3-Day Speyside Whisky Tour From Edinburgh Including Admissions

Explore the heart of Scotland’s renowned Speyside whisky region with this convenient 3-day tour from Edinburgh. Visitors will discover a captivating blend of distillery tours, stunning natural landscapes, and charming village life. With admission to 5 acclaimed distilleries, comfortable accommodation, and an experienced guide, this small-group adventure offers a well-rounded immersion into the rich whisky heritage of this remarkable area. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, this guided tour promises an unforgettable journey through Speyside’s captivating spirits and scenic wonders.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Edinburgh.

Key Points

• A 3-day small-group tour of Speyside, Scotland’s renowned whisky region, with visits to at least 4 acclaimed distilleries, including Lindores Abbey and Dalwhinnie.
• Scenic routes through Cairngorm National Park and a 2-night stay in the charming village of Grantown-on-Spey, with transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.
• Inclusion of admission fees to 5 distilleries and an English-speaking driver-guide, ensuring a comprehensive whisky experience.
• Flexible and personalized tour, allowing travelers to choose their own dining options and explore the area at their own pace.
• The tour commences and ends at the convenient central location of the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K in St Andrew Square.

Tour Overview

This 3-day small-group tour immerses visitors in Speyside, Scotland’s renowned whisky-producing region.

Travelers will visit at least 4 acclaimed distilleries, including Lindores Abbey, Dalwhinne, and Cardhu Distillery.

The scenic routes through Cairngorm National Park offer breathtaking views of forests, lochs, and craggy ravines.

Guests will spend 2 nights in the charming village of Grantown-on-Spey, with transportation provided in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.

The tour includes admission fees to 5 distilleries and an English-speaking driver-guide to provide context and history.

This comprehensive package allows whisky enthusiasts to fully enjoy the rich Speyside whisky culture.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes admission fees to 5 distilleries, 2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and private facilities, and transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, along with an English-speaking driver-guide.

However, the package excludes food and drinks (unless specified), hotel pickup and drop-off, and any entrance fees not explicitly mentioned. This allows for maximum flexibility and personalization, as travelers can choose their own dining options and explore the area at their own pace.

The inclusions provide a comprehensive whisky-focused experience, while the exclusions enable guests to tailor their trip to their specific preferences and budget. The tour strikes a balance between guided experiences and independent exploration.

Meeting Point and End Point

The tour commences at the Edinburgh Bus Station, at Gate J and Gate K in St Andrew Square, serving as the meeting point for participants. Upon conclusion, the tour returns to this same starting location in Edinburgh. This convenient central location ensures accessibility for travelers, while the return to the original meeting point provides a seamless start and end to the Speyside whisky experience.

Meeting Point	End Point
Edinburgh Bus Station	Returns to the meeting point
Gate J and Gate K	–
St Andrew Square, Edinburgh	–

The consistent meeting and drop-off point streamlines the overall tour logistics, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the whisky tastings and scenic routes through the Cairngorms.

Additional Information

Participants must be at least 18 years of age to join the tour. Each traveler is permitted to bring a maximum of 14kg (31lbs) of luggage.

While the itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change, the tour provider aims to maintain the core experience of exploring Speyside’s renowned whisky producers. This means visitors can expect to visit at least four famous distilleries, even if the specific locations may vary.

The tour includes transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide.

Cancellations made at least 21 days in advance are eligible for a full refund, giving travelers peace of mind when booking their Speyside whisky adventure.

Itinerary: Day 1

On the first day, the tour departs from Edinburgh and heads north towards the Speyside region, traveling through the scenic Cairngorms National Park.

The first stop is Lindores Abbey, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, where guests can learn about the abbey’s rich history and sample their award-winning single malt whisky.

Next, the group visits Dalwhinnie Distillery, known for its high-altitude location and distinctive smooth, delicate flavor. After a guided tour and tasting, the tour continues to the picturesque village of Grantown-on-Spey, where guests will check into their accommodation for the next two nights.

The evening is free to explore the local pubs and restaurants.

Itinerary: Day 2

Day 2 kicks off with a visit to Cardhu Distillery, one of the founding distilleries of the Johnnie Walker blended whisky brand. Guests embark on a guided tour to learn about the distillery’s unique history and the production methods that contribute to Cardhu’s smooth, well-balanced flavor profile.

Following the visit, the group travels to Glenfarclas Distillery, renowned for its rich, sherried single malts, where they enjoy an in-depth tasting session.

Next, the tour ventures into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, stopping at scenic viewpoints to admire the breathtaking landscapes.

The day concludes with a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery, located at the highest altitude of any distillery in Scotland, where guests sample the distillery’s signature Highland single malt.

Itinerary: Day 3

The final day of the tour starts with a visit to Lindores Abbey, the historic site believed to be the birthplace of Scotch whisky, where guests explore the abbey’s ruins and learn about its distilling legacy.

From there, the group ventures to Glenfiddich Distillery, one of the most renowned single malt producers, for an in-depth tour and tasting session.

Wrapping up the tour, travelers make their way back to Edinburgh, with a stop at Tullibardine Distillery along the way to sample its award-winning whiskies.

The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Speyside’s rich whisky heritage, allowing participants to explore the region’s storied distilling traditions and savor some of Scotland’s finest single malts.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking for the 3-Day Speyside Whisky Tour from Edinburgh can be easily handled online, with the tour operator providing a user-friendly reservation system.

Cancellation policy allows for full refunds if the tour is canceled at least 21 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

The booking process is straightforward:

1. Select your preferred tour date on the website.
2. Provide the required personal and contact information.
3. Secure your spot with a valid payment method.

Flexibility is key, as the itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change. Adhering to the 21-day cancellation policy ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing you to plan your trip with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour is casual and comfortable clothing. Participants should dress in layers, as the weather in Speyside can be unpredictable. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for navigating the distilleries and scenic routes.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour does not explicitly state that dietary restrictions are accommodated. Travelers should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about their ability to cater to any specific dietary needs.

Can We Purchase Whisky at the Distilleries for Consumption on the Bus?

Passengers can purchase whisky at the distilleries, but they won’t be allowed to consume it on the bus for safety reasons. The tour company recommends enjoying any purchases after the tour has concluded.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour by an Extra Day or Two?

Yes, the tour can likely be extended by an extra day or two. Travelers should check with the tour operator as additional days may be available for an extra fee, allowing more time to explore the Speyside region.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There are no specific discounts for seniors or students on this 3-day Speyside whisky tour. However, the tour operator may offer occasional promotions or discounted rates. It’s best to inquire about any available deals when booking the tour.

Recap

This 3-day Speyside whisky tour from Edinburgh offers a convenient and flexible way to explore Scotland’s renowned whisky region.

You’ll visit at least 4 acclaimed distilleries, enjoy scenic routes through the Cairngorm National Park, and stay in the charming village of Grantown-on-Spey.

With included admission fees and accommodation, this tour provides a comprehensive and hassle-free experience to discover Speyside’s rich whisky heritage.