Speyside Whisky Trail 2026

Get ready for a fun day exploring Speyside, Scotland’s most famous whisky region. Known for its lush landscapes along the River Spey, this area is home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries. The whisky produced here is characterized by its smooth, sweet, and fruity notes, often featuring hints of apple, pear, and honey, setting it apart from other Scotch whisky regions. We leave Grantown-on-Spey and journey to the first distillery of the day: Cardhu.

Cardhu has come a long way in 200 years, evolving from a humble piece of farmland to a producer of beloved Speyside malt whisky. Discover the stories of Helen Cumming, a pivotal figure in the distillery’s success, and learn how Cardhu became a key component in popular blends like Johnnie Walker. Most importantly, embark on their Flavour Journey tour and whisky tasting, where you’ll savour three drams of their whisky and a highball cocktail. Warmed up after your first tasting, we travel to Aberlour for lunch.

After lunch in nearby Aberlour, we travel along the Spey River to Craigellachie for a visit to the Speyside Cooperage, where you see another aspect of the whisky making process. This is one of the last barrel-making places in Scotland that still uses traditional methods as well as modern techniques. From shaping to charring, learn the secrets of the craft that goes back 5,000 years as you explore this unique place. The last stop gives you yet another whisky experience. We travel to Cragganmore Distillery. As part of your guided tour, you’ll visit one of the warehouses where you’ll draw and enjoy a small taste of a duty paid cask, followed by a tutored nosing and tasting.

After a day full of new whisky revelations, you return to Grantown-on-Spey with some new thoughts; whisky is not just a drink. It’s an experience, a connection to the land, the craftsmanship, and history.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Grantown-on-Spey. (B)

Say goodbye to Speyside as we start our return journey through expansive moorlands and dramatic peaks of Cairngorms National Park to Dalwhinnie Distillery.

By now you’ve become well-versed in whisky tasting, so a visit to Dalwhinnie will take you to the next level as you enjoy a masterclass experience arranged especially for Rabbie’s customers; whisky and chocolate tasting. This delectable combination will make you discover the nuances of flavours so characteristic to Dalwhinnie’s spirits. You will also get your own souvenir glass to take home with you to commemorate the experience. We continue south to Perthshire, often referred to as “Big Tree Country, towards the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry for lunch.

After trying some tasty local food and exploring the quaint streets of Pitlochry, we head to the Hermitage, where you can take a fantastic woodland walk amongst majestic Douglas firs and ancient oaks leading up to the stunning Black Linn Falls. Next, we find the gorgeous cathedral town of Dunkeld situated on the banks of the River Tay. You have the chance to explore the architecturally fascinating cathedral or walk the quaint streets of this picturesque village.

It’s time to say goodbye to the Highlands as we continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife and then cross the Firth of Forth and return to Edinburgh. (B)

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.