Scottish Whisky Journey

This one-week tour is ideal for those who want to take a deep dive into Scottish whisky while also sightseeing around the country. With a private, local guide, you'll go from the capital Edinburgh, into the Highlands, before dipping into Speyside and sailing to Islay.

Combine sightseeing and tastings at the distilleries you want to visit. Your travel consultant and private guide will recommend and adjust distilleries and stops along the way based on your interests.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you to your hotel in the city centre. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city and exploring the Old Town and New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle. You could also start your whisky tour by visiting the largest private collection of whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

DAY 2: HISTORY OF WHISKY AND THE HIGHLANDS

Today your private tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable vehicle. You'll then start your journey into the Scottish Highlands. As you cross the Firth of Forth, don't miss the scenic views of the UNESCO Forth Railway Bridge. On the way north, you'll have plenty of distilleries to choose from for tours and tastings.

Lindores is an ancient distillery where, it is said, distilling has been taking place since at least 1494. Edradour is one of the smallest distilleries in the country. And as you arrive into the Cairngorms National Park, you could pop by the highest altitude distillery in Scotland, Dalwhinnie.

Spend the night in Speyside.

Driving distance: 261 km / 162 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

DAY 3: EXPLORE SPEYSIDE

You have all day to take in Speyside and its many whiskies. This region is home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries, so there are many different options for tours and tastings depending on your preferences. You could go for a tasting at the independently-owned Benromach Distillery and then visit the famous Macallan Distillery. Or tour Balvenie and discover more about Aberlour. You can spend some time exploring the beauty of the region too with a walk along the banks of the River Spey.

Spend another night in Speyside.

Driving distance: 97 km / 60 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

DAY 4: TOWARDS THE WEST COAST

Today, you'll journey to the west coast, passing through some stunning landscapes along the way. Admire the breathtaking scenery at Glen Coe, before passing by the lovely seaside town of Oban. You'll then have time to visit Kilmartin Glen, which is considered one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. This evening you'll board a ferry bound for Islay.

Spend the night on Islay.

Included: Ferry crossing, duration 2 hours

Driving distance: 381 km / 237 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 10-12 hours

DAY 5: EXPLORING ISLAY

You have all day to explore the best of Islay, also nicknamed the "Queen of the Hebrides." It is home to a number of distilleries, so you'll have plenty to choose from. The south of the island is where you'll find the smoky distilleries such as Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg. The northern distilleries, including Bruichladdich and Ardnahoe, have saltier coastal notes.

With your private guide, you can also combine whisky tasting with sightseeing. Stop by the peat bogs, from which Islay's peaty flavour comes from, the beautiful Machir Beach and admire the ancient Kildalton Cross.

Spend another night on Islay.

Driving distance: 80 km / 50 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9-10 hours

DAY 6: RETURN TO EDINBURGH

Today you'll catch the ferry to the mainland and drive back to Edinburgh. You also have the choice to end your trip in Glasgow if you would like to explore Scotland's largest city.

Your guide will drive you along the beautiful Loch Fyne and stop at the pretty whitewashed village of Inveraray. Here you can see the fairy-tale like Inveraray Castle and make any last-minute purchase at the Loch Fyne Whisky Shop. You'll then make your way through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park back to the capital.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Included: Ferry crossing, duration 2 hours

Driving distance: 310 km / 195 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9-10 hours

DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

On your day of departure, a private driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you directly to the airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may take your last few hours to do some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s many museums, or take one last stroll through the charming city centre.