Distilleries and Breweries of Scotland: History, Culture, Adventure

Description

July 5 – 17, 2026

Trip Price (Land-only, Based on double occupancy)
$4,885 per person | Single Room add extra $1,100
International airfare not included.

There is a thing about Scotland. Perhaps a lot of things. Whisky, beer, banter, hospitality, stunning landscapes, rich and complex histories, and many people with red hair. There are a lot of sheep, too.

Summer in Scotland is a special and fleeting time, when the sun might actually shine and the glens and hills are a kaleidoscope of summer hues. Verdant hills, clear streams, and the scent of blooming heather — plus brew kettles and pot stills — linger on the breeze.

Join us, and other whisky-seeking beer explorers, as we dig into all that is Scotland — from the Lowlands, down the Spey valley, to the Highlands, and the whisky islands. Discover the soul of Scotland on this adventure to the hinterlands in search of real ale and the world’s finest whisky.

We travel through vibrant cities, quaint towns and wind-swept islands, where the art of whisky and beer-making is deeply entwined with the tweed of the land, its legends, its people and its history. Toss in fine meals in cozy, traditional settings, focused tastings, good hotels, Scottish hospitality and a group of like-minded travelers and you have a great, uniquely Scottish adventure.

Beer, Food, History & Local Flavor — From Glasgow to Islay

We begin in Glasgow, Scotland’s vibrant cultural hub, where whisky bars, classic pubs and local craft breweries set the tone. From there we head north through Pitlochry into the Spey valley, known for its distilleries, rivers and wooded hills. Continuing to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, we have access to Loch Ness, Culloden and brewery and distillery visits in every direction.

From Inverness we follow the River Ness toward the famous loch and then west to Oban, the “Seafood and Whisky Capital” and gateway to the isles. Finally we sail to Islay, the legendary whisky isle, home to some of the world’s most iconic distilleries. Along the way we enjoy scenic drives, private tastings, a Loch Ness cruise, castles, coastal walks, hair-y coos, tall trees, legends, lore and plenty of local ale.

Why We’re BeerTripping Here

Scotland is a country where whisky and ale are part of everyday life and identity. Malted barley, peat smoke, cool climate and pure water all play their parts — and each region we visit puts its own stamp on what ends up in the glass. From Speyside sherry casks to Islay peat monsters, from small farm breweries to urban brewpubs, this trip is built to trace those differences in a way that feels fun, not academic.

We’re not just ticking distillery names off a list. This itinerary balances iconic stops with lesser-known breweries and pubs, scenic drives with time to wander, and organized tastings with free evenings in walkable towns. It’s a cultural journey with a whisky and beer backbone, not a forced march of drams.

Trip Snapshot

• Duration: 13 days / 11 nights in Scotland
• Group Size: Maximum 12 travelers
• Travel Style: Small-group, whisky-and-beer-focused cultural journey
• Start / End: Starts and ends in Glasgow, UK
• Transport: Private coach, ferries and walking
• Overnight Stays: Glasgow (3) • Pitlochry (1) • Inverness (2) • Oban (2) • Bowmore, Islay (3)
• Physical Level: Easy to moderate walking; some stairs, cobblestones and uneven historic sites

Beer Highlights & Brewery Visits*

• The many flavors of Glasgow’s craft beer and pub scene.
• Local craft brewers and brewpub visits with tastings and time to talk with brewers.
• Cairngorm Brewery and other Speyside/Highland brewers along the Spey River corridor.
• Oban Bay Brewery for small-batch ales on the west coast.
• Farm brewery visit on the return to Glasgow with a beery picnic in the beer garden.
• Loch Lomond Brewery Tap, tasting beers from this woman-owned brewery.
• Classic Scottish pubs full of banter and song throughout the trip.

Wine & Spirits Highlights

• Tutored whisky tasting at The Pot Still in Glasgow, with hundreds of bottles on the back bar.
• Distillery visits with special tastings in every whisky region we travel through.
• Islay distilleries such as Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bruichladdich and more.
• Highland and Speyside distilleries including Blair Athol, Glenfarclas, Speyburn and others as time allows.
• Optional gin and other local spirits at select distilleries and bars.

Included Tours

• Guided city / pub / history walk in Glasgow with a local guide.
• Guided city walks and orientations in Glasgow, Inverness, Oban and on Islay (Bowmore and surroundings).
• Private or small-group distillery tours and tastings across Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islay.
• Visits to classic castles, historic landmarks and battlefields en route.
• Private tasting cruise on Loch Ness.
• Scenic touring at Queen’s View, around Loch Ness and along coastal causeways and Highland routes.

Included Meals

11 Breakfasts | 5 Lunches | 5 Dinners

Daily Itinerary*

(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1 – Sunday, July 5, 2026 — Depart for Scotland

Board your overnight flight to Glasgow, Scotland to begin your cultural adventure.

Overnight: Plane (en route to Scotland)
Meals: –

Day 2 – Monday, July 6, 2026 — Arrival in Glasgow, Pub / History Walk & Welcome Dinner (D)

Welcome to Scotland! Arrive in Glasgow and settle into your accommodations. Meet the group and our local guide for an entertaining history / whisky / pub tour around old Glasgow, exploring the city’s vibrant cultural scene and key neighborhoods.

We’ll stop by The Pot Still, a whisky bar with over 700 options, where locals might regale you with tales of Glasgow’s past. As the long summer evening stretches on, enjoy the energy that Glasgow is renowned for, then gather for a Welcome Dinner to mark the start of our foray into Scotland.

Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: D

Day 3 – Tuesday, July 7, 2026 — Free Day in Glasgow (B)

Today is your day to do Glasgow your way. Dive into Glasgow’s whisky and craft beer scene with guided tastings at some of the city’s best-loved establishments, or explore artistic, cultural and architectural highlights, including works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Clydeside Distillery, situated along the River Clyde, draws on Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage and dockside location; WEST Brewery and several other local spots are worth your investigation for both beers and characters.

Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: B

Day 4 – Wednesday, July 8, 2026 — To Pitlochry: Distillery, Pub Lunch, Local Brewer & Queen’s View (B, L)

Leave the urban charm of Glasgow behind as we meander toward the Highlands and the idyllic town of Pitlochry. Stops today include Blair Athol Distillery, a local brewpub and scenic viewpoints in nearby national park landscapes.

Marvel at Queen’s View, a classic panorama of Loch Tummel and the mountains beyond, said to have been named for Queen Victoria during her Highland tour. After sightseeing, a distillery tour, local lunch and brewpub visit — with a dram and a pint or two — we continue to Pitlochry, our home for the night, set amid tranquil beauty, rolling hills, ancient woodlands and pure waters essential for whisky-making. Tonight there are many choices for dinner in this walkable town, including a brewery inn down the road.

Overnight: Pitlochry
Meals: B, L

Day 5 – Thursday, July 9, 2026 — Big Speyside Day: Cairngorm, Glenfarclas, Speyburn & on to Inverness (B, L, D)

After a relaxing breakfast and some morning time to explore Pitlochry, we travel toward Inverness — main city of the Highlands. Along the way we make a very worthy detour along the Spey River as it meanders through its valley, known for both whisky and impressive natural beauty.

Two unique, independent distilleries (such as Glenfarclas and Speyburn), classic small towns with historic whiskies and a local craft brewery like Cairngorm welcome us as we make our way downstream. Later we turn west to lively Inverness. Spend the evening exploring a pub scene where traditional music fills the air and Highland ales flow freely. Hootananny, a beloved pub, makes a perfect spot to soak up local culture.

Overnight: Inverness
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 – Friday, July 10, 2026 — Free Day in Inverness (B)

Inverness is your base for Highland exploring today. Options include daytrips to brewers, distillers, battlefields, castles, golf courses and moors. Spend part of the day exploring the history and natural beauty of the Highlands.

Visit Culloden Battlefield, the haunting site of the final stand of the 1746 Jacobite uprising. For whisky enthusiasts, Glen Ord Distillery provides a glimpse into the Singleton whiskies. In any case, a summer Friday night in the Highlands should rouse the soul.

Overnight: Inverness
Meals: B

Day 7 – Saturday, July 11, 2026 — Loch Ness Cruise, Castle, Lunch, Brewery Stop & to Oban (B, L, D)

The famous River Ness, its waters steeped in legends of the elusive monster, leads southwest toward our day’s destination, Oban. En route we visit a castle and a brewery, enjoy a lakeside lunch and board a private tasting cruise on Loch Ness — with a chance for Nessie spotting along the way.

An afternoon brewpub stop rounds out the day. Known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” Oban is a coastal town renowned for its fresh seafood and iconic distillery, where coastal influences give the whisky a distinctive character. Dinner tonight offers a feast of the sea, from langoustines to oysters fresh from nearby waters.

Overnight: Oban
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 – Sunday, July 12, 2026 — Free Time in Oban (B)

Explore the harbor, alive with the comings and goings of ferries bound for the Hebrides, and learn about the town’s connections to ancient clans at nearby castles. Take a ferry to Kerrera Island, a haven for walkers and history enthusiasts, to explore the ruins of Gylen Castle perched dramatically above the sea and enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic.

Back in Oban, visit Oban Bay Brewery for a taste of small-batch ales that capture the spirit of the west coast, or simply wander between seafood shacks and pubs.

Overnight: Oban
Meals: B

Day 9 – Monday, July 13, 2026 — To Islay: The Whisky Isle & Bowmore (B, D)

Relax this morning in beautiful Oban, taking in life along the coast on a summer day. Then we load up and head south, bound for the Kintyre peninsula and the ferry to Islay — our whisky island home for the next three nights.

The ferry ride into the Hebrides feels like a departure from reality, sailing toward a place that has changed little over the years. Here, rugged coastline meets rolling barley fields, and whisky matures in coastal warehouses, absorbing the briny sea air. Learn about Islay’s Viking heritage and ancient standing stones, which speak to its mystical past. Dinner is in town tonight.

Overnight: Bowmore, Islay
Meals: B, D

Day 10 – Tuesday, July 14, 2026 — Whisky Heritage of Islay (B)

Today is the day to tour some of Islay’s most famous distilleries — Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg — each known for its distinctive peaty profile. These whiskies, shaped by windswept bogs and salt-laden air, are revered worldwide.

We’ll likely end the day with a hearty meal at a classic Islay inn or hotel, where the whisky list rivals the stunning coastal views, before returning to Bowmore for the night.

Overnight: Bowmore, Islay
Meals: B

Day 11 – Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — Free Time on Islay (B)

Savor Islay’s slower pace. Options include a visit to Kilchoman Distillery, a farm-to-bottle operation that epitomizes the island’s artisanal spirit, or Bruichladdich, known for its unpeated whiskies and The Botanist gin, distilled with foraged island botanicals.

You might take a daytrip to Jura, walk beaches, hike, fish, play golf, e-bike, or simply sip something special while watching the weather roll past. Evening is free.

Overnight: Bowmore, Islay
Meals: B

Day 12 – Thursday, July 16, 2026 — Back to Glasgow via Farm Brewery & Loch Lomond (B, L, D)

We bid farewell to glorious Islay this morning as we return to the mainland and Glasgow for our final night. On the way we’ll stop at a great farm brewery in an idyllic location, picking up some food for a beery picnic in their beer garden. These innovative folks are making equally innovative beers.

Continue through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, replete with quintessentially Scottish views. A final brewery stop at Loch Lomond Brewery Tap lets us toast the trip with beers from this woman-owned brewery. Back in Glasgow, check in and settle before our farewell dinner, when we raise a final toast to Scotland’s extraordinary culture, landscapes and spirits.

Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: B, L, D

Day 13 – Friday, July 17, 2026 — Depart Scotland (B)

Bid farewell to Scotland, carrying memories of its legends, landscapes and the flavors of its whisky and ale. Continue your journey elsewhere in the UK or make your way to the airport for flights home.

Meals: B

Where We Stay

• Glasgow (3 nights): Scotland’s vibrant cultural hub, with easy access to pubs, breweries, whisky bars and city sights.
• Pitlochry (1 night): Gateway town to the Highlands, surrounded by hills, forests and clear waters.
• Inverness (2 nights): Capital of the Highlands, close to Speyside, Loch Ness and historic sites.
• Oban (2 nights): Harbor town known as the “Seafood and Whisky Capital,” gateway to the isles.
• Bowmore, Islay (3 nights): Whisky village on the famous “whisky isle,” steps from distilleries and coastal walks.

Exact hotel names and details will be provided in your Final Trip Documents.

Cities & Regions

Glasgow — Scotland’s Vibrant Cultural Hub

Glasgow blends industrial heritage with art, music and food. It’s home to world-class museums, architecture, pubs and whisky bars, and makes a perfect place to start and end a Scottish whisky-and-beer adventure.

Pitlochry — Gateway to the Highlands

Nestled amid hills and forests, Pitlochry offers a tranquil introduction to the Highlands. Distilleries, riverside walks and nearby viewpoints make it a classic stop on any Highland route.

Inverness & the Spey Valley

Inverness sits at the head of the Great Glen, close to Loch Ness and within reach of the Spey valley’s distilleries. It’s a lively Highland city with easy access to history, nature and whisky.

Oban — Seafood & Whisky on the West Coast

Known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” Oban combines harbor views, ferries, fresh seafood and a namesake distillery pouring coastal-influenced whisky. It’s also a jumping-off point for island walks and castle visits.

Bowmore & Islay — The Whisky Isle

Islay is legendary among whisky lovers. In and around Bowmore you’ll find working distilleries, peat bogs, rolling fields and sea-sprayed warehouses where casks rest. The island’s remote beauty and tightly knit communities make it an unforgettable final chapter to the trip.

Travel Routes, Rail & Beer Connections

We travel by private coach for flexibility and comfort, linking Glasgow, Pitlochry, the Spey valley, Inverness, Oban and Islay in a scenic loop. Ferry crossings add a maritime element as we head to and from Islay. Distillery and brewery visits are placed so that travel days feel like unfolding stories rather than long hauls, with scenic stops, castle visits and photo breaks built in.

Practical Notes

Group Size & Pace

This trip is designed for a small group of whisky- and beer-loving travelers who enjoy both structured activities and free time. Most days include a mix of coach travel, short walks, distillery/brewery visits and time in towns or villages. Evenings can be as relaxed or as lively as you like, depending on how often you say “yes” to another dram or another song.

What’s Included

• 11 nights of accommodation in carefully chosen hotels/guesthouses.
• Private coach transportation for the full Scottish itinerary.
• Brewery and distillery visits and tastings as described.
• Guided city and history walks where noted.
• 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners.
• BeerTrips trip leader throughout.
• All local taxes on included services.

What’s Not Included

• International airfare to/from Scotland.
• Travel insurance.
• Meals not listed as included.
• Drinks beyond tastings and specific inclusions.
• Personal expenses and gratuities.

Breweries, Medieval Streets & Mobility

Many Scottish towns and historic sites involve cobblestones, narrow pavements, stairs and uneven ground. Distillery and brewery visits may include standing for periods of time, climbing stairs and walking through production areas. Travelers should be comfortable walking several miles over the course of a day at an easy pace.

If you have questions about mobility or whether this itinerary is a good fit, please get in touch — we’re happy to talk through the details.

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About BeerTrips

For more than 25 years, BeerTrips has crafted small-group cultural adventures woven through beer, food and history. We travel deeply, laugh often and savor every local flavor — from brewery cellars to family tables, from tiny villages to iconic cities.

*Final distillery and brewery lineup and exact timing are subject to confirmation and availability. When substitutions are necessary, they will be at least as good as what they replace. Slàinte mhath!