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Scottish Whisky Tour

Price: P.O.A.
Carbon Score: 240Kg
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Overview

Journey across Scotland and discover the story of Scotland’s most precious spirit: whisky. From the architecturally stunning city of Edinburgh to the river valleys of Speyside and the sea-soaked shores of Islay, explore the landscapes which are as treasured and unique as the tipple it produces. Enjoy learning more about the fascinating history and culture of Scotland as you visit castles, ruins and ancient glens. Joined by expert guides along the way, listen to stories of folklore and myth as you cruise across Loch Ness and visit the tumultuous waters of Corryvreckan Whirlpool. During visits to a variety of different distilleries, enjoy private tours and tailored tastings, discovering the unique characteristics of a spirit with such a profound sense of place. Stay in bespoke, hand-picked accommodation, chosen for their stunning locations, attentive staff and delicious local food. Where every detail has been taken care of, join us on a wonderful, perfectly paced trip inspired by scotch.

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Highlights

  • Enjoy exclusive tours and private tastings of rare single malts at some of Scotland's best-loved distilleries.
  • Explore Speyside and visit a working cooperage, learning more about the whisky's journey from grain to glass.
  • Visit the beautiful, salt-kissed shores of Islay (known as the whisky isle) and explore the dramatic landscapes on foot.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Arrive in Edinburgh

On arrival in Edinburgh, meet your private driver and transfer to your beautiful city centre hotel. Take some time to relax and settle in as the colourful streets buzz and bustle beyond the window. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps head out for a short walk up Calton Hill whose summit is marked by a collection of historical monuments. From the top, you can see many of Edinburgh’s famous landmarks, including Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth and the Royal Mile. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - City Tour & Tailored Tasting

After breakfast, get picked up and whisked away through the city in a Mini Cooper – squeezing through small alleyways and down cobblestone streets as you venture off the beaten track. Your local driver will regale you with stories of the places you explore, and afterwards, you can enjoy a lovely lunch before being dropped back at your hotel. This afternoon, head out to enjoy the Johnny Walker Experience – an eight-floor, glittering paradise for whisky lovers. After a tour and tailored tasting, stay on for dinner, enjoying locally sourced cuisine perfectly matched with a variety of whisky. Enjoy a nightcap at the rooftop bar overlooking the architecturally stunning skyline of Edinburgh before being dropped back at your hotel.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning, meet your private walking guide in the foyer of your hotel and set out for a fantastic walking tour of the city. Where every corner, cobblestone and cloister is imbued with history, discover the world-famous and the unexpected. Visit the iconic sites as well as hidden gems and secret streets, all the while learning about the fascinating stories of the city from your knowledgeable, entertaining guide. After a delicious lunch at the Scotch Whisky Experience, enjoy a tour of the world’s most extensive collection of Scotch whisky and an introductory tasting of four contrasting regional single malts.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Blair Castle and Scotland's Highest Distillery

Begin your adventure north today, being collected this morning by your driver guide and ribboning your way out of the city and into the open countryside. The first stop along the way will be a private tour of Blair Castle, which has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Over the years, the castle has harboured politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, and its fascinating history is brought to life against the 18th-century interiors and Baronial architecture. Afterwards, continue on for a tour and a tasting at the highest distillery in Scotland before arriving at your country house hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - A Taste of Speyside

The beautiful region of Speyside is home to the majority of Scottish whisky distilleries and, therefore, also home to some of the most famous names. Your first stop this morning will be the last remaining working cooperage in the UK, where you can see the coopers at work and learn more about this age-old trade. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a renowned whisky hotel before heading to Strathisla Distillery – the oldest working distillery in the Highlands. Enjoy an exclusive tasting straight from the cask within warehouse number 3; beware though – they will all be at cask strength!

Overnight: Inverness | Culloden House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Loch Ness & Arrive in Oban

This morning, head south for a boat cruise on Loch Ness. Look out for the legendary monster as you skim across the dark water and take in the stunning views. Afterwards, explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which is magnificently situated on the shores of the loch and the site of some fascinating history. Continue to the sea-soaked rugged beauty of the west coast, arriving in the fishing town of Oban and settling into your lovely hotel before enjoying a relaxed evening and a seafood dinner.

Overnight: Oban | Perle Oban
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Kilmartin Glen & Ferry to Islay

Head out this morning to explore Kilmartin Glen. Steeped in history dating back over 5000 years – it’s a wonderful place to learn more about the area’s past. Joined by your guide, listen to stories that bring the topography of the landscape to life, exploring the most important collection of bronze age remains in Scotland. This afternoon, board the little white ferry to the small island of Islay, keeping a lookout for seals and dolphins that are often seen in these waters. Once ashore, wind your way to your cosy hotel, which will be your home for the next three nights.

Overnight: Islay | The Machrie Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Oa Peninsula & Cask Strength Drams

Today, enjoy a stunning hike on the dramatic Oa Peninsula, which is almost an island in its own right. Walk out to the American Monument, erected as a memorial in 1918 to commemorate the loss of two troop ships. Tall and prominent on the horizon, its dark shape presses against the sea-blown sky. With rosy cheeks and salt-kissed skin, enjoy lunch at a local inn before heading out this afternoon to enjoy a tour of Warehouse Number Nine at Bunnahabhain Distillery. Taste both peated and unpeated whiskies, taking care as you sip a selection straight from the cask. Return to your hotel later this afternoon and take some time to relax.

Overnight: Islay | The Machrie Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | 52 m / 171 ft elevation gain | Approx: 2 hrs

Day 9 - Corryvreckan Whirlpool & Ancient Stones

Head out into the waves on a privately chartered zodiac for an exciting day of island hopping. Skirt the edge of Corryvreckan whirlpool, listening to the tale of Beira, Goddess of Winter and the story of the tempestuous currents. Look out for porpoise and otters, alongside many different species of bird. Journey ashore and visit the site of an ancient monastery, afterwards stepping inside the syrupy warmth of a whisky distillery and learning about the secrets of island distilling. Later this afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy a drink before settling down for a delicious seafood dinner.

Overnight: Islay | The Machrie Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Fly to Glasgow & Explore

This morning, your driver guide will wish you safe travels as you board your short flight back to the mainland. Landing in the friendly, arty city of Glasgow, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your centrally located hotel, where you can take some time to relax and settle in. This afternoon, you may like to head out to explore the University, an architecturally beautiful building found in the city’s West End. Afterwards, perhaps wander down the charming Ashton Lane and enjoy an alfresco drink in one of the twinkling beer gardens.

 

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Walking Tour & Traditional Music

After a relaxed breakfast, meet a local city guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for an engaging walking tour. Learn about the eclectic history of the city as you visit some of the most iconic sights, with plenty of time for coffee, cake, and buttery pastries along the way. Finish your tour in Kelvingrove Park, a peaceful green space astride the river, which is home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. At lunchtime, your guide will depart and you can enjoy exploring, shopping or relaxing at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a pint, dram or cocktail in one of the many traditional bars or pubs, listening to some live music and enjoying the buoyant, friendly atmosphere.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Depart Home

Depending on your departure time today, you may like to enjoy a leisurely brunch before a last stroll through the city, perhaps popping into a few shops along the way. A private transfer will collect you from the hotel foyer and take you to the airport. Arrive with plenty of time to pass through security and grab a coffee before heading to your gate feeling relaxed and rejuvenated for your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Scottish Whisky Tour

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Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 11 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 4 to Day 10
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide or private chauffeur
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Mini Cooper Tour
    • Johnny Walker Tour
    • Private walking tour with a local guide in Edinburgh
    • Dalwhinnie Distillery Tour
    • Speyside Cooperage Tour
    • Strathisla Distillery Tour
    • Loch Ness Boat Trip
    • Urquhart Castle Visit
    • Kilmartin Glen Museum
    • Ferry to Islay
    • Bunnahabhain tour and tasting
    • Tutored tasting at Lagavulin
    • Private Rib Tour around Islay
    • Private Walking Tour of Glasgow
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support form the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights – both international and domestic
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide

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