Scotland Whisky Tour 2026 (Speyside, Highlands & Isle of Skye)

Discover the spirit of Scotland on a curated Scotland whisky tour designed for travellers and whisky enthusiasts seeking an authentic and immersive experience. This premium whisky journey explores the heart of Speyside, the remote Highlands, and the wild beauty of the Isle of Skye, combining iconic distilleries, historic castles, and unforgettable landscapes.

This tour is ideal for those looking for a whisky tasting experience in Scotland that goes beyond the glass.

Scotland Whisky Tour – Travel Itinerary

Day 1, March 20th: Edinburgh to the Highlands & Speyside

Dalwhinnie / Speyside Cooperage / Macallan: VisitScotland

Your journey begins with a morning pickup in Edinburgh, travelling north into the Cairngorms for your first distillery experience.

Visit Dalwhinnie Distillery, one of Scotland’s highest and most remote working distilleries, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting in a truly dramatic Highland setting.

Continue into Speyside, stopping at the Speyside Cooperage to witness the traditional craft of cask making and repair.

The day concludes with relaxed drams at The Macallan Distillery bar, an opportunity to savour exceptional whiskies in one of Scotland’s most architecturally striking distillery settings (tour not included).

Overnight: Macdonald Hotel

Schedule highlights

• 08:00 – Pick up in Edinburgh
• 10:00–11:30 – Dalwhinnie Distillery tour & tasting
• 13:00–14:00 – Speyside Cooperage visit
• 14:30–15:45 – Lunch in the Craigellachie area
• 16:00–18:00 – Macallan bar experience

Day 2, March 21st: Speyside: The Heart of Scotch Whisky

Glenfiddich – Cardhu: VisitScotland

Day 2 is dedicated to the world-famous distilleries of Speyside, home to the highest concentration of Scotch whisky producers.

Begin at Glenfiddich Distillery, one of the world’s most iconic family-owned distilleries, where you’ll enjoy an in-depth tour and tasting experience.

After lunch, continue to Cardhu Distillery, renowned for its delicate character and rich whisky heritage.

The evening is free to relax or explore locally.

Overnight: Macdonald Hotel

Schedule highlights

• Breakfast included
• 10:00–12:00 – Glenfiddich Distillery tour & tasting
• 12:00–13:30 – Lunch
• 15:30–17:00 – Cardhu Distillery tour & tasting
• Free evening

Day 3, March 22nd: Loch Ness & Inverness

Loch Ness: VisitScotland

After breakfast and check-out, travel north through classic Highland scenery to the legendary waters of Loch Ness.

Enjoy a scenic boat trip across the loch, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and Highland atmosphere.

Following lunch, continue to Inverness for a relaxed evening in the capital of the Highlands.

Overnight: Leonardo Hotel Inverness

Schedule highlights

• 08:00–09:15 – Breakfast & hotel check-out
• 09:45 – Departure
• 12:30–14:30 – Loch Ness boat trip
• 15:00–16:30 – Lunch in Drumnadrochit / Inverness
• Free evening in Inverness

Day 4, March 23rd: Northern Highlands Distilleries

Balblair Distillery/ Glenmorangie Distillery

On day 4, we explore two distinctive Highland distilleries, each offering a unique style.

Visit Balblair Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in the Highlands, known for its fruit-forward and expressive single malts.

After lunch, continue to Glenmorangie Distillery, famous for Scotland’s tallest stills and refined whisky style.

Return to Inverness for a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Leonardo Hotel Inverness

Schedule highlights

• 08:00–09:00 – Breakfast
• 10:30–12:00 – Balblair Distillery tour & tasting
• 12:00–13:15 – Lunch in the Tain / Dornoch area
• 14:00–15:30 – Glenmorangie Distillery tour & tasting
• Free evening in Inverness

Day 5, March 24th: Isle of Skye and Talisker

Eilean Donan Castle / Old Man of Storr / Talisker Distillery

Depart Inverness after breakfast and journey west toward the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye.

Stop at the iconic Old Man of Storr, one of Scotland’s most photographed natural landmarks, offering views across the Sound of Raasay.

In the afternoon, visit the one and only Talisker Distillery, the oldest operational distillery on the island, famous for its bold, maritime, and smoky coastal-style.

On the way back to Inverness, we will conclude the day with a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most recognisable castles.

Overnight: Leonardo Hotel Inverness

Schedule highlights

• 07:30 – Breakfast & hotel check-out
• 08:30 – Departure
• 11:00–13:00 – Old Man of Storr visit
• 13:30–14:30 – Lunch
• 15:00–16:30 – Talisker Distillery tour & tasting
• 17:30–18:15 – Eilean Donan Castle visit

Day 6, March 25th: Glenfinnan & Oban

Glenfinnan Viaduct / Oban Distillery: VisitScotland

Travel south from Skye to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, known for its wonderful Highland views and cinematic history.

In the afternoon, arrive in Oban for a tour and tasting at Oban Distillery, a historic coastal distillery on the west coast of Scotland.

The evening is free to enjoy Oban’s harbour and seaside atmosphere.

Overnight: Oban Bay Hotel

Schedule highlights

• 08:00–09:30 – Breakfast & hotel check-out
• 11:15–12:00 – Glenfinnan Viaduct
• 13:30–15:00 – Lunch in Oban
• 15:30–17:00 – Oban Distillery tour & tasting
• Free evening

Day 7, March 26th: Stirling, St Andrews & Return to Edinburgh

Stirling Castle / St Andrews / Edinburgh: VisitScotland

After breakfast and check-out, travel east to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important historic fortresses, offering panoramic views and insight into the nation’s royal and military past.

Continue to the historic coastal town of St Andrews, where you’ll visit the evocative ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and enjoy time to explore.

Your journey concludes with a late-afternoon return to Edinburgh.

Schedule highlights

• 08:00 – Breakfast & hotel check-out
• 08:30 – Departure
• 10:00–11:15 – Stirling Castle visit
• 12:45–13:30 – Lunch
• 13:30–15:00 – St Andrews Cathedral visit
• 16:30–17:00 – Arrival in Edinburgh / End of tour

Practical Information

What’s included

• 4★ hotel accommodation (Breakfast included)
• Private transport throughout Scotland
• Bilingual tour leader (English & Spanish)
• Whisky tours/tastings at each of the mentioned distilleries

Not included

• Flights
• Lunches and dinners
• Unlisted attractions or activities
• Accommodation pick up and drop off
• Gratuities (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Scotland Whisky Tour?

The tour includes accommodation in 4-star hotels, private transportation throughout Scotland, a bilingual tour leader (English and Spanish), and whisky tastings at the listed distilleries. All distillery visits included in the itinerary are guided.

Which whisky regions are visited on this tour?

This Scotland whisky tour covers three iconic regions: Speyside, the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye, offering a diverse overview of Scottish single malt styles and regions.

Which distilleries are included in the itinerary?

The tour includes visits to Dalwhinnie, Glenfiddich, Cardhu, Macallan, Glenmorangie, Balblair, Talisker, and Oban Distillery, along with a visit to the Speyside Cooperage.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or only for whisky experts?

This tour is designed for anyone interested in learning about whisky while travelling across different Scottish regions. Distillery visits and tastings are accessible and informative, while still offering depth and insight for experienced whisky lovers.

Are whisky tastings included?

Yes. whisky tours and tastings are included at the distilleries listed in the itinerary. Additional or premium tastings may be available on-site at an extra cost.

In what language are the distillery tours conducted?

Distillery tours are conducted in English. However, the tour includes a bilingual tour leader (English and Spanish) throughout the journey to assist guests at all times.

When does the Scotland Whisky Tour take place?

The tour takes place in March 2026, from March 20 to March 26, and lasts seven days.

What is not included in the tour price?

International flights, lunches, dinners, and visits not specified in the itinerary are not included in the tour price.

How much does the Scotland Whisky Tour cost?

The price starts at £2,100 per person in a double room and £2,400 per person in a single room.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

The tour involves light walking at distilleries, castles, and outdoor landmarks such as the Old Man of Storr. A moderate level of mobility is recommended, but no advanced hiking experience is required.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality. Guests are responsible for checking the current UK entry requirements before travelling.

Why choose Once Upon a Whisky for a whisky tour in Scotland?

Once Upon a Whisky specialises in curated whisky experiences that combine distillery visits, cultural landmarks, and seamless logistics, offering a refined and authentic way to explore Scotland through whisky.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes, you can. Please fill out the form below to request a private tour.