Edinburgh & Speyside Whisky Trail
Partially Escorted Tour
Scotch in Scotland, what could be better? Begin and end your trip exploring the hilly capital city of Edinburgh. In between, enjoy a small group guided tour of Speyside, Scotland's most prominent whisky-distilling region. Enjoy included whisky distillery visits, luxury transportation, and more included.
Partially escorted tours offer the perfect balance of freedom and guidance. Enjoy some time for independent exploration mixed with an expertly guided tour that provides deep local insights and fully planned itineraries.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Private round-trip airport transfers
- 2 nights in Edinburgh at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, or similar
- Edinburgh Hop-On/Hop-Off City Bus Tour (24-hours)
- Lunch with Whisky Pairing at Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar
- Speyside Whisky Trail 2-night Small-Group Guided Tour, including:*
- 2 nights in Grantown-on-Spey at the Craiglynne Hotel, or similar
- Four whisky distillery visits
- Transportation by luxury private 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Services of a professional driver/guide
- Service charges & VAT tax
- 1 night in Edinburgh at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast Daily
Entry and tasting fees at the distilleries are not included in the price, to give you more choices and options of extra tastings, on the spot. Please allow approximately an extra 25-30 GBP for the tours and tastings.
The itinerary and distillery visits are subject to variation throughout the season, and may be different than those described in the itinerary. However, there will always be a minimum of four distillery visits during the tour.
Lunches are not included. However the tour will either stop in small villages with a choice of lunch options, or at a local family establishment where there is a choice to suit all budgets. These places are always chosen for their charm and character - to give you the taste of local hospitality.
Great Ways to Explore
Admire the famous Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an ancient volcano.
- Enjoy a personalized tour of a family-owned distillery!
-
Have the opportunity to sample whiskies and taste the regional differences.
Explore a charming village based in the middle of a national park!
Have a pint at Scotland's oldest licensed pub, the Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh!
No visit to Scotland is complete without a little Scotch to warm your insides! You'll start and end your adventure in Edinburgh, Scotland's hilly capital.
In between your time exploring the city, you'll enjoy a 3-day guided tour of Speyside's Whisky Trail, home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries. Your 3-day adventure allows you to sit back and let someone else do the driving while you visit some of the finest whisky distilleries in Scotland, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Cairngorm National Park, Speyside and Royal Deeside.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Private round-trip airport transfers
- 2 nights in Edinburgh at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, or similar
- Edinburgh Hop-On/Hop-Off City Bus Tour (24-hours)
- Lunch with Whisky Pairing at Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar
- Speyside Whisky Trail 2-night Small-Group Guided Tour, including:*
- 2 nights in Grantown-on-Spey at the Craiglynne Hotel, or similar
- Four whisky distillery visits
- Transportation by luxury private 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Services of a professional driver/guide
- Service charges & VAT tax
- 1 night in Edinburgh at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast Daily
Entry and tasting fees at the distilleries are not included in the price, to give you more choices and options of extra tastings, on the spot. Please allow approximately an extra 25-30 GBP for the tours and tastings.
The itinerary and distillery visits are subject to variation throughout the season, and may be different than those described in the itinerary. However, there will always be a minimum of four distillery visits during the tour.
Lunches are not included. However the tour will either stop in small villages with a choice of lunch options, or at a local family establishment where there is a choice to suit all budgets. These places are always chosen for their charm and character - to give you the taste of local hospitality.
Admire the famous Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an ancient volcano.
- Enjoy a personalized tour of a family-owned distillery!
-
Have the opportunity to sample whiskies and taste the regional differences.
Explore a charming village based in the middle of a national park!
Have a pint at Scotland's oldest licensed pub, the Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh!
No visit to Scotland is complete without a little Scotch to warm your insides! You'll start and end your adventure in Edinburgh, Scotland's hilly capital.
In between your time exploring the city, you'll enjoy a 3-day guided tour of Speyside's Whisky Trail, home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries. Your 3-day adventure allows you to sit back and let someone else do the driving while you visit some of the finest whisky distilleries in Scotland, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Cairngorm National Park, Speyside and Royal Deeside.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Edinburgh!
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport and enjoy a private transfer to your first accommodation. After getting settled in, start taking advantage of your included Hop-On/Hop-Off bus pass.
In the evening, consider heading over to Scotland's oldest pub, the Sheep Heid Inn, to celebrate your first night in Scotland!
Transfer to Edinburgh hotel
Sitting in a wonderful city-center location, the castle-like Principal Edinburgh George Street is a chic accommodation for anyone looking to enjoy the sights of Edinburgh. With Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Princes Street Gardens all nearby, those looking for a royal feeling will fit right in here. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, conference and meeting rooms, a gym, an on-site restaurant, and tickets and tours assistance for guests.
Rooms are elegant and feature a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, coffee and tea making facilities, complimentary bottled water, ironing facilities upon request, hypoallergenic bedding upon request, and a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, and bathrobes. With an event room and plenty of shopping, cuisine, and sight-seeing available in the area, it makes any stay at Principal Edinburgh George Street entertaining.
Perfectly located in the center of Edinburgh with plenty of access to nearby attractions, Market Street is the perfect hotel if you're looking for a clean, friendly, and accessible accommodation while in Scotland. Highly stylized with an archaic exterior and modern interior, guests are sure to feel welcome while enjoying incredible access to outside locations as well as an on-site lounge, restaurant, terrace, and coffee house. Views of the city are incredible from the hotel's many gigantic windows.
Air conditioning runs throughout the hotel, and high speed Wi-Fi is available in every room. Guest rooms are comfortable and decorated in neutral tones with hints of yellow and orange. Each room comes equipped with a private bathroom, television (featuring Chromecast and Apple TV), locally-designed fabrics and furniture, small-business owned coffee grounds, and optional choices for hypoallergenic bedding.
Just a few minutes away from the hotel are some of Edinburgh's most popular attractions. These include the City Art Centre, National Museum of Scotland, the Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, and many more.
Ten Hill Place is perfect for travelers looking to be close to the sights of Edinburgh! This four-star hotel is .5 miles from Waverly Rail Station, and is close to the Royal mile and the shopping area of Princes Street. Ten Hill Place offers Wi-Fi, a bar, and a restaurant that serves locally sourced food.
Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's Old Town at the eclectic Stay Central Hotel. Located right on bustling Cowgate, you'll be just steps away from many sights and attractions including the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, and the Princes Street Gardens. Enjoy this hotel's funky yet stylish decor - be on the lookout for tons of interesting artwork, unique furniture, and fun board games.
When your legs are tired from exploring, head up to your spacious, comfortable room and take advantage of the hotel's luxurious amenities. Use complimentary WiFi to plan the rest of your trip, catch up on your favorite show on a flat screen TV, and relax in the rainfall-style shower.
Stay close to all of Edinburgh's top attractions with a stay at ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile. Only about half a mile from Edinburgh Castle and even closer to the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, the hotel keeps you in the heart of the action. Enjoy comfortably furnished guestrooms and hotel amenities such as a 24-hour bar stocked with a selection of Scottish beers and spirits, speedy Wi-Fi, and an outdoor courtyard to take in a warm afternoon. Fuel up with a good breakfast before you set out to discover the hidden treasures of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off City Bus Tour (24 hours)
Explore the highlights of Scotland's capital with the 24-hour Edinburgh Hop-on/Hop-off City Bus Ticket. Witness the city's prominent attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Grassmarket, Scottish Parliament, and the Scottish National Gallery. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town and Georgian New Town, each with its unique charm. An engaging commentary tailored for kids adds an extra layer of enjoyment. The entire loop spans approximately 60 minutes, but you have the flexibility to hop on and off at your preferred stops throughout the ticket's validity period.
Day 2. Edinburgh
Today, enjoy an unforgettable lunch and whisky pairing at Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar!
Lunch with Whisky Pairing at Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar
Enjoy lunch at the iconic Amber Restaurant located at the Scotch Whisky Experience. Since its inception, the goal of the restaurant was to feature locally sourced food paired with the high quality Scotch Whisky. Your 3-course lunch includes tea/coffee and 2 whisky pairings (soft drinks for 17 and under).
Day 3. Edinburgh - Grantown-on-Spey
Today's the day! Enjoy an early breakfast, then head to the designated meeting point to embark on your 2-night small-group guided tour of Scotland's Speyside Whisky Trail.
Departing from Edinburgh, your Scotch Whisky adventure starts as you head north through the Kingdom of Fife to Lindores Abbey Distillery. This modern Scottish distillery is built on the site of the first ever recorded distiller in the country.
After lunch in Braemar, you can sample the delights of the Royal Lochnagar distillery. The outstanding flavor of its whisky was appreciated by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on one of many visits to their summer residence, Balmoral Castle.
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.
Check-in - The Craiglynne Hotel
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Highlands in Grantown-on-Spey at this beautiful hotel that marries traditional Scottish charm with modern luxury and amenities. Catch yourself admiring the beauty and architecture of this grand Victorian hotel, which boasts Highland granite, stone towers, and bay windows overlooking lush gardens. After you settle into your spacious, comfortable room, take a short walk to the center of town and explore!
After an adventurous day, relax with a drink and cozy up around the roaring log fireplace in the lounge. When you work up an appetite, indulge in delicious classic Scottish cuisine at the hotel's award-winning Speyside Restaurant. Head up to your room, climb into your large comfortable bed, and enjoy the hotel's hand-picked amenities that will make you feel right at home.
Day 4. Grantown-on-Spey
Spend a whole day exploring Scotland’s most famous whisky region. After a scenic drive towards the coast, your first stop of the day is at Glen Moray*, where you can try whisky matured in a wide selection of casks. You travel back up the Spey River to Craigellachie for a visit to the Speyside Cooperage, where you see another aspect of the whisky making process. After lunch in nearby Aberlour, you visit Cardhu Distillery, which is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Today, Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label. From here you travel back to Grantown-on-Spey.
*Glen Moray Distillery will be replace with the Craganmore Distillery, as of April, 2025.
Day 5. Grantown-on-Spey - Edinburgh
In the morning you visit Scotland's highest distillery at Dalwhinnie, set in splendid mountain scenery at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park.
You then leave the Highlands and journey south to Perthshire. Pitlochry is your lunch stop and later you drive to the Hermitage to get close to nature. Here you can take a fantastic woodland walk amongst the tallest trees in Britain and admire the Black Linn Falls.
From here the route south takes you to Dunkeld, where you've got some time to explore, and then over the Firth of Forth and back to Edinburgh (arriving at approximately 6:30pm).
**Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
Sitting in a wonderful city-center location, the castle-like Principal Edinburgh George Street is a chic accommodation for anyone looking to enjoy the sights of Edinburgh. With Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Princes Street Gardens all nearby, those looking for a royal feeling will fit right in here. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, conference and meeting rooms, a gym, an on-site restaurant, and tickets and tours assistance for guests.
Rooms are elegant and feature a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, coffee and tea making facilities, complimentary bottled water, ironing facilities upon request, hypoallergenic bedding upon request, and a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, and bathrobes. With an event room and plenty of shopping, cuisine, and sight-seeing available in the area, it makes any stay at Principal Edinburgh George Street entertaining.
Perfectly located in the center of Edinburgh with plenty of access to nearby attractions, Market Street is the perfect hotel if you're looking for a clean, friendly, and accessible accommodation while in Scotland. Highly stylized with an archaic exterior and modern interior, guests are sure to feel welcome while enjoying incredible access to outside locations as well as an on-site lounge, restaurant, terrace, and coffee house. Views of the city are incredible from the hotel's many gigantic windows.
Air conditioning runs throughout the hotel, and high speed Wi-Fi is available in every room. Guest rooms are comfortable and decorated in neutral tones with hints of yellow and orange. Each room comes equipped with a private bathroom, television (featuring Chromecast and Apple TV), locally-designed fabrics and furniture, small-business owned coffee grounds, and optional choices for hypoallergenic bedding.
Just a few minutes away from the hotel are some of Edinburgh's most popular attractions. These include the City Art Centre, National Museum of Scotland, the Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, and many more.
Ten Hill Place is perfect for travelers looking to be close to the sights of Edinburgh! This four-star hotel is .5 miles from Waverly Rail Station, and is close to the Royal mile and the shopping area of Princes Street. Ten Hill Place offers Wi-Fi, a bar, and a restaurant that serves locally sourced food.
Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's Old Town at the eclectic Stay Central Hotel. Located right on bustling Cowgate, you'll be just steps away from many sights and attractions including the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, and the Princes Street Gardens. Enjoy this hotel's funky yet stylish decor - be on the lookout for tons of interesting artwork, unique furniture, and fun board games.
When your legs are tired from exploring, head up to your spacious, comfortable room and take advantage of the hotel's luxurious amenities. Use complimentary WiFi to plan the rest of your trip, catch up on your favorite show on a flat screen TV, and relax in the rainfall-style shower.
Stay close to all of Edinburgh's top attractions with a stay at ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile. Only about half a mile from Edinburgh Castle and even closer to the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, the hotel keeps you in the heart of the action. Enjoy comfortably furnished guestrooms and hotel amenities such as a 24-hour bar stocked with a selection of Scottish beers and spirits, speedy Wi-Fi, and an outdoor courtyard to take in a warm afternoon. Fuel up with a good breakfast before you set out to discover the hidden treasures of Edinburgh.
Day 6. Depart Scotland
In accordance with your departure flight, enjoy one final private transfer to Edinburgh Airport.
Transfer to Edinburgh airport (EDI)
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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