Whisky Tour of Scotland

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Edinburgh, Oban & Islay, Isle of Skye, Ross (Glenmorangie House), Speyside & Aberdeenshire, Perthshire (Gleneagles)

This private whisky tour of Scotland features the most iconic Scotch whisky distilleries—with the opportunity to taste favorite Speyside, Highlands and Islay whiskies—as well as comprehensive touring of the scenic and cultural highlights of Scotland. Accommodation is in Scotland's top luxury hotels.

Begin in Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland, with a stay at a sophisticated city hotel. During flexible touring with your private guide, explore the city according to your interests. Tour the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See Edinburgh Castle and walk along the Royal Mile, the road leading from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore historic buildings, as well as the narrow closes (alleys) and stairways that connect different levels of the city. Visit shops specializing in fine woven textiles, wool tweed and other distinctive Scottish products. Also enjoy reservations for a private whisky tasting to better understand the flavors of Scotland’s five main whisky regions. Depending on your interests, you might like to visit the Royal Botanic Garden or National Gallery, tour the Scottish Parliament Building, or hike up an extinct volcano for panoramic views of Edinburgh and the nearby Firth of Forth. In the summer, Artisans of Leisure can assist with tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo or performances at the Edinburgh International Festival and Festival Fringe.

Enjoy a private transfer through the beautiful mountain and lake scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Stay at a country hotel outside the seaside town of Oban, and visit the Oban Distillery to sample their single malt Scotch whisky. One day, take an excursion by scheduled light aircraft to Islay, a nearby island known for peaty, smoky whiskies. Enjoy a private tour around Islay, including visits and tastings at legendary distilleries such as Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bowmore and Bruichladdich. Upon request, private charter flights to Islay and visits with master distillers can also be arranged.

Next, transfer to the Isle of Skye. En route, opt to see Castle Stalker, an enchanting ruin on a small island; drive through Glen Coe, a spectacular valley; or see the Jacobite Train—made famous in the Harry Potter movies—pass over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Take the ferry to the Isle of Skye to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland and sample whisky at renowned Talisker Distillery. Enjoy a full-day private tour of Skye to see highlights such as the rugged Cuillin Hills and the Old Man of Storr, an unusual tower-like rock formation. Also see colorful seaside villages and visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the beautiful home of the head of Clan MacCleod for 800 years. Enjoy opportunities to dine on fresh seafood and other local cuisine at some of Scotland’s most acclaimed gourmet restaurants.

Return to the mainland, and transfer through the Highlands and along Loch Ness to Glenmorangie House for an overnight stay. Enjoy a tour and tasting at the Glenmorangie Distillery, which has the tallest stills in Scotland. Time permitting, perhaps shop for a kilt in Inverness or visit the Battle of Culloden historical site.

Continue through the famous Speyside whisky region. Stop at distilleries along the renowned Malt Whisky Trail, such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Cardhu, and visit other favorite Speyside distilleries such as Aberlour and Macallan, which has a striking, state-of-the-art distillery. Stay at the Fife Arms, a luxurious historic inn in the heart of Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire. During private touring, see beautiful Highlands scenery in Cairngorms National Park, and highlights around the town of Braemar, famous for the annual Braemar Gathering, a renowned Highland games. Guided hikes or scenic walks can also be arranged. One day, schedule permitting, visit Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the British royal family since the 19th century. Also warm up with a dram of whisky at the historic Royal Lochnagar Distillery.

Conclude at Gleneagles, a luxury resort on 850 acres in the rolling hills of the idyllic Perthshire countryside. During leisure time, enjoy on-site activities such as 4WD tours, golf, fishing, horseback riding, biking, falconry, tennis and more. Also enjoy the resorts full spa, fine restaurants and upscale shops. One day, enjoy a private excursion to St. Andrews, a seaside college and golf town; Glasgow, a city of art museums and Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture; Stirling, a strategic castle town on the edge of the Highlands that played an important role in the battles for Scottish independence; filming sites used in the Outlander television series; or additional whisky distilleries. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a whisky blending lesson to learn about balancing flavors and try your hand at mixing fine single malts into your own blend.