Speyside & Highland: Whisky tour with tastings + lunch

Summary

Follow the whisky trail through Speyside’s heart with a local

You’ll travel through Speyside with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story behind each distillery. Taste single malts straight from their source, enjoy lunch at a friendly bar where locals gather, and maybe spot a Highland cow or two along the way — all wrapped up in an easygoing day you’ll remember long after your last dram.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice at Glen Moray would be the smell — not just whisky, but this warm, almost bready sweetness drifting out as we stepped in. Our guide, Alan, grinned when he saw me pause to take it in. “That’s the mash tun working its magic,” he said. I tried to nod like I understood, but honestly, it was all new to me. We’d started our day trip from our hotel in Elgin, and within twenty minutes were already deep into Speyside’s whisky country.

The drive between distilleries is its own kind of quiet — fields rolling by, sheep doing their sheep thing (one stared right at us for ages), and then suddenly you’re pulling up to another old stone building with a name you’ve seen on bottles back home. At Aberlour, we did a proper tour: barrels stacked like sleeping giants, the air thick and woody. The tasting room was cozy — I fumbled my glass trying to swirl it like Alan showed us. He laughed and poured another dram anyway. There’s something about sipping single malt where it’s made that just hits different, you know?

Lunch was at this little bar nearby — nothing fancy, but the soup was hot and the bartender called everyone “love.” We talked about how each distillery has its own quirks; Glenfarclas felt more old-school, while Benromach had these bright copper stills that looked almost too clean to be real. If you want, there’s an option to see the Speyside cooperage too (I skipped it because I got distracted by a Highland cow outside Cardhu Distillery — those things are basically giant teddy bears). The weather kept shifting: sun one minute, drizzle the next. It kind of fit the mood.

By late afternoon my notes were useless scribbles and my palate was… well, let’s just say I stopped pretending to taste “hints of heather.” But Alan never rushed us — he had stories about every place we visited and seemed to know half the folks pouring our drams. On the way back I watched rain streak across the window and thought about how much history is packed into these quiet corners of Scotland. Even now I can almost smell that sweet mash when I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speyside Distillery Visits and Tastings

• Visit distillery with tasting lounge and lunch option
• Distillery tour or tasting session
• Distillery tour and tasting experience
• Tasting flight and visit Highland Cows

Top questions

Which distilleries are included on this Speyside whisky tour?

The tour can include Aberlour, Benromach, Glen Moray, Glen Grant, Glenfarclas, Cardhu Distillery, or other smaller Speyside distilleries by request.

Is lunch included during the whisky tour?

Yes, there is a lunch stop at a local bar included in the day trip.

Can infants or small children join this whisky tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this private whisky tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this experience.

Does this day trip include pickup from my accommodation?

Yes, pickup from your cruise or accommodation is included in the booking.

Is there an option to visit both Speyside and Highland distilleries?

Yes, you can choose to visit only Speyside distilleries or combine them with Highland options.

How many people can join this private whisky experience?

The private tour is for up to 5 people (or 8 on request).

Is public transportation available near the distilleries?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby some stops.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your cruise or accommodation in Speyside or Highlands; bottled water; hand sanitizer; guided visits with tastings at several distilleries; one full distillery tour; and a relaxed lunch stop at a local bar before returning in comfort.