Speyside Whisky Trail
1 day tour

  • Speyside Whisky Tours from Aberdeen
  • Cardhu Distillery
  • Cambus O'May
  • Speyside Cooperage

Sample the best drams of Scotland’s premier whisky region on this tour of the Speyside Whisky Trail.

Tour map

Tour Highlights

Distilleries
Lochs
Mountains
National Parks

Speyside Cooperage* - Find out how casks are made at this essential attraction of the Speyside Whisky Trail.

Cambus O’May forest* - Admire the classic Deeside scenery as you walk along a small loch surrounded by trees and mountains.

Cardhu Distillery* - The first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming, is home to whisky warm with an elegant and smooth taste. 

 

Your journey
 

Whether you're a whisky lover or a whisky learner, you're bound to get a taste for it in the beautiful region of Speyside.

Home to around 50% of all Scottish whisky distilleries, there's almost too much to see and drink. So on this whisky tour, we help you get the most out of the region by taking you to a distinct distillery. It’s a chance to learn about the incredible history, process, and flavours of Scotland’s national drink.

 

Tour Details

Starts
Check-in closes at 08:30 (tour departs at 08:45) - Aberdeen Bus Station Pick Up, Stance 5, Aberdeen Bus Station, Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NA
Finishes (approx.)
19:00 - Aberdeen Bus Station Drop Off, Stance 5, Aberdeen Bus Station, Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NA
Luggage
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts

Students and seniors over 60

Important information
  • Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
  • Unfortunately we don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour
  • Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
  • Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
  • Distilleries may be substituted
  • Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
Tour inclusions
  • Transportation by a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Air conditioning as standard
  • The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Tour exclusions
  • Attraction entry tickets

Itinerary

You leave Aberdeen in the morning and arrive in Royal Deeside, one of the favourite holiday locations of the British Royal Family. At the Cambus O’May forest, you can walk in the woods and re-energise in the pristine environment that makes this area such a draw for Queens, Princes, and Rabbie’s customers.

Invigorated by the walk, you head deeper into the national park, as you travel past Cockbridge and Tomintoul. This legendary stretch of road regularly sees the first of the snowy winter weather and crosses the mountain pass known locally as the Lecht. You’ll have plenty of time for photo opportunities on this unforgettable route.

Then you delve into the home of whisky, the Speyside region. Here, you stop at the Speyside Cooperage* where you get to know the history of Scotland’s oak casks. Next, you head to one of the Speyside towns for lunch before you visit Cardhu** distillery.

This is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Today, Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label.

You leave Cardhu full of appreciation for whisky and arrive in Aberdeen in the early evening. It’s now up to you whether you continue the whisky tasting into the night.

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

*Please note, for departures from 1st April 2024, the tour will not include a walk at Cambus O'May forest, but will include a visit and optional tasting at the Whisky Castle, Tomintoul.

**Please note that due to Cardhu Distillery amending their opening hours during the coming winter season, we have had to change the itinerary for this tour between the dates of 3rd November 2023 and 29th March 2024. If you are travelling during these dates, your tour will depart at 0845 at Aberdeen Bus Station Stance 5 as usual but will return at 1730 (instead of 1900 hours). You will visit Cardhu Distillery first, have lunch in Aberlour, and then visit Speyside Cooperage after lunch. Any other small stops will be time-dependent and your driver-guide will let you know on the day. We apologise for the change in itinerary and any inconvenience caused.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

  • Cardhu Distillery
  • Speyside Cooperage

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

FAQs

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .


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