Whisky Tour Of Scotland
The precise moment when the Scots first distilled whisky is lost in the mists of time. What is certain is that the Ancient Celts practiced the art of distilling, and had an expressive name for the fiery liquid they produced - uisge beatha - the water of life. Over the years, the Scots have perfected the art of distilling, using elements so generously provided for them by nature.
Below is one of Cashel Travel's custom tours - the fabled Whisky Tour! - learn a lot about Scottish Whisky whilst enjoying the country that created it.
Slàinte Mhath! (pronounced slan-ja vab: a Gaelic toast, literally good health!)
DAY 1 
Arrive in Aberdeen, the oil capital of Scotland and the major fishing port of Scotland and more importantly on the edge of the main whisky producing country.
Dinner and overnight in the lovely Thainstone House Hotel, Inverurie (if available) this is a baronial style of hotel about 20 miles from Aberdeen with a modern leisure centre.
DAY 2
This morning we visit some of the many distilleries in the area. A few of the distilleries we can visit are:
- Aberlour
- Benromach
- Cardhu
- Dallas Dhu
- Glenfiddich
- Glenlivet
- Glen Moray
- Strathisla
Depending on the taste of the travellers we can visit two in the morning and two in the afternoon. In each distillery there is a tour and taste of whisky. We also visit a Cooperage to see the traditional method of making barrels.
Lunch in a traditional pub.
Dinner and overnight in beautiful Bunchrew House Hotel (or similar) just outside Inverness on the edge of the Loch.
DAY 3
Today we travel north up through some of the most dramatic scenery of Scotland, through the last great wilderness of Europe, the flow country of Caithness. We arrive at Thurso where we take the ferry to Orkney. A stay on the awe-inspiring islands of Orkney would not be complete without a visit to the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the world: Highland Park. A tour of this renowned distillery is a wonderful way in which to learn more about the history and traditions of these unique islands. In 2002, the Scottish Tourist Board awarded the distillery their Five Star Award in recognition of its excellent facilities and services.
Founded over 200 years ago, distillery secrets handed down through generations of Arcadian families are carefully combined with time-honored methods and ingredients to create Highland Park, one of the world's greatest Single Malts.
We spend the night and have dinner in Balfour Castle Hotel (if available)– the most northerly castle hotel in the world.
DAY 4
This morning we have tour of Orkney visiting the pre historic sites of this fascinating island. We visit Skara Brae a preserved Neolithic village followed by Maes Howe a burial mound. Both of these sites pre date the pyramids.
We then see the Churchill Barrier built by Italian prisoners of war to protect the Home fleet from u boats in the Scapa Flow.
In the afternoon we return to mainland Scotland and travel south.
We spend the night in the Newton Hotel in Nairn (or similar) where we have a farewell dinner.
DAY 5
We depart to Aberdeen airport.
Costs
Cost per person: £505.00
Single supplement: £120.00
( Based on minimum of 12 people travelling )
Including:
- Dinner bed and breakfast in superior 4 star hotels
- Guide throughout
- Mini coach and driver throughout
- Ferry to and from Orkney
Not Included:
- Admissions
- Porterage
An Inexact Science
At the end of the eighteenth century distilling suffered from heavy taxes to help pay for the Napoleonic Wars and many small-time distillers operated illegally.
The story goes that Magnus Eunson carried out illicit distilling by moonlight in a bothy, or shepherd's shelter, on the High Park whilst holding forth as a man of the cloth during the day and indeed, stashing his contraband under the pulpit and preaching more fervently when the excisemen were in town.
Closer scrutiny of the records however, suggests that Eunson was more than likely the front man for a cartel of local businessmen, dignitaries and servicemen - the “Orkney mafia”.
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