Speyside 5 Day Whisky Tour

If Speyside whisky is your idea of a perfect holiday (and honestly, fair), this private Speyside whisky tour is a brilliant way to explore Scotland’s most famous malt region without rushing between tastings like it’s an Olympic sport. Speyside is home to the greatest concentration of distilleries in the country, set among river valleys, forested hills, and classic Highland scenery, which means the drives are just as enjoyable as the drams.

With Tour Guide Scotland, you’ll travel in comfort with a friendly, professional guide who can shape the experience around your tastes, whether you love rich sherried malts, elegant Speyside fruit, or you simply want to visit the big names you’ve been dreaming about. You can choose from a selection of pre-planned distillery itineraries, or we can create a more bespoke route based on your favourite distilleries and the experiences you’d like (tours, tastings, pairings, or behind-the-scenes options where available).

You’ll stay in the Speyside area (often around Craigellachie, Aberlour, or Dufftown), giving you time to enjoy the region properly, good food, cosy evenings, and that unmistakable Speyside feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

If you’re ready to sip your way through Scotland’s most iconic whisky region, book your Speyside whisky tour and we’ll help you choose the best distillery visits and tasting experiences for your dates.

We begin with pick-up from your chosen start point and head north into whisky country, arriving in the Speyside region with time to settle in and start the fun.

• Arrive in Speyside (Craigellachie / Aberlour area) – a classic base in the heart of the region, close to many of Speyside’s best-known distilleries.

• First distillery visit & tasting – depending on availability and your preferences, we can arrange an introductory tour at a name such as Cardhu, Aberlour, or The Macallan. Expect a clear overview of the whisky-making process and your first proper guided tasting of the trip.

• Evening in Speyside – time to enjoy dinner locally (and, if you fancy, a relaxed whisky bar stop to compare notes).

Overnight: Speyside (Craigellachie / Aberlour / Dufftown area).

Day 1: Travel to Speyside & First Distillery Experience

Today focuses on the Speyside heartland around Dufftown, often called the whisky capital of the world.

• Dufftown & distillery options – we can include one or two distilleries depending on what you’d most like to prioritise (classic names, flavour styles, or specific tour types).

• Speyside scenery – short scenic stops along the River Spey and through the surrounding glens and woodland, perfect for fresh air between tastings.

• Optional whisky-focused stops – independent bottle shops, heritage points, or a cooperage visit (where it fits best, some guests love the cask side of the story).

Overnight: Speyside.

Tour Details

• Duration: 5 Days (7-8 hours per day)

• Departure From: Edinburgh or Glasgow

• Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

• Cost: £4475

• Included:

  • Private driver-guide

  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Bottled water and local snacks

• Not Included:

  • Accommodation (we are happy to suggest local options)

  • Meals

  • Entrance Fees

Day 2: Dufftown Day - “Whisky Capital” Distillery Visits

Day 3: Speyside Cooperage & Aberlour Distillery

Day 4: Iconic Distilleries - Strathisla, Macallan & Glenrothes

A day for the “big hitters” and beautiful distilleries, with a mix of heritage and modern design.

• Strathisla – one of the most picturesque distilleries in Scotland, full of classic character and a great stop for photos as well as whisky.

• The Macallan – a world-famous name with a striking visitor experience and a deep focus on oak cask influence. A perfect contrast to more traditional sites.

• Glenrothes – a final distillery stop to round out the day, showcasing another side of Speyside style and craft.

We’ll pace the day sensibly; three visits is a full day, so we’ll choose the best tour/tasting formats for your energy level and interests.

Overnight: Speyside.

Today is a great “how it’s made” day, adding depth without being heavy.

• Speyside Cooperage – see the craft that quietly shapes whisky flavour more than most people realise. Watching coopers work and learning how casks are repaired and prepared gives you a whole new appreciation for maturation and finishing.

• Aberlour Distillery – a favourite for many visitors, known for rich Speyside character and (often) sherry-cask influence. Enjoy a tour and tasting, with time to browse the shop and pick up something special.

Overnight: Speyside.

Day 5: Cairngorms Drive, Final Tasting & Return to Edinburgh or Glasgow

We finish the tour with a scenic route south through the Cairngorms National Park, with one last enjoyable whisky stop before returning to the city.

• Aviemore stop: The Snug – a cosy whisky stop and gallery-style space where you can sample expressions from the Spey Distillery range (ideal as a final tasting of the trip).

• Scenic return drive – relaxed, beautiful, and a fitting end to the week.

• Return to Edinburgh or Glasgow – drop-off at your chosen location.

What Makes This Speyside Whisky Tour Special

• Private touring: just your group, your guide, your pace

• Distillery choice built around you: big names, hidden gems, or a balanced mix

• A relaxed route: quality experiences without feeling rushed

• Optional add-ons: whisky & chocolate pairings, premium tastings, scenic stops, bottle shopping

If Speyside is calling, we’ll help you answer it properly. Book your private Speyside whisky tour, and we’ll tailor the distilleries and tasting experiences to suit your dates and your whisky style.