Scottish Whisky Trail - Turas ~ the art of travel

Whisky is arguably Scotland’s most famous export and a visit to a distillery is likely to be on your wish list when in Scotland. But if you’re a whisky aficionado, then you may want to experience several of the malt-making regions and on this trail you can visit the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside and two of the whisky-producing islands – Skye and Islay.

Call in at whichever distilleries you like along the way, and enjoy the majestic landscapes and a plethora of other attractions in each region. 

Or for a tailor-made Scotch whisky vacation including your favourite drams and distilleries - either self-drive or with a driver-guide - get in touch and we can craft the perfect trip for you.

Sample itinerary - 11 days/10 nights

Day 1 – Arrive in Inverness (3 nts)

Arrive in Inverness and explore the Highland capital - take in the view from the castle or stroll along the attractive riverside to the cathedral. Or head just out of town to see the legendary Loch Ness, or Culloden Battlefield with its interactive visitor centre.

Day 2 - Discover a North Highland distillery

Today you can venture north to visit Glenmorangie, Dalmore or Clynelish distilleries. If you’d like to sit back and relax, then we can organise a chauffeur driven tour for you stopping off at the picturesque town of Dornoch with its delightful selection of shops and cafés. You may also like to visit Dunrobin Castle - seat of the Clan Sutherland, this impressive castle is built in the style of a French chateau with beautiful grounds to explore and falconry displays. 

Day 3 – Discover the Speyside distilleries

Again today you may prefer to have a guided tour of this area, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery and the drams! We can organise a trip to one or two of the many distilleries in this area such as Macallan or Glenfiddich, combining this with a visit to an historic working woollen mill nearby. Or head to Ballindalloch Distillery followed by a visit to the beautiful, baronial Ballindalloch Castle and gardens, stopping off at the tearoom for some refreshment.  

Day 4 – Travel to Skye (2 nts)

You’ll travel on to the Isle of Skye today, passing through the breathtaking scenery of Kintail and the iconic Eilean Donan Castle where you’ll simply have to stop for a photo opportunity and perhaps to visit the castle. 

Day 5 – Discover Skye

Skye’s Talisker Distillery may beckon you today, or Torabhaig, the island's newest distillery. But there are also many other attractions on this charming island including the famous Old Man of Storr rock pinnacle and other dramatic geological landscapes at the north; the attractive main town of Portree with its colourful houses encircling the harbour; and there’s an array of galleries, craft shops and a fabulous local pottery to visit. Or take a wildlife boat trip to look for whales, dolphins and seals.

Day 6 – Travel to Oban (2 nts)

Heading back to the mainland via ferry, you’ll then drive along beautiful stretches of coastline and through scenic glens on 'The Road to the Isles'. Stop off to see the White Sands of Morar and other hidden gems we’ll share with you; and pause to take in the Jacobite history at Glenfinnan. At the town of Fort William you’ll drive past the UK’s highest mountain and why not toast it with a nip at the Ben Nevis Distillery?!

Day 7 – Explore the Oban area

You can explore the vibrant port of Oban today and the Oban Distillery is located in the centre of town. If you’re feeling energetic, walk up to McCaig’s Tower for a panoramic view of the town and surrounding coast. Or head to the atmospheric Glencoe, a beautiful nature reserve with dramatic mountains where the infamous massacre took place in the 1600s. Alternatively, stroll from your hotel to the nearby pier and take the short ferry ride (foot passengers only) to visit the lovely Isle of Lismore – why not hire a bike for the day?

Day 8 – Travel to Islay (2 nts)

Driving south from Oban to catch the ferry to Islay, you’ll pass through Kilmartin Glen, an area rich in prehistoric monuments where the coronation of the early Scottish kings took place. Islay is home to numerous distilleries and you may like to visit one in the afternoon if you catch the earlier boat. 

Day 9 – Discover Islay

To make the most of your day on Islay why not let us arrange a tour with a knowledgeable local guide to escort you around the distilleries of your choice, absorbing the beauty of the island as you travel? 

(Optional: You could spend an extra night here and take in the neighbouring island of Jura which also produces its own peaty malts.)

Day 10 – Travel to Edinburgh (1 nt)

Journey from the west to the east coast today along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the nation’s vibrant capital where you can relax in your comfortable guest house and dine out at one of the city’s numerous restaurants – we can point you in the direction of some special eateries. 

Day 11 – Experience Glenkinchie & return home

Why not visit Glenkinchie Distillery just outside Edinburgh to sample this fine lowland malt – the perfect end to your whisky trail. 

N.B. Distillery opening times may vary according to the season.

View a sample itinerary for this trip.

What we do

At Turas we craft bespoke self-drive itineraries, with accommodation, which take you off the beaten track and let you have the trip of your dreams!

Or we can arrange for a knowledgeable, local driver-guide to escort you – either for your whole trip or just for a day's excursion.

With a wealth of local knowledge and connections, we offer a friendly, personal and professional service with great attention to detail.

Get in touch and we’ll plan and personalise the perfect trip for you, complete with sightseeing suggestions, restaurant recommendations and more.

Tailor-made travel

Our sample itineraries are simply to whet the appetite and all aspects can be adapted to match your requirements.

For example, you may prefer to start from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen or to spend additional nights in a particular location. Or to include Campbeltown or one of the other whisky-producing islands in your trip.

Accommodation can include B&Bs, country inns and boutique hotels, based on your preferences.

Get in touch

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Email us at info@turas.life

Call us on +44 (0) 1463 239944