What to do and see in Aviemore, Scotland: The Best Private Tours

June 14, 2021 Sheron Bogner

Aviemore (/ˌæviˈmɔːr/ ( listen); Scottish Gaelic: An Aghaidh Mhòr "The big [mountain] face") is a town and tourist resort, situated within the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland. It is in the Badenoch and Strathspey committee area, within the Highland council area. The town is popular for skiing and other winter sports, and for hill-walking in the Cairngorm Mountains. There are excellent views of the Cairngorms from various places within the town, especially from the railway station. The Aviemore stone circle is located within a residential neighbourhood of the town.
Restaurants in Aviemore

1. Luxury Whisky Experience at The Macallan Distillery

Aura Journeys
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Your Luxury Private Tour to The Macallan Whisky Distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland includes Door to Door service along with an experienced Local Scottish Driver and Luxury vehicle, allowing you to enjoy the stunning Scottish scenery and importantly a dram or two of our famous Scottish Whisky. With no waiting for other passengers it is your tour your way, we can customise the tour to suit and create your very own experience. With Door to Door service from Edinburgh, complimentary Scottish Breakfast Rolls and Hot Drinks while en-route to the distillery. Your Distillery Tour is included, The Macallan Heritage Experience offers you a 2 Hour tour through the distillery and the journey from Cask to Glass, also included a tutored tasting in the iconic Cave Privee. You will also receive your own Macallan Copita Glass as a souvenier to take home from your experience.

Inclusions: Door to Door Service, Private Tour (1 to 6 Passengers), Transport by Luxury Vehicle, Wi-Fi Access, Bottled Water, Scottish Breakfast Rolls and Hot Drinks, Whisky Experience Entrance

Exclusions: Evening Meal, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)

Reviewed By Vic_Polly011

Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip

2. BMW X5 SUV Highland Whisky Tomatin, Glen Ord, Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Balblair

Inverness Whisky Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Gavin Nicholson, the two metre tour guide has been discovering Scotland his whole life and over the last 8 years he has become one of the most sought after tour guides in Scotland. Gavin is a knowledgeable and passionate born and bred Scottish Highlander who will entertain you with stories and anecdotes about growing up in Scotland. Sit back and relax while you tour in one of the most technologically advanced luxury tour vehicles in Scotland. Gavin's BMW X5 M50d 4x4 SUV can take you to parts of Scotland other tour vehicles can only dream of. An elevated vantage point so that you can see more of the beautiful Scottish Highland scenery throughout your tour. Panoramic roof for 360° degree views. Widescreens front and back to view maps and information throughout your journey. Heated seats front and back for those chilly days where you need warmed up. Chocolate paired whisky tastings from Gavin's extensive private collection.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Snacks, Kilted Highland Guide, Whisky and Chocolate Tasting, Face Masks and Hand Sanitiser, Free WIFI so that you can stay connected

Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance Fees, Whisky Tastings at Distilleries

Reviewed By rudyhorse1

The process for booking was very simple and easy. We were picked up at our hotel on time and the day was outstanding. We were provided distillery options with an explanation of what they offered. We modified our plans based on Gavin's recommendations and were glad that we did, the tours were great. It is the best way to see and experience the distilleries in a day. Highly recommended.

3. Culloden Battelfield and Cairngorm Mountain Range

10 Huntly St, Inverness IV3 5PR, UK Highland Tours 4 You
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Based in the Beautiful City of Inverness, we at Highland Tours 4 You, offer you the opportunity to join us on one of our prearranged tours taking in some of the magical sights and experiences available in this fascinating area. We currently offer One Day tours showcasing some of the most breath-taking scenery and stunning landscapes that the Highlands have to offer. Our 8 seater vehicle offers you that personal experience that we strive to give all our customers. If there is anywhere not shown that you would like to visit or if you would prefer a Private Tour just give us a call and we will do everything in our power to help meet your needs. Perhaps you fancy a Distillery Tour, a Golf Club Tour, Cocktail Tour, Island Hop, the list is endless, just let us know what you fancy, we are here to help. We offer a very convenience city centre riverside Pick Up Point.

Inclusions: Guided Tour

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Reviewed By Liz K

Went to the fairy pools without a guide and it was stunning. Weather wasn’t great but water was so clear and beautiful. Would have been a better experience on a warm day. Wear decent footwear as when raining it gets slippy

4. BMW X5 SUV Ultimate Speyside, Macallan, Cardhu, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Glenlivet

Inverness Whisky Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Gavin Nicholson, the two metre tour guide has been discovering Scotland his whole life and over the last 8 years he has become one of the most sought after tour guides in Scotland. Gavin is a knowledgeable and passionate born and bred Scottish Highlander who will entertain you with stories and anecdotes about growing up in Scotland. Sit back and relax while you tour in one of the most technologically advanced luxury tour vehicles in Scotland. Gavin's BMW X5 M50d 4x4 SUV can take you to parts of Scotland other tour vehicles can only dream of. An elevated vantage point so that you can see more of the beautiful Scottish Highland scenery throughout your tour. Panoramic roof for 360° degree views. Widescreens front and back to view maps and information throughout your journey. Heated seats front and back for those chilly days where you need warmed up. Chocolate paired whisky tastings from Gavin's extensive private collection.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Snacks, Kilted Highland Guide, Whisky and Chocolate Tasting, Face Mask and Hand Sanitiser, Free WIFI so that you can stay connected

Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance Fees

Reviewed By wontonshawn

I honestly do not have enough good things to say about Gavin and his company. He organized a great day of distilleries and sights for us and it was easily the best day of our vacation. It is obvious he does this because he genuinely loves sharing Scotland (and its whisky) with people. We basically left all the planning up to him and it was the correct choice. He was also able to get us last minute reservations at a fantastic restaurant in Inverness and coordinated a taxi driver (John, who was also a lot of fun to spend time with) for us as well. In short, this is the kind of experience one hopes to have when traveling and very rarely gets. Do yourself a favor and book Gavin himself if you have the opportunity, we can't recommend him highly enough.

5. Private Cairngorm National Park tour

Grand2ours - Gordon Davidson
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Dramatic scenery, history and culture. Experience highland folk museum History of Ruthven barracks Scenery of the Cairngorms

Inclusions: Water, Brewery tour

Exclusions: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea

Reviewed By gillian_a_cooper

Gordon was very informative and chatty, visited 5 distilleries and went to a nice wee pub for lunch. Sampled some very enjoyable whiskies. Views were scenic, nice to be a wee bit off the beaten track. Would highly recommend.

6. Speyside Whisky Experience by Whisky Trails: Three Speyside Distilleries

Edinburgh, UK Whisky Trails
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Whether you are a whisky aficionado or a complete novice, this Whisky Trail has something for everyone. You will be picked up from where you are staying and transported in comfort, safety, and style to Speyside. This is a private tour and only your group will participate. If you book between April and October you will visit the big three Speyside distilleries, namely The Macallan, Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich. The agenda is flexible so depending on whether you have chosen to book a tour at one of the distilleries, we will agree the timing for your day before setting off together. At the end of the Whisky Trail, we will head back to your starting point or another location by prior arrangement. Travel time from central Scotland is 3.5 hours in each direction, whereas Inverness lies around 1.5 hours drive away from the Speyside area. PLEASE NOTE: due to COVID19 restrictions, Distilleries may open and close at short notice, and may also only offer limited tour and tasting options.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Distillery Tour and Tasting fees, Lunch

Reviewed By Amy K

My cousin booked a private tour for three of us and it was fantastic! The vehicle was clean & comfortable, Brett provided a lot of information during the drive between each distillery and he was very knowledgeable when it came to the scotch whiskey. Brett is familiar with the employees at each distillery so you receive prompt service. I would book a tour with Brett when/if I’m back in Scotland.

7. Speyside Delight - Scottish Whisky Tour - Private Full Day

Edinburgh, UK Whiskywheels Tours
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4.8 based on 6 reviews

****** Private Tour ***** Visit three unique three Speyside distilleries in one day. Bespoke pickup! The best and most extensive Speyside day trip available! A unique experience that gives you best Scotland has to offer , all in one day, allowing you time to enjoy other activities on other days. Bookings subject to availability. Please book early to secure your place. Please contact for bookings between November 1st and January 10th. We may have to substitute in other distilleries based on opening hours.

Inclusions: Expert led whisky tasting session at each distillery, Bottled water

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Reviewed By 21pagon

This tour has 3 different and unique distilleries. Macallan was a must see for us and when you add Glenfiddich and Glenlivet it was a win. Each one was different enough to make the day interesting, fun and educational. I would not miss Glenlivet or Macallan. Ewan was a fantastic host, kept us on time, knowledgeable on the distilleries, shared his Scotland with us and pointed out “sight-seeing” opportunities as we drove through the Highlands. Prepare for a long day, but worth the investment if learning and experiencing the Scotch making process and history is important to you. The Highlands scenery was a bonus-beautiful country!

8. Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Macallan - Glenfiddich - Glenlivet - Private Tour

Edinburgh, UK Whiskywheels Tours
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4.8 based on 5 reviews

The first tour to take you to three top distilleries in one day! +Bespoke pickup+ Whiskywheels tours specialise in the wonderful whisky that Scotland has to offer. This Whisky Trifecta tour - Macallan, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. Macallan The jewel in the crown of Speyside. Not to be missed. Macallan is the most sought-after whisky for whisky collectors, here you'll find a huge range of Macallan Scotch whisky to buy and also take part in the fantastic three pillars tour. Glenfiddich Visit the family owned distillery to see what a truly world class family run business can achieve. Glenfiddich is the world's best-selling single-malt whisky and also the most awarded at the International Spirits Challenge. Glenlivet The tour and tasting at Glenlivet takes you back in time to how whisky was first made in Speyside. Covid precautions and government guidance adhered to.

Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Bottled water

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Reviewed By Catmandoo2014

I had found this company when browsing for tours to Auchentoshan and Glengoyne for a day, however none showed up anywhere on google. This company however, had the option for custom tours and so I gave it a go. Euan had quoted me a price for the day trip to Auchentoshan then Glengoyne and back to Edinburgh in a day. The price was honestly very worth it, a bit more than you would have spent if going alone. However, due to the date which was Sunday and buses don't run as often, the taxi's were not an option either due to the time constraint and rush. I decided to go along with the tour with Euan. No regrets. He drove me to the distilleries in his van which can take up to 7 persons. Along the route we had a good time talking and sharing with each other our experiences of Scotland and of course scotch. I would definitely go back for his custom tour services, he will plan everything accordingly and inform you of any changes if needed or any no go's.

9. Loch Ness Luxury Private Tour with Scottish Driver

Aura Journeys

Your Private Loch Ness Chauffeur tour takes in the famous Loch Ness and Highland Capital Inverness, using a luxury vehicle and experienced Scottish chauffeur with years of experience. Your day is planned to cover all the sights and attractions at Loch Ness including trying spot Nessie, with no waiting for other passengers so it is your day your way if there is something you really want to see we will ensure it is added to your itinerary. With Door to Door service from Glasgow, complimentary Bottled Water and Wi-Fi Access you truly are getting that luxury experience.

Inclusions: Private Excursion (1 to 6 Passengers), Door to Door Service, Cruise Ship Pickup and Drop-Off, Services & Stories of an Scottish Chauffeur, Wi-Fi Access, Bottled water

Exclusions: Entrance Fees to Visitor Acttractions, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)

Reviewed By Vic_Polly011

Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip

10. Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch Cathedral, Viking Graves, Whisky, and much more!

Inverness, UK Highland Day Tours

On this private customisable tour you will see Viking graves, a castle resembling a French Chateau, a 750 year old Cathedral, a whisky distillery, and hopefully seals! Something for everyone! After collection we'll drive north to a high point on Struie Hill where you'll have long reaching views deep into the heart of Sutherland. Then we’ll head to the Falls of Shin where you may see the salmon trying to leap up the falls to reach their spawning grounds. Reaching Lairg we will look right up Loch Shin and then travel through a beautiful glen to Dunrobin Castle. This castle is open to the public (Apr - Oct) so you'll be able to explore the inside and then watch a stunning falconry display in the grounds (Apr - Sep). Next we’ll head to the cathedral town at Dornoch for lunch and to explore the pretty Highland town. Next we’ll visit the Edderton Old Church where you’ll see a 1,100 year old carved Celtic slab. Finally we'll visit either Balblair or Glenmorangie Distillery for a whisky!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Meals can be taken as required but are not included in the price., The cost of the tour does not include any entrance fees for any of the locations visited., Gratuities are not included and are entirely at the discretion of the tour party.

Reviewed By CS-Linlithgow

Great place and in the sun the animals were quite active with the tiger and polar bears going into their pools to cool off. Social Distancing in place and well managed . Recommended

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