Dalwhinnie Distillery

Embark on a 3-day guided tour of the Scottish Highlands and visit highlights, including Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Learn the history of this lush region from your guide and spend two nights in Inverness. Day 1: Departing Edinburgh, we will drive by the famous Forth Bridges before making a short stop at the mysterious Kelpies. We continue north, to the historic village of Pitlochry. From there we drive through the east edge of the dramatic Cairngorms National Park to stop at the Highland Folk Museum (seasonal April - October). Here you'll experience highland life in the 17th century. See the buildings, the clothes and weapons, and how people lived 300 years ago. Continue north, to visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last Jacobite Rising, then 'Clava Cairns', incredible 4,000-year-old, Bronze-Age standing stones. A short drive onwards, we arrive at the Capital of the Highlands, where you'll stay for 2 nights, choosing from a local guesthouse, hostel, or hotel (accommodation not included). We arrive at approximately 6:30 PM to dour drop-off/meeting point at Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN. Day 2: After breakfast, depart Inverness and drive across the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle and marvel at the spectacular scenery of Achnasheen and Loch Carron. Arriving on the Isle of Skye, venture north to explore the highlights of the island, including; the Cuillin Mountains, Trotternish Peninsula, Portree, the Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock and the famous Quiraing. In late afternoon, stop for photographs of the most beautiful castle in Scotland, "Eilean Donan Castle." Backdrop to many famous films, such as 'Highlander' and 'Made of Honor', this castle is another must-see iconic landmark! A scenic drive through stunning Glen Shiel follows, returning to Inverness to stay your final night at approximately 7:30 PM. The evening is free for you to do as you wish. Day 3: Depart Inverness for an optional morning cruise of the famous Loch Ness. Drive south to admire the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct and the breath-taking views of the Nevis Range at the Commando Memorial. Discover beautiful Glencoe, the most famous valley in Scotland, and hear of its tragic history. Continue south, into the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, while enjoying the scenery on the journey back to Edinburgh, arriving at approximately 7 PM. ** Please note that during the winter season, we will be swapping Day 1 and Day 3’s itineraries to enable us to visit as many places as possible while it is still light outside. Due to weather and/or road conditions during the winter season the route may change at the driver/guide’s discretion. **

Day One From Edinburgh, we depart in the morning and head west to pick up the Glasgow passengers. From there, we head north to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park area where we will stop for a quick comfort break to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Our tour continues north to dramatic Glencoe which you may recognise from James Bond’s Skyfall. We will stop here to take in the haunting scenery of the area and to learn about its fascinating history, as it was the location of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Be sure to bring your camera for fantastic photos of one of Scotland’s most poignant locations before we continue north to the loch-side town of Fort William. After a scenic loch-side lunch break, we head to the Commando Memorial. Enjoy magnificent views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, as you learn about the meaning behind the memorial. From there, our tour continues towards Loch Ness. First resting at Fort Augustus, a picturesque town at the foot of the loch that offers spectacular views. Be sure to keep an eye out for Nessie! There may also be a photo opportunity at the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle should time permit, before we arrive in Inverness. Here, we will check into our accommodation for the night. Day Two After a hearty highland breakfast, our second day of touring will begin. We will head out of Inverness. Our first stop of the day is Culloden Battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland. We then journey towards Clava Cairns, a group of burial monuments that offer a glimpse into the life and rituals of Scots in the Bronze Age, over 4,000 years ago. Following a photo stop at Carrbridge, our tour will head into the spectacular Cairngorms National Park - the largest National Park in the United Kingdom. Enjoy a relaxing lunch stop on the shores of Loch Morlich. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the wildlife that is known to inhabit the area. After this, our next stop will be the old military garrison of Ruthven Barracks, built by General Wade and the British Government after the Jacobite Rising of 1715. On our return journey to Edinburgh, there is the opportunity for a visit to Blair Athol Distillery. Here, there will be time for a tour and tasting, where you can sample some award-winning scotch whisky. Please note that due to availability, this may not always be possible. If we are unable to visit Blair Athol, we will instead have time to explore the historic Victorian town of Pitlochry. We then begin the final stretch of our journey back towards Edinburgh, crossing over the impressive Queensferry Crossing. This engineering giant spans the Firth of Forth, and joins the Forth Road Bridge and iconic Forth Rail Bridge, representing 3 centuries of Scottish engineering and innovation. After a short journey, we then arrive back in Edinburgh, where our 2-day Loch Ness, Inverness and the Highlands tour will come to an end.

Day One Our tour departs in the morning from Glasgow City Centre and from there, we head north to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park area where we will stop for a quick comfort break to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Our tour continues north to dramatic Glencoe which you may recognise from James Bond’s Skyfall. We will stop here to take in the haunting scenery of the area and to learn about its fascinating history, as it was the location of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Be sure to bring your camera for fantastic photos of one of Scotland’s most poignant locations before we continue north to the loch-side town of Fort William. After a scenic loch-side lunch break, we head to the Commando Memorial. Enjoy magnificent views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, as you learn about the meaning behind the memorial. From there, our tour continues towards Loch Ness. First resting at Fort Augustus, a picturesque town at the foot of the loch that offers spectacular views. Be sure to keep an eye out for Nessie! There may also be a photo opportunity at the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle should time permit, before we arrive in Inverness, the capital of the highlands. Here, we will check into our accommodation for the night. Day Two After a hearty highland breakfast, our second day of touring will begin. We will head out of Inverness. Our first stop of the day is Culloden Battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland. We then journey towards Clava Cairns, a group of burial monuments that offer a glimpse into the life and rituals of Scots in the Bronze Age, over 4,000 years ago. Following a photo stop at Carrbridge, our tour will head into the spectacular Cairngorms National Park - the largest National Park in the United Kingdom. Enjoy a relaxing lunch stop on the shores of Loch Morlich. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the wildlife that is known to inhabit the area. After this, our next stop will be the old military garrison of Ruthven Barracks, built by General Wade and the British Government after the Jacobite Rising of 1715. On our return journey to Edinburgh, there is the opportunity for a visit to Blair Athol Distillery. Here, there will be time for a tour and tasting, where you can sample some award-winning scotch whisky. Please note that due to availability, this may not always be possible. If we are unable to visit Blair Athol, we will instead have time to explore the historic Victorian town of Pitlochry. We then begin the final stretch of our journey back towards Edinburgh, crossing over the impressive Queensferry Crossing. After a short journey, we then arrive back in Edinburgh, where our 2-day Loch Ness, Inverness and the Highlands tour will come to an end. If continuing to Glasgow, your guide will take you to Edinburgh Waverley railway station for the 50 minute journey by train, courtesy of Timberbush.

Day 1 You head north through the Kingdom of Fife, to your first distillery; Lindores Abbey. This is a modern Scottish distillery built on the site of the first-ever recorded distiller in the country in 1494. Visit this site to discover the historic legacy of the area blended with innovation and sustainable practices all captured in their fine whisky. Continue north towards the UK's largest National Park, Cairngorms National Park. This will be a stunning drive, so keep your cameras ready. You stop in Braemar and have some time for lunch and a little explore. A bite to eat is a good idea though because your next stop is the Whisky Castle. This whisky emporium has been selling the finest malt whiskies for over 120 years and is stocking over 600 malts. Savour three Speyside whiskies to get familiar with a distinctive taste of this region. Once you’ve warmed with this dram of “the gentle spirit”, you continue through the Cairngorms National Park before reaching Grantown-on-Spey, your base for two nights. Day 2 Today you spend the whole day exploring Scotland’s most famous whisky region. Your first stop is Cardhu Distillery*,which is the first distillery pioneered by a woman, Helen Cumming. Today, Cardhu is the most important whisky in Johnnie Walker Black Label. After lunch in nearby Aberlour, you travel along the Spey River to Craigellachie for a visit to the Speyside Cooperage**, where you see another aspect of the whisky making process. We take a scenic drive inland to the Cragganmore Distillery for a tour and tasting. Cragganmore* takes its name from the mountain in whose shadow the distillery sits, and their whisky boasts complex flavours that you'll simply adore sampling Time permitting, your driver-guide might stop in at Sueno's Stone for a quick photo, where you can admire this incredible Pictish standing stone. From here you travel back to Grantown-on-Spey. Day 3 In the morning get ready for a whisky and chocolate tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery, set in splendid mountain scenery at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. You then leave the Highlands and journey south to Perthshire. Lying in the heart of Scotland, Pitlochry is a beautiful little town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The time is yours to explore and have some lunch. Next, you stop for a walk among towering Douglas firs in the Hermitage, a lovely forest with a roaring waterfall. From here the route south takes you to the stunning wee village of Dunkeld, where you've got some time to explore before heading to your final whisky experience of the tour. You then over the Firth of Forth, take in the magnificent South Queensferry bridges, and head back into Edinburgh. *Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

Day 1 Embark from Edinburgh, journey north, and cross Queensferry Crossing to the historic Kingdom of Fife. Explore Falkland Palace, once a royal hunting lodge, where Mary Queen of Scots played tennis on the world's oldest court. Wander the medieval village seen in Outlander. Head to St Andrews for lunch and discovery of its cobblestone streets and ancient university. In the afternoon, venture further north to Dunnottar Castle, a majestic cliff-top ruin featured on travel magazine covers. Capture breathtaking views and sharpen your photography skills. You spend your night in Aberdeen. Day 2 Explore Royal Deeside, renowned for its castles. Begin at Castle Fraser, a grand Scottish tower house. Enjoy a stroll in the 18th-century walled garden. Head to Ballater, a royal-associated village, for lunch. Afternoon at Crathes Castle, a fairytale-like fortress with a haunted history. Wander freely through the house and gardens. Marvel at the June Borders for stunning castle views. You return to Aberdeen for another overnight. Day 3 Venture north to Fyvie Castle, dating to the 13th century, housing a remarkable collection of arms, armor, and 17th-century tapestries. Travel through scenic landscapes to Elgin for lunch. Explore the intricately carved Pictish stone at ruined Elgin Cathedral. Afternoon visit to Culloden Battlefield, the poignant end of the Jacobite Rising. Walk the tragic landscape, honoring those who fell in the last battle on British soil. You continue to Nairn for your overnight stay. Day 4 Travel south through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes. Visit Cardhu, the pioneering distillery by Helen Cumming. Pass Kingussie for a quick stop at Ruthven Barracks. Explore Blair Castle, rich in history and adorned with a ballroom featuring 175 antlers. Wander the 9-acre Georgian garden and enjoy lunch. Journey through Perthshire's lush woodlands, pausing in picturesque towns. Return to Edinburgh over the Firth of Forth in the evening.

Your Macleod Heilan Tours guide will pick your group up at your chosen location ready to make our way out of the city and into the Highlands. The Next 3 Days are broken down into a more detailed itinary which can be altered or adjusted if time permits. Day 1 We leave Edinburgh/Glasgow and head for the Highlands making photo stops as we pass through Glencoe & take in the most photographed Mountain in Scotland "Buchaille Etive Mor" & the famous Three Sisters. Lunch will be in the Lochaber area before going out to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We will then make our way up to back to Fort William driving up through Glen Shiel past the 5 Sisters of Kintail and "Over the Sea to Skye" via the Skye Bridge. Day 2 Today you will experience the magnificent Isle of Skye voted the 4th best island by National Geographic. What better way to enjoy it with a guide who grew up on the Island. We will have our first stop at Sligachan where we can marvel at the Black & Red Cuillin Mountains. Possibly wash our faces in the river Sligachan (Legend says its gives eternal beauty!) We will drive the short distance to the Fairy Pools where there is the option to hike up to the main pools and capture that spectacular photo. After a hike the best way to relax is with a "Wee Dram" so we can visit the famous Talisker Whisky Distillery before heading to the town of Portree for Lunch. After lunch we will complete the impressive Trotternish Ridge circuit taking in famous sights such as the Old Man of Storr, Mealt Falls an impressive Sea waterfall with Kilt Rock as its back drop, Lealt Falls, Britains largest landslide the Quiraing used for many movie locations and then end the day at the Fairy Glen. Day 3 We leave Skye behind & still have so much to see as we travel South. Our first stop of the day will be the "biscuit tin castle" Scotlands most photographed Castle Eilean Donan. From there we will then drive to Loch Ness where there is the option to enjoy the Loch from the water and also time to explore the village of Fort Augustus & the Caledonian Canal. After lunch we will then drive towards Spean Bridge and the Ben Nevis viewpoint (Commando Memorial) taking in the grandeur off the Nevis Range before heading East and South via the Lagoon road entering into the Cairngorm National Park. Gradually making our way through the Cairngorms down towards "Big Tree Country" Perthshire passing by Dalwhinnie Whisky Distillery & Blair Castle. We will have a final stop of the tour in the beautiful town of Pitlochry,

Join us on a magical journey to the heart of Scotland with our Loch Ness, Pitlochry, Glencoe and Highlands tour, on a day full of awe-inspiring natural wonders, rich history and folklore. Witness the breath-taking beauty of Loch Ness, as its broody waters reflect the surrounding natural scenery. Stop over at the iconic town of Pitlochry. Marvel as we drive through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, against a picturesque backdrop of towering mountains and cascading waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the captivating history and culture of the Highlands, as we visit and drive past unique sites, from Doune Castle (featured in the Outlander TV series) to the desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor. We hope this will be your most memorable experience of Scotland at its best. Bankfoot Stop over to feed our famous 'Hairy Coos'. 15 minutes Pitlochry This is one of the most famous small Scottish towns, featuring a plethora of independent shops and cafes. 20 minutes Dalwhinnie Distillery (Pass By) Dalwhinnie Distillery, famous for its single malt, is the highest distillery in Scotland at over 1000 feet above sea level. Commando Monument The Commando Monument is a large three-figure bronze statue commemorating the service and sacrifice given by thousands of Allied troops during the Second World War, with Ben Nevis looming in the background. 15 minutes Loch Ness View Point Arriving in Fort Augustus, you will have time to explore the town, including the famous 'Neptune's staircase' - a series of locks that lower or raise boats from one altitude to another. Fort Augustus has many quaint little cafes for lunch. Loch Ness is renowned worldwide for its incredible beauty, and of course the legendary Loch Ness Monster. There is an optional cruise of the loch with a 1pm sailing. (Cruise price starts from £20 per person, with discounted family tickets available. Not included in the tour price.) 2 hours Fort William Quick optional stop at Fort William for food and to enjoy the views of Ben Nevis. 15 minutes Glencoe Visitor Centre Time permitting, we will stop over at Glencoe Visitors Centre, where the highlight is a reconstruction of a traditional 18th century Turf and Creel house from the Glencoe Valley, which you can enter to experience how the inhabitants of the valley lived 300 years ago. 30 minutes The Three Sisters The Three Sisters of Glencoe is the most photographed place in Scotland - a place of extreme natural beauty. 15 minutes Rannoch Moor (Pass By) Rannoch moor is often referred to as the most desolate place in the UK, due to being the largest bog expanse in the British isles. It was also used as the setting for the filming of scenes of two Harry Potter movies. Loch Tulla Viewpoint A spectacular vantage point over looking 'everything Scottish', rugged mountains, Lochs and pine forests 15 minutes We will then take you back to your hotel and holiday accommodation in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Stirling, with additional optional stops depending on the route.

Discover the ultimate tour for whisky lovers and get a real taste of life in the Highlands and Scottish countryside. Your driver, a Scottish whisky ambassador, will share their knowledge and stories with you along the way, and may even stop for an extra dram or 2 along the way. Begin your adventure by heading across the Forth River and heading up to the Highlands where you will stop at your first distillery, the world-famous Dalwhinnie Distillery, which was built in 1897 and is Scotland's highest distillery. Break for lunch at the famous House of Braur, where you can also pick up gifts and souvenirs from your time in Scotland. Afterward, head to your second distillery, Blair Atholl, which is the oldest working distillery in Scotland and was founded in 1798. If time permits, stop at one more distillery on the way back to your hotel for one final tasting.