An Insider’s Journey to the Land of Scotch Whisky

See Scotland and visit its iconic distilleries on this exclusive sojourn that travels entirely around Scotland and visits each of its four main, whisky-producing regions – The Lowlands, The Highlands, Speyside, and Islay. Guided by renowned whisky authority, Ronnie Berri, you enjoy the opportunity to sample nearly 100 different single malts as you experience Scotland’s breathtaking beauty and travel through its mesmerizing landscape. You learn its fascinating history and meet its welcoming people, discovering that each of these contributes to a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary spirit known to Scots as uisge beatha, the “water of life.”

Indulge Your Passion for Scotch Whisky

Scotch Whisky in Depth Map — Sojourn Map

It is remarkable how much of Scotland and its history can be discovered by exploring its most celebrated export–Scotch Whisky. That’s because so much of Scotland’s past is intimately tied to the evolution of whisky production. For what began centuries ago as an illicit activity carried out in remote corners of the country by those who wished to thumb their nose at governmental authority (and The Crown), has become a refined, multi-layered craft that is evocative of the modern, developed nation into which Scotland has evolved.

Discover and Taste the Most Prized Malts

Yet whisky still retains a special charm that conjures a sense of nostalgia and romance for many who partake. Perhaps it’s because each single malt whisky is inextricably tied to the place where it is crafted. And each place that creates Scotch Whisky is a unique, living place with people, with a history, and with legends and lore that connect those people to one another and to their shared past. In the end, all of these become unseen ingredients which contribute to the character of the spirit that is produced in that place and these wonderful, secret components are revealed only when you visit there.

Journey With Us to the Source

This exclusive, guided sojourn to historic distilleries in the four main whisky-producing regions of Scotland helps you enhance your appreciation for whisky by allowing you to experience it directly from its source and by offering you the chance to discover the unique history and people behind each bottle. The itinerary is designed to further attune your senses to the complexities of individual malts and the roles that land, air, water, and a painstaking process play in creating the unique character found in every dram.

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 four major Scotch-producing regions of Scotland with tours of 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 beautiful City of Edinburgh, Scotland —the ‘Athens of the north’
An in-depth whisky masterclass at the Scotch Whisky School in Edinburgh
Two nights in the picturesque Speyside region —home to over half of Scotland’s distilleries
A Scholarly Sojourn’s signature picnic and Highland Whisky tasting on the banks of mesmerizing Loch Ness
Two nights in the charming town of Bowmore on the remote, rustic island of Islay
Visits to four legendary distilleries on Islay, including a demonstration on peat cutting and drying
A night on the banks of beautiful Loch Lomond, gateway to the Scottish Highlands
A Master Blender class at Glengoyne Distillery with the opportunity to create your own, unique blend of Scotch

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Apex City Hotel
Edinburgh | 2 Nights

This sophisticated, boutique hotel located in the lively Grassmarket area of Edinburgh’s Old Town has been beautifully refurbished. Its central location makes it the ideal base from which to explore the city and all its offerings – pubs and shops are at the doorstep, Edinburgh Castle is just a short stroll up the High Street.

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. He is also one of an exclusive group of whisky-industry professionals to have been made a “Keeper of the Quaich” – an elite community of individuals recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in the world of 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. He has also worked with private organizations such as Scottish Enterprise, the Scotch Whisky Association, Diageo, and Edrington.

RONNIE BERRI ALSO LEADS THIS SOJOURN:

SCOTCH WHISKY CONNOISSEUR

Arrival & Departure Details

SOJOURN MEETING LOCATION & TIME:
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel | Edinburgh, Scotland
2:00 PM

SOJOURN CONCLUDING LOCATION & TIME:
Waverly Rail Station | Edinburgh, Scotland
4:00 PM

FAQs

Q: Why isn't this tour offered in the summer when the weather is nicer?

First off, the weather can be quite wonderful in Scotland in both April and October – 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 April and October for a number of reasons, but most significantly because these months are outside of the high tourist season when the distilleries are inundated with visitors. In order for us to get behind-the-scenes access 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 April and October 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 particular 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

Ask Us a Question About this Tour

Scotch Whisky in Depth

DEPARTURE:

*Optional air packages include: round-trip international airfare from select North American gateway, airport transfers at destination, and 100% travel assurance.

Price includes: Complete guided program of distillery visits, presentations, and tasting, by whisky expert Ronnie Berri, one-day course at the Scotch Whisky Training School, nights hotel accommodation, all breakfasts, other meals. per itinerary, receptions, all entry fees, private guides, ground transportation, water transportation, all gratuities except to hotel porters, and all other sojourn activities as detailed in the compete itinerary.

Price does not include: Airfare; airport transfers; meals outside of those indicated in the complete itinerary; beverages options other than provided drinks, water, or soft-drinks with group meals; 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 and other personal items.

Payment and terms: A non-refundable deposit of $500 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.

Get the Detailed Itinerary

Primary Traveler & Sojourn Contact
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Sojourn Information
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Bedding Preference
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Travel is a Journey, Not a Destination.

An Insider’s Journey to the Land of Scotch Whisky

Indulge Your Passion for Scotch Whisky

Discover and Taste the Most Prized Malts