SAMPLE - Scottish Whisky Tour

Day 1 - Arrive in Edinburgh

On arrival in Edinburgh you will be met by your private transfer driver and taken to your iconic city centre hotel. Take some time to relax and settle in, enjoying an oasis of calm as the city’s characterful streets buzz and bustle beyond the window. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps head out for a short walk up Calton Hill. From the top, which is marked by a collection of historical monuments, you can see many of Edinburgh’s famous landmarks, including Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth and the Royal Mile as it climbs its way to the castle. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Whisky and Wheels

You will be picked up from your hotel this morning by your private driver and whisked through the city in a mini cooper – squeezing through the small alleyways and down the cobblestone streets as you explore the lesser known areas.  Being a local, your driver will regale you with stories of the places you pass through and you’ll enjoy a lovely lunch before being dropped back at your hotel. This afternoon you will head to the Johnny Walker Experience, an eight floor paradise for whisky lovers.  After a tour and tailored tasting, you will stay on for dinner where you will dine on local cuisine with matched whiskies before perhaps enjoying a night cap in the rooftop bar overlooking the iconic skyline of Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Exploring Edinburgh

You will be met at your hotel this morning by your private walking guide and will set off to explore some more of the city. From Calton Hill to the small courtyards that are hidden off the Royal Mile, your guide will bring to life the history of this iconic city.  After enjoying a delicious lunch at the Scotch Whisky Experience, you will take a tour of the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky followed by an introductory tasting of four contrasting regional single malts.  An excellent way to end the day.

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

Day 4 - To the North

Your main driver guide will collect you from your hotel this morning and you will start the journey north.  Your first stop will take a private tour of Blair Castle, learning more about the Highlanders and their connection to the castle.  Continuing on, your next stop will be at the highest distillery in Scotland for a tour and tasting before arriving at your country house hotel in the late afternoon.

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

Day 5 - The Taste of Speyside

Speyside is home to the majority of the Scottish whisky distilleries and some of the most famous names.  Your first stop this morning will be the last remaining working cooperage in the UK where you will see the coopers making the barrels where the golden nectar is stored for years to come.  Marvel at the speed these men work at and see how the barrels all come together using age old methods.  After enjoying lunch at a local renowned whisky hotel, you will head to Strathisla distillery, which is the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands.  Enjoy an exclusive tasting of drams taken 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 and the West Coast

Travel south to search for the legendary monster of the deep as you cruise the waters of Loch Ness. Take a tour of Urquhart Castle, situated on the loch shore, once a stronghold of Robert the Bruce. Discover the magnificent history of this castle fortress as you explore, before continuing on to the historic fishing town of Oban.

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

Day 7 - Kilmartin Glen and Ferry to Islay

Kilmartin Glen is steeped in history dating back over 5000 years and a wonderful place to learn more about the history of Scotland.  Your guide will bring the landscape to life as you explore the most important collection of bronze age remains in Scotland.  Boarding the afternoon ferry to Islay, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals that are abundant in these waters before making your way to your accommodation for the next three nights.

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

Day 8 - Whisky and Walking

Begin your day by taking a short hike on the Oa Peninsula, one of the most dramatic locations on the island. Here you will find the American Monument, erected as a memorial in 1918 to commemorate the loss of two troop ships. After enjoying lunch at a local inn, you will enjoy a tour of Warehouse number 9 at Bunnahabhain distillery where you will enjoy both the peated and unpeated whiskies – at cask strength of course!

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 and Seafood Delights

Take to the sea on a journey to the Gulf of Corryvreckan and witness the waters churn to create the legendary whirlpool. Enjoy a selection of fresh seafood delights on board as you keep an eye out for the island’s seal colony, birds, amongst other sea life. This afternoon your private skipper will take you to one of Islay’s distilleries to have a dram and warm up after your morning on the water.

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

Day 10 - Fly to Glasgow

This morning your driver guide will wish you safe travels as you board your short flight back to the mainland, arriving in the delightful city of Glasgow. On arrival you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day to relax and spend at your leisure.

Note: Wilderness Group is unable to book flights on behalf of guests.

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

Day 11 - Walking Tour and Leisure Afternoon

Your expert local guide will meet you at your hotel this morning to show you around this characterful city. At lunchtime your guide will depart, leaving you to explore more of the city at your own pace this afternoon.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Depart Home

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel to transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast