Highlights
- Taste Scottish single malts in the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands
- Gain a whisky education in Edinburgh and tour underground vaults
- Visit the UK's only working traditional cooperage in Speyside
- Explore Loch Lomond and its surrounds by horseback and seaplane
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Edinburgh, Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience | Edinburgh |
| Day 2 | Old Town Vaults Tour, Whisky Tasting | Edinburgh |
| Day 3 | Collect a Rental Car, Drive to Pitlochry, Blair Castle & Distillery Tour | Pitlochry |
| Day 4 | Drive to Inverness, Dalwhinnie Tasting | Inverness |
| Day 5 | Full-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Tour | Inverness |
| Day 6 | Drive to Isle of Skye, Whisky Tasting at Torabhaig Distillery | Portree |
| Day 7 | Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing Tour, Free Time | Portree |
| Day 8 | Ferry & Drive to Fort William, Ben Nevis Distillery Tour | Fort William |
| Day 9 | Drive to Oban, Half-Day Islands Adventure, Oban Distillery Tour | Oban |
| Day 10 | Loch Lomond Horse Riding & Seaplane Experience, Drive to Glasgow | Glasgow |
| Day 11 | Free Time, Live Music at Waxy O'Connor's | Glasgow |
| Day 12 | Drive to Edinburgh, The Wee Tour of Scotland Tasting Menu | Edinburgh |
| Day 13 | Depart Edinburgh |
Detailed Itinerary
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 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 hour-long 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 Johnnie Walker Black Label, a representation of Scotland in a single dram.
Day 2: Old Town Vaults Tour, Whisky Tasting
Today's first adventure takes you beneath the streets to the early 18th-century vaults that lie under Edinburgh's Old Town. On your hourlong tour, a costumed guide will share curious tales of murder, witch persecution, and the people who once inhabited—and now haunt—this dark and morbid space. Learn how the vaults have been used over the years and the living conditions endured by the poor and homeless residents who frequented them. The darker side of Edinburgh's history will unfold as you wander through the candlelit underground area.
Return to street level, find somewhere for lunch, and then meet eminent Scottish thinker and drinker Adam on the iconic Royal Mile. He'll lead you a short walk to a nearby whisky bar, where the entire downstairs area is reserved just for your special whisky education. Over two hours, you'll sample four outstanding single malts from the four major whisky-producing regions of Scotland. You'll learn why whisky is now so ingrained as a staple of Scottish culture as he shares great tales from Scotland and the world of whisky.
Day 3: Collect a Rental Car, Drive to Pitlochry, Blair Castle & Distillery Tour
After breakfast, pick up your rental car and make tracks toward the charming town of Pitlochry, a 90-minute drive north. Continue another 30 minutes north to Blair Castle. The Atholl family has called the castle home for over seven centuries, and today you'll explore the fine 18th-century interiors and Scots baronial architecture. After wandering the grand halls, venture into the 9-acre (3.6 ha) gardens, where you'll find a large wooded grove, a ruined church, a red deer park, and a Gothic folly. Admire Highland cows grazing in nearby fields and look for native red squirrels and peacocks.
Then, visit the Blair Athol Distillery, which dates back to 1798, and draws its water from the ancient Alt Dour that flows from the heights of Ben Vrackie. This local pure mountain water contributes to the whiskey's mellow quality and smooth finish. Join a tasting tour to go behind the scenes, discover the process that transforms grains into cherished single malt, and sample a few golden drams. Just remember: Scotland has a zero-alcohol tolerance for drivers—so if you're getting behind the wheel after any distillery visit on this trip, ask for "driver drams" to enjoy at your hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Inverness, Dalwhinnie Tasting
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 and explore 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 5: Full-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Tour
Today is all about whisky and the secrets of single malts—and your lucky designated driver gets a slice of the action. Leave the car behind and join a small-group guided tour across the best distilleries of the Speyside area. Begin with a tasting at the historic Tomatin Distillery, established in 1897, and savor the soft, mellow notes of this wonderful Speyside single malt. After, visit Cardhu Distillery, established by former whisky smugglers in 1824.
For lunch, you'll stop off at the Mash Tun in Aberlour to enjoy a bite to eat, some banter, and perhaps a dram for the road. This whisky bar is the perfect place to refuel before heading to the world-famous Glenfiddich Distillery for another tasting. Glenfiddich is one of the few distilleries that remain family-owned, producing a distinctive single malt developed by generations. Conclude your tour with a traditional experience at Glen Moray Distillery, sampling their "Elgin Heritage" range of 12, 15, and 18-year-old single malts.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Drive to Isle of Skye, Whisky Tasting at Torabhaig Distillery
Jump in the car this morning and drive 2.5 hours west to the often dramatic and ethereal Isle of Skye. Descend on the island capital, Portree, and enjoy a quick lunch in the colorful town before this afternoon's tasting. You'll journey back in time at Torabhaig Distillery, where whisky-making traditions have thrived for nearly two centuries. This historic distillery, only the second licensed single malt Scotch whisky distillery on Skye, pays homage to its natural surroundings and draws on the island's pristine water, land, and climate.
Join a distillery tour to uncover the painstaking process of crafting fine Scotch whisky, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and aging in oak casks. You'll taste the golden nectar of Skye in a history-rich stone building, more than 200 years old and built from the ruins of a castle. Savor the distinctive flavors imparted by Skye's elements. The rest of the day is yours to explore Skye. Use your time to hike to the crystal-clear, blue-hued Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle or trek through the otherworldly landscape of the Quiraing.
Day 7: 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 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 8: Ferry & Drive to Fort William, Ben Nevis Distillery Tour
Make your way to Armadale this morning and wave goodbye to the Isle of Skye as your ferry crosses over to Mallaig on the mainland. From this small fishing port, continue an hour east to Fort William, the "adventure capital of the UK." En route, you could pause at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland at a whopping 1,250 feet (380 m) long. Made famous by the "Harry Potter" movies, the Jacobite Steam Train runs twice a day, so time it right to experience a little magic of your own.
Pause in the loch-side village of Corpach for lunch. Set on the shores of Loch Eil, this cute spot is known for mussel farming—enjoy a bowl of fresh mussels or local seafood, then set off for a scenic loch walk if you have time. This afternoon you'll visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, which has been crafting Scottish whisky at the foot of Britain's highest mountain since 1825. Tour the distillery and sample their top selection of whiskies before checking into your hotel for the evening.
Day 9: Drive to Oban, Half-Day Islands Adventure, Oban Distillery Tour
Rise early to make the one-hour drive south to Oban, Scotland's "seafood capital." This quaint waterfront town is the main gateway to many of the Hebrides Islands, and today you'll set sail on a half-day boating adventure. Board the ferry for the Isle of Mull, the second-largest Island of the Inner Hebrides. Enjoy the dramatic and unspoiled scenery, then hop over to the sacred Island of Iona, where Saint Columba came in 563 CE to preach Christianity. Visit the Iona Abbey then ferry to Staffa Island to visit Fingal's Cave, where local puffins nest.
In the late afternoon, 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 exquisite single malt. Afterward, seek out Scotland's top-quality fish and shellfish at a waterfront restaurant as the sun sets.
Day 10: Loch Lomond Horse Riding & Seaplane Experience, Drive to Glasgow
Scotland's first National Park, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, is a remarkable destination with wide-open, lush landscapes and rocky peaks. Adding to its allure is a fault line that runs through the park, dividing the Highlands from the Lowlands, creating an endlessly varied landscape. Make the 90-minute drive to Loch Lomond for an equine adventure. Jump in the saddle and trot across the Scottish countryside, taking in some of the country's most beautiful landscapes on a light and easy horse ride through the hills and glens of Loch Lomond with a local equine guide.
Day 11: Free Time, Live Music at Waxy O'Connor's
After 10 busy days exploring the Scottish Highlands, Lowlands, and islands, today you can turn down the pace in Glasgow, which is Scotland's largest and most buzzing city, renowned for its world-class museums, galleries, and red sandstone Victorian buildings that line its squares and crescents. Today you could explore the Gallery of Modern Art and the People's Palace. Wander Kelvingrove Art Gallery and visit the famous Glasgow Cathedral, which took 350 years to finish. Shop the boutiques of West End, or go for a walk along the picturesque River Clyde. The choice is yours.
Tonight, let your hair down with live music at one of Glasgow's most fun live music bars. From trad brands to cover bands and everything in between, there's always live music and a great vibe happening at Waxy O'Connor's. This relaxed pub and bar is a fun place to have a dance and enjoy the wee hours with a whisky in hand!
Day 12: Drive to Edinburgh, The Wee Tour of Scotland Tasting Menu
Sleep in this morning, then make the one-hour drive to Edinburgh in time for lunch. Today you'll taste the best of Scotland with a tasting menu that showcases the best Scottish ingredients. From Shetland scallops to wild Highland venison, everything is sourced from local Scottish farms, seas, and businesses. Safe to say this seven-course lunch is the ultimate high note to end your great tour of Scotland.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Edinburgh your way. Take a long walk after lunch through charming Dean Village, along the Water of Leith, and past St. Bernard's Well to Stockbridge, a cool neighborhood where you'll find a high street with trendy cafés, boutiques, and bars, and the picture-perfect Circus Lane. Or use your time to wander the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh's Old Town and the street level of the Royal Mile. Later, find a cozy Scottish pub for a final dram and a traditional heartwarming meal.
Day 13: Depart Edinburgh
Your grand Scottish whisky adventure comes to an end today. If you have time this morning, take a gentle walk up Carlton Hill to take in views over the city. Then, with enough time before your flight home or to your next destination, make the half-hour drive to the airport and return your rental car. Safe travels!
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