Day 1 takes you north to the historic village of Dunkeld and the stunning Hermitage forest waterfalls. After lunch in Pitlochry you can sample the delights of Scotland's highest distillery at Dalwhinnie, near the source of the River Spey. Warmed by the amber nectar you continue on your way through the Cairngorm National Park before reaching Grantown on Spey, your base for 2 nights.
Day 2 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. From here you will travel back up the Spey to Craigellachie for a vist to the Speyside Cooperage where you will see another aspect of the whisky making process. After lunch here or in nearby Aberlour you will visit Cardhu Distillery. Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label. From here is back to Grantown on Spey
Day 3 takes you through the beautiful Cairngorm Mountains on route back to Edinburgh. In the morning you will explore Glenlivet – not just a distillery but also a beautiful glen with great walks and wonderful wildlife. You will then enjoy the majesty of Royal Deeside, passing by Balmoral Castle, and stop in the village of Braemar in the heart of the National Park. From here the route south passes over Scotland’s highest mountain pass through Perthshire before arriving back in Edinburgh.
N.B. – the itinerary and distillery visits are subject to variation throughout the season and may not be the same described above, however there will always be a minimum of 4 distillery visits during the tour.
Departure Point
207 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1PE. Click here to see map.
Return to Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. 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.
Air Conditioning as standard. Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
All ferry and bridge crossings.
Rabbie's Customer Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Exclusions
Lunch, Dinner and refreshments.
Entrances to all Visitor Attractions.
Accommodation
Your tour does not include accommodation in the price. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain the communities you visit in the long term. Choose a hotel, B&B or a hostel and we will book it for you.
For more information on accommodation and prices click here
*NB On occasions, when villages we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.
Discount Price
Students, Seniors over 60.We do not carry any children on this tour. Minimum age is 18
Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!! If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking. |
Posted by John Vazalinskas on 04/05/2013
This was an exceptional tour and I loved every minute of it. The most enjoyable part was when Mac took us to an off-itinerary tiny bar that held over 500 different whisky types and played the bagpipes for us.
Posted by Sarah Kristmann on 12/11/2012
Everyting!! The tour guide was funny, knowledgable and interesting. The sites were well thought out with plenty of wonerful photo opps and interesting stops. All the distilleries were wonderful.
Posted by Shona Williams on 07/11/2012
Just wanted to say a quick thanks to Mac for introducing me to Amy MacDonald. Just finished listening to her new CD "Music in a Beautiful Light" and was blown away by her lyrics. Music is just another way that Rabbies guides make memories long after the tour is over.
Posted by Susan Goodfellow on 14/10/2012
Mack was the best guide - fantastic knowledge and really took pleasure in finding places off the beaten track. The Benromach Distillery was the best of the tours - very informative
Posted by Alison Leeson on 23/09/2012
I'm not particularly a whiskey fan, so went on this tour mainly to see a part of Scotland I hadn't seen. Since it was August, the heather was in full bloom, and made everything look great, even on the rainy days. Many thanks to Mac - for the side explorations to the waterfall and the mill, for the photo stops, for the well-told stories with puns, and for the music. My two days on this tour were a lovely ending to the week and I recommend it to everyone, whether they like whiskey or not!
Posted by Susan Goodfellow on 03/09/2012
I liked it that we got to know very much of the Scottish history, Barney did a good job on telling it in a very interesting way. I also liked the many stops at different locations, so that we got to see a lot more than just distilleries.
Posted by Joris Wolters on 08/08/2012
Barney was great. Really enjoyed the distillerys and the rest stops along the way where they was something going on ie great photo op, or whisky shop, or monument, etc. really helped break up the trip so we didn't feel like we were on the coach for 5 hours of driving. The cupar stop was great too.
Posted by Chris Sherwood on 28/05/2012
The whole experience was fantastic and Eric was the same! Full of Knowledge and approachable. A likeable guy who even sang for us on tour. Top notch.
Posted by Shane Fielding on 11/10/2011
The entire tour was FABULOUS! It's hard to choose a favorite - we loved the distilleries, the visit to the Walker's cookie factory, and the scenic drive through the mountains.
Posted by Jennifer Voss on 09/10/2011
I already posted one review of my 3 day Speyside Whisky tour, but couldn't help posting one more about our driver/guide, Eric. He was simply too good for words to adequately describe him. Handsome, Personable, Knowledgeable, Laid-Back, Funny as hell and Right on Point. Some guides blather on when you want them to be quiet, or are silent when you want to know something. Eric was the perfect combination. If I ever get back to Edinburgh, I will only go on a tour if Eric is guiding it!!
Posted by Beth on 27/07/2011
Indulged a lifelong dream of going Whisky Tasting in Scotland recently. The tour was a dream and I was lucky enough to be in a small group of 7 like-minded individuals. I learned almost more than my brain could soak up, but I took notes and now have the most wonderful memories of this trip. Should anybody decide on this particular trip, be aware of 2 things... 1. The tasting fees are not included in the package price. 2. You MUST go with Eric - his personality, kindness, knowledge and experience helped make this trip so unforgettable. Should you want to read details of my particular trip...go to seeingmesquared.blogspot.com - look for he posts, "Driven to Drink", "Pieces to the Same Puzzle" and "Fun Facts and Funnies about Scotland"...all this was learned on my tour. Simply fantastic!!
Posted by Beth on 27/07/2011
Great tour! Mac is a godblessed guide, driver, helper etc. 3 wonderful days! Thanks from Maria, Mads, Jeppe, Marianne and Lars
Posted by Lars and Marianne on 15/07/2011