Speyside’s Whisky Trail
Speyside’s Whisky Trail
Speyside’s Whisky Trail
4 Days
Visiting: Dalwhinnie Distillery, Cardhu Distillery, Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, Glenlivet, Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre, Strathisla Distillery, The House of Bruar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BSWT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Gentle
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Join us on a whisky tasting tour in the heart of Speyside, home to some of the most famous single malts in the world. The tour will appeal both to whisky connoisseurs and those who are just getting to know the manifold delights of the ‘water of life’. Heading north into the Cairngorms we visit Dalwhinnie Distillery, not far from the headwaters of the great river that gives its name to this wondrous part of Scotland. Over the next two we days we criss-cross the Spey valley with tours and tastings at Cardhu, Glenlivet and Strathisla, as well visits to the Speyside Cooperage, where we watch the highly skilled coopers at work; Ballindalloch Castle with its magnificent grounds and a nostalgic trip on the Dufftown to Keith heritage railway. Heading home, we call in at the premium retail outlet The House of Bruar for a chance to stock up on the very best of Scottish produce, followed by some free time in Pitlochry, a further chance to stock up on whisky and other goodies.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Accommodation Name: Craiglynne Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart by coach from our local departure points and travel north for our visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery, set high in the hills (1164ft above sea level) not far from the source of the Spey. The site of the distillery was chosen for its access to clear spring water and abundant peat from the surrounding bogs. The famous Highland Single Malt Whisky is renowned for its gentle flavours accentuated with notes of heather honey, citrus, vanilla and sweet malt. Our tour includes tastings of two single malts together with some specially selected chocolate which combines beautifully with the whisky.
We then continue to our hotel in Speyside.
Day 2
Accommodation Name: Craiglynne Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast we set out on the first of two full days in Speyside, arguably the heart and soul of the Scottish whisky industry. Our first visit is to Cardhu Distillery where the customary tour of the distillery is followed by a chance to demonstrate your whisky tasting skills and participate in a nosing and tasting of three whiskies. To add to the experience you will be provided with a scorecard to smell and taste the whiskies blind (don’t worry, you won’t actually be blindfolded!). The winner who guesses all three whiskies correctly will win bragging rights and be added to the hall of fame. You will also receive a complimentary Cardhu dram glass.
We continue to Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens. Home of the Macpherson-Grants since 1546, the castle is filled with their family memorabilia and set in magnificent grounds between the Spey and the Avon. The superb rock garden, with its tumbling spring water, was laid out in 1937; the walled garden was redesigned to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the castle in 1996.
We conclude today with a visit to the home one of the great names of Speyside whisky, The Glenlivet, at its remote location in Strath Avon. We will learn how the founder, George Smith, established the first licensed distillery in the parish of Glenlivet and defended it from smugglers, see the unique lantern stills that help shape the spirit’s flavour and taste the single malt straight from the cask.
Day 3
Accommodation Name: Craiglynne Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, after breakfast, we discover the secrets behind one of the key components of whisky production as we visit the Speyside Cooperage. Since 1947 the cooperage has produced the finest casks from the best American oak, using traditional methods and tools. Each year it produces and repairs nearly 150,000 casks used by distilleries in Speyside and throughout the world. Our tour takes us through the life cycle of the cask, before watching the highly skilled coopers at work.
In days gone by whisky was transported by rail from Speyside and we will enjoy as taste of these days as we take a ride on the heritage railway line from Dufftown to Keith. They used to say “Rome was built on seven hills; Dufftown was built on seven stills” and at one time the rail traffic in and out of Dufftown would have been considerable. The line between Keith and Elgin closed under the Beeching cuts but the Keith and Dufftown Railway operates an 11 mile stretch of track using DMUs dating from the late 1950s.
On arrival in Keith there will be an opportunity for lunch (not included) before we visit the nearby Strathisla Distillery, the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands and the home of ‘Chivas Regal’. The tour includes a tasting of four whiskies and reveals the intricate relationship between the single malt and the world famous Chivas Regal blends.
Day 4
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and head south, stopping first for a visit to The House of Bruar, a premium quality retail outlet specialising in traditional country clothing, local Scottish produce such as smoked salmon, game and cheeses and, of course, a good selection of malt whiskies.
A few miles further south lies the bustling town of Pitlochry where we will have some free time for shopping or refreshments. Later we continue our journey home, with arrival at original departure points due in the evening.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
Check out our Q&As
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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