Speyside may be best known for its world-renowned whisky, but the region has far more to offer than a dram of Single Malt. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast, nature lover, history buff or simply seeking some much-needed relaxation, Speyside serves it all with charm, beauty and authenticity in abundance.
To help you plan your perfect visit, we’ve put together a range of 3–4 day itineraries tailored to different interests. Whether you want to walk from distillery to distillery, uncover castle secrets, discover hidden gems, or just enjoy a quiet dram by the fire, there’s a Speyside break for you that will make it a trip to remember.
1. The Whisky Connoisseur’s Speyside (3–4 Days)
If you’re serious about your whisky and want more than just the basics, this itinerary offers rare tastings, insider access, and in-depth experiences that go far beyond the standard tour. Expect quality distilleries, complex flavours, and a deeper understanding of what makes Speyside the revered whisky region that it is.
Could include:
Tour at The Balvenie Distillery
Connoisseur tour and tasting at The GlenAllachie or Glenfarclas Distilleries
The Macallan Distillery’s Mastery Experience, that includes a six-course tasting menu
Evening tasting at The Tannochbrae’s private bar, The Stables
Stop at the the Speyside Cooperage or a local independent bottlerS
Dinner at Pagodas Restaurant at Station Hotel Rothes
Optional whisky and chocolate pairing (e.g. at Speyside Tours)
2. Speyside’s Scenic Drams & Trails
If you are keen on a good walk with your whisky, this one’s for you. With hilltop views, peaceful river walks and distilleries en route, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of nature, movement and single malt whisky, and yes, it includes unforgettable scenery.
This Itinerary Could include:
Morning hike up Ben Rinnes or the nearby Conval Hills
Distillery walk: Aberlour Distillery to Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown via The Speyside Way, Stopping for Lunch in Craigellachie, alongside a dram at The Highlander Inn
Visit Glenlivet Estate for smugglers trails and a distillery tour
Dinner at the Whisky Capital Inn with Drinks afterwards at The Stillman, both in Dufftown
Explore Ballindalloch Castle, Gardens & Distillery
Wildlife spotting at Highland Wildlife Park or red squirrel / Highland Coo walks in and around Dufftown
End of the Day Drams, in our Private Whisky Lounge and Bar ‘The Stables‘
3. Castles, Culture & Casks
If you are one to mix your whisky with a little Scottish heritage. This itinerary takes you beyond the barrel and into Speyside’s cultural past, combining castle visits and historic sites with some of the region’s most traditional drams.
This Itinerary Could include:
Morning tour of Balvenie Castle and Glenfiddich Milestones distillery tour
Visit and tour of Cawdor Castle
Afternoon tasting at Glenfarclas Distillery or Benromach
Dinner locally at the Capercaille in Dufftown
Books & Coffee at Beinn Bookstore
Day trip to Brodie Castle & shopping at Countryfare
Visit Highland Games (Seasonal), or the restored Knockando Woollmill
4. Hidden Gems & Independent Distilleries
For those looking to avoid the crowds and discover something a bit different. If you like to go off the beaten path, Speyside has plenty of well-kept secrets. This itinerary is perfect for those who want to meet the makers, support independent producers, and enjoy some truly memorable (and often less crowded) experiences.
This Itinerary Could include:
Visit The GlenAllachie (independent) + Benromach Distilleries
Private tour at the Cabrach, Speyside or Dailuaine (Linkwood) Distilleries (depending on availability)
Picnic by the River Spey or local foraging tour (Speyside Tours)
Tasting at The Tannochbrae’s Private Whisky bar of Local Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
- Visit Logie Steading for Lunch, Art and Shopping
Dinner at Tulchan Feast
Optional: Private or walking tour with CopperCairn or Speyside Tours
5. Relax & Reconnect (Leisurely, Non-Whisky Focused)
For those who don’t want to do it all, and would rather slow the pace. This softer itinerary is ideal for guests who want a break with a hint of whisky or gin, plenty of nature, and time to breathe. Think spa visits, long lunches, coastal air, and the occasional dram by the fire.
This Itinerary Could include:
Coastal trip to Cullen or Findhorn + dolphin boat trip with North 58
Walk to Loch Park and red squirrel spotting in Meg’s Wyd or Nethy Bridge forest
Lunch at TimeSpirit, The Macallan
Fire-side evening drams at The Tannochbrae
Eight Lands Organic Vodka & Gin Distillery Tour or The Glenfiddich Tour
Explore local shops and cafes at Brodie Castle and Countryfare
Tour of Johnstone’s Cashmere and Woollen Mill in Elgin
Local Trip to Spa for Pampering Package
Dinner at The Orrin Restaurant Elgin
Speyside for every style of Traveller
Speyside is a region that rewards every kind of traveller, whether you’re here for the whisky, the walking, the history, or simply the scenery alongside a serious dose of peace and quiet. These five curated itineraries offer a starting point for crafting your own perfect 3–4 day escape, with ideas tailored to whisky connoisseurs, outdoor adventurers, heritage lovers, and those just looking to unwind.
Whichever path you choose, you’ll find that everything in Speyside is connected by warmth, welcome, and world-class scotch whisky.
As always, The Tannochbrae is here to help you make the most of your visit. From helping plan your distillery stops to welcoming you back with a dram by the fire, we’d be delighted to be your base in the heart of whisky country. If you are planning a visit, remember to book directly and use the discount code ‘ELDERFLOWER”, for the best price.
For more detail on our favourite distilleries, historic castles, or the best places to shop while in Speyside, feel free to explore our other blog posts which delve a little deeper into each.
Photo Credit: North East 250/ Damian Shields
