Scotland, a land steeped in misty glens, rugged coastlines, and ancient castles, is also celebrated worldwide for its liquid gold—whisky. Embarking on a Scotland whisky tour means immersing yourself in centuries of tradition and craftsmanship, where each distillery tells a unique story of passion and precision.
From the windswept Isle of Islay to the serene Speyside region, Scotland offers a tantalizing journey into whisky-making.
Get ready to savor every drop and discover why Scotland’s whisky is celebrated worldwide. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a gourmet adventure through Scotland’s finest distilleries, curated for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Cheers to unforgettable memories and a week of pure Scottish whisky bliss!
Day – 1. Welcome in Scotland – Glasgow
You land at Glasgow Airport around noon. A welcome at the airport and boarding your bus – transfer to downtown Glasgow at 12:30 p.m. (different arrival times will be handled individually)
Lunch Break
Enjoy a delightful lunch break at Mharsanta, a charming Scottish Restaurant & Bar conveniently located near George Square.
Guided Tour of Glasgow
Glasgow is a vibrant city. Immerse yourself in the city’s past with our guided tour of Glasgow. Learn more about the city’s history as you stroll through George Square or Glasgow Cathedral. Admire the Victorian architecture of the City Chambers, the Merchants’ House, and the headquarters of the Glasgow City Council. Discover Glasgow’s early Christian and Roman heritage and learn about the city’s development.
Hotel Check-in and Leisure
Transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Strathclyde Glasgow, a 4-star hotel. Check-in and take advantage of the hotel’s amenities:
- Gym
- Pool
- Walking paths
- Relaxation areas
Dinner and Overnight Stay
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay. Your stay will include breakfast the next morning, ensuring a fresh start for the next day’s adventures.
Day – 2. Glasgow – Lomond Hills – Blair Athol Distillery – Kinloch Rannoch
You leave Glasgow and after a little more than an hour’s bus ride, you arrive at East Lomond National Park.
East Lomond Hill Hike
From the Craigmead Car Park & Picnic Area, you will embark on the East Lomond Hill hike. The East Lomond Walk takes you to the “summit” of East Lomond (Falkland Hill), the remains of an extinct volcano that formed over 400 million years ago. For the 4 km hike, a stress-free 60 minutes is allotted, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic views over Fife, the Southern Highlands, and the Firth of Forth at your leisure and snap some photos.
Lunch at Auld Smiddy Inn, Pitlochry
Now it’s off to Pitlochry, where we’ll have a light lunch at the Auld Smiddy Inn. Then, the first distillery visit is on the agenda.
Blair Athol Distillery Tour
The Blair Athol Distillery is situated at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Perthshire. Its history dates back to 1798 when it was first established under the name Aldour Distillery by Robert Robertson and John Stewart. In 1825, the distillery underwent its first significant expansion, leading to a change in name from Aldour to Blair Athol Distillery. Today, the distillery is owned by Diageo and offers regular tours.
Blair Athol distills in four stills, and its water source is the Allt Dour Burn River. Visitors can observe and smell the whisky-making process, from milling and malting the grains to the barrels containing the final product. The whiskies produced at Blair Athol are predominantly aged in sherry casks, resulting in a somewhat “sweet character”. A defining feature of Blair Athol whisky is the prominent sherry influence combined with a relatively light body.
At the end of the tour, of course, we will have a tasting of Blair Athol whisky.
Transfer to Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa
In the late afternoon, transfer to the luxurious 4-star Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa. Take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, including:
- Pool
- Sauna
- Scenic walking trails
- Relaxation areas
Dinner and Overnight Stay
Relax and unwind with dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing your Scottish adventure.
Day – 3. Speyside Cooperage – Balvenie Distillery – Inverness
Today, you’ll first visit the Speyside Cooperage, where used wine, cognac, sherry, or whisky barrels are refurbished and toasted. Depending on the type of barrel used, the character of the whisky to be aged in it changes. This makes the work of the Speyside Cooperage incredibly important. Here, barrels from all over the world are refurbished, reassembled, and stored, and visitors can watch the process.
The tour of the Speyside Cooperage is a must for whisky enthusiasts, providing unique insights into the creation and refurbishment process of whisky barrels. At the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy a sip of the 10-year-old single malt from the Speyside Cooperage’s own brand in the Toasting Room.
Lunch in a Pub
Enjoy a hearty lunch at The Highlander Inn Pub, savoring local flavors and perhaps some traditional Scottish dishes.
The Glenlivet Distillery Tour
Discover how the Glenlivet Distillery became the original Speyside Single Malt Whisky. In 2024, the distillery celebrates its exact 200th anniversary. Learn and explore how the Glenlivet produces its characteristic whiskies during a guided walk through the distillery and a visit to the warehouse. Then, enjoy a guided tasting of 3 whiskies from the core range; “The Glenlivet 12-, 15-, and 18-Years Aged” whiskies are likely to be served.
Transfer to Accommodations
Later in the day, transfer to your comfortable accommodations at either the 3-star Chieftain Hotel or the 3-star Fairwinds Hotel in Inverness. Take some time to unwind or perhaps engage in a friendly billiards tournament at the hotel.
Dinner and Overnight Stay
Indulge in a delightful dinner at the hotel, where you can relish more of Scotland’s culinary delights. Enjoy a restful overnight stay with breakfast provided, preparing you for more adventures in the picturesque landscapes of Scotland.
Day – 4. Inverness Victorian Market – Urquhart Castle – Eilean Donan Castle – Kyle of Lochalsh
In the morning after breakfast, you have time to explore Inverness on your own. With its central location in the city center, Inverness Castle is a fantastic stop for your exploration stroll. This ancient fortress has been standing here since the 11th century and has experienced a turbulent history. Crossing the bridge, you’ll reach Inverness Cathedral. It has a long history and is a fantastic example of Alexander Ross’s architecture. In addition to magnificent stained glass windows, you can also see the craftsmen’s talent in the intricately detailed wood and stone carvings. Perhaps you’d like to purchase some souvenirs at the Victorian Market Mall.
Visit to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
After check-out, you’ll take the bus to Loch Ness with its Urquhart Castle. This “castle” is the castle ruins located on Loch Ness. It doesn’t offer much from the inside, but it’s worth taking some very nice photos of its exterior along with the lake. Perhaps the Loch Ness Monster will even make an appearance. “Nessie” is the attraction of this Scottish Highland lake. It attracts around half a million tourists annually, who stare into the water hoping to catch a glimpse of the monster. It was last seen in 1998.
Light lunch at Fiddler’s Highland Restaurant.
In Fiddler’s own words: “Here at Fiddler’s, we pride ourselves on having an extensive range of cask and bottled beers from independent breweries throughout Scotland. From the Orkney Islands to the Scottish Borders, we ensure you get the best selection of Scottish beers.” Well then, cheers!
Visit Eilean Donan Castle
Continue your journey to Eilean Donan Castle, pronounced roughly as “Elänn Donnen”. Highlander, James Bond, and even Bollywood – Eilean Donan Castle has been the backdrop for many cinema hits. Particularly Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert in 1986, made Eilean Donan with its bridge a world-famous spot. The castle, built in the 13th century, was destroyed in the 18th century and reconstruction began in 1912. The “current” castle in Scotland’s Wild West is not so old, as it was only completed in 1932. Eilean Donan Castle is probably the most photographed castle in the world.
Transfer and Hotel Check-in
Transfer to your accommodations at either the Balmacara Hotel or Kyle Hotel ‘A Bespoke Hotel’ in Kyle of Lochalsh. Check-in and unwind with a variety of activities:
- Sports
- Billiards
- Darts
- Relaxation
Dinner
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Balmacara Hotel, followed by a relaxing evening. You might want to unwind with a drink at the bar, reflecting on the day’s adventures amidst the serene Scottish Highlands.
Overnight Stay with Breakfast
Retire for the night at the hotel, where a comfortable room awaits. Wake up refreshed and ready for another exciting day ahead, with breakfast included to fuel your adventures.
Day – 5. Isle of Skye – Fairy Pools – Talisker Distillery – Fort William
In the morning, after checking out, we will take the bus to the Isle of Skye. The Fairy Pools are among the most popular attractions on the Isle of Skye. Located in Glen Brittle, this gently flowing stream forms enchanting pools with waterfalls at every turn. As the hike to the Fairy Pools is so popular, you will most likely share this experience with some other tourists.
Light lunch at The Old Inn, winner of the Skye Award 2019 for “Best Local Pub” on the island. Fantastic outdoor seating with stunning views, typical local beers, and dishes such as homemade cod soup, salmon bagels, fish & chips, etc., and usually great service. Just what we need after the walk to the Fairy Pools! Cheers.
Talisker Distillery Tour
Next, we’ll visit the Talisker Distillery, which is also the oldest operating distillery on the Isle of Skye. Here, a seductively “sweet” and full-bodied single malt is created, embodying the natural and wild character of its homeland in the most delightful way. Take a tour behind the scenes of the distillery and sample “the water of life.”
Transfer to Fort William
Afterward, we’ll drive to Fort William. Located in the Lochaber region in the western Highlands, the town is often referred to as the outdoor capital of the UK.
Check-in and Leisure Time
Check-in at the Garrison Hotel or Distillery Guesthouse in Fort William. Enjoy some leisure time to relax.
Dinner at The Geographer Restaurant
In the evening, stroll to The Geographer Restaurant, renowned as one of the best dining spots in Fort William. Indulge in a delicious dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes. This restaurant is considered the best in town, and you can’t make reservations. In other words, sometimes you “have to” enjoy an aperitif before a table becomes available.
Overnight Stay with Breakfast
After dinner, return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, with breakfast provided the next morning. Prepare for another day of exploration and adventure in the magnificent Scottish Highlands.
Day – 6. Old Inverlochy Castle – Oban Distillery – Glasgow
Check out, followed by a leisurely hike to Old Inverlochy Castle. Old Inverlochy Castle was built between 1270 and 1280. Since renovations in the 16th century under Alexander III, no construction work has been carried out, giving the building insights into the architecture of bygone eras. Although only a ruin remains of the once magnificent castle, the visit is worthwhile.
Oban Distillery Tour
We’ll then drive to Oban and visit the Oban Distillery. The distillery was founded in 1794 by the brothers John and Hugh Stevenson. The small port town of the same name developed around the distillery, which is now located at its heart. Due to the proximity of the surrounding houses built over the years, expansion of the production site has not been possible for the Oban Distillery. Therefore, Oban is one of the smallest whisky distilleries in Scotland. At the end of the tour, of course, we’ll taste the delicious whiskies from Oban.
Lunch with a View at Piazza Restaurant
Lunch at Piazza Restaurant on the North Pier in Oban. If the weather is good, you’ll not only enjoy the tasty food but also the view across the bay and out towards the islands of Kerrera, Lismore, and Mull.
Return to Glasgow, Check-in and Relaxation
Transfer back to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Strathclyde Glasgow. Check-in and unwind with leisure time to enjoy the hotel’s amenities.
Surprise Dinner in Downtown Glasgow
Later in the evening, enjoy a surprise dinner at a special location in downtown Glasgow, adding an element of excitement and discovery to your culinary experience in the vibrant city.
Overnight Stay in the Glasgow Area
Return to the hotel after dinner for a comfortable overnight stay. Reflect on your journey through Scotland’s historic sites, whisky distilleries, and scenic landscapes, ensuring a memorable conclusion to your adventure.
Day – 7. Bye Bye and Transfer to Glasgow Airport
As you conclude your wonderful stay in Scotland, you will be transferred to Glasgow Airport for your departure. Our team will ensure you have a smooth and comfortable journey to the airport.
As you embark on your onward journey, we hope you will carry fond memories of Scotland’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
In Conclusion
As our 7-day journey through Scotland’s whisky trails comes to a close, we hope your senses are as enriched as your spirits. Armin – the White Glove Sommelier, guided you through each distillery, every tasting was a deep dive into the heritage and craftsmanship that make Scottish whisky unparalleled.
If you’ve been captivated by the allure of liquid gold, don’t let this opportunity slip away. Join us on our Whisky Tour Scotland and continue to savor the rich, intricate flavors that only Scotland can offer. Register your spot now at Gourmet Wine Travel and let’s toast to more unforgettable adventures together. Cheers!
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