Speyside Whisky Trail 3-Day Small-Group Tour

Activity code: 353904
Glenlivet Distillery Speyside Scotland
Speyside Cooperage barrel making Dufftown Scotland
Dalwhinnie Distillery Cairngorms National Park Scotland
Hermitage forest waterfall Perthshire Scotland
Speyside Whisky Trail – Lindores Abbey, Glenlivet, Cardhu, Speyside Cooperage and Dalwhinnie
1/9
Duration
3 days
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Hotel Rating
B&B Ensuite
Start / End
Edinburgh → Edinburgh
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 16
Physical Rating
Easy Light activity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities

Highlights

The water of life, the amber nectar, liquid gold — Scotland's whisky is legendary for good reason. We're passionate about sharing its secrets with you. From the spiritual birthplace of Scotch at Lindores Abbey to the iconic valley of Glenlivet and the mountain grandeur of Dalwhinnie, we take you deep into the heart of Speyside's whisky country. And when the drams are done, you'll unwind in the peaceful towns of the Cairngorms.

  • Begin at Lindores Abbey Distillery in the Kingdom of Fife — a modern distillery on the site of Scotland's first recorded whisky distillery from 1494, considered the spiritual home of Scotch whisky
  • Journey through Cairngorms National Park, stopping in Braemar for lunch, then visit The Whisky Castle to sample three Speyside malts from a collection of over 600 whiskies
  • Discover the legendary Glenlivet Distillery — the first legal distillery in the area — with an immersive Process Room tour and tasting of three exceptional drams, including exclusive distillery-only editions
  • Tour the Speyside Cooperage, one of Scotland's last traditional cooperages, then discover Cardhu Distillery and the story of Helen Cumming, whose whisky became a cornerstone of Johnnie Walker
  • Enjoy a whisky and chocolate masterclass at Dalwhinnie Distillery, walk through the dramatic Hermitage forest in Perthshire, and visit the historic village of Dunkeld before crossing the Firth of Forth back to Edinburgh

3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Tour Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Lindores Abbey Distillery & Cairngorms National Park

    We travel north through the Kingdom of Fife to Lindores Abbey Distillery, a modern distillery built on the site of Scotland's first recorded whisky distillery, dating all the way back to 1494. Explore this remarkable place and discover how it all began.

    Next, we journey into the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, stopping in the charming village of Braemar for free time to enjoy lunch and a stroll through its historic streets.

    We then visit The Whisky Castle, where you'll have the opportunity to sample three Speyside whiskies chosen from an extraordinary collection of over 600 malts.

    Continuing through the Cairngorms, we arrive at Grantown-on-Spey, our base for the next two nights.

  2. Day 2

    Glenlivet, Speyside Cooperage & Cardhu

    Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring Speyside, Scotland's most iconic whisky region. Departing from Grantown-on-Spey, we begin at the legendary Glenlivet Distillery. Founded in the remote and rugged Glenlivet valley, it became the first legal distillery in the area — a bold move that quickly earned worldwide recognition.

    Nearly two centuries later, visitors can still discover the secrets behind its success. Experience the immersive Process Room and savour three exceptional drams, including exclusive editions available only at the distillery.

    After your first warming drams, we continue to the charming village of Aberlour for a well-deserved lunch break.

    In the afternoon, we follow the River Spey to the Speyside Cooperage, one of the last traditional cooperages in Scotland, where skilled craftsmen continue the centuries-old art of barrel making using a blend of traditional techniques and modern technology.

    Our final stop is Cardhu Distillery, one of Speyside's most celebrated whisky producers. Discover the remarkable story of Helen Cumming, whose vision and determination helped shape the distillery's success, and learn how Cardhu became an essential component in famous blends such as Johnnie Walker.

    After a day filled with whisky discoveries, rich history, and unforgettable flavours, we return to Grantown-on-Spey.

  3. Day 3

    Dalwhinnie Distillery & the Hermitage

    In the morning, prepare for a whisky and chocolate masterclass tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery, surrounded by the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Cairngorms National Park.

    Leaving the Highlands behind, we journey south into Perthshire. Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Pitlochry is a charming town filled with inviting shops, restaurants, and cafés — with free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

    Your adventure continues with a walk through the Hermitage, a beautiful forest of towering Douglas firs and a dramatic roaring waterfall.

    From there, we travel south to the picturesque village of Dunkeld, where you'll have time to wander its historic streets.

    Finally, we cross the Firth of Forth, taking in the spectacular bridges of South Queensferry, before returning to Edinburgh.

What's Included

Accommodation
  • 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast (guesthouse/B&B)

    • What should I expect from a B&B?
    B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
    It's unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it's worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
    If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room (subject to availability, upon request only) as lifts will not be available in this type of property.

Guide
  • Expert local driver-guide throughout
  • 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
Meals
  • 2 breakfasts
Transport
  • 16-seat mini-coach throughout
  • Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage (20 kg / 44 lbs). Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment and is not accessible until drop-off.

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Arrival & departure transfers
  • Food and drinks
  • Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
  • Other activities and services not listed under Included

Additional Information

  • You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
  • This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
  • Both nights are spent in Grantown-on-Spey in the heart of Speyside whisky country.
  • Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
  • Tour reference code: 353904

Dates & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions