Breweries
and Distilleries of Scotland
July 15 - 26, 2009
Discover
the soul of Scotland on this late autumn adventure to the Scottish hinterlands
in search of real ale and the world's finest malt whiskies.
Explore two Islands, the Highlands, Speyside and a bit of gritty Glasgow.
Each area features quintessential Scottish landscapes, local color,
rich history, and fine breweries and distilleries. The trip begins on
the island of Islay and ends in Glasgow. Start with three
nights on Islay as we explore the island, its unique whiskies, and Islay's
only brewery. Next, we'll travel to Skye with a notable stop
or two along the way. Two days to explore here are followed by 2 two-night
stays in Inverness and Pitlochry, putting us in striking
distance of a wide variety of interesting historic sites, breweries
and distilleries. Plenty of scenery and enough exposure to the fickle
Scottish weather to make whisky and beer taste even better. Toss in
fine meals in cozy, traditional settings, a couple of focused tastings,
fine hotels, Scottish hospitality, and a group of like minded travelers
and you have a great adventure! You should come along.
Daily Itinerary:

Wednesday,
July 15 - Depart the US, bound the Glenegedale Airport on the island
of Islay.
Thursday,
July 16 - Upon arrival -- on what must be the finest whisky island
in the world -- transfer to our hotel in lovely Bowmore a Georgian village
well situated in the center of the island. A welcome dinner
accompanied by the local, CAMRA-endorsed Islay ales is followed by a
short introduction to Islay whiskies.
Friday
July 17 - Today we'll dive right in - touring the island,
and visiting Ardbeg distillery in the morning and Islay Ales after a
fine Scottish lunch. Spectacular island scenery and many a glimpse at
traditional island life await in between our visits. Overnight and evening
free in Bowmore.
Saturday,
July 18 - The morning is free to explore the Georgian city of Bowmore
or perhaps take a scenic walk along the coast. After lunch we'll
head to the Bruichladdich for a visit and thorough tasting. After our
tour, explore the quaint fishing village of Port Charlotte with its
Museum of Island Life. The evening is free for a pub dinner and perhaps
a few sips of some "untried" whiskies. Overnight in Bowmore.
Sunday,
July 19
This morning we'll transfer to Port Ellen for our
ferry ride back to the Mull of Kintyre. We'll meet our coach upon
arrival and drive along the coast stopping for a local pub lunch in scenic surroundings.
We'll eat lunch and taste the local beers, before continuing northwest
through some very beautiful country to the Isle of Skye, where we'll
spend two nights. Evening free upon arrival in Portree -- King's
Harbor in gaelic.
Monday,
July 20 - A full day with a local guide to explore Skye's excellent
mountain and coastal scenery, strange geologic formations as well as
the Isle of Skye Brewery and the Talikser Distillery. We'll have a pub
lunch along the way. Evening free for a pub crawl and sing-song
in Portree.
Tuesday,
July 21 - This morning is free, before we make our way to infamous
Inverness. Upon arrival, we'll check in to our hotel and enjoy a free
afternoon and evening to explore this fabled capital of the Scottish
Highlands. Spend the next two nights in Inverness. After our beer
dinner tonight, a pub crawl will likely occur.
Wednesday,
July 22 - Today we'll visit Black Isle Brewery in the morning, stop
for lunch swing over to Dufftown and the The Glenfiddich Distillery
in the afternoon. We will have a tour followed by samplings of
a few of their fine malts at the highest distillery in Scotland. Return
to Inverness this evening.

Thursday,
July 23 - Today we will drive south towards Pitlochry with
2 visits along the way. First stop is the Cairngorm Brewery for a
visit and tasting, followed by a pub lunch. Continue this afternoon
to the Dalwhinnie Distillery, for a tour and a taste. We'll
spend the next 2 nights in lovely Pitlochry.

Friday
July 24 - Most of the day is free until our afternoon distillery
and brewery
visits. Eradour occupies a beautiful
setting in the hills above Pitlochry, and is Scotland's smallest distillery.
The Moulin Brewery makes a fine
selection of CAMRA endorsed ales.
Saturday,
July 25 - Board our bus once more this morning, en route to the
New Alloa Brewery, producers of original Scottish Ales, using heather
and other traditional, regional ingredients. Continue to Glasgow for
our final night. We'll celebrate the successful survival of our trip
with a farewell dinner and a wee pub crawl in Glasgow.
Sunday,
July 26- Alas, it is time to leave malt heaven. Transfers to the
airport are easily arranged.
For Registration and Policies & Details: Click Here.
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Beer & Trip Highlights
*
Overnight stays on Islay, Skye, Inverness, Pitlochry, and Glasgow.
*
Brewery/Tasting Room visits to: Islay Ales, Isle of Skye Brewery, Cullin
Brewery, Black Isle Brewery, Cairngorm Brewery, Mouiln Brewery, New Alloa
Ales.
* Distillery/Tasting Room visits to
at least 2 Islay distilleries, Talisker, Glenfiddich, Dalwhinnie and
Eradour.
* Rugged
coastal and mountain scenery from the highlands to the islands.
* Our
Beer Bus - a traveling tasting room of local products and flavors of all types.
*
Good folks to travel with and share the adventure!
Land
Cost
$3495
per
person, double occupancy
$485
single
room supplement
Trip
Price Includes
10 nights accommodation in fine, centrally located hotels, travel by
private coach, ferry and public transportation, brewery and distillery
visits with beer or whisky tasting, entrance fees and tours as outlined in the itinerary,
all breakfasts, 3 dinners, 5 lunches, and trip leadership.
Airfare
is not included in the trip price.
Travel
Details
Air Travel
is not included. Travelers are encouraged to use mileage awards, travel outside group
dates, or visit other European cities while abroad to make the
most out of the trip. Please
contact us to inquire about low fares from your city. Please
confirm the trip's operation before purchasing air tickets.
The
trip officially begins at the first hotel, specific
details including a map to the hotel, regional information and
a detailed will be included with your
trip documents, which you'll receive 2 - 3 weeks before the trip.
How we get around: For
all included excursions and visits, transportation will be
included as well. Within the cities, we will rely on walking
and public transportation. Travel between city and city will be done in
our private motor coach and/or by rail.
For Registration and Policies & Details: Click Here.
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