Speyside whisky tours from glasgow
Our exciting five-day Speyside whisky tour from Glasgow, is a fantastic opportunity to explore the beautiful Speyside Whisky region. You can begin your tour from your hotel, the airport, or any preferred location within the city.
Your friendly and knowledgeable private driver will greet you in Glasgow with a well-maintained, comfortable vehicle to take you on your Speyside whisky adventure. Our vehicles are fully air-conditioned, with charging ports and large rear windows. We provide complimentary water, light snacks, and a marvellous selection of single malt whisky to savour, as we make our way through the glens and valleys of Speyside.
Speyside Whisky Tour Highlights from Glasgow
Day 1 – Auchentoshan Whisky Distillery, The National Trossachs, Loch Lomond and The Hermitage Forest Walk
Day 2 – Dalwhinnie Distillery, Cardhu Distillery
Day 3 – Glenallachie and Glenfiddich Whisky Distilleries
Day 4 – Speyside Cooperage, Glen Grant and Glen Moray Distilleries
Day 5 – Dunnottar Castle, Glamis Castle or Stirling Castle
5-Day Speyside Itinerary from Glasgow
Day 1 Glasgow to Pitlochry
Starting from Glasgow, our journey takes us through the legendary and historic scenic west end of the city, passing the stunning Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the bohemian neighbourhoods of Byres Road and Ashton Lane before finally reaching The Auchentoshan Distillery.
The Auchentoshan Distillery is a lowland distillery known as ‘Glasgow’s Malt Whisky’ due to its proximity to the city. While visiting, you’ll have the chance to learn about the production process of the spirit, which is distilled near the Clyde River. This area was significant in the ship-building industry during the Industrial Revolution.
Auchentoshan is one of the few distilleries in Scotland that uses a triple distillation process to create a smooth and fruity-tasting whisky. Take advantage of this fabulous opportunity to enjoy a tour and a dram or two at this fantastic distillery.
After a splendid start to our day, we will travel through The Trossachs & Loch Lomond National Park, taking in the stunning scenery as we wind through the country roads, passing country farms and scenic villages. We will then stop at the Famous Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha for lunch, which sits on the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond.
The Oak Tree Inn has a lively atmosphere, as it is situated on the world-famous West Highland Way walking route, just opposite Conic Hill. Our very own Billy Connelly was photographed there, enjoying mince and tatties. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the traditional Scottish Meal “Haggis Neeps & Tatties” or sample the classic fish & chips. Both are excellent choices. I can personally recommend their chicken & leek pie. After lunch, we can take a short walk down to the Loch Lomond shoreline to capture some great photos before journeying on.
Continuing our tour, we stop for a short forest walk at The Hermitage near Dunkeld, to appreciate the breathtaking views of the thunderous Black Linn Falls from Ossian’s Hall. This area was once a pleasure ground for The Dukes of Atholl during the 18th century, and features some of the largest trees in Scotland (Douglas Firs) that beautifully line the river Brann.
Our last stop of the day is in the picturesque, popular Victorian spa town of Pitlochry, where we will stay overnight.
Day 2 Pitlochry to Speyside
After a comfortable night’s sleep and a welcoming Scottish Breakfast, it is time to embark on our spiritual whisky pilgrimage to Speyside. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular Highland scenery as we transport you to Scotland’s highest whisky distillery, Dalwhinnie, located 1164 feet above sea level in the Cairngorm National Park.
At Tour Guide Scotland, we highly recommend the Dalwhinnie Distillery Tour as part of our whisky itineraries. This exceptional quality tour includes a tutored tasting of three Dalwhinnie Single Malts, each paired with handmade Scottish highland chocolates. Additionally, you will receive a gift to take home with you.
As we travel north, we make a stop for lunch in Aviemore, a charming resort town nestled in the Cairngorms National Park. You’ll have the option to grab a quick bite at one of the local cafes or bistros, or indulge in a traditional bowl of Cullen Skink soup, (smoked haddock chowder) at a local pub or restaurant like the Winking Owl.
After a scrumptious lunch, we travel through the Boat of Garten and Grantown on Spey en route to the Cardhu Distillery in Speyside.
The Cardhu Flavour Journey is available as a full-sensory tour and tutored whisky tasting of three drams, and a cocktail in their Tasting Kitchen.
On this evening, we shall be staying in Aberlour of Charlestown, a small town with a variety of restaurants and cosy hotels to choose from.
If you seek a more luxurious hotel, The Dowans Hotel is the perfect destination for you. This hotel boasts a world-class menu and locally sourced produce, including venison from the Glenlivet Estate and fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the area.
However, if you prefer a functional, yet high-quality stay that won’t break the bank, Aberlour Hotel is an excellent choice. The hotel offers comfortable rooms at fair prices and is conveniently located across the road from Aberlour Fish & Chip shop, where you can enjoy traditional fish and chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, treat yourself to a legendary deep-fried Mars bar while you’re at it!
Day 3 Glenallachie and Glenfiddich Whisky Distilleries
On the third day of your spectacular Speyside Whisky Tour, we have an exciting itinerary lined up. Our first Speyside Distillery Tour starts at The GlenAllachie Distillery in Aberlour.
This is a privately owned distillery, and managed by Billy Walker, who has an impressive 50-year career in the whisky industry. Located at the foot of Ben Rinnes in Speyside, the distillery prioritises quality over quantity.
The GlenAallachie Experience offers a delightful journey through the charming distillery, showcasing its unique range of award-winning Speyside Whiskies with their distinct honeyed flavours.
We will still have time to visit the newly-opened GlenAllachie Whisky Bar & Tasting Lounge before we leave. You can explore a variety of tasting flights and whiskies by the glass, including Speyside limited edition & distillery-exclusive drams. The GlenAllachie Tasting Bar operates on a walk-in basis, so you don’t need to book in advance.
Before our lunch break at the Mash Tun in Aberlour, we will stop by the renowned Walkers Shortbread factory shop, to purchase some delicious snacks.
If you are in the mood for some fresh air, you can dine al fresco on the Mash Tun’s decking, overlooking the River Spey.
Our afternoon Speyside Distillery visitation takes us to the world-famous Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, “The Whisky Capital of Speyside’.
William Grant began constructing his distillery with the assistance of nine of his children and a stonemason. He named the distillery Glenfiddich, which means “Valley of the Deer” in Gaelic. The first drop of spirit was drawn from the copper stills on Christmas Day of 1887.
The Glenfiddich Distillery Tour is a 90-minute experience that takes you on an immersive journey through the world of Speyside Whisky. During the tour, you will learn about the history of this family-owned business and have the opportunity to taste up to four different Glenfiddich Single Malt Whiskies in the Malt Masters Blending Room.
Before leaving the Glenfiddich estate, we will have time to visit their well-stocked shop for any exclusive whisky, or gifts you may wish to take home with you.
Day 4 Speyside Cooperage, Glen Moray and Glen Grant Distilleries
Early in the morning, we will make our way to the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre in Craigallechie. You will experience a state-of-the-art 4D cinema presentation, which showcases the history, the craftsmanship and the importance of the ancient art of coopering. We will then be guided up to the viewing gallery in the cooperage to witness the ancient craft of coopering, where you can watch coopers repairing and constructing wooden barrels for whisky maturation.
Our next destination in Speyside is the Glen Grant Distillery in Rothes. The Glen Grant distillery dates back to 1840 and offers a terrific choice of Speyside Whisky Tours and Tastings and access to their beautifully maintained gardens. The 22-acre Victorian garden was established in 1886 by Major James Grant. You can access the gardens from the visitor’s centre and stroll through the orchards, meadows and gorges, that are home to a variety of exotic fruits and plants that Major Grant collected from his travels around the world.
Our final distillery visit today is to the Glen Moray Distillery in the former cathedral city of Elgin, in Moray. Before starting our tour we have an abundance of eateries to choose from in this former Royal Burgh. It is also possible to dine at the Glen Moray Distillery Visitor Centre Coffee Shop before commencing your tour. They serve light lunches and delicious homemade soups. The Glen Moray Whisky Tours have been described as an exceptional experience by previous visitors.
Before leaving, we will make time for a short visit to view the historic ruins of Elgin Cathedral.
On the way back to Aberlour, we will pass other lesser-known distilleries, such as Longmorn, Speyburn & Craigallachie. Remind me to reveal my secret place to buy some of the best whisky in Speyside at the best prices.
Day 5 Dunnottar Castle, Glamis Castle or Stirling Castle
Sadly, it is our final day together, and therefore, it is time to make our way back to Glasgow. However, we have some lovely locations to visit en route. Firstly, we will travel the Aberdeen coastal route for a photo opportunity at Dunnottar Castle, one of the most iconic castles in Scotland. It is said that the Scottish Crown Jewels (The Scottish Honours) were hidden at Dunnottar, and a Scullery maid sneaked them out past the English army in the layers of her underskirts.
As we make our way back to Glasgow, if time allows, we can either stop at Glamis Castle, the former home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, or at Stirling Castle, which is one of the most iconic and historic castles in Scotland.
We hope you experience a magnificent, magical time with us and have fond memories of the legendary stories and imparted knowledge received throughout our phenomenal 5-day Speyside Whisky Tour.
Book your Speyside Whisky Tour from Glasgow Today
We recommend booking your Speyside Whisky Tour from Glasgow soon to avoid disappointment. Our departures from Glasgow to Speyside are highly popular, and the tours in Speyside Whisky Distilleries are limited in number due to ongoing working environments. Contact Tour Guide Scotland today to check out the availability for the upcoming season.
