The Ultimate Whisky Tour

A marvellous and unique way to see the Scottish Highlands and Islands. It combines spectacular scenery, exquisite fresh Scottish cuisine, ancient history, and of course the pleasure of sampling quality whisky from the major producing areas around the country.

It involves touring for 5 days in a luxury Land Rover Discovery 5, staying in 4/5 star hotels accommodation.

The second half of the trip is on board Yacht Chinwag. You will make your way to the islands of Mull, Jura and Islay to mention a few. You will have the opportunity to get hands-on with sailing the yacht and will stay on board for 4 nights.

On this part of the tour you can experience being part of the crew sailing the boat. There are 2 double cabins with a shared wet room. There is a comfortable saloon and a well equipped galley on board. Most meals will be taken on deck if weather allows.

If you would like to discuss the trip and get more details send us an e-mail or phone.

Itinerary

Day 1

Pick up at 08:30 from: Edinburgh

Firstly we’ll visit Glenkinchie Distillery just to the south east of Edinburgh to let you sample Lowland whisky.

From here we’ll head north through South Queensferry and over the spectacular Queensferry Crossing Bridge and start making our way up north through the wilderness via Braemar, where you will stop for a bite to eat at The Fife Arms.

Following lunch you will visit the Royal Lochnagar distillery – a Highland whisky – where we would recommend doing the tasting tour.

Afterwards, we will head over to Balmoral Castle for an explore and then head through the Cairngorm National Park to your hotel.

Accommodation in Aberlour.

Day 2

Speyside distilleries

First stop today will be Balvenie Castle. This is a 12th century ruin with a long and interesting history. A pleasant wander around the ruins allows you to get a real feel for life in the Highlands in medieval times.

This will be followed by a visit to the nearby Glenfiddich Distillery. You will spend about 90 minutes here sampling some wonderful drams. This will be followed by lunch at the distillery.

Following lunch you’ll head for the ultra modern and remarkable Macallan Distillery. A production tour here is a must as it is so different from anywhere else. They also have a lovely bar where you can sample their wares.

Accommodation again in Aberlour.

Day 3

Speyside to Orkney

Today will begin with a beautiful drive to Inverness before heading north to sample another famous dram – Glenmorangie.

From here we will continue north to catch a ferry from the mainland to the remarkable Orkney Islands.

We will end the day with a tasting tour of of Highland Park Distillery – Your first Island whisky and Scotland’s most northerly.

Tonight’s accommodation will be in Lerwick.

Day 4

Orkney to Tounge

Today will begin with a visit to two of the remarkable 5000 year old Bronze Age sites in Orkney – The Maeshowe Burial Chamber and the village of Skara Brae.

We will then head to Stromness to catch the ferry back to the mainland.

We disembark at Scrabster and will continue our journey along the top of Scotland with its wonderful cliffs and beaches to the Tounge Hotel.

Day 5

Tongue to Oban

Today will be a magnificent scenery day.

Travelling south along narrow roads, through wild remote country surrounded by soaring mountains, castles, lochs and wonderful sea views. We will make our way to the pretty town of Oban.

A tasting tour of the famous Oban Distillery is a must to finish the day.

Days 6 -10

For the next 5 days you will sail round the Inner Hebrides off the west coast.

The skipper and crew will sail you round the islands off the west coast.You can be as hands on as you want when sailing ‘Chinwag’ through some of the best sailing waters in the world. The scenery, wildlife, sun sets and of course the drams are marvellous.

The actual route will be weather dependent but below is a proposed route. You will be able to visit a number of wonderful distilleries on a variety of the islands including the world famous peaty Islay malts.

Other drams on the map are Tobermory, Jura, and any of the Islay malts including: Bowmore, Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Lagavulin or Laphraoig to name a few!

You have a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, porpoise, eagles and otters and the scenery is breathtaking.

You will return to Oban on day 10 and be transported back to Edinburgh in the Land Rover having completed a wonderful trip you will remember forever.