjoy a masterclass experience arranged especially for Rabbie's customers; whisky and chocolate tasting. This delectable combination will make you discover the nuances of flavours so characteristic to Dalwhinnie's spirits. You will also get your own souvenir glass to take home with you to commemorate the experience. We continue south to Perthshire, often referred to as "Big Tree Country, towards the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry for lunch.
After trying some tasty local food and exploring the quaint streets of Pitlochry, we head to the Hermitage, where you can take a fantastic woodland walk amongst majestic Douglas firs and ancient oaks leading up to the stunning Black Linn Falls. Next, we find the gorgeous cathedral town of Dunkeld situated on the banks of the River Tay. You have the chance to explore the architecturally fascinating cathedral or walk the quaint streets of this picturesque village.
It's time to say goodbye to the Highlands as we continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife and then cross the Firth of Forth and return to Edinburgh.
You return to Edinburgh at approximately 6.30pm.
**Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...
Discover the famous Whisky Trail of Speyside!!
Departure & Map
What's included
The Tour Includes:
- Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
- Forced air ventilation as standard.
- accommodation in B&B or Hotels (options on booking form)
- Services of a professional driver/guide
- All ferry crossings except optional trip to Staffa.
- Tour and tasting at Lindores Abbey Distillery
- Exclusive Tasting Flight
- Flavour Journey tour and Tasting at Cardhu Distillery
- Tour of Speyside Cooperage
- Masterclass tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery
Not Included:
- Lunch, Dinner and refreshments.
- Visitor Attractions fees not mentioned above
Important Information:
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!! If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking.
Getting there
Departs: 09:00 | Returns: 18:30 approx
Departure Point:Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Departs:
Wednesday and Friday - April
Monday, Wednesday and Friday - May to September
Wednesday and Friday - Late September to October
Wednesday only - Late October to Early November
Prices Per Person (including accommodation)
Click on the Calendar to find pricing on specific dates
**children under 5 years of age are not accepted. See below for more price notes
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Terms & Conditions
TERM & CONDITIONS
Payment
Reservations will only be confirmed on receipt of full payment.
Cancellations and Refunds
The Company will only cancel tours due to circumstances outwith our control.
Where the Customer cancels the tour reservation then the effective date of cancellation will be the date the Company receives written notification. In the event of cancellation a charge, as detailed below, shall be payable by the Customer.
If cancellation for extended tours is made less than 3 weeks before the tour commences, refunds are at our discretion. Please also note that customers may be liable for 1 nights accommodation surcharge in this instance. If cancellations are made less than 72 hours before the tour commences, please be advised that customers may be liable for all accommodation costs.
Charges
For All Tours, City Breaks and holidays of more than 1 day
a) Cancellation more than 21 days before the tour date 10%
b) Cancellation less than 21 days before the start of the tour entirely at our discretion.
For 1 Day Sightseeing Tours
a) Cancellation more than 72 hours before tour departure 10%
b) Cancellation less than 72 hours before the tour departure entirely at our discretion.
Alternatives/Cancellations
While the Company shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and details as planned, the Company reserves the right to alter itineraries, transport or accommodation for whatever reason. In the case of hotel accommodation a similar standard of alternative accommodation will be obtained wherever possible.
The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any person whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offence or upset to other passengers. In such cases full cancellation charges apply and the Company shall have no further liability to that passenger.
Other operators/carriers
The Company will not accept or have any liability for any acts or omissions whether negligent or otherwise of any supplier or person providing services in connection with any tour unless such a person is employed by or under the direct control of the Company. Tickets for travel on other carriers are subject to the normal conditions of carriage of the individual carrier.
Luggage
Unless otherwise notified passengers are restricted to one medium sized suitcase/bag and one carry-on bag per person. Luggage is carried free of charge but at the passenger's own risk.
Children
We regret we do not carry children under the age of 5.
Insurance
The Company strongly recommends that passengers arrange suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on coaches but there are frequent stops en route for passengers who wish to smoke.
Financial Protection
In accordance with the EC Directive on Package Travel all customers monies are held in trust until such time as the tour has been completed.
Force Majeure
The Company does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience or damage caused by war, threat of war, riot or civil commotion, terrorist or criminal activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fires, sickness, weather conditions, road or traffic conditions, temporary technical, mechanical or electrical breakdown within booked accommodation, explosion of, or radioactive contamination from, any nuclear facility or other events beyond the control of the Company.
Jurisdiction
These conditions shall be construed and interpreted in accordance within the Law of Scotland and the Parties each submit to the jurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.
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