About theTrip
Appreciation Without Pretension in the Spirit of a Good Time!
This unforgettable journey combines Scotland’s most celebrated whisky heritage with its most stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a whisky novice looking to learn more right from the source or a seasoned connoisseur, this adventure promises a true insider’s experience of Scotland’s most iconic spirit.
Join us in exploring the legendary distilleries of Scotland, where whisky heritage meets breathtaking scenery and warm Scottish hospitality. This small-group tour provides a focused journey through the heart of the iconic whisky-producing regions: Speyside, up in the Highlands, Campbeltown (once the Whisky Capitol of the World), and then onto the island of Islay!
Highlights:
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Distillery Tours & Tastings: Visit iconic distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Lagavulin, as well as family-owned distilleries that offer a more personal touch. Each stop includes guided tours or tastings, and behind-the-scenes access, where you’ll sample rare single malts and even cask-strength exclusives.
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Meet the Makers: Engage in insightful conversations with master distillers and local experts who have honed their craft over generations. Learn about the nuances of whisky production, the influence of terroir, and the art of aging in Scotland's unique climate.
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Scenic Scottish Countryside: Journey through rolling hills, lush glens, and dramatic coastlines, from the rugged charm of the Highlands to the laidback landscapes of Islay. While the tour is focused on the whisky, we'll also make time for some short nature walks, castle visits, and charming village stops.
Exlusive Tours
& Tastings
Enjoy premium tours, tastings or special experiences at the following distilleries:
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Glenfiddich Distillery
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The Balvenie Distillery
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Speyside Cooperage
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Glenfarclas Distillery
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Cragganmore Distillery
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Cardhu Distillery​
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GlenAllachie Distillery
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GlenAllachie Distillery
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Blair Athol Distillery
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Oban
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Springbank Distillery
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Glen Scotia Distillery
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Bruichladdich Distillery
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Lagavulin
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Ardbeg Distillery
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Bowmore Distillery
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Caol Ila Distillery
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Bunnahabhain Distillery
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Ardnahoe Distillery
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Auchentoshan Distillery
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& more!
NATHAN GURR
Meet
Your Host
Nathan Gurr is a professional mixologist and personal whisky enthusiast who has managed bar programs and consulted for prominent NYC restaurants and brands. His original cocktails have caught the attention of private and commercial clients such as Forbes, Men’s Health, GQ, and TimeOut. He curates local tasting events to share his love and appreciation for a good spirit. When he's not expertly crafting cocktails he's honing his other crafts, woodworking -designing and building beautiful, hand-made cutting boards, and tapping trees upstate for the freshest maple syrup around.
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You may also know him as the published co-author of The Official Yellowstone Bar Book: 75 Cokctails to Enjoy after the Work's Done - available as of November 26 on Amazon!
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During the journey, grab a glass of your new favorite pour and enjoy fireside chats with Nathan while he shares his thoughts on the daily distilleries, their process, and the final products.
Itinerary
HEAD TO THE HIGHLANDS
3 Nights
After your overnight flight, land in Edinburgh and meet us in the arrivals hall to begin the tour. We'll exit the airport and be whisked away on a private luxury mini-coach into the countryside en route to the Scottish Highlands where we'll call home for the next 3 days! Enjoy stops along the way to take in the beauty of Queens View and grab lunch in Pitlochry. We'll get settled into our hotel in Speyside and reconvene for a Welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.
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Over the next few days, we'll learn so much during exclusive tours of local distilleries both well-known and some that may not be as familiar to you just yet. We'll visit an active cooperage to see the barrel-making process as well as stop at as many distilleries as we can fit in to enjoy tastings of their showcased drams in cozy settings. Take optional morning walks along the River Spey, an integral part of the terroir that makes Speyside whiskies so iconic. Surrounded by farmland we'll have plenty of photo opportunities with the famous Highland cows!
***Choose to arrive to Edinburgh a day before the tour starts to reduce any stress of flight delays and trip interruptions. 1-Night Pre-Extension is available on the booking page.
SOUTH TO CAMPBELTOWN
1 Nights
Say farewell to the highlands with a quick stop by Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness before heading down the Western coast through Oban. Stop for lunch and a bit of time to stretch your legs before finishing our journey to Campbeltown. Once the "Whisky Capitol of the World", we'll delve into this storied past of Scotland’s whisky landscape and get a taste of the complexity and coastal character of the products this region offers. Enjoy a warm welcome to the south coast of Scotland!
ISLAY LIFE (Eye-Lah)
3 Nights
Take the ferry across the North Channel to Islay - revered for whisky expressions that are bold, memorable, and unmistakably influenced by the island itself. We'll visit the distilleries the have mastered the art of bottling a sense of place, making each dram a taste of the island’s wild beauty and unique character. Channel your inner Ron Swanson as we visit the famous Lagavulin distillery. Islay is home to nine active distilleries and we'll try to fit in as many as we can, including Bruichladdich whose products contrast sharply with the island's classic style. Before leaving the island and as our trip winds down, we'll enjoy a special farewell dinner among our group of newfound friends.
END IN EDINBURGH
1 Night
As we cross back over the North Channel, we'll make a stop at Auchentoshan, a distinctive distillery that appeals to whisky drinkers seeking something smooth, light, and complex. Its triple-distilled, Lowland style, along with its innovative cask finishes makes it a unique note to end the tasting trip with. We wind down our adventure in Edinburgh. Enjoy the night to explore the city on your own. Choose to visit Edinburgh Castle, shop the Royal Mile or relax in a cozy pub recounting all the amazing experiences from the days before.
EXPRESSIONS OF SCOTLAND Whisky Tour
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Appreciation Without Pretension in the Spirit of a Good Time!
September 27th-5th 2025
9 Days | 8 Nights
The Highlands | Campbeltown | Islay | Edinburgh
$6,499 Per Person Based on Double Occupancy*
Solo Travelers - Please Reach Out for Pricing
$500 Deposit per Person Due at Booking
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Final Payment Due: July 1, 2025
Included
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Overnight Accommodations in hand-selected Hotels
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9-Breakfasts / 2 Dinners
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All Tours, Tastings, and Entry Fees to sites listed in the itinerary
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Private Luxury Mini-Coach Transportation for the Group
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Special Surprises Along the Way
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Trip Insurance (Cirillo Travel Group will provide a trip insurance policy included in this booking, which covers the value of this trip and provides Trip cancellation, Trip interruption, and Medical and Dental Coverage.)
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Edinburgh Airport Transfers September 27 and October 5
Not Included
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Flights and US-based Airport Transfers
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Gratuities for drivers, guides, and other services
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Meals outside of those listed in your itinerary
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**see booking page for more info
