From Edinburgh/Glasgow: 5-Day Whisky and Highlands Tour

Discover the Best of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands in 5 Days

The From Edinburgh/Glasgow: 5-Day Whisky and Highlands Tour offers an immersive journey through Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and whisky heritage. Starting from Edinburgh or Glasgow, this small-group tour takes travelers on a route that combines distillery visits, island adventures, and scenic drives. For approximately five days, the tour explores 6 distilleries, the Isle of Mull, Inverness, and the Orkney Islands, all while staying in comfortable 3-star hotels with breakfast included.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate whisky tastings, love stunning scenery, and want a flexible yet structured way to see Scotland’s highlights. It emphasizes island life and Highland scenery, with the added bonus of ferry rides that reveal some of Scotland’s most beautiful coastlines. A key strength is the variety of locations visited, but travelers should be aware that the drive back from the Orkney Islands is quite lengthy, around seven hours.

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Key Points

• Departure options: From Edinburgh or Glasgow, offering flexibility for travelers.
• 6 distilleries: Includes iconic names such as Oban, Tobermory, Glenmorangie, Wolfburn, Highland Park, and Scapa.
• Island visits: Explores Isle of Mull and Orkney Islands with ferry rides, providing unique island experiences.
• Scenic drives and ferry crossings: Highlights include Kilchurn Castle ruins and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
• Comfortable hotels: Accommodation in 3-star hotels with breakfast ensures a restful stay.
• Limited physical requirements: Not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for children under 18.

Starting Your Journey in Edinburgh or Glasgow

This tour begins with departures from either Edinburgh or Glasgow, giving travelers the chance to choose a starting point most convenient for their plans. The first day involves traveling north through the Trossachs, with a possible pause at Kilchurn Castle, a well-photographed ruin. The day culminates in Oban, known for its historic distillery, where a guided tour and tasting await. Later, the group boards a ferry to reach the Isle of Mull, arriving in Tobermory, famed for its colorful harbor and local charm.

Exploring Oban and the Isle of Mull

Oban Distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland, offering insights into traditional whisky-making. This stops provides a guided tour and tasting, letting visitors sample some of Scotland’s classic flavors. The journey continues with a ferry ride to the Isle of Mull, where the colorful town of Tobermory becomes the base for the night. The island setting combines rugged coastline with lively harbor scenes, perfect for a relaxing evening after a day of travel and exploration.

Tobermory Distillery and Highland Inverness

On day two, Tobermory Distillery is a key highlight, where island whiskies are crafted with distinctive character. Afterward, the tour heads east towards Inverness, passing through Glenfinnan, famous for its viaduct from Harry Potter films. The scenic drive across the Highlands features mountains, glens, and lochs, culminating in an overnight stay in Inverness, the Highland capital. The hotel here provides a comfortable base for exploring the region further.

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Visiting Highland Whisky Icons at Glenmorangie and Wolfburn

Day three focuses on northern whisky landmarks: Glenmorangie Distillery is renowned for its smooth Highland malts, and Wolfburn Distillery near Thurso adds a craftsmanship element to the experience. Both sites feature guided tours and tastings, giving an in-depth look at single malts and distilling techniques. After these visits, the journey continues with a ferry crossing at Gills Bay to reach the Orkney Islands, where Kirkwall becomes the base for the next two nights.

Exploring the Whiskies of Orkney: Highland Park and Scapa

On day four, the focus shifts to Orkney’s renowned distilleries. The group visits Highland Park Distillery, known for smoky, richly flavored malts, and Scapa Distillery, which produces unique island whiskies. Both visits involve tours and tastings, offering insight into traditional and innovative production methods. The distilleries’ location on the islands provides a striking backdrop of rugged coastlines and historic sites, making the experience visually compelling.

Returning to the Mainland and Final Departure

On the final day, early in the morning, the group departs Kirkwall by ferry, retracing the route back through the Highlands. The return journey to Edinburgh or Glasgow takes approximately seven hours, with a planned lunch break and opportunities to stretch. The tour concludes with the drop-off at the original departure point, ending a comprehensive exploration of Scotland’s whisky, landscapes, and islands.

Practical Details and Group Size

This tour offers small-group experiences, with options for private or small group bookings, ensuring a more personalized experience. The live guides speak English and Spanish, providing flexible language options. Pickup arrangements are made 24 hours in advance, and punctuality is expected to maintain the itinerary schedule.

What to Keep in Mind

Participants must bring ID, as it’s required for the distillery visits. The tour prohibits smoking and drinks in the vehicle for safety reasons. It is not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for children under 18 years or those prone to seasickness. Travelers should prepare for a full-day drive on the return, which lasts around seven hours.

The Value Proposition of This Whisky and Highlands Tour

This 5-day tour offers an excellent combination of whisky tasting, scenic driving, and island exploration, all included in an organized package. The stay in comfortable hotels and the carefully curated stops make it appealing to those seeking an authentic Scottish experience without the hassle of planning each detail. The ferry rides and visits to distilleries add a unique touch that elevates the journey beyond typical land tours.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is perfect for whisky enthusiasts, scenery lovers, and adventure seekers eager to see island life and Highland landscapes. It suits travelers comfortable with long drives and ferry crossings, aiming to experience Scotland’s diverse regions in a structured but flexible manner. Those interested in learning about whisky production and enjoying historic sites will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided for the entire tour?
Yes, transportation is included, with pickup arranged 24 hours before the tour begins, in a vehicle suitable for small groups.

Can I start the tour from Glasgow?
Yes, you can choose to begin in either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included at the hotels; other meals are generally not included but can be purchased during the day.

How many distilleries do I visit?
You visit 6 distilleries: Oban, Tobermory, Glenmorangie, Wolfburn, Highland Park, and Scapa.

Are the distillery visits suitable for all ages?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 years.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility impairments?
No, it not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Bring ID for ages and identification; dress appropriately for weather and walking.

How long is the drive back from Orkney?
The return journey takes approximately seven hours from Kirkwall.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if made up to 24 hours in advance.

What language do guides speak?
Guides speak English and Spanish.

This 5-day whisky and Highlands tour from The Whisky Travel Company Ltd offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to explore Scotland’s whisky scene and stunning scenery in a comfortable, organized setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby