ABOUT SCOTLAND WHISKY TOURS
If you're looking for an insight into Scotland whisky trips, you're in the right place. We've gathered expert advice to help you plan your journey. Uncover all the useful information to make sure you have a memorable and enjoyable exploration of Scotland's rich whisky heritage.
Go on a small group tour complete with a distillery visit
If you’d like an introduction to whisky, join a guided small group tour that includes a visit to a distillery.
You’ll soon find out that this honey-hued tipple is more than just a drink to the Scots. In fact, it’s been an important part of Scotland’s culture for centuries. Although the oldest licensed distilleries here date from the late 1700s, the locals have been producing whisky from malted barley since the 15th century.
During your distillery visit, a local tour guide will show you how Scotland’s malt whiskies are made and talk you through a tasting experience.
Throughout the rest of your tour, you’ll explore Scotland’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and top attractions with your knowledgeable guide. Plus, in a group of no more than 15 guests, you’ll get to know your fellow travellers and have opportunities to ask your guide questions.
As well as being an unforgettable way to uncover Scotland without taking the wheel yourself, small group tours are perfect if you’re travelling solo. So why not embark on a tasting adventure with like-minded whisky lovers from around the world?
All guided small group tours in Scotland include:
• Stays in handpicked accommodation
• Transport in a comfortable minibus
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Daily breakfast and some meals
• Welcome pack with our Scotland travel guide
• Your own detailed itinerary and a map of Scotland
Add a whisky-tasting or distillery tour to your travel package
If you’d like to discover Scotland differently, there are other ways to appreciate the local whisky. For instance, you could add a visit to the highly recommended Scotch Whisky Experience to your tour package as an optional extra.
For the freedom to go at your own pace, opt for a self-drive tour of Scotland. Being able to stop whenever you like means you could check out distilleries you pass along the way.
Do bear in mind that Scotland’s drink-drive limit is zero. So, if you plan to do more travelling that day, make sure to ask the distillery you’re visiting if you can get a takeaway tasting pack. This will let the designated driver try the warming whisky samples once you get to your accommodation.
Head out on a road trip of a lifetime. Uncover scenic routes and iconic sights in this round-up of the best road trips in Scotland.
On the other hand, pick a Scotland private tour, and you’ll benefit from the services of your own driver-guide. If you have a favourite whisky, they'll advise you on the best itinerary that incorporates the distillery. Plus, with someone else at the wheel, you can sit back and listen to local insights as you soak up the beautiful scenery.
Alternatively, base yourself in Edinburgh on one of these multi-day trips in Scotland, where you’ll take day tours into the countryside. With a combination of handpicked excursions and free time in Edinburgh, they’re ideal for getting a flavour of Scotland.
Discover the capital city of Scotland. Make your visit unforgettable with this curated list of the top things to do in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s whisky regions
In Scotland, distilleries are everywhere. Or that’s what it feels like once you know there are over 130 active distilleries. You’ll find them dotted throughout the country’s 5 whisky regions: Speyside, the Lowlands, the Highlands, Islay and Campbeltown.
On these guided small group trips, your whisky-tasting tour in Scotland will be at either a Lowland or Speyside distillery. If you’d like to visit other areas for a Scotch tour, Scotland self-drive packages give you opportunities to stop at whisky distilleries in the Highlands as well. This includes iconic west coast distilleries such as Talisker on the Isle of Skye.
If you already know a little about whisky, you’ve probably heard that each region is known for its characteristic flavours. But go on a Scotland distillery tour, and you’ll soon find out that there’s also lots of variation between brands.
Venture to Speyside – home to the Malt Whisky Trail – and you could try whiskies with light, fruity or rich sherry notes. Tour Highland distilleries and you can expect spicy or maritime drams.
Then there’s Islay, where some of the world’s most famous whiskies come from. Here, you’ll find peaty, smoky single malts from distilleries like Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Bowmore.
Get a taste of Scottish cuisine
If you’re interested in Scottish whisky, there’s a chance you’ll also want to delve into the local food scene. Scotland has plenty of top-notch eateries dishing up mouthwatering plates.
Look for refined tasting menus at Michelin guide-listed restaurants, noteworthy seafood shacks, and cosy cafés with platters of delicious home baking. Not to mention the traditional pub serving hearty favourites like haggis, along with a selection of ales and well-stocked whisky shelves.
Plus, with restaurant picks from Nordic Visitor's travel consultants, you’ll sample the best local cuisine along the way.
