Speyside Whisky Adventure with Edinburgh
On the Whisky Trail in Edinburgh and Speyside
Discover the true taste of Scotland on this 5-night vacation package. Start in Edinburgh, then head off on a whisky trail in Speyside. Learn all about the classic spirit straight from the source!
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
-
Tour Her Majesty's Royal Yacht Brittania in Edinburgh to get a glimpse of royal life on the seas!
- Enjoy an unforgettable lunch with whisky pairings at Amber Restaurant, located at the Scotch Whisky Experience.
-
Learn about whisky's rich history and sample each of the five Scottish varieties.
-
Journey from one distillery to the next, passing incredible nature along the way.
-
Try Scotland's national dish of haggis with a dram of scotch.
This vacation package includes a 2-night small group escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
From its first mention in 1495 to present day, Scotland has had a great love affair with whisky. Learn about its fascinating history and taste the good stuff on this can't-miss adventure!
Begin in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city and home to a few members-only scotch clubs. Spend an afternoon rubbing shoulders with Scottish whisky connoisseurs, then head off on a 3-day guided tour of Speyside, Scotland's primary whisky-producing region. Tour several distilleries with informative guides as you enjoy the fruits of their labor. Along the way, you'll see the country's gorgeous countryside including Cairngorm National Park!
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.
-
Tour Her Majesty's Royal Yacht Brittania in Edinburgh to get a glimpse of royal life on the seas!
- Enjoy an unforgettable lunch with whisky pairings at Amber Restaurant, located at the Scotch Whisky Experience.
-
Learn about whisky's rich history and sample each of the five Scottish varieties.
-
Journey from one distillery to the next, passing incredible nature along the way.
-
Try Scotland's national dish of haggis with a dram of scotch.
This vacation package includes a 2-night small group escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
From its first mention in 1495 to present day, Scotland has had a great love affair with whisky. Learn about its fascinating history and taste the good stuff on this can't-miss adventure!
Begin in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city and home to a few members-only scotch clubs. Spend an afternoon rubbing shoulders with Scottish whisky connoisseurs, then head off on a 3-day guided tour of Speyside, Scotland's primary whisky-producing region. Tour several distilleries with informative guides as you enjoy the fruits of their labor. Along the way, you'll see the country's gorgeous countryside including Cairngorm National Park!
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.
Departure Airport:
Departure Date:
Price Per Person:
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 City Sightseeing 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.
Explore the highlights of Scotland's capital with the 24-hour Edinburgh City Hop-on/Hop-off 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
Enjoy your lunch and whisky tastings at Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar!
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.
Continuing north, you'll watch the scenery transform into forested hills and mountains as you approach Cairngorms National Park. You'll stop for lunch in the charming village of Braemar, which has ties to the British royal family; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased nearby Balmoral Castle after falling in love with the area. Next, you'll visit the Whisky Castle, an impressive whisky emporium, where you'll taste three Speyside whiskies and learn about the distinct flavors of the region.
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 Glenlivet, known for its signature smooth, floral whisky. Enjoy an immersive experience and sample three exceptional drams, including exclusive editions available only on site. Following a lunch stop in Aberlour, travel back up the Spey River to the Speyside Cooperage, one of the last Scottish barrel-makes still blending traditional and modern methods.
Today's final stop is Cardhu Distillery, which is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Learn how Cardhu became key in blends like Johnnie Walker, take a distillery tour and taste five whiskies. From here you travel back to Grantown-on-Spey.
Balmoral Castle
Day 5. Grantown-on-Spey - Edinburgh
In the morning you visit Scotland's highest working distillery at Dalwhinnie, set in splendid mountain scenery at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. Enjoy a masterclass with a whisky and chocolate tasting, before journeying further south to the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry for lunch.
Make a stop at the Hermitage for a lovely woodland walk amidst the tallest trees in Britain and the stunning Black Linn Falls, before traveling on to the gorgeous cathedral town of Dunkeld, where you'll have free time to explore this picturesque village on the River Tay.
From here you continue south through the rolling hills of the Kingdom of Fife and over the Firth of Forth, as you return 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, you'll be transferred back to Edinburgh Airport to begin your journey home.
Transfer to Edinburgh airport (EDI)
Fly home!