Frequently Asked Questions
Private Whisky & Sightseeing Tours in Scotland
Our FAQs answer common questions from guests planning private tours in Scotland, whether your focus is whisky, scenic exploration or a mixture of both. We regularly welcome visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and beyond. If you don't see your question here, we're always happy to help. hello@dramsscotland.com
Planning Your Tour from Abroad
Q - Do you organise whisky tours for guests travelling from the United States and other countries? A - Yes - we frequently host visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, Europe and beyond, We can tailor itineraries to international arrivals, balancing distillery visits with sightseeing and the pace that works best after international flights.
Q - How far in advance should international guests book? A - We recommend booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance, particluarly for popular regions such as Islay, Speyside or the Highlands. Early planning ensures distillery visits, accommodation and ferries are secured, and allows us to build your perfect multi-day tour.
Q - Can you help plan around flights and arrival schedules? A - Absolutely. While we don't book flights, we can advise on the best arrival airports (Edinburgh or Glasgow) and suggest light activity for your first day. Many international guests enjoy a relaxed start with whisky tasting or scenic exploration before heading further into Scotland's regions.
Our Private & Bespoke Tours
Q - Are your groups private or will I join others on tour? A - All Drams Scotland tours are private and bespoke. You'll have a dedicated guide and vehicle for your party (from 1 to 6 guests) and the itinerary will reflect your whisky interests, sightseeing preferences, preferred pace and travel dates.
Q - Are itineraries fixed or flexible? A - Our itineraries are not fixed. The distilleries and sights we suggest are for inspiration - your tour can include any distilleries open to the public, castles, scenic walks, wildlife spotting and anything else that interests you.
Q - Can tours suit both whisky enthusiasts and newcomers? A - Yes, we tailor tastings, tours and experiences so both seasoned collectors and whisky-curious guests enjoy every visit. Sightseeing, local history and cultural stops are designed to complement whisky experiences for a well rounded tour.
Distilleries, Tasting & Driving
Q - How many distilleries can we visit in a day? A - It depends. In the Highlands, we may plan one to two distillery visits per day, to allow for tastings, exploring the surrounding area, and optional sightseeing. In Speyside, Islay and Campbeltown, where distilleries are closer together, we can comfortably fit in more. We focus on quality, not quantity, so you can fully enjoy each experience.
Q - Do we need to drive after tastings? A - No - your guide handles all driving, timing and logistics. This ensures safety, comfort and a relaxed pace whether you're focusing on whisky, sightseeing, or both.
Q - Can we buy whisky along the way? A - Yes. Many guests enjoy buying bottles directly from distilleries and local independent bottlers. We can advise on storage throughout your tour and on transporting whisky home within customs limits.
Timings, Regions & Tour Lengths
Q - How many days should I plan for a tour? A - 5-7 days for exploring 2 regions (eg. Speyside + Highlands) 7-10+ days for multiple regions or island tours (Islay, Orkney, Skye) Scotland's distilleries, landmarks and cultural highlights are spread out, so multi-day tours allow you to experience whisky and scenery without rushing.
Q - Can we combine multiple regions? A - Yes - many guests mix regions, such as The Highlands, & Islands,Speyside, Islay, Lowlands, and Campbeltown. We'll design your route to balance driving, distillery visits, and sightseeing for the ultimate bespoke experience.
Q - When is the best time to visit Scotland? A - Scotland is rewarding all year round. Spring and autumn offer quieter distillery visits and dramatic landscapes. Summer brings longer days and full distillery availability. Winter is atmospheric, although some distilleries will have reduced opening hours. We advise based on travel dates and priorities.
Practical Travel Questions
Q - Do tours include sightseeing or cultural activities? A - Yes, in addition to whisky, tours can include castles, historic sites, scenic walks, wildlife spotting, coastal drives and local dining experiences. Even whisky-focused tours are enriched by Scotland's landscapes and heritage. Entry tickets are paid directly.
Q - Do you arrange accommodation and meals? A - We recommend accommodation options based on your tour, budget and interests. Guests book accommodation directly, while we guide you to the best choices for your itinerary. We make dining reservations on behalf of our guests ahead of each tour.
Q - What size vehicles do you use? A - We travel in comfortable, modern vehicles, suitable for long touring. You'll enjoy plenty of legroom and luggage space, ensuring maximum comfort whilst exploring Scotland's sometimes remote regions.
Still Have Questions?
Every tour we create is unique. If you're still deciding where to explore, you may enjoy browsing our regional whisky tours, including Islay, Speyside, The Highlands & Islands, The North Higlands & Orkney and The Lowlands. Whether your focus is whisky, sightseeing or both, we'd love to help you plan your ideal Scottish experience.