Great Scottish Whisky Adventure - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience

Welcome to Scotland! You've landed in Edinburgh, a captivating historic and modern city known for its festivals, thriving arts scene, and friendly locals. On arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags, refresh, and lace up your walking shoes. This afternoon, you'll dive straight into Scotland's rich, vibrant, and varied world of whisky, starting with one of the world's most famous whisky brands.

This afternoon's whisky exploration takes place at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Grab a glimpse of the unmissable Edinburgh Castle nearby, then pop into the Explorers' Bothy Bar, where you'll be led on an hourlong whisky tasting, sampling five whiskies, all matured for a minimum of 12 years. You'll taste drams from iconic whisky regions such as Islay, the Highlands, and Speyside, and try a rare and exclusive Johnnie Walker Princes Street lowland grain whisky. The journey ends with a taste of Johnnie Walker Black Label, a representation of Scotland in a single dram. 

Wind through the Scottish Lowlands with today's full-day whisky-tasting trip from Edinburgh. The Lowlands is a historic whisky-producing region, and—with the help of a whisky enthusiast—you'll discover the centuries-old tradition of Scottish whisky production, view warehouses stocked with aged casks, and marvel at the quiet beauty of Loch Lomond. A driver and guide will collect you for this whisky appreciation day, where you'll visit both Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery for tasting sessions and distillery tours.

As you cruise around the scenic countryside, your local guide will share stories about the history of Scotland and its signature drink. Midway, you'll pause for lunch, where you'll have free time to briefly explore Loch Lomond, a wild destination packed with lush landscapes, sprawling glens, rocky peaks, and expansive lochs. After a big day out, return to Edinburgh and enjoy your evening at leisure.

Today, you'll continue north to the charming riverside city of Inverness, your home for the next three nights. En route, make a stop at Scotland's highest distillery, Dalwhinnie. After a guided tour, you'll sit down for a special whisky masterclass and taste six smooth single malts, including a distillery-exclusive bottling and a special release. These special golden drops will be paired with local artisanal chocolate from the Highland Chocolatier. For the driver, Dalwhinnie offers a takeaway pack for the tastings.

With the rest of the day free you could stop at the Highland Folk Museum for a journey into the past. Wander around the various townships exploring how life in Scotland was in centuries past—a highlight of any visit is the authentic thatched 1700s-era township that was used in the "Outlander" TV series. Nearby you could drop by the Clan Macpherson Museum too, or continue to Inverness, where you can explore the city's rich historical sites, such as the Inverness Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the River Ness. 

Day 7: Visit the Speyside Cooperage, Free Time

This morning, return to Speyside, Scotland's largest whisky region with the perfect climate for growing barley. You'll visit the Speyside Cooperage, where you'll experience the ancient art of barrel making. Watch highly skilled coopers work at lightning speed, using medieval-looking tools to fix and create the finest casks. Since 1947, this family-owned cooperage has worked with American oak using traditional methods and tools, and a former cooper will lead you through the workshop and visitor center.

The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. You could drop into the nearby Aberlour Distillery for a special tour and tasting of classic Speyside-style whisky on the banks of the River Spey. Or return to Inverness to explore historic sights, such as the Culloden Battlefield. This was the site of the final Jacobite Rising, the last and most harrowing pitched battle fought on British soil. Explore the site, graves, cairn, and visitor center, which houses interactive exhibits and artifacts, before ending at a cozy pub in Inverness for a hearty Scottish meal and a dram of whisky.

Day 9: Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing Tour, Free Time

The Isle of Skye is an idyllic and scenic destination, so there's nowhere better to throw out a line and enjoy a few hours of fishing. Today, you'll join a local fishing expert and visit the River Snizort, the main salmon river on the Isle of Skye. You'll visit holding pools and see how the character of the river changes, with gorge pools and streamy glides for the more adventurous angler. Sea trout follow the salmon upriver and can provide good sport during local water conditions. While smaller in stature, they're hard-fighting and acrobatic when hooked!

For today's experience, you'll enjoy using top-of-the-range Loop rods and break by the river with a packed lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the best of Skye. If you didn't have time yesterday, go for a hike to the blue-hued Fairy Pools or across the Quiraing. You could also explore the historic Dunvegan Castle or see the Neist Point Lighthouse, perched atop a dramatic cliff.

Day 10: Skyeskyns Tannery, Dinner at The Three Chimneys

Step back in time when you visit Skyeskyns Waternish Tannery this morning. Here you can see how real sheepskins are transformed into leather, an ancient artisan craft. This workshop has been open since 1983 and offers free 15-minute tours where you'll discover their story, explore the tannery, and learn about the unique process. You'll also see various breeds of sheep and learn about the different types of sheepskin. After, you can shop for locally made goods and take a break at the pop-up seasonal café.

This evening, you'll experience one of the best restaurants in the United Kingdom: The Three Chimneys. This special culinary experience has repeatedly made the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, and you'll get to enjoy seven courses at "The Kitchen Table." The chefs pride themselves on "mile 0" produce, gathering oysters from the bay, crab in Loch Bracadale, lobster in Loch Dunvegan, and serving local Talisker whisky, of course. You'll sit down a meal that's at once inventive and traditional in the middle of the kitchen, where you can watch the chefs at work. 

Day 12: Drive to Oban, Oban Distillery Tour

Enjoy a slow morning in Fort William, then continue an hour south to Oban, Scotland's "seafood capital." This quaint waterfront town is the main gateway to many of the Hebrides Islands and enjoys sweeping views of Kerrera and Mull. It's peaceful in winter, but in summer, the town center is jammed with traffic and crowded with holidaymakers and travelers headed for the archipelago. 

Once in Oban, check into your accommodation, drop the car, and make your way to the Oban Distillery. When brothers Hugh and John Stevenson arrived at the frontier of the Hebrides in 1793, they found little more than a natural harbor and a windswept view. They opened the Oban Brewing Company, starting with beer and moving to whisky a year later. Gain an insight into the historic distillery's whisky-making process while enjoying a dram of exceptional single malt. Afterward, as the sun sets, seek out Scotland's top-quality fish and shellfish at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 13: Full-Day Mull, Iona & Staffa Islands Adventure

Today, you'll set sail on a full-day boating adventure to explore the islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa. Starting in Oban, you'll board the ferry for the Isle of Mull, the second-largest Island of the Inner Hebrides, where dramatic and unspoiled scenery created by volcanic activity awaits. On arrival in Craignure, you'll board a coach for a tour of the island. You'll reach the far side of Mull, where you'll board ferries in Fionnphort destined for Iona and Staffa.

The sacred island of Iona is where Saint Columba came in 563 CE to preach Christianity. Visit the Iona Abbey and learn about the history of this tranquil center of Gaelic Monasticism. Then, journey to Staffa, which lies around 6 miles (10 km) west of the Isle of Mull. The tiny island is famed for Fingal's Cave and the puffins that nest here. Return to Fionnphort, board the coach for Craignure, and finally return to Oban by ferry. Expect to arrive late in the evening.

Day 14: Drive to Stirling via Highland Games at Inverary

The Highland Games are a distinct series of events held in different areas of Scotland each summer. If you're lucky, time your visit to align with the Inveraray Highland Games. Here, hammers are thrown, cabers are tossed, the sound of pipes fills the air, and clan colors are on full parade. Each July, the event is held in the grounds of Inveraray Castle by the chiefs of Clan Campbell. It's a celebration of Highland heritage and tradition with dances, music, and athletic events, plus Scottish food and drink.

If you're here at a different time of year, skip Inveraray and continue 2.5 hours over to Stirling, a city with a long history of kings, queens, and battles. On the edge of town, visit the Bannockburn Battlefield, where Scottish leader Robert the Bruce defeated the English in a key clash during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Then climb the hill up to Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most significant castles in Scotland.

Day 15: 4WD Loch Lomond Exploration, Drive to Edinburgh

Today you'll meet a charismatic and kilted adventure guide for a fun off-road exploration of Loch Lomond. Make the 45-minute drive to Balloch, where you'll meet your local character and set off to enjoy the largest freshwater loch in Scotland. This half-day 4WD expedition will feel like you have an old friend showing you around. Together, you'll explore the best viewpoints, seek out hidden gems, and hit off-road trails. Along the way, you'll learn all about the history of the area and get a real feel for what it's like to live and work in this part of Scotland.

With special access to private dirt roads, you'll get to stand at the top of hills and at exclusive viewpoints others can't access. After the fun, jump in the car and make the two-hour drive to Edinburgh. It's your final evening in Scotland, so check into your hotel and set out for a special meal to celebrate two great weeks exploring the best of Scottish whisky, nature, and culture.

Day 16: Depart Edinburgh