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MASTER TEMPLATE - Whisky Immersion

Number of Travellers: 2

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

In the evocative wild beauty of the Highlands, discover the story of Scotland’s most precious spirit: whisky. From grain to grass, there is perhaps no other drink that has such a profound sense of place. In a landscape as treasured and unique as the tipple it produces, join your expert Wilderness guide on a trip inspired by scotch.

Begin on the banks of the River Spey, the region’s famous whisky river. Canoe along its peaceful shores and fly fish for salmon in the cool, clear water. Explore impressive distilleries, both traditional and modern, enjoying exclusive tours and guided tastings. From expert distillers and whisky connoisseurs, learn about the history, stories, and ancient traditions that have made scotch whisky famous around the world.

Crafted to capture the magic of our national drink, this trip will allow you to visit the places, meet the people, and learn the secrets behind Scotland’s iconic golden spirit.

Highlights

Enjoy exclusive tours and private tastings of rare single malts
Experience the beauty of Speyside as you fly-fish with a knowledgeable ghillie and canoe with an expert guide
Under the guidance of a renowned chef, cook up a storm as you create a delicious meal inspired by the diverse whiskies of the region
Relax in luxurious 5 star accommodation in the very heart of whisky-country

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Speyside

Arrive in Aviemore this morning, a town nestled in the northern reaches of the Cairngorms National Park, and meet your Wilderness Guide. A short drive takes you to The Cairn, an innovatively built distillery with a turf roof that looks out over the River Spey. Enjoy a private tour, chatting with an expert distiller and tasting a number of whisky expressions that emulate the character of future whiskies to come. Afterwards, on a road that follows the river, transfer to Rothes Glen, a striking baronial-style castle with a tasting room, whisky vault and in-house, award-winning chef. Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner in this stunning Highland setting.

Day 2 - Ballindalloch Estate and Canoeing the Spey

This morning, a short transfer will take you to Ballindalloch, a much-loved Highland estate. Managed by the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546, it is home to Scotland’s first ever single estate distillery. Enjoy a private tour, learning about the estate’s unique history and traditional approach to whisky making. After lunch, join your expert guide to canoe down the River Spey, hearing stories about Scotland’s famous whisky river. Come ashore at Aberlour Distillery and celebrate your paddling adventure with a dram in the Mash Tun Whisky Bar. Relax in the warm ambience of the pub, chatting to the small team of knowledgeable staff about their unique Glenfarclas Cask Collection which impressively spans 52 consecutive years from the same distillery.

Day 3 - Fishing the Whisky River and Carving a Quaich

In the soft dawn light, head out to meet a local ghillie for a morning spent fishing on the River Spey. Whether you are a well-seasoned expert or an enthusiastic beginner, enjoy fly-fishing with your friendly guide, whose love of the sport and fantastic knowledge of the region makes for an incredibly memorable experience. This afternoon, back at Rothes Glen, learn the art of green-wood carving – an ancient tradition that was once at risk of being forgotten. From a local woodsman, learn the history of this unique craft and discover the pleasure that comes from whittling a traditional whisky quiach. This evening, after a fresh, locally sourced dinner, perhaps step outside into the inky darkness to appreciate a sky full of the sharpest of stars.

Day 4 - A Relaxed Morning and Visiting Speyside Cooperage

After a lovely, relaxed breakfast, spend a morning at your leisure, enjoying one of the many activities that your charming accommodation has to offer. Whether you wish to test your target practice with a round of clay-pigeon shooting or saddle up and explore the stunning estate on horseback, enjoy switching off and immersing yourself in the beautiful landscape of the Highlands. This afternoon, continue your journey from grain to glass with an exclusive tour of Speyside Cooperage. An experienced Cooper will take you on a tour, where you can watch first-hand the Coopers at work. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed dram or warm drink in the cafe, before transferring back to Rothes Glen for a delicious dinner in the flickering glow of candlelight.

Day 5 - Tour of Macallan Distillery

Spend the day on an exclusive tour of Macallan Distillery, which is part of a 485 acre estate on the banks of the Spey. Made up of a collection of semi-subterranean buildings, the striking distillery is designed to be harmonious with the natural topography of the land. Holding a licence to distil since 1824 and with a firm desire to push towards a more sustainable future, Macallan manages to blend the best of the past with the most promising of the present. Enjoy the distillery’s amazing architecture, seasonally inspired food and a tutored tasting of some of Macallan’s carefully selected whiskies. After a thoroughly enjoyable day, return to Rothes Glen to relax before dinner. Perhaps take a stroll around the beautiful grounds or sink into the warmth of an armchair with a warm drink.

Day 6 - Hiking the Smugglers Trail and a Cookery Workshop

After coffee overlooking the tranquil grounds, head out with your expert guide to Glenlivet Estate to hike the Smugglers Trail. The landscape here was once a battleground for illicit distillers, and as you venture deep into the glen, you’ll discover its secrets hidden in the highs and lows of the land. As you walk, keep an eye out for wildlife. Red deer, the stags often adorned in impressive antlers, can often be seen in the higher reaches of the moor, as well as roe deer and mountain hare. Enjoy a picnic lunch listening out for the chatter of grouse and the melancholy, bubbling call of the curlew. Later this afternoon, a local celebrity chef will join you for a cookery workshop in which you will create a meal inspired by the diverse whiskies you have encountered during your Scottish adventure.

Day 7 - Depart

After breakfast, depending on your departure time, your guide will transfer you to the airport so you may begin your journey home. If you wish, you are also welcome to extend your trip. We are always delighted to discuss further options to ensure your adventure is exactly to your liking. Perhaps you would like to spend some time on Scotland’s west coast and visit the Isle of Islay. Home to nine distilleries and as beautifully unique as the whiskies it produces, spending time on the island is a wonderful addition to any scotch-inspired itinerary.