DETAILED ITINERARY
16Jun
Day 1:Sunday 2024-05-12, Glasgow - Loch Lomond - Inveraray
Arrive at "the world's friendliest city" of Glasgow and meet your driver.
Travelling from Glasgow to Loch Lomond is a memorable journey with stunning scenery.
As you leave the vibrant city of Glasgow, known for its rich culture, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife, with many attractions, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Cathedral, and the Riverside Museum you make your way to Loch Lomond through charming villages and rolling hills and natural beauty.
Enjoy light breakfast at The Clubhouse Restaurant at Cameron House Hotel, located in the beautiful surroundings of The Cameron Club and Spa with views towards Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond.
Embarking on a journey from Loch Lomond to Inverary on Loch Fyne is an experience that is both breathtaking and serene. As you travel along the Scottish countryside's winding roads begin to unfold before you. The scenery is awe-inspiring, with rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and charming villages dotted along the way, with its shimmering waters and majestic mountains, before reaching the shores of Loch Fyne.
The drive around the loch is a feast for the senses, with the smell of saltwater in the air, the sound of seagulls calling overhead, and the sight of boats bobbing on the gentle waves. Finally, the picturesque town of Inverary comes into view, with its quaint cottages, colourful fishing boats, and bustling harbour. This journey is a perfect escape, offering a chance to unwind and soak up the beauty of Scotland's stunning west coast.
Lunch at Local Restaurant
Visit Inveraray Castle
Inveraray Castle has been standing on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s, although the impressive castle we know today was inspired by a sketch by Vanbrugh, the architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard in the 1700s.
Vanbrugh died soon afterwards, but the great architect's gem of an idea became the base of the house which the 3rd Duke was eventually to build. The foundation stone was laid in 1746 and what followed was the construction - to a design by the architects Roger Morris and William Adam - of a truly modern, baroque, Palladian and Gothic-style castle, architecturally before its time.Both Morris and Adam died before the castle was finished and Adam's sons, James and Robert, brought the castle to completion 43 years after the first stone was laid.The castle we know today was the result of a fire in 1877, which resulted in the addition of the third floor and conical roofs on the corner towers.
Included: lunch, bedroom and breakfast, dinner (no drinks), transportExample Text
Overnight at Loch Fyne Hotel
Day 2:Monday 2024-05-13, Inveraray - Kennacraig - Port Ellen - Bruichladdich - Port Ellen
Ardbeg Distillery - Lunch at Old Kiln Cafe and Gift Shop visit.
For over 200 years, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay. Some people travel to Ardbeg along the winding road from Port Ellen. Ardbeg has been called “as close to perfection as makes no difference,” by whisky connoisseurs. Proof then, that Ardbeg truly deserves its incredible reputation. It’s a whisky that’s worshipped around the world. In the past ten years, six different Ardbeg expressions have won prestigious titles including World Whisky of the Year, Scotch Whisky of the Year and the World’s Best Single Malt.
Ardbeg Distillery - Lunch at Old Kiln Cafe and Gift Shop visit.
For over 200 years, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay. Some people travel to Ardbeg along the winding road from Port Ellen. Ardbeg has been called “as close to perfection as makes no difference,” by whisky connoisseurs. Proof then, that Ardbeg truly deserves its incredible reputation. It’s a whisky that’s worshipped around the world. In the past ten years, six different Ardbeg expressions have won prestigious titles including World Whisky of the Year, Scotch Whisky of the Year and the World’s Best Single Malt.
Enjoy Lunch at Ardbeg
Since Bruichladdich’s resurrection in 2001, our ambitions have gone beyond the simple idea of making and selling single malt scotch whisky. Our goal was to be an antidote to the industry norm.
We set course to be pioneers, provocateurs and change makers. Reconnecting the land and the dram, re-evaluating the prescribed ‘rules’ of the industry, questioning where flavour comes from and understanding why agricultural ecosystems are important. This was a journey that would go on to inspire an army of distillers and drinkers across the world.As we continue this path, we discover that the more we learn, the more we know we need to do. Today, our commitments to people and the planet grow stronger, ensuring we use our business as a force for good.
Overnight at Islay House
Day 3:Tuesday 2024-05-14, Port Askaig - Oban
Bunnahabhain Distillery Tour
Before leaving the Island, we will have a Distillery tour at Bunnahabhain. Pronounced 'Bunn-na-ha-venn', meaning 'mouth of the river' in Scots Gaelic, our distillery is the most remote on Islay, nestled in Bunnahabhain Bay on the shores of the Sound of Islay.
Returning to the Mainland
Enjoy this sailing back over to the mainland, the seafood capital of Scotland. Oban is nestled on the west coast and surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside, the seaside town of Oban is a great place to visit.
Overnight at Oban Bay Hotel- Dinner included.
- Included: entrance fees, bedroom and breakfast, dinner (no drinks), transport
- distance: 71km
- ascent: -10m
Day 4:Wednesday 2024-05-15, Oban - Fort William - Dalwhinnie - Aviemore
After stopping in Oban you travel along the shore of Loch Linnhe towards Fort William.
Before you leave Oban, visit McCaig's Tower and Dunnollie Castle.
McCaig's Tower is Oban's prominent landmark and was built in 1897 by local banker John Stuart McCaig.The aim of the tower was to provide work for local stonemasons and a lasting monument to the McCaig family. The climb from the town centre to McCaig's Tower is well worth the effort when faced with the spectacular views across Oban Bay to the Atlantic Islands. The gardens inside the tower are well maintained and are a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of town life in Oban.
Dunollie is located about 1 mile north of Oban along the coast, in an area known to have been inhabited for at least 8,000 years. Perched on a cliff and surrounded by stunning views across Oban Bay and the Isles is Dunollie’s medieval Castle Ruin. In the oldest part of the Laird’s House below is our 1745 House Museum, home to a significant collection Highland Social History including our temporary photography exhibition 'Hope Behind the Lens' as well as Clan MacDougall material and archives. Dunollie’s beautiful Historic Woodland Grounds surround the 1745 House and Castle Ruin and offer a place of relaxation for adults and outdoor exploration for children.Highlights on route:- Glencoe (moderate to medium difficulty) 2-hour/half day walk to Signal Rock (most popular walk, legend/Glencoe massacre)
- Castle Stalker
Ben Nevis Distillery Standard Tour
Founded by John “Long John” MacDonald in 1825, Ben Nevis Distillery is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which has a summit elevation of 4,413 feet above sea level, we have been crafting malt whisky from the highest water source in Scotland for nearly two hundred years.
Situated in a former warehouse dating from 1862, the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre has a small, dedicated team of tour guides who will show you around our site. On tour, you will learn about the vibrant history ofour distillery, as well as the care and experience that goes into crafting Ben Nevis malt whisky. All tours conclude with a tasting of several of our whiskies in our newly redesigned bar/shop area.
Lunch at Local Restaurant
Fort William and Lochaber
Enjoy sometime exploring Lochaber in the West Highlands, the town is described as the Outdoor Capital of the UK and is a popular base for weekend breaks and holidays in the Highlands. From some of the most beautiful beaches in the world to iconic film locations, sweeping hills, castles, and distilleries, discover the wonder that is Lochaber.
Lochaber, a former Highland local government district, is a large and scenic area of the Scottish West Highlands. The popular town of Fort William on the north side of Loch Linnhe and the Ben Nevis mountain range are the most important tourist destinations. The area of Lochaber includes Fort Augustus in the north, the Ardnamurchan, Morvern, Arisaig and Morar and Knoydart peninsula’s in the west, the impressive Nevis range in the centre and Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor in the east.
Dalwhinnie Distillery
Dalwhinnie, the highest distillery in Scotland. Take a distillery tour that gives you an explanation of the traditional art of malt whisky distilling. Afterwards sample 2 Dalwhinnie single malts with specially selected chocolate that combines beautifully with the whisky. A guide will also give you advice on the best way to appreciate whisky and suggest other food combinations.
Overnight at Hilton Coylumbridge
Tonights Dinner will be at your hotel
- Included: entrance fees, lunch, bedroom and breakfast, dinner, transport
- ascent: -20m
Day 5:Thursday 2024-05-16, Aviemore - Ballindaloch - Aberlour - Elgin - Aviemore
Today we leave Aviemore and make our way to the village of Ballindaloch for first whisky tasting of today, before moving onto others well known distilleries. - Enjoy your day!
Glenfarcalss Distillery Classic Tour
Glenfarclas was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to open a dedicated visitor centre in 1973. We still pride ourselves on the warmth of our welcome. We have a range of tours to appeal to everyone from those new to whisky, to the dedicated enthusiast.
Take a tour of the distillery with one of our knowledgeable guides and discover not only the magic of malt whisky production and maturation, but the unique history of our family owned distillery. After your tour, relax with a couple of drams in the splendour of the Ship's Room and browse in our distillery shop with its large selection of Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Glenfarclas gifts.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
The Macallan Distillery
Founded in 1824, The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then we have built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is built on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles. From place to process, people and passion, the Six Pillars are the backdrop to The Macallan's unique spirit.
After discovering how our unparalleled investment in the finest casks contributes to the natural colours, aromas and flavours that set The Macallan apart, you will experience a nosing and tasting of some carefully selected Macallan whiskies and our wonderfully rich new make spirit.
Lunch at Local Restaurant
Gordon and Machphail Whisky Tasting - Connoisseurs Choice
Created in 1968 by whisky visionary 'Mr George' Urquhart, the Connoisseurs Choice range features rare single cask and small batch expressions that are always non-chill filtered and natural colour. Discover the depth and breadth of wiskies avialble in the Connoisseurs Choice range, enjoyig five whiskies selected from different cask types, bottling strenghts and age statements.
Overnight at Hilton Coylumbridge
Tonights Dinner will be at your hotel
- Included: entrance fees, lunch, bedroom and breakfast, dinner, transport
- ascent: -220m
Day 6:Friday 2024-05-17, Aviemore - Newburgh - Edinburgh
This morning after an enjoyable breakfast and check out we drive towards Edinburgh, stopping in the Kingdom of Fife for a tasting experience at Lindores Abbey.
Enjoy a visit to Lindores Abbey Distillery- The Distillery Cask Private tour with 5 drams
At Lindores Abbey Distillery, they are delighted to bring their Single Malt to whisky lovers worldwide. As sought after and enjoyed as much today as it was in MCDXCIV (1494).
The Distillery Single Casks are what we consider to be the most exciting and exceptional examples of each cask type that we currently use at Lindores. This will take approximately two hours as these whiskies are bottled at Cask Strength so it is not a tasting to rush.
Lunch at Local Restaurant
After lunch we make our way to Edinburgh with a brief stop in one of the most picturesque villages of Scotland -South Queensferry. Here you will have the opportunity to admire the three bridges crossing the River Forth.
Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away. Discover some highlights of a visit to Edinburgh Castle, from the Royal Palace and Honours of Scotland to Mons Meg and the Scottish National War Memorial.
ENJOY THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE- The perfect introduction to the world of whisky
This tour includes:
- Production of Scotch whisky
- Introduction to the aromas in whisky
- Viewing of one of the World’s Largest Collections of Scotch Whisky
- Gift of a crystal whisky tasting glass (adults and concessions only)
- Audio guide available (20 languages)
- A tasting of 4 regional single malts
- Membership of our Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society (1 year)
- Discounts within our bar, restaurant and shop within the membership year
- Please note that this Gold tour is strictly for those aged 18 years and over
Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre
Day 7:Saturday 2024-05-18, Edinburgh
Coach transfer from Edinburgh Hotel to Edinburgh Airport
We hope you enjoyed your journey and wish you a brilliant time on your ongoing travels
Be sure to return you will always receive a warm welcome.
Turas math dhuibh! (Have a Good Journey)
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