EATING

25%

DRINKING

45%

SIGHTSEEING

15%

FREE TIME

15%

Your Trip Leaders

It doesn’t get much better than this! We will be joined by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s USA Director, Tom Smith. We have known Tom for a long time now as an incredible voice for the Society here in the US and what better way to explore Scotland than to be with him!

The other tour leader will be myself, Charles Grabitzky, co-owner of Rascal + Thorn and First Fill Spirits, now in my 11th year of leading whisky tours to Scotland, Ireland, Japan & Kentucky! Islay has a special place in my heart and I love bringing people to this magical island.

Edinburgh & Leith

This tour starts and ends in Edinburgh, the home to the SMWS. While there we will have some special events planned for members including a Guided Whisky Tasting and Dinner with world-renowned expert Charlie MacLean. We will also enjoy a Whisky-Paired Dinner with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Founder Pip Hills.

We will have 2 nights in Edinburgh to enjoy this beautiful city and see where the SMWS calls home.

Islay Distillery Visits

Scotland is whisky heaven, but to really uncover the secrets, we need to visit distilleries and meet the people making the whisky! On this trip we will spend 6 nights on Islay to visit some of our favorite distilleries including, but not limited to, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila and others. We will fit as much whisky production into 5 days, and make it special at the same time.

We will also have some great meals in the region including a seafood boat ride extravaganza and fantastic warehouse tasting opportunities.

Highlights

Distilleries

  • Bowmore
  • Laphroaig
  • Lagavulin
  • Bruichladdich
  • Bunnahabhain
  • Kilchoman
  • Ardbeg
  • And others

Excursions

  • Seafood Boat Excursion
  • Islay Woolen Mill
  • Special Tastings
  • Other cultural sights
Itinerary

Saturday, May 3 – Arrive in Edinburgh for a 1-night stay.  Guided Whisky Tasting and Dinner with world-renowned expert Charlie MacLean.

Sunday, May 4 – We head to Islay via land and sea! The journey goes through the beautiful Loch Lomond area and up and over the Rest and Be Thankful overpass. A quick stop in Inverary and we are on the ferry to Islay for a stay of 6 nights!

Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9 – We have 5 full days to spend visiting this special island with its world-renowned distilleries and its beauty. It is truly a special place.

Saturday, May 10 – We return to Edinburgh for our last night. Free time in the afternoon. Farewell dinner at The Vaults in Leith.

Sunday, May 11 – Departure from Edinburgh back to the US.

** please note, itinerary subject to changes based on availability

Included
  • 8-night stay in Scotland
  • Transportation within Scotland
  • Distillery Tours and Tastings
  • Seafood Boat Tour
  • All meals (excluding alcohol unless a paired-meal)
  • Guides
  • All taxes and tips
Not Included
  • Transportation to or from Scotland (air) before/after tour
  • Meals during free time
  • Alcoholic drinks during included meals, unless noted
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Accomodations

We select the best hotel for the group in Edinburgh and on Islay within walking distance to local sights and attractions

$6995 USD Per Person (double occupancy)

Limited to only 10 Guests

THIS TRIP IS FULL

A deposit of $1995 is due to secure a place on the trip. Reservations are taken on a first-come / first-serve basis.  Limited spaces available on this trip. Don’t wait to sign up!

Single Supplement $1500

Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start of the tour. Please contact us for a Reservation Form if you are interested in joining us on the tour. Email charles@rascalandthorn.com or submit your info in the Form to the right.

Have a question?

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