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Hopscotch – Whisky and Craft Beer of Scotland
“Scotland: a country wreathed in the proud traditions of its strong people. Whisky, beer, and food play an integral role in those traditions – let us connect you to the best Scotland has to offer!”
From the rocky highlands, windswept islands, and lonely glens, to the blackened stone of old city walls, and weather that can show all four seasons in a single day, this is a country that breathes a challenge for people to rise above whatever stands in their way. At times, Scotland only seems once removed from the mystical fingers of its ancient past, while at others it beams the warm light of faith, goodwill and the tender hearts of its people. There is truly no place like Scotland.
Our 9-day beer and whisky tour begins in Edinburgh, and touches the most beloved parts of Scotland as we visit castles, distilleries, breweries and battlefields. From Edinburgh we travel west to the metropolitan city of Glasgow, the largest and liveliest city in Scotland. The Highlands call as we travel along the whisky trail, enjoying the old cities of Aberdeen and Inverness. Finally, we head south through the rugged Cairngorms National Park to the lovely town of Pitlochry, and on to our final night in Edinburgh. It’s a beautiful country, and a beautiful trip; it’s a wonderful way to Eat and Drink Like a European.
CITIES & TOWNS
- Edinburgh
- Stirling
- Glasgow
- Aberdeen
- Footdee
- Stonehaven
- Dufftown
- Inverness
- Perthshire
- Pitlochry
HIGHLIGHTS -History, Art, and Architecture
- The Royal Mile
- Edinburgh Castle
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- National Wallace Monument
- Doune Castle
- Footdee Village
- Cairngorms National Park
- Dunnotar Castle
- Scottish Highlands
- Stonehaven Village
- Culloden Battlefield
- Blair Castle
- Scone Palace
HIGHLIGHTS – Food and Drink
- Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Experience
- Traditional Scottish Haggis Dinner
- Edinburgh Microbrewery
- Glengoyne Distillery
- Drygate Brewing
- Glenturret Distillery (The Famous Grouse)
- Gourmet Scottish Seafood Dinner
- Brewdog Brewery
- 6 Degrees North Brewery
- Glenfiddich Distillery
- Macallan Distillery
- Edradour Craft Distillery
- Moulin Brewery
- Pitlochry Steakhouse
Some testimonials from Scotland Tour Director James Johnson’s recent travellers:
“You made my first trip oversea so nice and unforgettable. You have a nice sense of humour, and you are so generous in your explanations. I love Scotland thanks to you.” – Johanne, St. George de Champlain, Quebec, Canada
“Thank you so much for offering this wonderful opportunity. I truly enjoyed this wonderful trip. Your good planning, your easygoing ways, your sense of humour, and your interest in our well-being made this long time dream a success. Thank you!” – Cindy, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada
“This was the best trip I have ever taken. It was better than I dreamed it would be. A Great Adventure of a Lifetime. Thank you, James.” – Kenneth, Denver, Colorado, USA
July 19 – 27, 2023
July 19 – 27, 2024
$4095
Per Person + Air Based on Double Occupancy
All prices in US dollars. Payment in other currencies possible – contact us.
Book Your Hopscotch Tour Now!
Day 1: On the Royal Mile
Day 1: On the Royal Mile
The tour begins in the historic city of Edinburgh, capital of Scotland. We meet at our Edinburgh hotel in the early afternoon. After all introductions have been made, our group will stroll up the Royal Mile to the majestic Edinburgh Castle, which keeps a watchful eye over the old city. Here we have a guided tour, taking in the Regimental museums, the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and the dark dungeons of the castle. After our visit, the group will walk to the nearby Scotch Whisky Experience where we will experience an informative overview of the story, culture, and most importantly, the tastes of Scotland’s proud distilling history. We look forward to having a “Welcome to Scotland” group dinner at one of Edinburgh’s highly acclaimed restaurants, where our guests have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional haggis, neeps, and tatties, and spend time getting to know each other.
Sleep in Edinburgh/Bus: none/Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Dinner
Day 2: Royals in Auld Reekie
Day 2: Royals in Auld Reekie
We wake up to enjoy our first full-Scottish breakfast at the hotel. After this, we embark upon a morning walking tour of the Old Town, and drop in for a visit to the King’s official residence when he is in Scotland, The Palace of Holyroodhouse. In the Palace we walk the hallways, study the historical artifacts, and pause in the private chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, as we consider the often-violent history of power and politics in Scotland. After our visit to the Palace and gardens, our group will enjoy lunch and fine Scottish craft beer at one of the local microbreweries. The afternoon and evening are free for the guests to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful city at their leisure.
Sleep in Edinburgh/Bus: none/Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Freedom!
Day 3: Freedom!
Today we meet our coach driver who will accompany us the rest of the trip. In the morning we say goodbye to Edinburgh and drive west to the historic city of Stirling. As the strategic crossroads of Scotland, Stirling was the center of several of the most memorable battles in Scotland’s Wars of Independence with England. Our first visit of the day is to the National Wallace Monument, which along with its fantastic panoramic views, also houses the great sword of The Guardian of Scotland himself, William Wallace. After our brisk walk up the tower, we will certainly be feeling thirsty, so we continue on to Glengoyne Distillery, considered to have one of the loveliest settings in all of Scotland. After a tour, some well-deserved tastings, and lunch, we drive to Glasgow, a modern city known for its wide, pedestrian-only shopping areas, and the lively humour of the locals. As we enter the city we will stop for a tasting flight at one of the cutting edge breweries of Glasgow’s active beer scene, Drygate Brewing. The afternoon and evening are free for the guests to enjoy Glasgow’s friendly streets and lively nightlife.
Sleep in Glasgow/Bus: 2.5 hours/Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast
Day 4: The Knights who say “Ni!”
Day 4: The Knights who say “Ni!”
We leave Glasgow for a morning visit to Doune Castle, built in the 14th century and home to one of the best-preserved medieval great halls in all of Scotland. Doune is also the primary filming location of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Guests familiar with the movie may find themselves throwing a few French-accented taunts from the ramparts or kicking up their heels in a Spam-a-lot rendition. After we leave Doune we stop for lunch and a tour at Scotland’s oldest distillery, the Glenturret single malt distillery, and home of The Famous Grouse. After our visit we continue on to Aberdeen, also known as the Granite City for its many Victorian era granite buildings that glimmer brightly in the morning sun. Our dinner will be at an Aberdeen seafood restaurant that specializes in locally sourced delicacies, which could include a bowl of mouth-watering Cullen Skink, a bucket of Scottish mussels, or a perfectly prepared salmon entree.
Sleep in Aberdeen/Bus: 4 hours/Walking: Light
Meals provided: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: The Way of the Sea
Day 5: The Way of the Sea
In the morning we will walk the Quay to explore the old fishing village of Footdee, (“Fittie”) at the east end of the harbour. On the way back to the city centre we will tour and have lunch at the Brewdog Brewery, the most acclaimed of all the Scottish craft breweries. After lunch we board our coach for a visit to the amazing Dunnotar Castle, perched on the cliff, near the lovely seaside village of Stonehaven. When we arrive in Stonehaven we visit 6 Degrees North, a brewery that prides itself on its Scottish take on Belgian-style beer. Following our visit here, we return for a free evening and a second night in our hotel in Aberdeen.
Sleep in Aberdeen/Bus: 1 hour/Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: The Whisky Trail
Day 6: The Whisky Trail
Today we continue north to the wonderfully named village of Dufftown. Here tour members will enjoy a tour and tasting at the famous Glenfiddich Distillery. After a truly Scottish lunch at Glenfiddich, we go to our second tasting of the day at the exclusive Macallan Distillery. We continue on to Inverness, and on the way we will stop by the evocative Culloden Battlefield, the final battleground of ‘Bonny’ Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Uprising, in 1746. Late afternoon will bring us to Inverness, where we will enjoy more Scottish delights at our group dinner.
Sleep in Inverness/Bus: 3.5 hours/Walking: Light
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: In the Heart of the Highlands
Day 7: In the Heart of the Highlands
This day begins with the group heading south through the beautiful but rugged Cairngorms National Park. Our first visit of the day is to Blair Castle, home of the only private army in Europe, the Atholl Highlanders. Following lunch at Blair Castle, we drive to our afternoon appointment at Edradour, a fine example of craft distilling – it’s Scotland’s smallest distillery. After a grand afternoon sipping Edradour’s whisky we will check in at our hotel in Pitlochry, the heart of small town Scotland. Guests can either explore this quaint village on their own, or join us at Pitlochry’s tiny Moulin Brewery for a tasting before our group dinner at Pitlochry’s highly rated steakhouse that specializes in generous portions of its local Angus beef.
Sleep in Pitlochry/Bus: 2.5 hours/Walking: Light
Meals provided: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: The Ancient Kings
Day 8: The Ancient Kings
Today we visit Scone Palace, the Perthshire location where the ancient Kings of Scotland were crowned. After a tour and lunch at the beautiful palace we will once again cross the Forth Bridge and enter Edinburgh. The afternoon is a perfect opportunity to complete shopping for souvenirs and to enjoy the sights of Edinburgh. In the evening we will gather one last time over a traditional meal to celebrate our journey through the very best of Scotland!
Sleep in Edinburgh/Bus: 2 hours /Walking: Moderate
Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Lang May Yer Lum Reek!
Day 9: Lang May Yer Lum Reek!
Today we awake to their final full-Scottish breakfast. We say our goodbyes and hit the road. Heading home? The airport is easy to reach by local transit or cab. Sticking around for more adventures? Your tour director will be happy to give you some advice! As the Scots say, “Lang May Yer Lum Reek!”
Meals provided: Breakfast
The Fine Print – What You Get:
Not so much fine print: We believe in up front pricing, not a hard-to-read long list of extra costs.
Group Size: We run small group tours, less than half the size of a normal big bus tour. Our average group size is 14-18 travellers, plus a tour director and a driver.
Transportation: Most transportation is in a private chartered coach. Lots of free space on the bus to stretch out and relax! Transportation to and from airport is your responsibility. Edinburgh is well served by train connections and has a major airport.
Activity level: This tour is suitable to people with a basic fitness level. You will need to carry your own bags, climb hotel stairs, and keep a leisurely to moderate pace on city walking tours. This trip is suitable for adults. It is not suitable for young children.
Accommodations: We choose generally smaller, family-run hotels, in the 3-4 star category, that are close to the action, rather than large impersonal hotels in some industrial park outside of town. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms with shower or bathtub. Most rooms are doubles.
- Solo travelers: You may choose to pay extra for one of the limited number of single private rooms, or you can room with another solo traveler in the group of the same gender and skip the extra fee. See the registration form for specific prices.
- Couples: Couples will usually share a room with one double or queen bed (large King beds are not common in Europe).
- Two friends traveling together: Two friends or siblings traveling together will be roomed together with two beds in a twin room. Note: some European twin beds share one headboard but they will always have separate sheets.
- Triple room: A typical triple room will be one double bed and one single bed.
Sightseeing tours and attractions: This is the main reason you are in Scotland, and we understand this! Led by your tour director, and local guides when appropriate. Entrance fees to all attractions are included. Most tour companies sell many of their attractions as expensive “optional excursions” which add up really quickly. Not us.
Meals: Breakfasts are always included. Note that because we stay in characteristic Scottish hotels, breakfasts will reflect local preferences . Many lunches/dinners are on us – the rest are up to you. See itinerary for breakdown.
Gratuities: Unlike most tour companies who ask you to pay a “mandatory” tip to the driver and guide, with us tipping is not required.
