Unbottle dozens of Scotland's finest single malts on this 16-day whisky-themed road trip. You'll delve straight to the source, navigating dramatic landscapes as you pop into distilleries in the Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, and Skye, and visit the UK's only cooperage where local artisans build barrels and repair casks. Beyond distillery doors, this cross-country self-drive adventure also squeezes in castles, famous restaurants, outdoor activities such as nature walks and fishing, and plenty of local culture.

Highlights

  • Experience Scotland while tasting whisky in the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands
  • Tour a handful of Speyside distilleries and visit the UK's only whisky cooperage
  • Spend three nights on the Isle of Skye for tastings, fishing, and scenic drives
  • Explore the best of Loch Lomond with a 4WD adventure led by a local guide

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Edinburgh, Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience Edinburgh
Day 2 Full-Day Malt Whisky Tour in the Scottish Lowlands Edinburgh
Day 3 Collect a Rental Car, Drive to Pitlochry, Blair Castle & Distillery Tour Pitlochry
Day 4 Visit Scone Palace, Nature Walk in The Hermitage Pitlochry
Day 5 Drive to Inverness, Dalwhinnie Tasting Inverness
Day 6 Full-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Tour Inverness
Day 7 Visit the Speyside Cooperage, Free Time Inverness
Day 8 Drive to the Isle of Skye, Whisky Tasting at Torabhaig Distillery Portree
Day 9 Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing Tour, Free Time Portree
Day 10 Skyeskyns Tannery, Dinner at The Three Chimneys Portree
Day 11 Ferry & Drive to Fort William, Ben Nevis Distillery Tour Fort William
Day 12 Drive to Oban, Oban Distillery Tour Oban
Day 13 Full-Day Mull, Iona & Staffa Islands Adventure Oban
Day 14 Drive to Stirling via Highland Games at Inverary Stirling
Day 15 4WD Loch Lomond Exploration, Drive to Edinburgh Edinburgh
Day 16 Depart Edinburgh  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience

View of old Edinburgh, Scotland at sunset from Princes Street Gardens
Wander through the Princes Street Gardens before or after your first whisky tasting

Welcome to Scotland! You've landed in Edinburgh, a captivating historic and modern city known for its festivals, thriving arts scene, and friendly locals. On arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags, refresh, and lace up your walking shoes. This afternoon, you'll dive straight into Scotland's rich, vibrant, and varied world of whisky, starting with one of the world's most famous whisky brands.

This afternoon's whisky exploration takes place at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Grab a glimpse of the unmissable Edinburgh Castle nearby, then pop into the Explorers' Bothy Bar, where you'll be led on an hourlong whisky tasting, sampling five whiskies, all matured for a minimum of 12 years. You'll taste drams from iconic whisky regions such as Islay, the Highlands, and Speyside, and try a rare and exclusive Johnnie Walker Princes Street lowland grain whisky. The journey ends with a taste of Johnnie Walker Black Label, a representation of Scotland in a single dram. 

Day 2: Full-Day Malt Whisky Tour in the Scottish Lowlands

Discover Malt Whisky Tour
Visit two whisky distilleries today, including the 1833-established Glengoyne

Wind through the Scottish Lowlands with today's full-day whisky-tasting trip from Edinburgh. The Lowlands is a historic whisky-producing region, and—with the help of a whisky enthusiast—you'll discover the centuries-old tradition of Scottish whisky production, view warehouses stocked with aged casks, and marvel at the quiet beauty of Loch Lomond. A driver and guide will collect you for this whisky appreciation day, where you'll visit both Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery for tasting sessions and distillery tours.

As you cruise around the scenic countryside, your local guide will share stories about the history of Scotland and its signature drink. Midway, you'll pause for lunch, where you'll have free time to briefly explore Loch Lomond, a wild destination packed with lush landscapes, sprawling glens, rocky peaks, and expansive lochs. After a big day out, return to Edinburgh and enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 3: Collect a Rental Car, Drive to Pitlochry, Blair Castle & Distillery Tour

Blair Atholl Distillery
Learn how the current Duke of Blair Castle has the only private army in Europe

After breakfast, pick up your rental car and make tracks toward the charming town of Pitlochry, a 90-minute drive north. Then, continue 30 minutes north to Blair Castle. The Atholl family has called the castle home for over seven centuries, and today, you'll explore the fine 18th-century interiors and Scots baronial architecture. After wandering the grand halls, venture into the 9-acre (3.6 ha) gardens, where you'll find a large wooded grove, a ruined church, a red deer park, and a Gothic folly. Admire Highland cows grazing in nearby fields and look for native red squirrels and peacocks.

Then, visit the Blair Athol Distillery, which dates back to 1798 and draws its water from the ancient Alt Dour that flows from the heights of Ben Vrackie. This local pure mountain water contributes to the whisky's mellow quality and smooth finish. Join a tasting tour to go behind the scenes, discover the process that transforms grains into cherished single malt, and sample a few golden drams. Just remember: Scotland has a zero-alcohol tolerance for drivers. So if you're getting behind the wheel after any distillery visit on this trip, ask for "driver drams" to enjoy at your hotel.

Day 4: Visit Scone Palace, Nature Walk in The Hermitage

The autumn colours at the Hermitage on the River Braan near Dunkeld in Perthshire
Enjoy some fresh air at The Hermitage on the River Braan

Make the short drive south to the sumptuous Scone Palace this morning. Discover one of Scotland's most important stately homes and its history when you pause for a light lunch at the tea room and explore the palace and gardens. Scone has served as the capital of the Pictish Kingdom, the seat of Parliaments, and the crowning place of the King of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. See where the Stone of Scone, known as the Stone of Destiny, once stood, which now resides in Edinburgh Castle.

After, continue north to The Hermitage at Dunkeld. This mystical stretch of Perthshire forest is an 18th-century park designed for the Dukes of Atholl. Here, giant Douglas firs tower over you as you walk to the roaring Black Linn waterfall. Deep in the woods, discover the picturesque 18th-century folly known as Ossian's Hall, which overlooks the picturesque cascade. After, return to Pitlochry. If you have time, follow a winding tree-lined road that hugs the River Tummel to Queen's View. This vantage point looks out over one of the most famous panoramas in Scotland.

Day 5: Drive to Inverness, Dalwhinnie Tasting

Dalwhinnie Whisky tasting
Unlock the secrets of Scotland's liquid gold with a tour and tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery

Today, you'll continue north to the charming riverside city of Inverness, your home for the next three nights. En route, make a stop at Scotland's highest distillery, Dalwhinnie. After a guided tour, you'll sit down for a special whisky masterclass and taste six smooth single malts, including a distillery-exclusive bottling and a special release. These special golden drops will be paired with local artisanal chocolate from the Highland Chocolatier. For the driver, Dalwhinnie offers a takeaway pack for the tastings.

With the rest of the day free you could stop at the Highland Folk Museum for a journey into the past. Wander around the various townships exploring how life in Scotland was in centuries past—a highlight of any visit is the authentic thatched 1700s-era township that was used in the "Outlander" TV series. Nearby you could drop by the Clan Macpherson Museum too, or continue to Inverness, where you can explore the city's rich historical sites, such as the Inverness Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the River Ness

Day 6: Full-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Tour

Immerse Yourself in the Enchanting Speyside Whisky Trail
Discover the history, production methods, and tastes of Scotland's finest single malts today
Plan your trip to Scotland
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Today is all about whisky and the secrets of single malts—and your lucky designated driver gets a slice of the action. Leave the car behind and join a small-group guided tour across the best distilleries of the Speyside area. Begin with a tasting at the historic Tomatin Distillery, established in 1897, and savor the soft, mellow notes of this wonderful Speyside single malt. After, visit Cardhu Distillery, established by former whisky smugglers in 1824.

For lunch, you'll stop off at the Mash Tun in Aberlour to enjoy a bite to eat, some banter, and perhaps a dram for the road. This whisky bar is the perfect place to refuel before heading to the world-famous Glenfiddich Distillery for another tasting. Glenfiddich is one of the few distilleries that remain family-owned, producing a distinctive single malt developed by generations. Conclude your tour with a traditional experience at Glen Moray Distillery, sampling their "Elgin Heritage" range of 12, 15, and 18-year-old single malts.

Day 7: Visit the Speyside Cooperage, Free Time

Speyside Cooperage
Appreciate the speed of the coopers hard at work at the Speyside Cooperage

This morning, return to Speyside, Scotland's largest whisky region with the perfect climate for growing barley. You'll visit the Speyside Cooperage, where you'll experience the ancient art of barrel making. Watch highly skilled coopers work at lightning speed, using medieval-looking tools to fix and create the finest casks. Since 1947, this family-owned cooperage has worked with American oak using traditional methods and tools, and a former cooper will lead you through the workshop and visitor center.

The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. You could drop into the nearby Aberlour Distillery for a special tour and tasting of classic Speyside-style whisky on the banks of the River Spey. Or return to Inverness to explore historic sights, such as the Culloden Battlefield. This was the site of the final Jacobite Rising, the last and most harrowing pitched battle fought on British soil. Explore the site, graves, cairn, and visitor center, which houses interactive exhibits and artifacts, before ending at a cozy pub in Inverness for a hearty Scottish meal and a dram of whisky.

Day 8: Drive to the Isle of Skye, Whisky Tasting at Torabhaig Distillery

Portree, Isle of Skye
Have lunch in Portree, famous for its colorful houses by the water

Jump in the car this morning and drive 2.5 hours west to the often dramatic and ethereal Isle of Skye. Descend on the island capital, Portree, and enjoy a quick lunch in the colorful town before this afternoon's tasting. You'll journey back in time at Torabhaig Distillery, where whisky-making traditions have thrived for nearly two centuries. This historic distillery, only the second licensed single malt Scotch whisky distillery on Skye, pays homage to its natural surroundings and draws on the island's pristine water, land, and climate.

Join a distillery tour to uncover the painstaking process of crafting fine Scotch whisky, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and aging in oak casks. You'll taste the golden nectar of Skye in a history-rich stone building, more than 200 years old and built from the ruins of a castle. Savor the distinctive flavors imparted by Skye's elements. The rest of the day is yours to explore Skye. Use your time to hike to the crystal-clear, blue-hued Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle or trek through the otherworldly landscape of the Quiraing.

Day 9: Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing Tour, Free Time

Fishing in Skye
Depending on the season, you might fish for salmon or trout today on Skye

The Isle of Skye is an idyllic and scenic destination, so there's nowhere better to throw out a line and enjoy a few hours of fishing. Today, you'll join a local fishing expert and visit the River Snizort, the main salmon river on the Isle of Skye. You'll visit holding pools and see how the character of the river changes, with gorge pools and streamy glides for the more adventurous angler. Sea trout follow the salmon upriver and can provide good sport during local water conditions. While smaller in stature, they're hard-fighting and acrobatic when hooked!

For today's experience, you'll enjoy using top-of-the-range Loop rods and break by the river with a packed lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the best of Skye. If you didn't have time yesterday, go for a hike to the blue-hued Fairy Pools or across the Quiraing. You could also explore the historic Dunvegan Castle or see the Neist Point Lighthouse, perched atop a dramatic cliff.

Day 10: Skyeskyns Tannery, Dinner at The Three Chimneys

Sheepskin tanners Skye
Look for various breeds of sheep, like this Scottish Blackface sheep, on the way to the tannery

Step back in time when you visit Skyeskyns Waternish Tannery this morning. Here you can see how real sheepskins are transformed into leather, an ancient artisan craft. This workshop has been open since 1983 and offers free 15-minute tours where you'll discover their story, explore the tannery, and learn about the unique process. You'll also see various breeds of sheep and learn about the different types of sheepskin. After, you can shop for locally made goods and take a break at the pop-up seasonal café.

This evening, you'll experience one of the best restaurants in the United Kingdom: The Three Chimneys. This special culinary experience has repeatedly made the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, and you'll get to enjoy seven courses at "The Kitchen Table." The chefs pride themselves on "mile 0" produce, gathering oysters from the bay, crab in Loch Bracadale, lobster in Loch Dunvegan, and serving local Talisker whisky, of course. You'll sit down a meal that's at once inventive and traditional in the middle of the kitchen, where you can watch the chefs at work. 

Day 11: Ferry & Drive to Fort William, Ben Nevis Distillery Tour

Time your visit right to see the Jacobite Steam Train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Make your way to Armadale this morning and wave goodbye to the Isle of Skye as your ferry crosses over to Mallaig on the mainland. From this small fishing port, continue an hour east to Fort William, the "adventure capital of the UK." En route, you could pause at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland at a whopping 1,250 feet (380 m) long. Made famous by the "Harry Potter" movies, the Jacobite Steam Train runs twice a day, so time it right to experience a little magic of your own. 

Pause in the loch-side village of Corpach for lunch. Set on the shores of Loch Eil, this cute spot is known for mussel farming—so enjoy a bowl of fresh mussels or local seafood, then set off for a scenic loch walk if you have time. This afternoon, you'll visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, which has been crafting Scottish whisky at the foot of Britain's highest mountain since 1825. Tour the distillery and sample their top selection of whiskies before checking into your hotel for the evening.

Day 12: Drive to Oban, Oban Distillery Tour

Oban, West coast of Scotland
Life in the small fishing village of Oban changed in 1794 when the Oban Distillery opened

Enjoy a slow morning in Fort William, then continue an hour south to Oban, Scotland's "seafood capital." This quaint waterfront town is the main gateway to many of the Hebrides Islands and enjoys sweeping views of Kerrera and Mull. It's peaceful in winter, but in summer, the town center is jammed with traffic and crowded with holidaymakers and travelers headed for the archipelago. 

Once in Oban, check into your accommodation, drop the car, and make your way to the Oban Distillery. When brothers Hugh and John Stevenson arrived at the frontier of the Hebrides in 1793, they found little more than a natural harbor and a windswept view. They opened the Oban Brewing Company, starting with beer and moving to whisky a year later. Gain an insight into the historic distillery's whisky-making process while enjoying a dram of exceptional single malt. Afterward, as the sun sets, seek out Scotland's top-quality fish and shellfish at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 13: Full-Day Mull, Iona & Staffa Islands Adventure

Oban looking out towards Mull
Look for views of the mighty Ben More mountain on the Isle of Mull

Today, you'll set sail on a full-day boating adventure to explore the islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa. Starting in Oban, you'll board the ferry for the Isle of Mull, the second-largest Island of the Inner Hebrides, where dramatic and unspoiled scenery created by volcanic activity awaits. On arrival in Craignure, you'll board a coach for a tour of the island. You'll reach the far side of Mull, where you'll board ferries in Fionnphort destined for Iona and Staffa.

The sacred island of Iona is where Saint Columba came in 563 CE to preach Christianity. Visit the Iona Abbey and learn about the history of this tranquil center of Gaelic Monasticism. Then, journey to Staffa, which lies around 6 miles (10 km) west of the Isle of Mull. The tiny island is famed for Fingal's Cave and the puffins that nest here. Return to Fionnphort, board the coach for Craignure, and finally return to Oban by ferry. Expect to arrive late in the evening.

Day 14: Drive to Stirling via Highland Games at Inverary

Pipers at the Highland Games
Consider aligning your trip to fall during the Highland Games at Inveraray Castle

The Highland Games are a distinct series of events held in different areas of Scotland each summer. If you're lucky, time your visit to align with the Inveraray Highland Games. Here, hammers are thrown, cabers are tossed, the sound of pipes fills the air, and clan colors are on full parade. Each July, the event is held in the grounds of Inveraray Castle by the chiefs of Clan Campbell. It's a celebration of Highland heritage and tradition with dances, music, and athletic events, plus Scottish food and drink.

If you're here at a different time of year, skip Inveraray and continue 2.5 hours over to Stirling, a city with a long history of kings, queens, and battles. On the edge of town, visit the Bannockburn Battlefield, where Scottish leader Robert the Bruce defeated the English in a key clash during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Then climb the hill up to Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most significant castles in Scotland.

Day 15: 4WD Loch Lomond Exploration, Drive to Edinburgh

× 4x4 adventures
Get off the beaten track in Loch Lomond with a private 4WD

Today you'll meet a charismatic and kilted adventure guide for a fun off-road exploration of Loch Lomond. Make the 45-minute drive to Balloch, where you'll meet your local character and set off to enjoy the largest freshwater loch in Scotland. This half-day 4WD expedition will feel like you have an old friend showing you around. Together, you'll explore the best viewpoints, seek out hidden gems, and hit off-road trails. Along the way, you'll learn all about the history of the area and get a real feel for what it's like to live and work in this part of Scotland.

With special access to private dirt roads, you'll get to stand at the top of hills and at exclusive viewpoints others can't access. After the fun, jump in the car and make the two-hour drive to Edinburgh. It's your final evening in Scotland, so check into your hotel and set out for a special meal to celebrate two great weeks exploring the best of Scottish whisky, nature, and culture.

Day 16: Depart Edinburgh

Carlton Hill
Take a morning walk to Edinburgh's Calton Hill before your flight

Your grand Scottish whisky adventure comes to an end today. If you have time this morning, take a gentle walk up Carlton Hill to take in views over the city. Then, with enough time before your flight home or to your next destination, make the half-hour drive to the airport and return your rental car. Safe travels!

More Great Scotland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other Scotland itineraries, explore different ways to spend 16 days in Scotland, or discover the best time to visit Scotland.

Map

Map of Great Scottish Whisky Adventure - 16 Days
Map of Great Scottish Whisky Adventure - 16 Days