Spirit of Speyside Whisky Tour (Starts Aviemore)
1 day tour
New for 2025 - Here in Scotland, whisky is more than a drink... it’s a passion project.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Speyside Region - Known around the world for producing some of the finest whiskies, now is your chance to find out for yourself
Cairn Distillery - Time to indulge in some fine whisky at this modern Scottish distillery
The Whisky Castle - Stocking over 600 malt whiskies for 120 years, this is more than just a ‘shop’ - it’s an experience
Cairngorms National Park - Marvel at the beauty of the UK’s largest national park, from ancient forests to highest peaks
Your journey
You know that warm feeling you get in your chest when something makes you happy? That’s what we call whisky here in Scotland. It’s our uisge beatha – our ‘water of life’. And we welcome you to experience every bit of it. The fruity, the floral, the honeyed. Complex and striking and moreish... we can’t get enough of Scottish whisky.
Which is why we’re passionate about showing it off. It’s more than a drink, it’s a passion project. It’s a culture-defining experience and no true Scottish visit is complete without stepping inside the world of Scotch Whisky.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 09:30 (tour departs at 09:45) - Aviemore Pick Up, Macdonald Highland Aviemore Resort, Grampian Road, Aviemore, PH221PN
17:15 - Aviemore Drop Off, Macdonald Highland Aviemore Resort, Grampian Road, Aviemore, PH221PN
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old).
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transportation by a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Itinerary
This is a bucket-list kind of day, isn’t it? If you’re a whisky lover, you’ve likely chosen this tour because of that word: Speyside. Tucked up in the northeastern part of Scotland is our most famous whisky region, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest single malt Scotch whiskies.
In this wee part of Scotland, you’ll find some 50 distilleries alone operating and producing these delectable drinks. From traditional to state-of-the-art, the distilleries calling to you each have something incredible to offer. Fine, elegant, complex whiskies... some fruity, some floral, some honeyed. Complex flavours waiting to be sampled, to be loved by you... on this tour.
Today we depart the lovely town of Aviemore and head into the stunning Cairngorms National Park, where – among the ancient forests and majestic mountains – you'll find some of our beloved Speyside. This region is named after the River Spey which you may just spot along the journey, so keep an eye out. You may even see Scotland’s history carved into the very landscape, haunting whispers all around you, and your driver-guide may just regale you with some of the stories. Having played a significant role in the Jacobite Uprisings of the 17th and 18th centuries, Speyside has plenty of stories to tell.
And while some are etched into history, some are a little less certain but just as intriguing. Look around as you drive through the landscape today and keep your eyes peeled for fairy mounts, or “knockers”, which are scattered about. Keep your distance though. Legend has it that they serve as portals to the realm of the fairies... and fairies aren’t the nicest of creatures.
But one thing the fairies approve of? A wee dram of whisky. So, we make our first stop at the Cairn Distillery, a modern home for ancient craft. Named after cairns – man-made stacks of stones – the distillery is devoted to inspiring people through their product and challenging both themselves and others to take on new paths.
Pioneers and legacy builders, that’s who brought Cairn Distillery to life. And their mission is to build a legacy of exceptional whisky. This morning, we tour this wonderful facility and sample some of their best whisky.
Stomach warmed and intrigue activated, we head into one of Speyside’s local villages for a bite to eat. After a fortifying feed, we dive back into the rolling hills of the east Highlands into one of the highest villages in Scotland – Tomintoul. It’s name means “Hillock of the Barn” and running close to the banks of the River Avon, it’s a lovely wee spot for a visit. You may even recognise it from the 2004 film One Last Chance starring Kevin McKidd and Dougary Scott.
But we’re here for the whisky and you’ll be welcome into a wonderful place... The Whisky Castle. This shop has been selling over 600 of the finest malt whiskies of Scotland for over 120 years. Whisky is what they do, it’s what they love, so take the time to wander and see if you might need a bottle or two to take home with you.
Best part? It’s not just a chance for you to shop and wander... you’ll receive a tutored tasting from the lovely staff at the Whisky Castle too, so you know where to start with so many amazing tastings on offer.
Shopped-out, history-filled, and perhaps a wee bit buzzed, it’s time to return to Aviemore through the braes of Glenlivet, enjoying the stunning hillside views as you go.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Cairn Distillery
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
This tour is exclusively for passengers aged 18 years and over due to the inclusion of a distillery visit and alcohol tasting. This means children are not permitted on this tour.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.