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Edinburgh · Lothian · Scotland
3 Day Small Group Speyside Whisky Trail Tour from Edinburgh
Starting From
From $829.40 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
This tour takes you to Speyside, home of over half of Scotland’s malt whiskey distilleries. You get the chance to explore four distilleries, learn how whiskey is intertwined with Scottish culture, and venture through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Places you'll explore: Dunkeld - This cathedral’s architecture is a fascinating mix of Gothic and Norman styles. Cairngorms National Park - Gaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks. The River Spey - One of Scotland’s most important rivers for salmon farming and whiskey distilling. Speyside Cooperage (Mon and Wed departures only) - Learn about the lifecycle of a whiskey cask. Elgin- Visit this spirited town and explore the best little whisky shop in the world. Four Whisky Distilleries - Compare and contrast the whiskeys of four distinctly delectable distillers. Royal Deeside - Throughout history, the Royal Family has loved exploring this gorgeous region of Scotland. Speyside Cooperage is visited on Monday and Wednesday departures. Guests will enjoy themselves at Glenlivet Distillery.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Dunkeld cathedral’s architecture is a fascinating mix of Gothic and Norman styles
- Cairngorms National Park
- Visit The River Spey
- Compare and contrast the whiskeys of distinctly delectable distillers
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Braemar
Sightseeing. You head north through the Kingdom of Fife, to your first distillery; Lindores Abbey. This is a modern Scottish distillery built on the site of the first-ever recorded distiller in the country in 1494. Visit this site to discover the historic legacy of the area blended with innovation and sustainable practices all captured in their fine whisky. Continue north towards the UK's largest National Park, Cairngorms National Park. This will be a stunning drive, so keep your cameras ready. You stop in Braemar and have some time for lunch and a little explore.
Continued
Edinburgh
Local Flavor. A bite to eat is a good idea though because your next stop is the Whisky Castle. This whisky emporium has been selling the finest malt whiskies for over 120 years and is stocking over 600 malts. Savour three Speyside whiskies to get familiar with a distinctive taste of this region.
Continued
Grantown-on-Spey
Sightseeing at Cairngorms National Park. Once you’ve warmed with this dram of “the gentle spirit”, you continue through the Cairngorms National Park before reaching Grantown-on-Spey, your base for two nights.
Continued
Edinburgh
Accommodation provided.
Day 2
Edinburgh
Local Flavor at The Glenlivet distillery. Get ready for a fun day exploring Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky region. Known for its lush landscapes along the River Spey, this area is home to over half of Scotland's distilleries.We leave Grantown-on-Spey and journey to the first distillery of the day: Glenlivet. The beginnings of the Glenlivet Distillery were very bold – it was the first legal distillery in the remote and rugged Glen of the Livet. And it instantly became the most popular. At the distillery, enjoy an immersive experience in the Process Room and sample three exceptional drams, including exclusive editions available only on site.
Continued
Edinburgh
Sightseeing at Speyside Cooperage. After lunch in nearby Aberlour, we follow the Spey River to the Speyside Cooperage, one of the last Scottish barrel-makers still blending traditional and modern methods. From shaping to charring, learn the secrets of the craft that goes back 5,000 years as you explore this unique place.
Continued
Edinburgh
Local Flavor at Cardhu distillery. Our final stop is Cardhu, a renowned Speyside malt whisky producer. Hear the story of Helen Cumming, a pivotal figure in the distillery's success, explore how Cardhu became key in blends like Johnnie Walker. And most importantly, embark on their mystery whisky challenge experience that includes a tour of the distillery and tasting of five whiskies.
Continued
Edinburgh
Accommodation provided.
Day 3
Edinburgh
Local Flavor at Cairngorms National Park. You'll leave your accommodation in the morning and start your day with a visit to Dalwhinnie distillery set in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park.
Continued
Pitlochry
Sightseeing. You then leave the Highlands and journey south to Perthshire. Lying in the heart of Scotland, Pitlochry is a beautiful little town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The time is yours to explore and have some lunch.
Continued
Edinburgh
Local Flavor. Next, you stop for a walk among towering Douglas firs in the Hermitage, a lovely forest with a roaring waterfall. From here the route south takes you to the stunning wee village of Dunkeld, where you've got some time to explore before heading to your final whisky experience of the tour.
Continued
Edinburgh
Sightseeing. You then over the Firth of Forth, take in the magnificent South Queensferry bridges, and head back into Edinburgh.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach Air conditioning as standard The stories and services of a driver-guide Admission to distilleries listed below will be included: Lindores Abbey - Tour and tasting at Lindores Abbey Distillery Glenlivet Distillery - Original tour and tasting (includes 3 Whiskies of the core range / special editions) Cardhu Distillery - "Guess Dhu" Tour and tasting challenge of 5 whiskies Speyside Cooperage - Tour of Speyside Cooperage Dalwhinnie Distillery - Masterclass tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery
Not Included
Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified Food and drinks unless specified Tips
What to Bring
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
Restrictions
No Children are permitted on this tour. To retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers. For groups larger than 8, please submit an inquiry for a private tour.
Meeting & Pickup
Check-in closes at 08:30 (tour departs at 08:45) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 18 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
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