Scotland Castles and Whisky Discovery Tour

Scotland Castles and Whisky

7 Days & 6 Nights

Balmoral Castle, Scottish home of the royal family, set in the Cairngorm National Park
Tour Speyside's many distilleries sampling renowned drams as you go
Imposing Dunnottar Castle perched on the Aberdeenshire seacliffs
Perthshire, the heart of Scotland, abounds with forested glens and charming towns
Quaint seaside St Andrews with its white sand beaches and cobbled streets

Discover a land peppered with centuries old fortresses cloaked in legend and country houses with fairytale turrets set in magnificent gardens. There is so much more to Scotland's castles and distilleries than stereotype! Immerse yourself in the distilling process as you tour Perthshire, Royal Deeside and Speyside. Home to almost half of Scotland's distilleries, Speyside is the heartland for every whisky lover; from aficionado to novice alike. Explore the rich heritage of Highland castles abounding with tales of epic clan battles, the Jacobite Rebellion and Shakespeare's Macbeth. Enjoy hearty Highland cuisine followed by a dram or two as you spend evenings planning the next day's adventure with our information pack brimming with local expertise. All this set against the backdrop of Caledonian pine forests, idyllic countryside, sweeping coastline and charming seaside towns.

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

The ideal trip for aspiring history buffs and connoisseurs of Scotland's most renowned export, whisky. Immerse yourself in the country's multifaceted past as you tour legendary castles, and visit your favourite whisky distilleries along the way. However, you don't have to be an amateur historian or single-malt enthusiast to get the most out of this self-drive holiday! Allow our local expertise to guide you on a hassle-free journey of cultural discovery around the Scottish Highlands. Experience Scottish hospitality at it's finest, not just at your accommodations, but as you tour distilleries and meet the local bar-tender who is as passionate about whisky as you are.

Tour Type:

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Activity:

Self Drive | Take the wheel and explore an area at your own pace taking in places and highlights that our travel experts recommend.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Whisky
Accessible by Rail

Navigation

Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.

Accommodations

You will overnight in hand-picked small hotels, B&B's and guesthouses, all of which have been chosen to ensure you experience warm Scottish hospitality at its best! We regularly use the below properties listed in the itinerary but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are unavailable.

Single Rooms

This holiday is available to solo travellers but as all our tours are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs. If you require single rooms within your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request subject to availability.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning and normally consists of a continental buffet with tea and coffee, fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals, eggs and bread with jams. Often also on the menu are cooked options like freshly made porridge, a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast and smoked fish with scrambled eggs.

We don't include lunch and dinner so you are free to choose from the available options. Your information pack includes details and recommendations of convenient lunch stops, cosy cafes and restaurants along the way. A couple of decades ago the food scene in Scotland was somewhat lacking, but now you'll find a range of high quality, varied options with everything from award-winning fish and chips to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, and casual restaurant menus showcasing delicious locally-sourced produce.

Additional Nights

You can add additional nights wherever you please on the route. Of course we highly recommend additional nights in the city of Edinburgh at the start/end of your trip!

Included

6 Nights in 3-4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
6 Breakfasts
Detailed information pack brimming with our local knowledge
Our daily recommendations for places to see and visit
Our daily recommendations for top places to eat and drink
24/7 Emergency support from our UK office

Excluded

Car hire (available as an optional extra)
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)
Any entrance fees for attractions/recommended excursions

Extras

Additional nights at the start/end or along the route
Car hire (available as an optional extra)

When To Go

You can start this tour on any day of the week from March to October, subject to availability. The busiest times of the year are around Easter and May when accommodations fill up quickly, so book as early as possible if you are planning to travel then. If you travel before Easter, and after mid-October it is worth noting that some attractions may either be closed, have limited access (i.e. castle interiors may be closed but the gardens open), or may open later and close a little earlier in the day. We always recommend checking the links in our information pack for up-to-date opening times to avoid disappointment.

During the shoulder season - March to early April and after mid-October - the Scottish weather tends to be more unpredictable and is often colder and rainier. However, attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter.

Weather and Climate

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures dip below 0 degrees Celsius and it snows regularly in the Highlands. The Highlands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for rainy days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers are always recommended.

From the end of April to October average daily temperatures vary from 9-15 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 10-16 mm per month on averarge. Generally, May to July are the driest and mildest months, but exploring later in the year from September to October is pleasant in cooler temperatures and the autumnal scenery is spectacular as the leaves begin to change colour. To see the purple heather blooming on the hillsides the best time to travel is from late July to early September.

Getting to the Start

Your trip begins in the well-connected city of Edinburgh. If traveling in your own car from across the UK, or western Europe via the Channel Tunnel, you'll find the city is easily accessible and well-connected by the M8, M77, M74 and M6 motorways. If you are driving or traveling from further afield we recommend and extra night in Edinburgh at the start of your trip so you can make the most of your first day of sight-seeing.

By Road: Edinburgh is served by an excellent motorway network. It's a 1h 15m drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh on the M8 motorway. Newcastle is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh, and Manchester and Birmingham, 4 and 6 hours respectively. London is 7.5 hr (via the M1 and A1), and if arriving in Folkestone from France (via the Channel Tunnel) it's an 8-8.5 hour drive via the M20, M11, and A1 roads.

Alternatively, if arriving in Edinburgh by public transport and renting a car please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website for timetables and fares and more information regarding public transport in Scotland. Edinburgh is well-linked across the UK, Europe and beyond by flying into either Glasgow or Edinburgh international airports. Glasgow and Edinburgh are just over an hour apart by road and it doesn't take much longer to travel between the two by an express bus or train service.

By Air: Located 8 miles east of the city of Edinburgh, the international airport is served by routes from around the UK and the world. There are regular shuttle bus and tram services running from the airport into the city centre, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. There's also a taxi rank outside the airport to take people into the city centre.

By Rail: Edinburgh is also connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the Scot Rail website for Scottish locations and National Rail for UK-wide locations.

By Bus: Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink.

Car Rental

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we would book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car.

Getting from the End

Your trip also ends in Edinburgh. Onward travel from Edinburgh is easy if continuing in your own car via good motorway links to the rest of the UK.

By Road: It's a 1h 15m drive from Glasgow on the west coast to Edinburgh on the M8 motorway. Newcastle is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh, and Manchester and Birmingham, 4 and 6 hours respectively.

If dropping off a rental car and continuing your onward journey by public transport we recommend breaking the journey by adding an extra night in Edinburgh. For specific information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent Traveline Scotland website for timetables and fares.

By Rail: Edinburgh is also connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the Scot Rail website for Scottish locations and National Rail for UK-wide locations.

By Bus: Services from UK destinations are operated by National Express. Services from Scottish destinations are operated by Scottish Citylink.

General Information

On confirmation of your booking, you will receive a personalised itinerary and comprehensive information pack. This carefully curated pack, designed with our own local knowledge and expertise, will include recommended driving routes, the must-see places and attractions to stop at en route, and our suggestions for the best places to eat and drink.

Car Rental

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How do I navigate?

What places and sights can I visit along the route?

Where can I eat?

What are the roads like?

Can I add extra nights?

Itinerary

Day 1 Edinburgh to Pitlochry via Stirling Castle and William Wallace Monument

Your journey of discovery begins in Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital city. Visit Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and stroll the winding alleyways of the city's old town. If you have time we recommend wandering the quaint pathways of Dean Village, with its countryside feel in the heart of the city, and taking in the view from Carlton Hill.

Leave the city behind and head into Highland Perthshire, perhaps stopping en route at Perth's Scone Palace, where Scottish Kings of old were crowned. Stirling Castle and the monument to William Wallace make for a worthwhile detour en route.

If you are traveling from further afield, or would simply like to enjoy a pre-trip night or two in Edinburgh, please let us know when you book and your specialist will happily arrange this for you.

Drive time: 2 hr - 2hr 40 mins

Overnight Pitlochry

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Acarsaid Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

The Acarsaid is a small family run 3* hotel in the heart of Pitlochry. Enjoy a great night's stay in one of their 19 warm and welcoming bedrooms. The hotel also has a cosy bar with a great range of whisky and restaurant serving delicious local Highland cuisine.

Craigatin House & Courtyard | 4 Star | Guest House

Tucked away in secluded wooded grounds in the Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry, this beautiful early Victorian house has now been transformed into a 14-bedroom boutique B&B, providing a unique blend of the traditional with the luxury of contemporary design. The individually designed spacious deluxe rooms all have comfortable six foot wide beds and are decorated with stylish fabrics and furnishings.

Claymore Hotel | Hotel

A warm and friendly Scottish welcome awaits you at the Claymore Guest House in Pitlochry. Each room is individually decorated with a modern take on the traditional features and furniture of the guest house. There is wifi throughout, and each room has tea & coffee making facilities, TV, controllable heating, fridge, hairdryer, and an ensuite.

Day 2 Explore Blair Castle, Loch Tummel and Edradour Distillery

Surrounded by quintessential Scottish scenery, there is plenty to do from your base in the charming Victorian spa town of Pitlochry.

Wander the beautiful gardens and grounds of Blair Castle, ensconced in the forested valleys of Perthshire. Ancestral home to the clan Murray, this 13th century castle is home to Europe's only remaining private army, now used solely for ceremonial purposes. On a sunny day make sure not to miss The Queen's View on the north shores of Loch Tummel – the most iconic view in Perthshire. The viewpoint, now complete with visitor centre, was named after the first wife of Robert the Bruce in the early 12th century.

Alternatively, if a distillery visit and a couple of drams feels like the thing to do today then we recommend visiting either Blair Atholl or Edradour distilleries – the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland. Then why not spend the afternoon enjoying high tea in Fonab Castle Hotel's sophisticated lounge?

Drive time: 45 minutes – 1hr 40 mins

Overnight Pitlochry

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Acarsaid Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

Craigatin House & Courtyard | 4 Star | Guest House

Claymore Hotel | Hotel

Day 3 Pitlochry to Craigellachie through the Cairngorms National Park

Enjoy views of the rugged landscape as you drive through Scotland's largest National Park – The Cairngorms. Stop off at the Ruthven Barracks near Aviemore for a picturesque photo opportunity. The barracks, built in the early 1700s to try and quell the Jacobean uprising, occupy an imposing hilltop lookout affording excellent views of the Cairngorm Mountain Plateau to the east.

Stretch your legs and enjoy a short walk around Loch an Eilein, an atmospheric loch in the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Rothiemurchus. In the loch's centre sit the crumbling 14th century ruins of Loch an Eilein Castle with Cairngorm Mountains as their scenic backdrop. The National Park is a haven for wildlife and there's plenty to see and do around Aviemore; visit the Glenmore Reindeer Centre or the RSPB Loch Garten Nature Reserve where you might be lucky enough to spot nesting osprey depending on the time of year.

Overnight in Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky region, and settle into your cosy accommodation. A day of exploring your favourite distilleries awaits!

Drive time: 2hr 30 mins

Overnight Craigellachie

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Craigellachie Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Craigellachie Lodge was originally built in 1860 for a local distillery manager. and sits high on a hill overlooking the Spey Valley. Scott and Jodi will make you feel at home right away and are more than happy to assist with booking any distillery visits on your behalf.

Bridge View | Bed and breakfast

Bridge View B&B is a traditional Scottish family home set in an elevated position, overlooking the River Spey and surrounding countryside. All rooms are centrally heated with TV and tea/coffee making facilities and WIFI internet access.

Highlander Inn | Country Inn

The Highlander Inn is recognised as one of Scotland's best known "Village Inns" and a truly international "hot spot" for whisky tourism. They have one of the largest selections of Japanese whiskies available outside South-East Asia, and a good selection of malt whiskies from other parts of the world as well! The guest rooms are en-suite and have all recently been refurbished and have been designed to a high standard.

Day 4 Explore Speyside with whisky tastings galore at Glenfiddich, Tomintoul and Glenlivet Distilleries

Today is devoted to exploring Speyside - the spiritual home of the whisky enthusiast. The countryside around Craigellachie is teeming with renowned distilleries; simply select your favourites, arrange a tour and tasting or two, and enjoy! Choose from Glenfiddich, Ballindalloch, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Balvenie and many more.

Punctuate your day of iconic distillery tours with a visit to the elegant Ballindalloch Castle ("Pearl of The North"). One of the first castle-come country houses of its kind in Scotland and home to the Macpherson-Grants since the 16th century. Set in beautiful grounds, with ivy climbing its walls and fairytale turrets, on a sunny day it looks more like a French chateau than a Scottish castle.

Spend the evening in The Quaich Bar in Craigellachie sampling their range of over 900 whiskies, and let yourself be guided by their knowledgeable staff.

Drive time: 1hr 30 mins

Overnight Craigellachie

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Craigellachie Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Highlander Inn | Country Inn

Craigellachie Hotel | Hotel

The Craigellachie Hotel is an impressive Victorian building boasting views across the forest, the rivers Spey and Fiddoch, the Thomas Telford Bridge and the surrounding mountains. The hotel offers over 900 whiskies in its bar The Quaich, with tasting sessions available. The restaurant offers home-cooked dishes, prepared using local produce.

Day 5 Craigellachie to Ballater via Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle and Braemar

From the whisky heartland travel back into The Cairngorm National Park and into Royal Deeside. In Royal Deeside you'll find not only the famous Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the royal family, but also the castles of Braemar, Crathes and Craigievar. Craigievar, with its turrets and pink walls, is particularly special and is well-worth a visit.

After you've had your fill of turrets and battlements head to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery or visit the picturesque Victorian village of Braemar, home of the world-famous Braemar Gathering & Highland Games. Near Braemar you'll find the Linn of Dee, one of Queen Victoria's favourite picnic spots, a stunning viewpoint over the River Dee gorge. Enjoy tranquil strolls in the forests of Scot's pine with mountain views in the distance.

Drive time: 1hr 30 mins – 2 hours

Overnight Ballater

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Alexandra Hotel | Hotel

The Alexandra Hotel offers a friendly service, comfortable accommodation and excellent meals. All rooms are en-suite with free Wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite television and other essentials that go to make up everything you would expect of a quality family run hotel.

Deeside Inn | Hotel

The Deeside Inn is known for its traditional Scottish hospitality and lively music scene as much as it is for its homely lounge, open fires and welcoming bar with quality homemade food. The lovely rooms have complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

No.45 | Guest House

No.45 is a stunning Victorian granite house originally built in 1890, set in an acre of walled gardens at the end of a private drive. No.45 has many original features including a pitch pine staircase and open fires. The house is furnished in Scottish style with tartan carpets, leather sofas and a stag's head. The eight bedrooms are each decorated in individual styles with modern en-suite bathrooms, televisions, tea trays and hair-dryers. Wi-fi is available free of charge. During the summer months breakfast is served in the conservatory looking out over the walled garden where you can often see red squirrels in the copper beech trees.

Day 6 Ballater to St Andrews visiting Dunnottar and Glamis Castles en route

Discover Scotland's dramatic east coast as you explore Aberdeenshire and Fife. Visit iconic Dunnottar Castle perched atop seacliffs on the Aberdeenshire coast. This stunning spot is thought to have been occupied since the middle ages but most of the remaining castle ruins date from the 15-16th century. The nearby town of Stonehaven, with its sheltered beach and harbour, makes for the perfect lunch stop.

Also not to be missed is Glamis Castle - the inspiration behind Shakespeare's Macbeth and childhood home of the Queen Mother. This spectacular castle is set in beautiful gardens with numerous trails for visitors to explore.

Overnight in St Andrews, Scotland's first university town and home to the country's oldest golf course (the aptly named "Old Course"). Spend an afternoon wandering its cobbled streets and exploring the 10th century cathedral and castle ruins. Stroll the 2 mile long West Sands Beach and sample the myriad of delightful cafes, restaurants and cosy pubs that pepper the town's streets.

Drive time: 2 hrs 45 mins

Overnight St Andrews

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Doune House | 4 Star | Bed and breakfast

Doune House is a carefully maintained Victorian townhouse with many original features and modern comforts. The accommodation has been completely modernised to offer the highest quality of comfort and the rooms have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.

The Saint | 4 Star | Hotel

The Saint, St Andrews, is located in the heart of the picturesque town famed for golf. There are 4 comfortable ensuite bedrooms that are spacious and have been decorated in modern style. The restaurant serves high-quality food with a menu that combines contemporary and traditional dishes.

Craigmore Guest House | 4 Star | Guest House

Jim, Glynice and their staff assure you of a warm welcome when you come to stay with at Craigmore Guest House. You will stay in one of their seven lovely rooms, all with our newly refurbished en-suite bathrooms with heated towel rails. Every room is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, flat screen TV with DVD player and complimentary toiletries.

Day 7 St Andrews to Edinburgh via Fife coastal villages and Elie's Lighthouse. Onward travel

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