The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Tour (Starts Inverness)
1 day tour
New for 2025 - Within the Cairngorms National Park, get ready for some of the finest Speyside whiskies in the world.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Places you explore
Speyside Region -Beloved around the world for producing some of the finest malt whiskies, Speyside means a lot to the Scots
Cairn Distillery - Why not indulge in some beautiful whisky at this modern Scottish distillery
The Whisky Castle -With over 600 malt whiskies at your fingertips, this is more than 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
‘Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky.’
That’s the Scottish spirit. When you come to visit a place like Scotland, you’re bound to run into some ‘bad’ weather... also known as rain. But we love rain here. Without it, we wouldn’t have whisky. And whisky is our life source here in the bonnie lands of Scotland. It’s our uisge beatha – our ‘water of life’.
Which is why we’re passionate about showing it off. It’s more than a drink, it’s a passion project. No visit to Scotland is complete without stepping inside the world of Scotch Whisky.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
18:15 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
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)
- Unfortunately we don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
- Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
- Distilleries may be substituted
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in 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
If you’ve come this far north, you’ve likely been drawn up here for a number of reasons. Nessie is one, the Highlands another. The stunning Cairngorms National Park, UK’s largest, brimming with ancient Caledonian forests and majestic mountains hiding in the clouds... some of which you’ll spot today.
And then there’s the Speyside Region and its famous, delicious, must-have-immediately whisky. We have a saying here in Scotland: ‘Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky.’
It’s a lovely way of reminding ourselves to get through the hard times, because it’s the rain that we can make something wonderful out of. Something like whisky.
Within the Speyside Region, you’ll find some 50 distilleries working hard to produce these delectable drinks. From honeyed to fruity, every whisky packs its own punch. With each sip, you can taste the history, the landscape, the years of passion, and hard work.
So, can you understand why we’re so passionate about sharing that experience with you?
We say goodbye to Inverness for now and head into Speyside. This area is more than its whisky, mind you. It played a significant role in the Jacobite Uprisings of the 17th and 18th centuries, and there’s more than enough stories to keep any history-buff entertained. Why not ask your driver-guide for some stories as you traverse the landscape on your way to your first stop: the Cairn Distillery.
Pioneers and legacy builders, that’s who brought Cairn Distillery to life. And their mission is to build a legacy of exceptional whisky. Named after those man-made stacks of stones we all know and love, the distillery is devoted to inspiring people through their product and challenging both themselves and others to take on new paths. This morning, we tour this wonderful facility and sample some of their best whisky.
Stomach warmed, we make for one of Speyside’s local villages for a bite to eat. After a classic Scottish feed, we head back into the striking east Highlands landscape towards one of the highest villages in Scotland – Tomintoul. Tucked up near 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 so we head straight for 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 pay close attention to the tutored tasting you’ll be lucky enough to experience.
Shopped-out, history-filled, and perhaps a wee bit buzzed, it’s time to return to Inverness 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.