An Insider’s Journey to the Land of Scotch Whisky
For every Scotch Whisky lover, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to visit the historic distilleries of Scotland must surely be at the top of a bucket list. For here, at the source of Scotch Whisky, can be found unique expressions, limited bottlings, and aged, rare malts which are not available elsewhere. Join us on this exclusive journey – limited to just 10 passengers – as we travel to all five whisky-producing regions of Scotland under the guidance of celebrated whisky authority, Ronnie Berri. Together we sample and acquire the most unique single malts available today – exquisite, rare and vintage selections – as we indulge appreciation for the extraordinary spirit known to Scots as uisge beatha, the “water of life.”
Indulge Your Passion for Scotch Whisky
Most Scotch Whisky lovers agree that just a sip can evoke an entire sensory experience: visions of craggy moors and rolling hills interrupted only by an endless sky; the smell of peat bogs and handcrafted casks; a cool, crisp, windswept landscape. Indeed, many people admit to beginning a lifelong romance with Scotch from their very first taste. And that’s exactly what sets this prized spirit apart from others and often stirs such passion in those who partake.
Discover and Taste the Most Prized Malts
But true whisky aficionados also know that some of the very best whiskies—those rare, single-cask, and well-aged expressions—can only be found close to their source. In fact, many distilleries frequently offer hand-fill opportunities from some of their most prized casks, but one must visit in order to take them up on the offer. In addition, each year, special, exclusive bottlings are released in very limited quantities and, likewise, are only available to those who travel to the distillery.
Journey with Us to the Source
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime journey across the land of Scotch Whisky as we travel under the expert guidance of renowned whisky ambassador, Ronnie Berri. This exclusive tour will fill you with a sense of excitement and mystery as we go in search of the most rare and special single-malts available today. Together we enjoy insider access at distilleries and go into warehouses to sample the treasures we find. Our experience is heightened further by the other settings in which we find ourselves—those idyllic and atmospheric Scottish backdrops against which whisky is certainly made to be enjoyed: the shores of picturesque lochs, stunning glens surrounded by majestic mountains, windswept peat bogs, and beside the roaring fireplaces of historic castles and manors.
- Tour leader, Ronnie Berri, is an official Scotch Whisky ambassador for Scotland. Also a fully-accredited Blue-Badge guide, he brings Scotland’s history, folklore, and legends to life.
- Travel to all five whisky-producing regions of Scotland with tastings at noted distilleries in each
- Visits to 16 celebrated Scotch Whisky distilleries, including special behind-the-scenes access not granted to the general public
- Two nights in the picturesque Speyside region – home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries
- Two gourmet whisky-and-food-pairing dinners featuring the best of traditional Scottish cuisine
- Hand fill six full-size bottles of rare, single-cask, and distillery-only whiskies to take home and add to your personal collection
- Visits to five legendary distilleries on Islay, with a demonstration on peat cutting and drying
- An excursion to the Orkney Islands to visit the two most northerly distilleries in Scotland
- Stay in atmospheric, select, 4 and 5-star lodging including two historic Highland castles
- One night in the beautiful City of Edinburgh with a special opening reception at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Edinburgh
RONNIE BERRI
KEEPER OF THE QUAICH
WHISKY AMBASSADOR
Your tour leader, Ronnie Berri, is a Whisky Ambassador for the Scotch Whisky Experience, a fully-accredited Scottish Blue Badge Guide, and an Independent Whisky Consultant. lie is also one of an exclusive group& whisky-industry professional.° have been made a ‘Keeper of the Quaich”—an elite community of individuals recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in the world &Scotch Whisky. As a highly-respected speaker and whisky expert, Ronnie frequently conducts whisky presentations, tastings, and tutorials at international shows on behalf of the Scottish government. Recent engagements have taken him to Berlin, Vancouver, Kuala Lumpur, and Stockholm. lie has also worked with private organizations such as Scottish Enterprise, the Scotch Whisky Association, Diageo, and Edrington.
RONNIE BERRI ALSO LEADS THESE SOJOURNS:
Travel Information
MEETING TIME AND LOCATION:
The meeting point for this sojourn is The Principal Hotel in Edinburgh. Those making their own travel arrangements should plan to arrive at the hotel between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on the first day of the tour. You will be greeted there by your Scholarly Sojourns Tour Director who will assist you with check in.
OPTIONAL AIR PACKAGE FROM $1,295/PERSON
Our air packages are designed to make all your travel convenient and seamless. They include round-trip, airfare from select North American gateways to Edinburgh, airport transfers in Scotland, and 100% travel assurance.
Recommended Reading:
While no reading is required to fully enjoy this sojourn, the following books will provide you with an excellent foundation:
Scotch Whisky by Gavin D. Smith
Sutton Publishing, Ltd., UK. 2000.
Scotch Whisky, Liquid History by Charles Maclean
Cassell, UK. 2006
FAQs
Q: Why is this tour offered only in March and November when the weather is bad?
First off, the weather can be quite wonderful in Scotland in both March and November – sunny days, clear skies, and mild temperatures. Second, good weather in Scotland can never be guaranteed, no matter what time of year you visit. We offer this tour in March and November for several reasons, but most significantly because these months are outside of the high tourist season when the distilleries are inundated with visitors. In order for our groups to get behind-the-scenes access, warehouse tastings, and special programming, we must visit at times when the distilleries are not so busy entertaining throngs of tourists. In addition, we strongly believe that Scotch Whisky is best enjoyed in the crisp weather that March and November tend to provide.
Q: Can I arrive before or remain after the sojourn?
Yes! If you would like to arrive at the start location in advance or remain at the end location after the sojourn has concluded, Scholarly Sojourns can help you arrange your hotel accommodation and is often able to secure attractive rates. Please indicate these preferences to us after you have registered for a sojourn.
Q: How much walking will be required on this sojourn?
All participants should be comfortable walking up to a mile at a time and capable of climbing up to three flights of stairs at a time.
Q: I am a single traveler. Can you help me find a roommate?
Scholarly Sojourns will do all we can to match single travelers with a suitable roommate if they desire. But we cannot guarantee that roommates will be available. Therefore, all single travelers should register as such and be prepared to pay the single traveler rate should a roommate not be identified.
Q: Is this sojourn appropriate for children?
This sojourn is not appropriate for children or anyone under the age of eighteen.
Scotch Whisky Connoisseur
DEPARTURE:
Land price per person (double occupancy): $---
Land price per person (single occupancy): $---
Optional air packages from: * $---
Special Offers:
This Sojourn Combines Nicely With:
Land price per person (double occupancy): $8,299
Land price per person (single occupancy): $9,099
Optional air packages from: * $1,295
Special Offers:
Combination Discount: Save $250/Person and receive a transfer between locations when you book consecutive tours.
This Sojourn Combines Nicely With:
Land price per person (double occupancy): $8,299
Land price per person (single occupancy): $9,099
Optional air packages from: * $1,295
*Optional air packages include: round-trip international airfare from select North American gateway, airport transfers at destination, and 100% travel assurance.
Price includes: Nine-day program of distillery visits, tastings, sightseeing, and presentations led by Ronnie Berri, 6 full-size (70 cl) bottles of hand-filled and distillery-only single malts (chosen by the sojourn leader), 8 nights accommodation, in select, 4 and 5-star hotels, 7 breakfasts and other meals as per itinerary, 2 whisky-and-food-pairing dinners, 2 receptions, all entrance fees, distillery visits, tours, private guides, ground transportation, water transportation, all gratuities except for hotel porters, and all sojourn activities as detailed in the complete itinerary.
Price does not include: Airfare; airport transfers; meals not indicated in the detailed itinerary; beverage options other than provided alcoholic drinks, water, or softdrinks with group meals; local transportation by bus, taxi, metro or light rail; passport or visa fees and necessary photos; immunizations; travel insurance; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; medical, hospitalization, or evacuation costs; gratuities for hotel porters; laundry; other personal items, including incidental hotel charges; any other item not specifically indicated.
Payment and terms: A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person is due within fourteen (14) days of a confirmed registration. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the starting date of the sojourn. For more information, please see our complete Terms & Conditions.
“Your attention to detail is way beyond any tour operator I have ever worked with.”
Paula F. | Mahwah, NJ
