The Ultimate Malt Whisky Tour
Explore our famous whisky regions with a tailor made luxury vacation.
Plan the perfect vacation with Lang Atholl Experience, the experts in tailor made luxury holidays here in Scotland.
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- Arrival at Edinburgh Airport | Glasgow and Loch Lomond | Dine at Loch Fine Oyster | Islay | Reside in The Machrie Hotel
- Kildalton Cross | Islay’s Distilleries | Reside In the Machrie Hotel
- Campbeltown Distilleries | Reside in The Ugadale Hotel
- Inveraray Castle | Oban Distillery | Dine at Port Appin Restaurant | Reside in Isle of Eriska Hotel
- Glencoe | Fort William | Urquhart Castle | Reside in Boath House
- Cawdor Castle | Culloden Battlefield | Glenallachie Distillery | Reside in Boath House
- Speyside Distilleries | Cairngorms National Park | Reside in the Fife Arms
- Lindores Abbey | St Andrews | Kingbarns Distillery | Reside in The Old Course Hotel
- Glenkinchie Distillery | Edinburgh Castle | Scottish Whisky Experience | Reside in The Balmoral Hotel
Day One
Upon arrival at Edinburgh airport, a Lang Atholl representative driver will greet and assist you with any luggage. You will then begin your journey to Islay first travelling through Glasgow and the stunning Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. For lunch, you will stop at the Loch Fine Oyster Bar and Restaurant. It is known for providing Scotland’s finest seafood where you can experience the quality of freshness and flavour.
You will then travel to take a ferry from Kennacraig to the Isle of Islay, where you will be able to relax and take in the outstanding views. Set in the Dunes of Islay, The Machrie Hotel and Golf Links is nestled beside miles of immaculate beaches in the Inner Hebrides. The hotel provides a spectacular place to relax and dine with within their impressive restaurant which offers panoramic views over the links. This is where you will stay for the next two evenings as you enjoy your time exploring the Isle of Islay.
Day Two
After your relaxing breakfast at The Machrie, you will begin your day on Islay. Being the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, Islay is known as “The Queen of the Hebrides”. Famous for its peaty single malt whiskies and scenic beauty, your first stop of the day will be to visit the Kildalton Cross, one of the finest Celtic Crosses found in the world. The cross dates back to the 8th century AD and is extremely well preserved. The cross stands in the grounds of the ruins of a medieval church which is surrounded by spectacular scenery and local wildlife
Once the Kildalton Cross has been visited, you will begin visiting Islay’s famous distilleries. First will be Ardbeg Distillery, a whisky which is worshipped worldwide. Over the years, Ardbeg has been the winners of many prestigious titles for its spectacular single malt. Next, situated at the scenic Lagavulin Bay, Lagavulin distillery is an experience which is not to be missed. Peated malt, lengthy distillation and long maturation together make sure Lagavulin develops its distinctive flavour. Last stop of the day will be Laphroaig where you will enjoy a guided tour through the maltings, mashing, stilling and warehouse of the historic distillery. You will then return to The Machrie Hotel to enjoy your second night in the outstanding hotel.
Day Three
You will wake from your relaxing evening to begin your day by taking the ferry back to Kennacraig. You will explore the famous distilleries in Campbeltown, once known as the whisky capital of the world, beginning with Springbank. It is the oldest independent family-owned distillery in the country and you can take in the history of Scotland’s least automated whisky. Glen Scotia will be your next stop, one of Scotland’s smallest Scotch whisky distilleries. They are proud of the fact that much of its original design still exists with some of it dating back to the 1830’s. The last stop of the day will be to tour the youngest of the old distilleries in Campbeltown, Glengyle. Despite its small scale production, they continue to produce the award winning single malt.
Your accommodation for the evening will be at the luxurious yet historic Ugadale Hotel. You will wake to the views of the stunning Atlantic and both the Islands of Islay and Jura. The warm and inviting atmosphere allows it to provide the ideal spot for you to relax from your day of exploring.
Day Four
Once you have enjoyed your breakfast, you will begin your day by travelling to Inveraray Castle, an iconic Scottish attraction. It is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell and is a must-see location on the West Coast of Scotland. You can take in the castle and all its history as well as take a walk through its stunning gardens and grounds. Nestled beneath the steep cliffs that overlooks Oban, you will arrive at Oban Distillery. Founded in 1794, the distillery is in the heart of the town and as you take a tour you will take in all of its history and take a tasting from one of Scotland’s oldest sources of Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Day Five
You will embark on a stunning drive, taking in some of Scotland’s most majestic mountains and landscapes. You will stop at the picturesque Glencoe village, located between the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous glen. The deep valley and soaring mountains of Glen Coe were once sculpted out centuries ago by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions. Shortly after you will visit Fort William, home of the famous Ben Nevis and quirky pubs which stop the finest of Scotch Whisky. You will have the chance to take a walk around the stunning town and even catch a glimpse of the famous Jacobite steam train.
Situated at the head of Urquhart Bay, the breathtaking village of Drumnadrochit is a must when visiting Scotland. It is home to the famous Urquhart Castle, a classic ruin looking out onto the extraordinary Loch Ness. You will then take a short journey to Boath House, a place to escape and unwind whilst visiting the Highlands. It boasts an award-winning restaurant with stunning views over the gardens and down to the lake.
Day Six
You will take a short journey to discover the Highland Cawdor Castle which dates back to the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. Culloden Battlefield is the next stop of the day as you walk the front lines where the Jacobites made their final stand against government troops. It is truly an amazing experience as you can travel back in time to the day of the battle by taking part in their live history presentations.
Steeped in history, you will take a tour of the Aberlour Distillery. The exception water used in the creation of Aberlour whisky is drawn from the natural springs just nearby and holds a special place in the hearts of malt lovers. You will also explore Benromach Distillery, established back in 1898, which is independently owned by a family with enduring roots in Speyside. It is one which is admired all over the world for its whisky expertise and passion. After your thrilling day you will return to Boath House where you will reside for a further evening.
Day Seven
You will awake for your next day exploring Speyside and some of its most famous, well-known distilleries. The famous Macallan Estate will be the first stop of the day where you will discover the birthplace of every bottle of Macallan. Explore the history and process of the Macallan whisky with friendly and knowledgeable guides who are ready to take you on a journey into the past of whisky production. Following the Macallan Distillery, you will arrive at Glenfiddich who are proud to be one of the last independent distilleries in Scotland and you will explore how the worlds most awarded whiskies are created.
Glenfarclas was one of the first distilleries in Scotland which opened a devoted visitor centre in 1973. You will take a tour of the historic distillery with one of their knowledgeable guides then relax with a couple of drams in the Ship’s Room. Lastly, you will travel to the remote glen in which Glenlivet Distillery is located. In every bottle which is created they make sure to capture as much of the spirit as they can. Glenlivet set the standard in quality and taste that went on to define the Speyside style of whisky.
You will then travel through the Cairngorms National Park to The Fife Arms, a Victorian coaching inn that has been creatively restored with the majestic landscape of the Cairngorms. Each of their guest rooms are uniquely decorated to provide their visitors with a memorable experience.
Day Eight
After a break of 523 years, Lindores Abbey has reopened its doors and production is once again flowing from the copper stills. Their aim is to bring a modern whisky making approach to this ancient site. You will learn all about its history and processes on one of their distillery tours. You will then travel to St Andrews which sits proudly on Scotlands east coast. You will have the chance to explore and take in the panoramic views over the North Sea. Once you have had time to discover the medieval streets of St Andrews you will be taken to Kingsbarns Distillery. The rolling countryside of the Lowlands, with its broad winding rivers and vast grain harvest, once supported a thriving malt whisky industry.
Your accommodation for the evening will be the five-star Old Course Hotel. The well-known hotel is on the edge of the renowned 17th hole of the Old Course and overlooks the stunning West Sands Beach. The prestigious hotel is the ideal spot for you to unwind after your active day exploring.
Day Nine
You will begin your journey to Scotlands capital, Edinburgh, with your first stop being Glenkinchie Distillery. You will begin your tour in their unique exhibition on the original Malting Floors where you will learn how they create their ‘water of life’. You will then visit Edinburgh Castle, one of the most thrilling historic sites and a world famous icon of Scotland.
You will also visit the five-star visitor attraction, The Scotch Whisky Experience. It is located at the top of Edinburghs Royal Mile, where you will take a tour and tasting of multiple regional single malts. You will stay at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, 1 Princes Street, at The Balmoral Hotel. It is truly a landmark in the centre of the city with a stunning historical building and the grand clock which dominates the skyline. It provides guests with stunning views, outstanding service as well as an array of dining options – including a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day Ten
Sadly on day ten we must say our good byes as you are transferred to Edinburgh International Airport.
