Join Bon Voyage Boutique Travel on a small group journey around Scotland visiting distilleries and learning about how scotch is made and of course tasting a dram or two. This custom tour goes from Edinburgh to Glasgow with stops in Inverness and the Isle of Islay. Some notable distilleries include Lagavulin, Auchentoshan, Aberlour, and more.
The dates are May 3-12, 2024 Trip cost is $5875 per person (double occupancy, land only) Estimated flight cost from Appleton is $1300 per person (economy class) Flights and pricing from other airports available on request Travel insurance- optional but strongly recommended
Payment Schedule A $250 per person deposit is due upon booking Final payment is due February 21, 2024
Itinerary
May 3- Depart the US
May 4- Edinburgh Arrival
After landing at Edinburgh Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Your guide will welcome you to Scotland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next, set off on an orientation tour of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. Your knowledgeable guide will share many fascinating stories about the historic city as you travel along Princes Street and eventually make your way to the famed Royal Mile. Stop to tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock and dominates the skyline. The castle has been involved in many historical conflicts from the War of Scottish Independence to the Jacobite Rising in 1745 and even acted as a military prison during both World Wars. Transfer to your nearby hotel, check in and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure for independent activities and dining.
May 5- Scotch Whiskey Experience
Today, visit the Scotch Whiskey Experience located next to the imposing Edinburgh Castle. While here, enjoy the platinum tour which will guide you through the different characteristics of Scottish whiskey. Also, enjoy a tasting of four single malts as well as one deluxe blended scotch whiskey. Return to your hotel for a free evening.
May 6- Edradour Distillery
Leaving Edinburgh, drive to just outside of Pitlochry to visit the Edradour Distillery. Established in 1825, on land rented from the Duke of Atholl, Edradour is Scotland's smallest distillery. Continue your travel into Inverness, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day free to sightsee, shop and dine on your own.
May 7- Speyside Cooperage
This morning, journey into Aberlour to visit the Aberlour Distillery, first founded in 1879 by James Fleming. Here, set off on a guided tour to learn about the incredible single malt whiskey followed by a tasting of their finished product. Then, drive into Craigellachie to visit the family-owned Speyside Cooperage, which produces fine casks from American Oak using traditional methods and tools. Return to your hotel in Inverness and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, you may like to dine in one of the many dinner venues scattered around the area.
May 8- Ben Nevis Distillery
Departing Inverness, travel into Fort William and stop to visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, which was originally found in the early 19th century by John MacDonald. While here, enjoy a tour of the distillery followed by a wee dram of whiskey. Then, journey into Oban to visit Oban Distillery, which was built in 1794, before the actual town grew into existence. The distillery only has two pot stills, making it one of the smallest of its kind in Scotland. Additionally, Oban producing a whiskey that has been described as having a 'West Highland' flavor. Transfer to your nearby hotel, check in and settle into your room. This evening, you may like to grab an independent bite to eat at a local venue.
May 9- Isle of Islay
After breakfast, take a ferry ride to the Isle of Islay, which is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides islands and is known for its whisky. Upon arrival, drive into Lagavulin to visit Lagavulin Distillery, which has won numerous awards for their fine single malt scotch whiskey at the World Spirits Competition. Transfer to your hotel and check in for your stay. In the evening, you may like to dine in one of the many restaurants located on the Island.
May 10- Ardnahoe Distillery
Today, travel to the Ardnahoe Distillery, Islay’s newest distillery. While here, enjoy a tasting of five specially selected drams. Then, continue on to visit the Caol lla Distillery for a guided tour and tasting of their finish product. Pronounced 'Cull-Eela', the distillery is situated on the North-Eastern shores of Islay with magnificent views across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.
May 11- Auchentoshan Distillery
This morning, drive to Port Ellen and embark on a ferry ride back to the mainland. Next, travel to visit the Auchentoshan Distillery for tour and tasting of four triple distilled single malt whiskeys. Continue your journey into Glasgow, check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening, you may like to dine in one of the city’s lively dinner venues.
May 12- Return to the US
All too soon, your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Glasgow Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying back to the United States.
