Scotland’s Single Malt Journey: Islay, Speyside & The Whisky Trail
This is the ultimate package for the discerning American traveler, blending rugged adventure with world-class spirits.
Are you a connoisseur of single malts? Then you're ready to explore the world of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Whether you choose the smoky depths of Islay, the heart of the Speyside Whisky Trail, or prefer a specialized day trip from Edinburgh, you are guaranteed to sample some of the world's most acclaimed whiskies.
What is Single Malt Scotch Whisky? It’s the pure product of one specific distillery, never blended with spirits from other locations—a true taste of Scotland's craft.
Prepare for an unforgettable journey! Learn about authentic Scottish culture firsthand as you travel through the breathtaking landscapes of Cairngorms National Park. This tour immerses you in Speyside, home to over half of Scotland’s malt distilleries. Slàinte mhath! (Cheers!)
3 DAY WHISKY TRAIL TOUR
3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Adventure from Edinburgh
This guided trip maximizes your time and experience, featuring visits to legendary distilleries like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Dalwhinnie, and Benromach.
Day 1: Highlands & the Highest Dram
Departing from Edinburgh, your three-day Scotch adventure begins as you travel north into the majestic Scottish Highlands. Start with a picturesque stop at the historic village of Dunkeld, followed by lunch in Pitlochry. Your first official distillery visit is Dalwhinnie—the highest distillery in the country and closest to the source of the River Spey. You then follow the river north, traveling through the stunning Cairngorm National Park to your base for two nights in Grantown on Spey.
Day 2: The Heart of Speyside
Dedicate a full day to exploring Scotland’s most famous whisky region.
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Benromach Distillery: Enjoy a personalized tour at this highly-regarded, family-owned establishment.
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Elgin: Visit Gordon and Macphail, a global leader in specialist whisky bottling.
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Speyside Cooperage: Witness another crucial aspect of the whisky-making process—cask preparation.
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Glenfiddich: Finish the day with a visit to this globally recognized distillery before returning to Grantown on Spey. (Note: Cooperage visit is only available for Wednesday departures.)
Day 3: Scenic Trails & Castles
Travel back to Edinburgh through the beautiful Cairngorm Mountains.
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Glenlivet: Explore this iconic distillery and the stunning glen, perfect for photos and wildlife spotting.
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Balmoral Castle: Pass by the famous Balmoral Castle and stop in the village of Braemar in the heart of the National Park.
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Conclusion: The route south takes you over Scotland’s highest mountain pass and through scenic Perthshire before arriving back in Edinburgh.
Important Travel Note
Please note: Due to seasonality, the itinerary and specific distillery visits may vary slightly. However, you are guaranteed a minimum of four high-quality distillery visits during the tour.
3 DAY WHISKY TOUR Per Person No children under the age of 18 are allowed on
this tour.
INCLUDES:
| Tour and tasting at Lindores Abbey Distillery |
| Expressions Tour and Tasting at Royal Lochnagar Distillery |
| Exclusive Tasting Flight |
| Flavor Journey tour and Tasting at Cardhu Distillery |
| Tour of Speyside Cooperage (May onwards) |
| Masterclass tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery |
Call 1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM ET or Please Email Us For Information
| Monday | 0830 | 19:00 | |
| Wednesday | |||
| 3 Day | Speyside Whisky Trail | 01/NOV/26 to 16/DEC/26 and 04/JAN/27 to 31/MAR/27 | 01/APR/26 to 31/MAY/26, 01/OCT/26 to 31/OCT/26 and 17/DEC/26 to 03/JAN/27 | 01/JUN/26 to 30/SEP/26 | |||
| No Children permitted on this tour | B&B Single | 813 | 871 | ||||
| Hotel Shared | 944 | 1,003 | |||||
| Hotel Single | 880 | 938 | |||||
| Hotel Single | 1,165 | 1,223 | |||||
| Monday | 06/APR/26 - 26/OCT/26 |
| Wednesday | 15/APR/26 - 21/OCT/26 |
4 day Islay and
Whisky Coast -
Islay Immersion: The Ultimate 4-Day Single Malt Scotch Journey
This exclusive, specialist tour takes you deep into the heart of Scotland's legendary whisky production, eliminating the need for a designated driver.
Islay: The Mecca for American Whisky Aficionados
If you consider yourself a true Whisky Aficionado, this is your bucket-list trip. Often cited by top US travel experts as the definitive Scotch experience, this 4-day specialist tour takes you to the "Queen of the Isles" and the famed Whisky Coast.
Islay is home to 8 of Scotland’s most iconic malt distilleries: $\text{Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Caol Ila, and Kilchoman}$. For the serious whisky enthusiast, this tour delivers the deepest knowledge—and even better, you won't need to drive anywhere yourself! Relax and enjoy every dram.
Day 1: Highlands, History, and the Ferry to Islay
Departing from Edinburgh at 8:30 AM, we head west through Glasgow, traveling along the scenic Loch Lomond and through the mountains to the picturesque village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. You can sample some exquisite local seafood for lunch or explore the historic town.
After lunch, we journey through Argyll and the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, stopping at Kilmartin to see mysterious stone circles and standing stones—over 350 prehistoric monuments in a six-mile radius! From Kennacraig, we catch the early evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours; keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and sea birds. A short drive brings us to Bowmore for your 3-night stay.
Day 2: Peat, Coastline, and Modern Craft
Today is dedicated to exploring "Whisky Island." Our itinerary balances stunning scenery, white-sand beaches, short nature walks, and the famous Islay whiskies—renowned for their strong, peaty flavors nurtured by the salty sea air.
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Kilchoman Distillery: Visit the newest and smallest distillery on the island.
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Bruichladdich: Stop at this privately owned gem for a premium tour and tasting.
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Portnahaven: See the tiny harbor village and look for seals before taking the lovely coastal backroads back to Bowmore.
Day 3: The Smokiest of the South Coast
Another day in whisky paradise! Today, we explore the southern side, home to the smokiest and peatiest whiskies.
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Ardbeg: Enjoy a tour, tasting, and lunch at Ardbeg's beautiful restaurant, known for its local produce and unique drams.
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Laphroaig: Follow up with a visit to this globally famous distillery.
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History & Culture: Visit the ruins of Kildalton church and its famous 8th Century Celtic cross.
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Free Time: In the late afternoon, enjoy free time in Bowmore to visit the famous Round Church, Bowmore Distillery (seasonal access), or relax with a quiet drink overlooking the water.
Day 4: Oban & Return to the Mainland
This morning, you take the ferry back to the mainland and travel up the coast to Oban—a bustling harbor town. Here, guests continuing on our Isle of Skye extension will be dropped off. Others will enjoy free time to explore the town, grab a late lunch, or even visit the Oban Distillery before the return trip to Glasgow and Edinburgh (approx. 8:00 PM return).
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VIP Inclusions
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Small Group Luxury: Transportation by top-of-the-range Mercedes minicoach for a truly personal experience, with a maximum of only 16 passengers.
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Authentic Experience Guarantee: Our small group tours offer more personal attention, more time with locals, more time off the bus, and a more authentic, friendly experience.
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Expert Guidance: Services of a professional, knowledgeable driver/guide.
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Premium Accommodations.
Touring with a maximum of 16
passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with
the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of
an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people
from all over the world and make friends for life.
| Grantown | B&B: Kinross House, Garden Park, Brooklyn Guest House , Dunallan |
All ferry and bridge crossings.
INCLUDES
| exclusive tour and tasting at Ardbeg Distillery |
| exclusive tasting at Ardnahoe Distillery |
| Tour and tasting at Bowmore Distillery |
| exclusive tour and tasting at Laphroaig Ditillery (2 dams of Whisky) |
Exclusions: All meals and refreshments.
. *This tour can pick up and drop off in Glasgow.
Departs: Edinburgh 08.30 Returns 20.00 approx.
| 01/NOV/26 to 16/DEC/26 and 04/JAN/27 to 31/MAR/27 | 01/APR/26 to 31/MAY/26, 01/OCT/26 to 31/OCT/26 and 17/DEC/26 to 03/JAN/27 | 01/JUN/26 to 30/SEP/26 | ||||||
| Adult | Adult | Adult | Child 5-15 | |||||
| 4 Day | Islay & the Whisky Coast | RO Shared ¹ | 1,483 | 1,483 | 1,607 | |||
| RO Single ¹ | 1,846 | 1,846 | 1,970 | |||||
No children on this tour. No hotel package available.
| Monday | 06/APR/26 - 26/OCT/26 and 08/MAR/27 - 29/MAR/27 |
| Wed, Fri | 03/APR/26 - 23/OCT/26 |
| Departures are from Edinburgh Bus Station - St Andrew's Square - Edinburgh EH1 3DQ |
Call +1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time Please Email Us For InformationCancellation Penalties: Land: Penalties per person apply:
70 days or longer: Forfeiture of deposit 69 - 46 days: 35% per person 45 - 22 : 45% per person 21-1
days 100% per
person Travel Insurance from $60
Single Malts and the Whisky
Trail 8 DAYS Self Drive or a Private Guided Tour
No visit to Scotland is complete without sampling a 'wee dram' and you will get
the chance to taste some of the finished product. Known in the Gaelic as Uisge
Beatha (or 'water of life') whisky has been produced for centuries in Scotland
and the art is now close to perfection.
There are many fascinating and culturally important things to see and beautiful
places to go when visiting Scotland and ideally, our tours will feature the
best of Scotland, alongside the best of Scotch Malt Whisky.
Although there are distilleries throughout Scotland, some are far flung, and a
visit to a well stocked pub or restaurant filled with a variety of single malts
can aid in the quest. This 8 day car tour provides visitors with the best of
the Highlands and a visit to Speyside, Scotland’s famous whisky producing
area. Come at any time to enjoy famous names and share well-kept secrets with
knowledgeable locals in well-stocked bars and friendly pubs.
You can explore this area by self drive tour, but why not tour by minibus with
a driver/guide, just for your group. Sit back and relax. Enjoy!
Day 1 - EDINBURGH/PERTH - DEWARS
DALWHINNIE Welcome to Scotland, the land of Rob Roy, and the setting for
the film, "Braveheart". Every bend in the road affords a reminder of
history and romance. The itinerary takes you north to the historic village of
Dunkeld and the stunning Hermitage forest waterfalls. In Pitlochry you can
sample the delights of Scotland's highest distillery at Dalwhinnie, near the
source of the River Spey. Continuing alongside Loch Tummel you then head over
the hills and past the spectacular sixteenth century Castle Menzies towards the
town of Aberfeldy and Dewars Whisky distillery*, where you can discover the
secret of how Scotland's national drink is made. Near the Victorian town of
Pitlochry, the Highlands meet the Lowlands.
Day 2 ABERDEEN KILDRUMMY GLENLIVET Today's route takes you through the
beautiful Cairngorm Mountains . In the morning you will explore Glenlivet - not
just a distillery but also a beautiful glen with great walks and wonderful
wildlife. The drive to Braemar is spectacular, with lush green fields giving
way to heather carpeted mountains. Visit Castle Fraser, a fairytale pink
fortress en route to Aberdeen and your accommodations at the elegant Ardoe
House. (B)
Day 3 THE WHISKY TRAIL BENROMACH GLENFIDDICH A
whole day exploring Scotland's most famous whisky region. After a scenic drive
toward the coast your first stop of the day will be at the family owned
Benromach Distillery for a personalised tour. From here it is a short distance
to Elgin - home to Gordon and Macphail - one of the world's leading specialist
whisky bottlers and suppliers. After lunch in Elgin you will travel back up the
Spey to Aberlour for a visit to the distillery there and time permitting make a
stop at the Speyside Cooperage in nearby Craigellachie, The Whisky Trail passes
little Highland villages en route to the Glenfiddich Distillery, where you
sample the famous "water of life". Continue to Inverness, capital of
the Highlands. Stay at Culloden House, a gracious ivy clad Georgian mansion.
The house's history includes spies, sieges, high chieftains and romance.
(B)
Day 4-LOCH NESS/OBAN Visions of highland games, golf, haggis, remote
islands, tartans and fine malt whisky come to life as you tour the countryside.
Cawdor Castle, the place Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote Macbeth is
nearby. The battle of Culloden was fought near Inverness.
Pass the Caledonian Canal, which links the
lochs of the Great Glen to the North and Irish Seas. View Loch Ness, the
legendary home of "Nessie". Monster spotting is a favorite pastime
here from the ruined Castle Urquhart. Travel to the mainland and to Ft.
William, dominated by Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. (B)
Day 5 - ISLAY KILCHOMAN. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig
where we catch the early ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you
should look out for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. The
itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white
sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies - renowned
for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the
morning we will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay
for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery (the newest and smallest on the island)
with the option of a coastal walk to Machair Bay for any non-whisky lovers (B)
Day 6 ISLAY ARDBEG BRUICHLADDICH Another day in paradise!
Today you will explore the southern side of the island, home to the smokiest
and peatiest of all whiskies - Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We will visit
Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place
to relax and enjoy local produce as well as some unique whisky. We then follow
that up with a visit to Laphroaig.. While in the area we will visit the ruins
of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. IIn the afternoon
you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and
tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals)
before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays,
on the way back to Bowmore. (B)
Day 7 GLEN COE/EDINBURGH The Pass of Glen Coe is
notorious for the 1692 massacre. The area of low mountains and serene lakes
around Callander is known as the Trossachs, the setting for Sir Walter Scott's
Rob Roy and Lady of the Lake. Continue to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
(B)
Day 8 EDINBURGH HOME
Or, you can extend your stay (CB)
Private Guided Tour includes:
- Minibus with driver/guide just for your group
- Accommodations for 7 nights, rooms with bath
- Perth Balbirnie 1 night
- Aberdeen Ardoe House 1 night
- Inverness Culloden 1 night
- Oban Caledonian 1 night
- Bowmore Distillery 2 nights
- Edinburgh Hotel du Vin 1 night
- Admission fees and tastings
- Breakfast daily
- All taxes and service charges
PRIVATE WHISKY TOUR:
ASK FOR RATES
There is a supplement for travel in August.
Call 1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM or Please Email Us For Information
| What is a Blended Scotch Whisky? A blended scotch whisky may contain a combination of whiskies from over 40 or 50 different malt and grain distilleries. The normal ratio of malt to grain is 60% grain 40% malt. The percentage of malt used will determine the quality and smoothness of taste and character. |
Customized Vacations If you have just eight persons in your party, we can operate this tour exclusively for you in a minibus, with an expert driver/guide. We can also modify the itinerary to suit your family's or group's needs, with or without activities for children in Scotland.
Questions? Contact Lynott Tours, your Scotland travel agents at 1 (800) 221-2474USA & Canada Please Email Us For Information
Call +1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time Please Email Us For Information
