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.

Travel Itinerary

Day 1, March 20: Edinburgh to St Andrews & the Highlands

St Andrews / Blair Athol Distillery: VisitScotland

Your journey begins with a morning pickup in Edinburgh, followed by a scenic drive to the historic coastal town of St Andrews. Explore the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and enjoy time to walk the old town and coastline at your own pace.

After a lunch break (not included), continue north into the Highlands for your first distillery experience.

Blair Athol Distillery
Enjoy a guided tour and tasting at one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland, known for its rich, fruity Highland style.

Overnight: Macdonald Hotel

Schedule highlights

• 08:30 – Pick up in Edinburgh
• 10:00–13:00 – St Andrews & Cathedral visit
• 13:00–14:00 – Lunch (not included)
• 15:45–17:00 – Blair Athol Distillery tour & tasting

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

Glenfiddich / Cardhu / Speyside Cooperage: VisitScotland

After breakfast, travel to Speyside, home to the highest concentration of whisky distilleries in Scotland.

Visit Glenfiddich Distillery, one of the world’s most iconic family-owned distilleries, followed by a stop at the Speyside Cooperage, where traditional oak casks are crafted and repaired.

After lunch, continue to Cardhu Distillery, renowned for its smooth, elegant single malts and rich history.

The evening is free to relax or explore locally.

Overnight: Macdonald Hotel

Schedule highlights

• Breakfast included
• 10:00–11:30 – Glenfiddich Distillery tour & tasting
• 12:00–13:00 – Speyside Cooperage visit
• 13:30–15:00 – Lunch (not included)
• 15:30–17:00 – Cardhu Distillery tour & tasting

Day 3, March 22: The Macallan & Loch Ness

Macallan / Loch Ness: VisitScotland

After checking out, enjoy a relaxed morning in Speyside with time at The Macallan Distillery bar, where you can savour drams in one of the most striking distillery settings in Scotland (tour not included).

Following lunch, travel north to Loch Ness for a scenic boat trip across its legendary waters, surrounded by classic Highland landscapes.

The evening is free in Inverness.

Overnight: Leonardo Hotel Inverness

Schedule highlights

• Breakfast included & hotel check-out
• 10:30–12:00 – Macallan Distillery, drams at the bar (tour not included)
• 13:00–14:00 – Lunch (not included)
• 14:30–16:30 – Loch Ness boat trip

Day 4, March 23: Northern Highlands Distilleries

Balblair Distillery/ Glenmorangie Distillery

Begin the day with a visit to Glenmorangie Distillery, famous for Scotland’s tallest stills and its refined, elegant whisky style.

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

Enjoy a relaxed evening back in Inverness.

Overnight: Leonardo Hotel Inverness

Schedule highlights

• Breakfast included
• 11:00–12:30 – Glenmorangie Distillery tour & tasting
• 13:00–14:00 – Lunch (not included)
• 14:30–16:30 – Balblair Distillery tour & tasting

Day 5, March 24: Castles & the Isle of Skye

Eilean Donan Castle / Old Man of Storr / Talisker Distillery

After breakfast and check-out, travel west through dramatic Highland scenery to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks.

Continue to the Isle of Skye, where the afternoon is dedicated to Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on the island and a world-famous Scotch whisky.

Overnight: Broadford Hotel

Schedule highlights

• Breakfast included & hotel check-out
• 10:30–12:30 – Eilean Donan Castle visit
• 13:00–14:30 – Lunch (not included)
• 15:00–16:30 – Talisker Distillery tour & tasting

Day 6, March 25: Skye to Oban

Glenfinnan Viaduct / Oban Distillery: VisitScotland

Depart Skye after breakfast and travel south through the western Highlands. Stop at the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, known for its sweeping views and cinematic history.

In the afternoon, visit Oban Distillery, a historic coastal distillery producing a distinctive maritime style.

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

Overnight: Oban Bay Hotel

Schedule highlights

• Breakfast included & hotel check-out
• 11:00–12:00 – Glenfinnan Viaduct visit
• 13:00–14:00 – Lunch (not included)
• 15:30–17:00 – Oban Distillery tour & tasting

Day 7, March 26: Stirling & Return to Edinburgh

Stirling Castle /Edinburgh: VisitScotland

After breakfast and check-out, travel east to Stirling, a city central to Scotland’s royal and military history. Visit Stirling Castle, one of the country’s most important fortresses, offering panoramic views and deep historical insight.

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

Schedule highlights

• Breakfast included & hotel check-out
• 10:00 – Departure for Stirling
• 12:00–13:30 – Lunch (not included)
• 13:30–15:00 – Stirling Castle visit
• 17:30 – Drop-off 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 Blair Athol, 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.