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26 September 2027 – 5 days for £2,499 per person

This tour is designed as an extension to the Science of Whisky cruise but it can also be taken as a stand-alone tour.

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Follow the spirit of whisky from sea to Speyside on this carefully curated extension through Scotland’s most celebrated whisky-producing region. Travelling deep into the Highlands, you’ll explore not only the making of Scotland’s national drink but also the landscapes, traditions and communities that have shaped its history for centuries. From historic estates and castles to family-owned distilleries and traditional cooperages, this journey reveals the rich cultural heritage behind every dram.

Enjoy privileged access to distilleries, warehouses and craftspeople whose expertise has been passed down through generations. Draw whisky directly from the cask at Dalwhinnie, visit independent producers including Ballindalloch and Cabrach, and enjoy a rare warehouse experience at The Balvenie. Along the way, meet renowned Aberdeen Angus cattle breeders, discover one of Speyside’s oldest family estates, witness the ancient craft of coopering and learn how whisky shaped the region’s identity and prosperity.

Visits to Ballindalloch Castle, Johnstons of Elgin and Gordon & MacPhail provide further insight into the heritage and craftsmanship that define Speyside today.

Throughout your stay, you’ll be based at The Delnashaugh Inn, a traditional Highland inn full of character, set beside the River Spey and surrounded by Cairngorm scenery. Combined with exceptional food, specially selected tastings and a whisky-paired private dining experience, this extension offers a deeper exploration of the people, culture and history behind one of the world’s great whisky regions.

In partnership with The Ultimate Travel Company.

Itinerary

Day 1: In the Highlands and visit Dalwhinnie distillery

After disembarking from your ship in Oban this morning (or joining us in Oban), travel through the magnificent Highland landscape to Newtonmore, where you will pause for lunch and an opportunity to soak up the scenery of the Cairngorms National Park.

Later, continue to nearby Dalwhinnie, home to one of Scotland’s highest distilleries. Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes review of their production process before gaining access to the warehouse for a special tasting of whiskies drawn directly from the cask, revealing the subtle influence of maturation in oak.

This afternoon, travel onwards into Speyside and check in to The Delnashaugh Inn, your base for the next four nights. This evening, gather with fellow travellers for dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Castle life, Angus cattle and Ballindalloch distillery

Today you explore the historic Ballindalloch Estate, one of Speyside’s most picturesque, privately owned estates. Begin with a visit to the estate farm to meet the renowned Aberdeen Angus cattle herd, whose bloodlines have helped shape this iconic Scottish breed.

Following lunch, tour Ballindalloch Castle, an impressive family home that has remained in the ownership of the Macpherson-Grant family for generations. In the afternoon, visit Ballindalloch Distillery, one of Speyside’s few independently owned distilleries, for a comprehensive tour and tasting that provides insight into small-scale whisky production.

After the tour, take a short walk back to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3: Cooperage craftsmanship and Cabrach distillery

This morning, visit the Speyside Cooperage, where skilled craftsmen continue the centuries-old art of building and repairing whisky casks. Witness the remarkable expertise required to maintain the barrels that play such an essential role in whisky maturation.

After time for lunch in Aberlour, continue to Cabrach Distillery. Located in a remote and rugged landscape with a rich illicit distilling history, the distillery represents an ambitious effort to revive whisky-making traditions in this historic area. Enjoy a tasting and learn about the project’s unique heritage.

This evening, experience a memorable private dinner at Dowans Hotel, with each course thoughtfully paired with carefully selected whiskies.

Day 4: Cashmere, rare whisky and The Balvenie

Begin the day with a short journey to Elgin, where you’ll have a choice of two guided tour visits.

Step inside Johnstons of Elgin Woollen Mill, for an opportunity to see the craftsmanship behind some of Scotland’s finest cashmere and woollen products. Learn how traditional skills and modern technology combine to create luxury textiles exported around the world.

If you’d prefer to stick to whisky, visit Gordon & MacPhail’s celebrated whisky emporium next door for a tasting and time to browse one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers and whisky specialists. There will also be free time to explore Elgin at your leisure.

In the afternoon, travel to Dufftown, often regarded as the capital of Speyside whisky production. Here, visit The Balvenie for a full tour and warehouse tasting experience that highlights the distillery’s commitment to traditional production techniques and long maturation.

This evening, return to the hotel for a farewell dinner reflecting on the experiences and discoveries of the past few days.

Day 5: Departure thru the Highlands

After breakfast, transfer to Inverness for your onward connections. Drop-off options are available at Inverness Airport or Inverness railway station. Alternatively, guests may choose to be taken back to Oban.

Booking administration 

This tour is operated by our trusted partner The Ultimate Travel Company on behalf of New Scientist Discovery Tours. Their specialist team will be your main point of contact from booking until you return home, handling your reservation, payments, travel documents, pre-departure information and any questions about your tour or travel arrangements.

Highlights

• Exclusive whisky experiences at Dalwhinnie, Ballindalloch, Cabrach and The Balvenie
• Explore Ballindalloch Estate, including its castle, Aberdeen Angus herd and distillery
• Discover the traditional craft of cask-making at Speyside Cooperage
• Visit Johnstons of Elgin, renowned for its cashmere and wool textiles
• Experience the landscapes and culture of Newtonmore, Aberlour, Dufftown and Elgin
• Enjoy tastings at Gordon & MacPhail and encounters with Speyside’s whisky traditions

What’s included

• Four nights at The Delnashaugh Inn with breakfast
• Evening meals on all four nights
• All distillery and attraction visits and tastings as listed on the itinerary
• Accompanied throughout by a blue badge accredited Scottish tour leader
• All transport by a comfortable small coach
• Transfers to/from Oban (and to Inverness airport and railway station at the end of the tour)

What’s not included

• International flights
• Gratuities for local guides and drivers
• Travel insurance
• Visa/ETA if applicable
• Single supplement £300
• Lunches

Accommodation

The Delnashaugh Inn

Nestled in the heart of Speyside on the historic Ballindalloch Estate, the Delnashaugh Inn is a small and welcoming Highland retreat with just 8 rooms. After days exploring whisky distilleries, landscapes and local heritage, unwind in comfortable surroundings, enjoy hearty regional cuisine, and experience the warmth of traditional Scottish hospitality.

The rooms have a private bathroom, double or twin beds, free Wi-Fi, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.