Castles & Highlands:

A Whisky Journey

Dates: May 2 – 8, 2026
Destination: Scotland
Hosted by: Rivers & Roads

Why this trip?

The western Highlands and islands offer a mix of wild mountain passes, Atlantic coastline, small harbor towns, and traditions that remain central to daily life.

This trip uses whisky as a way to experience those places. Distilleries introduce the craft, the people behind it, and the landscape that shapes what ends up in the glass. Along the way, the group explores coastal towns, historic castles, and parts of Scotland that many visitors never reach.

No whisky expertise required. This is a small-group experience, and curiosity about Scotland is enough.

  • Morning arrival at Edinburgh Airport. We will make our way to the highest village in the Scottish Highlands. We will stop in Pitlochry for lunch before settling into our hotel. Later join the group for a welcome dinner and the first dram of the journey.

  • Begin the morning with a visit to Dalwhinnie, the highest distillery in Scotland. Then follow up with Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s most distinctively oceanside distilleries. We will end the night with a castle stay overlooking Loch Fyne.

  • Islay is where Scotland’s oldest distilling traditions meet some of the country’s most remote and striking landscapes. The group tours four of the island’s most celebrated distilleries, learning how the island’s peat, water, and Atlantic climate produce spirits found nowhere else in the world. Between visits, explore coastal roads, historic landmarks, and local pubs. Stay in an award-winning accommodation known for its hospitality and hearty Scottish breakfasts.

  • Morning ferry back to the mainland, onward to Glasgow or Edinburgh by 4pm for late afternoon/evening flights — or extend for one night in Edinburgh.

  • Optional Edinburgh extension: explore the Royal Mile, shopping, and the Johnnie Walker Experience.

The Journey

    • $1,707 USD (~€1,470 EURO) per person (single room, except Islay accommodation is shared twin)

    • Limited space available, first-come basis.

  • Star Hotel Kingussie | May 2 – 3 (1 night)
    4-star hotel located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Room options:

    • Double (1 bed, sleeps 1)

    Stonefield Castle (Inveraray) | May 3–4 (1 night)
    One-night stay in a 4-star historic castle overlooking Loch Fyne. Room options:

    • Double (1 bed, sleeps 1)

    Glenegadale House (Islay) | May 4–7 (3 nights)
    Small family-run 5-star guesthouse, award-winning hospitality, hearty Scottish breakfasts. Shared rooms required.

    • 2 x Twin (2 beds, sleeps 2)

    Hub by Premier Inn (Edinburgh) | May 7–8 (1 night)
    Modern, central stay in Edinburgh’s New Town — perfect for a final night out.

    • Double (1 bed, sleeps 1)

  • ✓ 6 nights hand-selected accommodations
    Boutique hotels and guesthouses chosen for comfort, charm, and ideal locations in the Highlands, Islay, and Edinburgh.

    ✓ Daily breakfast & Welcome Dinner
    Breakfasts included at each hotel.

    ✓ 5 pre-booked distillery tours & tastings

    ✓ Ground transportation — so no one has to worry about navigating or driving after tastings.

    ✓ Personal hosting & concierge service
    On-the-ground support, logistics, and coordination provided throughout the trip.

    ✓ Flight research & booking assistance
    Flight search, booking, and monitoring support available; airfare itself not included.

    ✓ Small group experience
    More flexibility and personalized attention compared to larger commercial tours.

  • ✘ Airfare (but I can provide booking assistance at no extra cost)
    ✘ Lunches & dinners (estimate £20–£50 per meal)
    ✘ Travel insurance is optional (cancel-for-any-reason recommended). I’ll provide personalized quotes.
    ✘ Personal expenses, souvenirs, tips

    1. Contact Rivers & Roads to confirm interest. Email: info@riversandroadstravel.com

    2. Complete your booking: A secure payment link will be sent to confirm your reservation. Full payment completes the booking.

    3. Rivers & Roads will coordinate your flights and logistics throughout your trip.

    4. Pack your bags! See you in Scotland

How to Book

  • Your host, Kerk Allen, has traveled Scotland extensively the past 7 years.

    Through Rivers & Roads, he designs trips focused on cultural experiences and adventures that support local communities.

  • Key items: hotels, ground transportation, and core tours are locked in, while evenings stay flexible. Structure without losing freedom.

  • Tours, ferries, and boutique accommodations on this route book out months in advance.

    Rivers & Roads secures everything for the group well ahead of departure.

  • Most commercial Scotland tours run $3,500 - $4,500 for six nights with groups of 12 people or more.

    Rivers & Roads has secured specialized prices for the same duration with all accommodations, distillery tours, host and ground transportation included

✺ FAQs✺

  • No. This trip is designed for anyone interested in experiencing Scotland’s landscapes, culture, and distilling traditions. Distillery visits include guided tastings and introductions suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts.

  • Airfare is not included. Travelers may book flights independently. Rivers & Roads can assist with researching and booking flights.

  • Travel insurance is optional and strongly recommended, Rivers & Roads can provide options upon request.

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking. Cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance is recommended and available upon request (must be purchased within 14 days of initial deposit or payment).

  • Daily breakfast is included at each accommodation. Lunches and dinners are intentionally left open so travelers can explore local pubs and restaurants along the route.