The Whisky Bus Tour - 1 day tour

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Tour Summary

The Whisky Bus Tour
One day tour

This specially curated tour visits selected malt whisky distilleries each with their own distinctive character. After each guided tour, experience a tutored-tasting of the end product in the company of an expert guide. All of this takes place amongst the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. Slàinte!

Glen Moray Distillery - tour this historic distillery to discover how whisky is still produced by traditional methods

Glenfarclas Distillery - enjoy the informal ambience of this family-owned distillery

Speyside Cooperage - watch the skilled workers create and repair the barrels used to store whisky

Tomatin Distillery - visit this Highland distillery located on the edge of the towering Monadhliath mountains

Speyside - discover the beautiful region that is home to around half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries

Whisky Tastings - experience tutored tastings of nine drams of malt whisky

Movie locations - Outlander, Centurion and Main Solah Baras Ki

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Full Tour Itinerary

We depart Inverness on our quest to discover the true spirit of Uisge Beatha. The first part of the journey is along the shores of the Moray Firth and through the elegant towns of Nairn and Forres.

Our first visit is to Glen Moray Distillery at Elgin. Here single malt whisky has been created since 1897. A unique characteristic of the distillery is that the spirit matures in different types of barrels. Traditionally the distillery preferred a mixture of marsala wine and sherry casks which gave the finished whisky a complex range of flavours. The tradition has recently been revived using Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc casks, which give the matured whisky a white wine finish. Following the distillery tour, you can savour the different flavours in a tutored tasting of three fine malts.

Thomas Telfer designed an impressive iron bridge which spans the River Spey in the little village of Craigellachie. We'll stop here so you can get insight into the essential work undertaken by the expert coopers who restore and repair the casks in which whisky is stored. At the Speyside Cooperage enjoy a fascinating audio-visual presentation, then visit the shop floor to marvel at the craftsmen at work.

Later, we travel to family-owned Glenfarclas Distillery, attractively situated at the foot of Ben Rinnes. On arrival, we head to the bonded warehouse for an introduction to the distillery and a tasting. Later we head to the plush Ship's Room for a second tasting of this traditional Speyside malt. Lovers of this famous malt can enjoy time in the distillery shop where rare bottles can be purchased together with all sorts of whisky memorabilia.

Our last visit of the day is to Tomatin Distillery which lies at the edge of the Monadhliath Mountains. It's thought that whisky-making has been taking place here since the 15th Century! Enjoy a one-hour "behind the scenes" tour which includes visits to the still house and warehouse. There is even the chance to step inside a mash tun. The tour ends with a tutored tasting of three carefully chosen Highland malts.

Leaving Tomatin behind we drive over expansive Drumossie Moor to reach Inverness and the end of our tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect on this Signature Day Tour?

Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.

During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more.

Luxury travel is provided by air-conditioned mini or midi coaches and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English.

There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks.

Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?

A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.

Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.

Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.

Will we have time to shop for whisky?

Every distillery we visit has a shop selling their own whisky, plus a range of souvenirs, so we would definitely encourage you to buy your whisky enroute (just make sure you check your country’s rules regarding duty free, as you may well be limited to taking one or two bottles home!). We don’t stop at any other shops along the way.

Can children come on the Whisky Bus?

Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 18, as some of the distilleries are unable to accommodate children on their tours.