Those looking for something extra special for the whisky connoisseur in their life this Christmas can breathe easy! A luxury three day whisky tour of Scotland makes the ideal stocking filler and is being launched just in time for the festive period.

The tour has been developed by the ScotlandWhisky initiative which has been set up to promote Scotland and its national drink.

Tour highlights include a night's accommodation and Scottish breakfast at the 4 star Channings Hotel in Edinburgh and the 4 star Craigellachie Hotel on Speyside. A three-course whisky dinner at the five star Whisky Heritage Centre in Edinburgh is also included, along with entrance to Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry and the Speyside Cooperage near Craigellachie.

A tutored nosing at the The Glenlivet Distillery and a VIP tour of the internationally renowned Glenfiddich Distillery completes the experience.

Chris Conway from ScotlandWhisky said: "This is a whisky enthusiast's dream - a luxury experience to be remembered forever."

"The hotels featured in the tour are both whisky embassies - part of a network of 59 whisky embassies throughout Scotland that are selected by ScotlandWhisky. Every embassy has a whisky bar and staff specially trained in whisky appreciation.

Customers to whisky embassies can be guaranteed that they will have a wonderful choice of Scotch Whiskies, as well as a Scotch Whisky menu with tasting notes.

Chris said: "The tour gives ample opportunity for people to stop off in Speyside - the heart of whisky country - to sample some of their favourite malts or to try some of the deluxe and more specialist whiskies that are now available."

As well as working with other hotels and tour operators to develop a more extensive range of tours, ScotlandWhisky is currently rolling out the scheme to the bar trade.

The whisky tour costs £238 and can be booked by calling 0845 859 1001. For a more detailed tour itinerary and further information about whisky embassies and the ScotlandWhisky initiative visit www.scotlandwhisky.com