Meet your driver/guide at 09:00. 

Travel to Stirling, once known as the 'Key to Scotland', with its imposing position in the center of the country, to Stirling Castle. For centuries this was the most important castle in Scotland and the views from the top make it easy to see why. Stirling Castle played an important role in the life of Mary Queen of Scots. She spent her childhood in the castle and Mary's coronation took place in the Chapel Royal in 1543. From the ramparts you can see the Wallace Monument, perched high on the Abbey Craig around where Wallace camped before his heroic battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, built in 1869 to commemorate Scotland’s hero. Glengoyne, (to be decided on the day). You will be welcomed with a dram of the Glengoyne 12-year-old, overlooking the waterfall and the secret glen where it all began. Then you will be shown how hard they work to create the bold flavours in their whisky. Travel west around the banks of Loch Lomond where you will have the opportunity to make a brief stop in Luss to take in the stunning views of the Loch from the pier. There has been a settlement on this site since medieval times although much of the current village dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, having been developed to house workers from nearby slate quarries. Around Loch Long and over ’The Rest and Be Thankful’ to Inveraray. Here you can visit Inveraray Castle or ‘Duneagle Castle’, home to the Duke of Argyll and the recent Downton Abbey, with beautifully preserved interiors spanning many generations of Campbells.  Take a wander around The Edinburgh Woolen Mill for a wonderful selection of traditional and contemporary knitwear, high street fashions and many gifts and souvenirs or browse some of the unique shops situated on the main street, especially the Loch Fyne Whisky Shop where you may even be offered a dram. Finally, you will reach Oban, the unofficial capital of the West Highlands and a busy working port as fishing and pleasure craft rub shoulders in the harbor. Often described as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, Oban is the main port for ferries departing to the Inner Hebrides. This thriving community boasts one of the most picturesque settings to be found, with houses clinging to steep hillsides surrounding the calm bay and dominating the skyline is McCaig’s Tower, a coliseum-style monument.  

Overnight Manor House Hotel, Oban.  

This morning visit the Oban Distillery to explore exactly what happens in the process to produce Oban single malt's unique spirit character. Together with the guide you will explore each part of the whisky making process, to discover which flavors come from which parts of the process. Travel north and travel up the banks of Loch Linnhe to reach the most famous of all glens, Glencoe where you can stop at the visitors' centre to view some of the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere. This area is steeped in history, and you will hear about the infamous 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald and see the new exhibition. Return west and over the Ballachulish bridge on through Fort William to Glenfinnan Monument which stands proud at the head of Loch Shiel, where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1745 and to commemorate the Jacobites who subsequently fought and fell during the 1745 uprising. At your back and in the distance, you can see the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was famously used for the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. Return to Fort William and continue north to Fort Augustus on the southern tip of Loch Ness, stopping to marvel at Thomas Telford’s feat of engineering. The flight of 5 locks transport sailing vessels and boats from Loch Ness at the north end into the Caledonian Canal. Continue up the banks of Loch to the Glen Ord Distillery, which was founded in 1838, making it one of the oldest in Scotland. Situated on the edge of the Black Isle, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations. A visit to Glen Ord is a delight to both the eye and the palate. Join them on a tour of the distillery and watch their distillers at work creating a magical malt whisky which is sweet, malty and dry on the palate. 

Overnight River Ness Hotel, Inverness.  

This morning you will travel the short distance to the Clansman Harbor for a 2-hour Jacobite Cruise to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from the loch and sail the deepest part using the Jacobite sonar then alight at Urquhart Castle where you will have the chance to explore for an hour before cruising back up the loch to the Clansman Harbour. Urquhart Castle was the site of many battles led by the Clan MacDonald. It stands on a rocky promontory on the north shore with stunning views of the glen and a chance to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster. It has a turbulent history: seized by the English in 1296, sacked in 1545 by MacDonald Lord of the Isles and later left to decay after 1689. Returning to land you can travel north up the coastline to Tain where you will visit the Glenmorangie Distillery. Complement your Distillery Tour with a visit to our Signet Room where you can sample Glenmorangie Original and Glenmorangie Signet which is one of our rarest expressions and undoubtedly the richest whisky in our range. Round off today with a visit to Culloden Battlefield where the last hand-to-hand battle was fought on British soil which takes on a whole new meaning with the opening of an exciting new visitor centre and interactive exhibition. The battlefield itself is now restored to as close as possible that marched on by the two sides on that fateful day.  

Overnight River Ness Hotel, Inverness.    

First port of call this morning is a brief stop in the coastal town of Elgin where it would be remiss not to visit Gordon & MacPhail iconic whisky shop in Elgin which still thrives today on the site where the business began in 1895. Since those early days the company has grown and now owns Benromach Distillery and is one of the UK’s top independent whisky, premium spirits and wine wholesale specialists. Turn south into the magnificent mountain landscape of the Cairngorm’s. In the heart of Speyside and on a hill overlooking the River Spey, with magnificent views across to Ben Rinnes stands The Macallan Distillery, nestled within the glorious Easter Elchies Estate at Craigellachie. Take The Six Pillars Tour where your friendly and knowledgeable guide will explain how they create The Macallan's rich spirit in a working still house and introduce you to the ‘Six Pillars’. You will learn how their unparalleled investment in the finest casks contributes to the natural colours, aromas and flavours that set The Macallan apart. After a thorough immersion into the world of The Macallan, you will experience a nosing and tasting of four The Macallan whiskies as well as their very foundation, their wonderfully rich new make spirit. Not far from here is Strathisla Distillery. Your tasting will be led by an experienced guide and promises to be an unforgettable experience and will provide an insight into the complexities of the blending of luxury whiskies. This exclusive tasting offers you the opportunity to enjoy drams drawn straight form the casks in front of you inside the Chivas Regal Cellar within Warehouse No 3 at Strathisla Distillery. 

Overnight Craigellachie House Hotel, Craigellachie. 

Your final day will take you back to Edinburgh. Spend the morning taking a wander into the town centre to North Street and see the stunning St. Salvator's Chapel, the chapel is a rare and beautiful example of Late Gothic architecture. You cannot miss St. Andrews University, the educational location of the William and Kate, as St Salvator’s Quadrangle sits behind the Chapel. Travel to South Street and The Tower of Holy Trinity, a Category ‘A’ listed building, and the most historic church in St Andrews. As you return to Edinburgh you will take a scenic drive returning along the coastal route through the beautiful fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife where there are many galleries and arts and crafts shops. Anstruther for its famous fish shop, Crail – a visit to the harbour is a must and Pittenweem where there are many arts and crafts shops to browse. Make a stop at North Queensferry where you can view the iconic 3 Bridges. To round off your tour, travel over the Queensferry Crossing and to the east of the city lies Glenkinchie Distillery. Take the Flavour & Cask Experience. Which is designed for guests who seek something unique. Enjoy exceptional whiskies and great stories. It features a fully guided tour, followed by the opportunity to draw straight from the Cask. 

Overnight Melville Castle, Lothian 

Driver/guide to finish. 

 You will be collected this morning and taken to Edinburgh Airport for your onward flight. 

Haste ye Back!