fbpx

All of our tours are fully customisable to suit your tastes and requirements. 

Tour Details

Day 1 – Welcome to Whisky Country

Arrival: Glasgow (or Edinburgh )Airport
Accommodation: Ugadale Hotel (1 Night)
Lunch: Loch Fyne Restaurant.  Dinner: The Old Clubhouse Kintyre Restaurant

On arrival at Glasgow airport (or Edinburgh) your private driver will be waiting and your Scottish whisky adventure will commence.
You will weave through the west coast of Scotland on one of the country’s most scenic driving routes. On the way you will pass the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, ‘The Rest and Be Thankful’, a commemorative military road and famous beauty spot, eventually stopping for Lunch at Loch Fyne Restaurant.

You will also pass through the stunning towns of Inveraray, Lochgilphead and Tarbert.

You then reach the luxurious Ugadale Hotel, your accommodation for the evening.
Based at the heart of Machrihanish Dunes, this exquisite hotel has been lovingly restored to its former glory. From here you will enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, while being treated like royalty.

After a long flight and drive to your hotel, we recommend the first day being a recuperation day where you can enjoy the fabulous facilities at the hotel. These include a spa where you can relax and enjoy a facial, body treatments, and a range of massages.

In the evening you will dine in the Ugadale Hotel’s Old Clubhouse Restaurant where you will be treated to the freshest, local Scottish ingredients carefully crafted into a range of mouth-watering dishes.

 

Day 2 – Campbeltown

Accommodation: The Machrie Hotel and Golf Links, Islay (2 Nights)
Distilleries: Springbank, Glen Scotia.   Dinner: 18 Restaurant

After a luxurious breakfast your private driver will be waiting and you will start your Campbeltown whisky adventure. Campbeltown was formally known as the whisky capital and is still home to some of the best whisky distilleries in the country.

Springbank distillery will be your first stop of the day. Springbank has a rich history and is the oldest family run distillery the country. You will experience the full whisky production process, from floor malting to bottling. After the tour you will be treated to a couple of delightful drams.

You will then visit Glen Scotia distillery. Although one of the smallest distilleries in the country, Glen Scotia punches well above its weight and its fine single malt is highly regarded amongst whisky connoisseurs.

After a few drams one tends to work up an appetite so you will then be taken to The Black Sheep Pub for some lunch. This cosy pub won Southwest Pub of the Year in 2019, so you’re in for a real treat and the bar staff will go above and beyond to ensure you are well looked after.

Your driver will then escort you to Kennacraig Ferry Port and you will make your way across to Islay.

Your accommodation for the next two nights will be the beautiful Machrie Hotel and Golf Links. Nestled between towering sand dunes crafted by mother nature, The Machrie has breath-taking views over the rugged Machrie links course.

In the evening you will dine in the hotel restaurant, ‘18’. This sleek and stylish space offers log fires and sea views which can be enjoyed from the outdoor terrace. Fresh, local Scottish produce is used to craft a menu which includes Scottish partridge, sea trout, and North Sea hake.

Day 3 – Islay

Accommodation: The Machrie Hotel and Golf Links, Islay
Distilleries: Lagavulin, Ardnahoe, Laphroaig.   Dinner: 18 Restaurant

After your relaxing breakfast at The Machrie, you will be picked up by your driver to begin your day on Islay. Your will travel to the south of the island, which is famous for being a whisky distilling paradise and producing fine peaty malts.

Lagavulin distillery will be your first stop out of the trio of southern distilleries. Famed for producing a very peaty malt with hints of iodine, the average Lagavulin is 16 years old and is loved by many discerning whisky fans. You will enjoy a tour of the distillery and be treated to a few drams at the end of the tour.

From Lagavulin you will journey via the town of Bowmore to Ardnahoe distillery to enjoy a lovely lunch in their cafe, which boast incredible views across to Jura.

Your driver will then take you back to Port Ellen where you will have the honour of visiting Laphroaig distillery. The ancient distillery of Laphroaig opened in 1825 and still uses many of the traditional whisky distilling methods. Laphroaig produces a highly distinctive whisky known for its rich and peaty flavours. The single malt is renowned for being a timeless classic, the people of the distillery change over time, but the distilling methods stay the same. You will take the ‘experience tour’ and enjoy a tasting of three whiskies at the end of the tour.

In the evening you will return to the fabulous Machrie Hotel for your final evening on Islay.

Day 4 – Oban

Accommodation: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Near Oban (1 Night)
Distilleries: Oban.   Dinner: The Deck Restaurant

After breakfast, your private driver will escort you to the ferry, for the morning crossing back to the mainland.

You will then travel up the beautiful coastline until you reach the small seaside town of Oban. You will have the chance to explore this charming little town before heading to your next distillery of the tour, Oban distillery where you will embark on a fabulous tasting tour. Oban Distillery is filled with character and charm despite being one of the smallest distilleries in the country. After the tour you will be treated to a few drams.

For lunch today you will have the pleasure of visiting a true institution of Oban, The Oban Inn. Established in 1790, this cosy spot has been offering weary travellers food and drink for hundreds of years. Choose from Stornoway black pudding, Orkney mac and cheese, highland beef olives, and much more.

As you travel around Oban you will not be able to help but notice McCaig’s Tower, standing tall and proud on the town’s skyline. The Colosseum-like Tower takes only 10 minutes to walk to from the town centre and while you have been used to whisky so far on the tour, here you can drink in the spectacular views over Oban and the neighbouring islands.

Your driver will then take you to an unspoilt rugged private island where you will find the 5 Star Isle of Eriska Hotel, your accommodation for the evening. Dining at the hotel’s Deck Restaurant this night, choose from a range of delicious food in your relaxed setting.  It views over our golf course and Loch Linnhe.

Day 5 – Ben Nevis and The Highlands

Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (3 Nights)
Distilleries: Ben Nevis.   Dinner: Torrish Restaurant

After breakfast you will embark on a beautiful journey taking in some of Scotland’s most beautiful sights. Your first stop of the day will be Glencoe valley and village. Glencoe was carved by volcanic eruptions and glaciers. With mighty summits, glistening waterfalls, picturesque lochs, and incredible views, Glencoe really is a paradise that will live forever in the memory.

Your driver will continue to take you north until you reach Fort William. This traditional Scottish town is built in the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You will have the opportunity to walk around this quaint town and take in the beautiful scenery. You can also catch a glimpse of the Jacobite steam train from the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint and take in the ‘must see’ Glenfinnan Monument.

For lunch today you will be tucking into some delights at Crannog, a pretty, red-roofed seafood restaurant serving fresh seafood and allowing wonderful views over Loch Linnhe.

You will then be taken to the Ben Nevis Distillery. Nestled at the foot of the famous Ben Nevis, this is an impressive setting indeed for a distillery. You will embark on a guided tour of the distillery, visiting the old warehouse (dating back to 1862) and enjoy a special audio-visual presentation. You will then visit the production areas with your Ben Nevis Distillery guide. Finally, of course, your whisky tour would not be complete without tasting a few delicious Ben Nevis drams.

You will then travel around the glorious banks of Loch Ness. We suggest having your camera at the ready, as the glistening waters at Loch Ness are hard to beat.

The roads around Loch Ness will eventually lead you to Urquhart castle. Urquhart Castle was built in the 13th century and played a key role in throughout the wars of Scottish history. We suggest walking up the Grant Tower and enjoying the breath taking view of Loch Ness and beyond. Tucked at the bottom of the castle is the ghastly prison cell which held many a man captive back in the day.

From there you will be driven to Inverness and your accommodation, the Ness Walk Hotel, which sits right on the banks of the River Ness and enjoys an oasis of calm in Inverness, an otherwise busy city, as it is surrounded by a huge canopy of trees. Here, beautiful period features combine with sleek modern features to deliver an ambiance that oozes sophistication.

You will dine in the luxurious Torrish Restaurant this evening, where you will be warmly welcomed and have the chance to try some Isle of Lewis mussels, Orkney hand-dived scallops, Speyside lamb, as well as many other delicious dishes. There is also a vegan à la carte menu, so there will be something for everyone.

Day 6 – Speyside

Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness
Distilleries: Glenlivet, Glenfiddich.   Dinner: Rocpool Reserve Restaurant

After breakfast, you will head deep in to the heart of Scotland’s Speyside whisky region. First stopping at Glenlivet Distillery where you will be taken on the Single Casks experience. Here you will get to sample four exclusive single cask drams and compare them, allowing you to understand the particular flavours and colouring which various types of casks can impart on the whisky.

For lunch today you are in for a real treat as you visit the Craigellachie Hotel, Scotland’s oldest whisky hotel and home to one of the finest whisky bars in the world, The Quaich. You will enjoy lunch in the cosy Copper Dog bar and restaurant. Here you’ll find Grants of Speyside haggis bon bons with whisky glaze, fish and chips, and the Craigellachie beef burger.

Having had your fill, you will then be driven to Glenfiddich distillery where you will enjoy the extra special tour, the Glenfiddich Solera: Deconstructed Tour. This one is for the true enthusiasts. You will do the standard distillery tour, then visit warehouse 8, home to Glenfiddich’s distinct solera process where you will learn just how they make their 15 year old so special. You will also have the chance to create your very own version of the 15 year old by combining various casks together. You can even keep a small bottle of your creation to take home.

You will then make your way to the site of the historic Bronze Age circular chamber tomb, Clava Cairns. Regarded as one of Scotland’s most well-preserved historic sites, the ruins will give you an ancient historic experience in beautifully tranquil surroundings.

You will again stay in the Ness Walk Hotel but for dinner this evening you will have reservations at the 5-star Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness. This special Georgian mansion oozes class. Admire the dramatic décor, quirky features, and unique charm of this boutique hotel while enjoying a sumptuous meal at the in-house restaurant which offers duck rillette, quail, assiette, and Scottish Angus beef.

Day 7 – Highlands

Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness
Distilleries: Glenmorangie.   Dinner: Torrish Restaurant

First on the agenda today is The Glen Ord Distillery. With roots stretching back hundreds of years, and the modern-day distillery founded in 1838, Glen Ord Distillery has a rich history. You can learn all about this history on a whisky tour, led by a knowledgeable tour guide. You can also sample some of the whisky and if you like what you taste there’s a gift shop to buy for yourself, or as a gift for friends and family perhaps.

From here you will head further North in to the Highlands.  En-route you will stop off at The Storehouse – Restaurant, Food Hall & Gift Shop. A great place to stretch your legs and grab a quick bite to eat on the shores of the Cromarty Firth. Offering great views over the Black Isle you will be able to enjoy some gourmet treats and have browse of their gorgeous little gift shop.

You will then be taken to Glenmorangie distillery where you will embark on a tour of the warehouses and the distillery itself, with unparalleled access. Their expert guides will take you through each stage of the whisky making process that makes Glenmorangie so unique; from mashing and fermenting to the distilling and maturation. The tour will end with a tasting of some delicious Glenmorangie highland single malts.

Day seven ends with a visit to Chanonry Point (Gaelic: Gob na Cananaich) on the Black Isle, widely acclaimed as the best place in the UK to see bottlenose dolphins from the land. Also, keep an eye out for seals, porpoises, and otters. The lighthouse at the tip of Chanonry Point is still active and was first lit back in 1846.

From there you will be taken back to Ness Walk for the evening and be dining once more in the fantastic Torrish.

Day 8 – Cairngorms & Perthshire

Accommodation: Fonab Castle, Pitlochry (1 Night)
Distilleries: Dalwhinnie.   Dinner: Sandeman’s Restaurant

Your first stop today is Dalwhinnie Distillery. Surrounded by the freshest spring water and peat from local bogs, Dalwhinnie is a whisky making mecca. The single malt crafted at Dalwhinnie has many of the classic traits of a Speyside malt: sweet, slightly tangy, and notes of vanilla. You will tour the distillery and learn about the art of scotch whisky production. At the end of the tour, you will be treated to a complimentary whisky and chocolate tasting.

Next, you will visit The House of Bruar where you will enjoy a spot of lunch and do some shopping. This upmarket shopping centre has a huge range of tweed clothing and outdoor wear, as well as many items for your home or perhaps a gift for friends and family.

Remember to save some room after lunch because you’re in for a treat at the next stop, The Highland Chocolatier. Master Chocolatier Iain Burnett crafts premium chocolates that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Only the finest and freshest natural ingredients are used, such as the single-origin cocoa sourced from São Tomé, an island in the South Atlantic. Here you will experience a guided tasting session which will teach you all about becoming a Master Chocolatier, how such premium chocolate is made, and, of course, sample some of Iain’s world-famous velvet truffles. If you have a special someone you want to buy a gift for, this is the spot as Iain’s truffles have not once but twice been voted the best in world.

Having no doubt stocked up on chocolates, you will be driven to your accommodation for the night, Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa. This 5-star hotel and spa has been restored to the highest standards and enjoys picture perfect views across the Perthshire countryside and the river Tummel.

In the evening you will enjoy exquisite fine dining in the 3 AA Rosette Sandeman’s Restaurant. Surrounded by wood-panelled walls and ornate furniture, tuck into the seven-course tasting menu full of classic dishes with an extra twist.

Day 9 – Lowlands

Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (2 Nights)
Distilleries: Lindores Abbey.   Dinner: Johnnie Walker Blue Room (JWPS)

In the morning you will travel to Lindores Abbey Distillery. You will embark on a private tour, learning all about the history of their 12th century site and of course the barley to bottle production process. Finishing with a private tasting in their Legacy Tasting Room.

Your next destination is the famous town of St Andrews, the ‘Home of Golf’ and Scotland’s oldest university. Here you can explore the historic streets, particularly Market Street, which are littered with fascinating shops full of souvenirs and gifts.

For lunch you will dine at Forgan’s, a restaurant with a quite marvellous dining space. High ceilings with windows provide lots of natural light, while the décor provides an up-market but laidback feel. The staff at Forgan’s are truly special and will ensure you are properly looked after. If you are so lucky to be there on a Sunday, their Sunday roast specials are certainly not to be missed. After lunch, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along West Sands Beach, an idyllic spot.

You will then drive over the Forth Road Bridge, making your way to The Balmoral, Edinburgh’s most prestigious hotel.

In the evening you will have dinner and drinks at the Johnnie Walker rooftop bar and restaurant which commands unrivalled views over the Edinburgh skyline.

Day 10 – Edinburgh

Accommodation: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
Distilleries: Holyrood.   Dinner: Amber Restaurant and Whisky Bar

After a relaxing breakfast, you will be met by a private guide who will take you on a walking tour of Edinburgh. You will get to see many of Edinburgh’s most cherished attractions and landmarks. You will begin by strolling along Princes Street Gardens, the dividing line between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. This area of the city was previously a loch, which was notoriously used as a site for “witch ducking”, as well as dumping waste. However, in 1820 the loch was drained, and the most beautiful gardens were created in its place. You will then visit the Scott Monument, a huge and elaborate monument to one of Scotland’s most famous and prolific writers and public figures, Sir Walter Scott. Taking great pride in our literary legends, this is the second largest monument for a writer in the world.

From there you will head up to Calton Hill, a fantastic viewing point for taking in both the cityscape of Edinburgh, as well as Arthur’s Seat and the Pentland Hills further off in the distance.

You will stroll up the historic Royal Mile, passing traditional pubs, souvenir shops, and street performers. If you fancy something to drink, we recommend visiting the Jolly Judge, a little hidden gem which provides a warm Scottish welcome and a cold pint to cure your thirst. Your next stop will be St Giles Cathedral. The church was formed in the 1120’s and is known as the ‘Cradle of Presbyterianism’. The architecture and design are breath-taking, though the highlight has to be the beautiful stained-glass windows.

Your final stop on your walking tour will be Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle was voted Scotland’s best paid tourist attraction and for good reason. The castle is steeped in history with the oldest part of the building dating back to the 12th century. The castle houses the famous Crown Jewels, The Stone of Destiny, and Mons Meg — the huge cannon which could fire a 150kg stone.

For lunch you will be sampling the delightful menu of Holyrood 9a, a cosy little pub in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town offering a huge range of salads, burgers, steaks, venison, and, since you’re in Scotland, a haggis burger.

You will then get a chance to enjoy a tour of Holyrood distillery, one of Scotland’s newer distilleries. Here you will learn all about the creative ways that the team at Holyrood are crafting exciting and unique whiskies. The tour rounds off with a tasting of four Holyrood drams.

You will then head to the Scotch Whisky Experience to take part in the Gold Tour Experience. This is a tour like no other. You begin by going on their whisky barrel ride which whisks you through the production process of Scottish whisky. You are then tutored on the various aromas that can be found in whisky, before viewing the largest collection of Scottish whisky in the world. And of course, you get to try four distinct regional malts, giving you an idea of what your favourite type of dram is. You even get to keep a crystal tasting glass.

Sadly, this will be your last whisky stop of the trip before you dine in the luxurious Amber Restaurant in the evening. However, don’t worry, its full name is the Amber Restaurant and Whisky Bar, so there will be plenty more opportunity for a dram or two. Tuck into venison, baked seabass, roast squash risotto, or sirloin steak.

From there you will retire to The Balmoral once more for a final restful night before heading home in the morning.

Day 11 – Departure

Your private driver will escort you to Edinburgh Airport, where we must bid you a fond farewell to Scotland and the Luxury Scotland Tours team.

Follow Us

Featured In:

forbes
telegraph
advisor
luxtrav
miami-herald
travel
TrustPilot
Google
tripadvisor