Scottish Whisky Adventure in Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, Old Town Tour, Whisky Maker's Cellar Tour 

Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and get ready for a tour of the Old Town. Discover the winding cobblestone streets, hidden closes, and towering medieval tenements as you follow your guide along the Royal Mile. Pass landmarks like St Giles' Cathedral with its famed crown spire and the 12th-century Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city. As you walk, you'll hear some spine-chilling stories of the city's darker history and its most infamous residents.

After two hours in the Old Town, continue to Johnnie Walker Princes Street for the 1.5-hour Whisky Maker's Cellar Tour. When you arrive, head straight underground to the cellar to see the treasure trove of rare and aged casks. Learn about the meticulous process of blending and aging that defines Johnnie Walker's renowned whisky. Then, sip some exclusive whisky drawn straight from the cask, savoring the full spectrum of flavors and complexities. When you're done, head to the rooftop bar for another drink or the on-site gift shop to look for souvenirs.

Day 2: Explore Edinburgh Castle, Private Whisky & Artisan Food Tasting Tour

Start your day with a self-guided exploration of one of Scotland's most iconic landmarks, Edinburgh Castle. The castle has stood for centuries, bearing witness to royal coronations, epic sieges, and a storied history as both a fortress and royal residence. Walk through the ancient gates and discover highlights like the Crown Room, which houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and the Stone of Destiny that's used in the coronation of Scottish, and now British, monarchs. Try to time your visit for the firing of the One o'Clock Gun set off every day except Sundays. 

Then, meet your private sommelier for a Scotch whisky and artisan food-tasting tour. You'll visit three of the city's best whisky bars and hidden gems, where you can enjoy wine and premium Scotch selections, from smooth single malts to complex blended varieties. Each drink will be thoughtfully paired with gourmet bites, like smoked salmon, artisanal cheeses, and other local delicacies selected to enhance the flavors of the wine and whisky. In addition to personalized attention and carefully curated stops, you'll also receive a lesson about the history, distillation process, and tasting techniques of whisky.

Day 3: Private Tour of Rosslyn Chapel & Glenkinchie Distillery 

Leave the city behind for the day as you transfer 30 minutes to Rosslyn Chapel for a private tour. This 15th-century chapel is known for its elaborate stonework, with carvings that adorn almost every inch of its walls, columns, and arches. But, it's not the stonework that helped the chapel gain global attention; it was actually featured in "The Da Vinci Code." It's also believed to house the treasure of the Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order. Step inside for a close-up look at the intricate carvings of biblical scenes, mythical creatures, and symbols that have sparked centuries of speculation.

After exploring the chapel, continue to Glenkinchie Distillery in the picturesque countryside of the Scottish Lowlands. Explore the distillery's historic buildings, where you can observe the traditional distillation process firsthand, from mashing and fermentation to the critical step of aging in oak casks. Learn about the distillery's rich history, which dates back to 1825, and the unique flavor profiles of Glenkinchie's whiskies, which are known for their light, floral characteristics with hints of fruit and malt. Conclude with a tasting session to savor a selection of the distillery's finest single malts.

Day 4: Drive to Inverness via Stirling Castle & Pitlochry

Say goodbye to Edinburgh this morning as you pick up your rental car and drive three hours north to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Leave the bustling city behind and enjoy scenic views of the lush countryside. On the way, stop at Stirling Castle, the residence of several Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Step inside to see the beautifully stored rooms, including the Great Hall, Royal Palace, and Stirling Heads Gallery, which feature life-sized wooden carvings of past rulers.  

The castle is perched on a volcanic rock, so you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and picturesque Stirling Bridge before hitting the road again. Consider another stop in Pitlochry, a small town located on the edge of Cairngorms National Park. Go for a leisurely hike through the national park or visit some of the nearby castles, like Blair Castle or Castle Menzies. When you're ready, jump back in the car and complete the drive to your hotel in Inverness to check in. 

Day 5: Private Speyside Distillery Tour 

Spend the day exploring different Speyside distilleries known for producing some of the world's most famous single malts. Depending on the day, you may start your tour at either Glenfiddich Distillery or Glen Moray Distillery. Glenfiddich, one of the few remaining family-owned distilleries in Scotland, is known for its rich history dating back to 1887 and large-scale innovation, while Glen Moray offers a more traditional and intimate experience. Your next stop is the Speyside Cooperage, one of the few places in the country where you can see traditional coopers (craftspeople) in action.

Watch the coopers expertly shape, fire, and fit casks using skills and techniques passed down through generations as you learn about the importance of wood in the aging process of whisky. Then, head to Glen Grant Distillery, established in 1840. If time allows, you'll tour the facilities and discover the unique production techniques that give Glen Grant whisky its distinct floral and fruity flavor. The distillery is also famous for its lush Victorian gardens, featuring winding paths, waterfalls, and exotic plants. Stop at Craigellachie Bridge to snap a few photos before returning to Inverness. 

Day 6: Day Trip to the Isle of Skye, Visit Talisker & Torabhaig Distillery

Immerse yourself in Scotland's natural beauty as you set off on a full-day tour of the Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides Islands. Start with a scenic drive along Loch Ness, where you can stop to take pictures of the legendary waters and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, standing proudly on a rocky bluff. Continue past Loch Cluanie and Glenshiel, a dramatic valley flanked by steep mountains, to get to Eilean Donan Castle. Admire the 13th-century castle from the outside or cross its stone bridge to discover the period furniture, portraits, and artifacts within.

Back in the car, your next stop is the picturesque village of Sligachan to take pictures of the river with the Cuillin peaks in the background. Then, it's off to Talisker Distillery, located on the shores of Loch Harport. Take part in a tasting to sample some of Scotland's finest single malt whisky. Your last stop is Torabhaig Distillery to try a range of single malt whiskies with a peaty, smoky flavor that's characteristic of the island's terroir. On the way back to the mainland, your driver will take a different route along Loch Carron and through the small village of Achnasheen.

Day 7: Drive to Glasgow, Whisky Creator Tour at Clydeside Distillery

Your penultimate day in Scotland takes you on a 4.5-hour drive south to the city of Glasgow, known for its thriving art, music, and culinary scene. The scenic drive will take you through charming villages like Fort Augustus and along picturesque lochs. Consider a stop in Glen Nevis to see the UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis. You could even hike to the summit, but it typically takes around 7-9 hours. As you get closer to the city, consider making one last stop at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to go boating, kayaking, fishing, or take a leisurely walk along one of Scotland's most famous bodies of water.

When you arrive, head to Clydeside Distillery for the Whisky Creator Tour. Start with a tour of the distillery and a tasting of four different single malts. Then, create your own bottle of Clydeside whisky with one or a mix of the four single malts you just tried. Take the bottle home with you to commemorate your time in Scotland. After the 1.5-hour tour, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Glasgow is famous for its theaters, so check the schedule at the King's Theatre or Theatre Royal for a classic play or contemporary production you're interested in. 

Day 8: Drive to Edinburgh, Depart

Wake up bright and early to take advantage of your final few hours in Scotland. Consider a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to 22 galleries that showcase a wide variety of exhibits. Learn about Scottish history, see ancient Egyptian artifacts, and admire works by famous artists like Salvador Dalí, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. When it's time, drive one hour to the airport in Edinburgh. Drop off your rental car, then head inside to catch your flight home. Safe travels!