Loch Leven
Blair Castle
Dalwhinnie Distillery
River Spey
Glenfiddich Distillery
Balmoral
Scone Palace

Day 1

Heading north out of Edinburgh we cross the impressive Forth Bridge and pass Loch Leven on our way to Aberfeldy.

In Aberfeldy our first stop is at Dewar's World of Whiskey to visit "the ultimate Scotch Whisky visitor centre". We can discover the time-honoured secrets of malt whisky and take a walk along the distillery's nature trail. We will learn about the Scottish Clans with a tour of Castle Menzie.

Established in 1798 in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Blair Athol is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. We can also make the short drive to the famous Blair Castle, set in magnificent countryside. Overnight Pitlochry.

Day 2

Dalwhinnie Distillery, standing at more than 1000 feet up in the Drumochter Pass, is one of the highest in Scotland. In the 18th century Dalwhinnie played host to the fugitive Bonnie Prince Charlie after his defeat against the English.

Entering the highlands we take time to visit the emotional Drumossie Moor, scene of the Highlanders' last stand at Culloden.

A visit to Glen Ord, on the edge of the Black Isle in the Highlands west of Inverness, is a delight to both the eye and the palate. Overnight Inverness.

Day 3

Driving through the Speyside whisky-making area we can visit the Speyside Cooperage at Craigellachie. This working cask- and barrel-making operation is a vital part of whisky production.

Craigellachie is also home to Macallan Distillery. Set high on a hill overlooking the River Spey, with magnificent views across to Ben Rinnes, the Macallan Visitor Centre nestles within the glorious Easter Elchies Estate at Craigellachie.

Glenfiddich is the world's favourite single malt scotch whisky and well worth a visit. Set in the heart of the Highlands, surrounded by forest, the ruins of a medieval castle and a natural spring, it is a landscape little changed since the distillery began in 1886. Overnight in the area.

Day 4

A short drive brings us to the Cardhu Distillery at Knockando. There was illicit distilling on the site prior to 1824 and it is said that John Cumming relied on the aromas of Helen Cumming's home baking to conceal the presence of the still from the excise men.

One of Scotland's most famous whiskies is The Glenlivet and our tour would not be complete without paying a visit. The Glenlivet has royal connections as the preferred dram of George IV and it was this connection that allowed the distillery to survive.

Balmoral, the Queen's home in Scotland, is a working estate and well worth a visit. See a variety of wildlife including Red Deer, Fell and Haflinger ponies.

Our final stop takes us through 1,500 years of history at Scone Palace. The home of the Earl of Mansfield has in the past been the crowning place of Scottish Kings and the seat of parliaments. A palace filled with history and treasures.

Return to Edinburgh.