The Whisky Trail - 1 day tour
The Whisky Trail
One day tour
Discover the traditions of whisky making on this in-depth tour along the Whisky Trail. Experience visits and tastings at two distinctively different distilleries - little Benromach and mighty Glenlivet plus enjoy a fascinating visit to the Speyside Cooperage.
Small Group Tour - travel in an intimate group of just 16 passengers
Benromach Distillery - enjoy a tour followed by a tasting of this classic Speyside malt
Craigellachie - stop for photographs at the famous bridge designed by Thomas Telford
Glenfiddich Distillery - make a leisurely visit where you can enjoy a tasty lunch
Speyside Cooperage - watch the skilled workers create and repair the barrels used to store whisky
Glenlivet Distillery - explore the home of this famous malt whisky
Movie locations - The Angels’ Share, Chasing the Deer and Centurion
Full Tour Itinerary
We depart Inverness and travel eastwards through Nairn, a popular holiday resort that was a favourite of Charlie Chaplin.
At Forres we’ll stop at our first whisky distillery, Benromach. This family-owned distillery has been making whisky using water from the Romach Hills since 1898. Here we’ll have a guided tour and enjoy a tutored tasting.
The Spey Valley is home to the Speyside Whisky region which contains almost half of all Scotland’s whisky distilleries including popular names such as Glenfiddich, The Macallan and Glenlivet. The River Spey, whose pure water is used in the whisky-making process, is the third longest in Scotland and popular with fishing enthusiasts. We will make a stop in the delightful village of Craigellachie where we will see the attractive bridge designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1814.
Glenfiddich Distillery is one of Scotland’s largest and it is where our whisky tour pauses so you can enjoy lunch. There is time for a look at ancient Balvenie Castle or to enjoy a stroll into Dufftown which is home to a number of specialist whisky retailers.
It’s a short drive to our next visit at Speyside Cooperage. On this fascinating visit, we’ll get a chance to see the coopers at work. Using traditional skills watch as the craftsmen build, modify and repair the oak casks ready to store the “amber nectar”.
The last stop on our whisky tour is Glenlivet Distillery. Hidden away beside the Hills of Cromdale this area was the centre of illegal whisky making in the 19th Century. It’s said that amongst the many fans of this contraband whisky was no other than King George IV himself. The owner of Glenlivet, George Smith, was the first to legalise production in the area and as a result, he could sell his whisky openly. The distillery went from strength to strength and today is one of the most popular in Scotland. We’ll discover more about George Smith and the whisky he lovingly produced during our tour then enjoy a wee taste of the end product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Connoisseur Tour?
For the discerning whisky enthusiast these special tours will immerse you in the traditions and heritage of whisky making. With unique behind-the-scenes access at some of Scotland’s most distinctive distilleries you’ll get the chance to learn the age-old methods of production from experienced whisky makers followed by tutored nosings and tastings. Each tour is led by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their enthusiasm, driving skills and knowledge. This specialist tour is limited to a small group of just 16 whisky fans. Admission fees and tastings are included in the price.
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.
Can I book seats on the coach?
The seating on the coach is not allocated so you are free to sit in any vacant seat.
We recommend that you and your party arrive at the boarding point together so that you can be seated in the same part of the coach.
I’ve missed my tour because I was late, can I get a refund?
We’re sorry but refunds or credits won’t be issued if you miss your tour because you are not at the departure point on time.
In fairness to all our passengers coaches will not wait if you are late.
How much luggage can I bring?
Luggage space on the tour is restricted so the amount of luggage that you can bring is limited to 1 bag per person that weights no more than 15kg and has maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm.
Luggage larger than this will only be carried if space is available.
Inclusions
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned minicoach
- Live commentary in English
- Tours and tastings at Benromach Distillery and Glenlivet Distillery
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges other than those above
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From Platform 7
Inverness Bus Station
Margaret Street
Inverness IV1 1LT
Check-in: 08:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:00 hrs
Child details
We are sorry but children aged under 18 years cannot travel on this tour.
Price Notes
Admission Prices
Distillery visits and tastings are included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
SR 02897
