1) When is the best time of year to visit Scotland?
First off, the weather can be quite wonderful in Scotland in both April and October – sunny days, clear skies, and mild temperatures. Second, good weather in Scotland can never be guaranteed, no matter what time of year you visit. We offer this tour in April and October for a number of reasons, but most significantly because these months are outside of the high tourist season when the distilleries are inundated with visitors. In order for us to get behind-the-scenes access and special programming, we must visit at times when the distilleries are not so busy entertaining throngs of tourists. In addition, we strongly believe that Scotch Whisky is best enjoyed in the crisp weather that April and October tend to provide.
2) What is the minimum size group for a private tour?
Yes! If you would like to arrive at the start location in advance or remain at the end location after the sojourn has concluded, Scholarly Sojourns can help you arrange your hotel accommodation and is often able to secure attractive rates. Please indicate these preferences to us after you have registered for a particular sojourn.
3) Can I do the driving myself?
All participants should be comfortable walking up to a mile at a time and capable of climbing up to three flights of stairs at a time.
4) How far in advance should I plan my private tour?
Scholarly Sojourns will do all we can to match single travelers with a suitable roommate if they desire. But we cannot guarantee that roommates will be available. Therefore all single travelers should register as such and be prepared to pay the single traveler rate should a roommate not be identified.
5) Is this sojourn appropriate for children?
This sojourn is not appropriate for children or anyone under the age of eighteen.
The following books provide excellent background for this sojourn:
Scotch Whisky. Smith, Gavin D. Sutton Publishing, Ltd., UK. 2000.
Scotch Whisky: A Liquid History. Maclean, Charles. Cassell, UK. 2006
The meeting point for this sojourn is the Apex International Hotel in Edinburgh. Participants making their own travel arrangements should plan to arrive between 10:00 and 14:00 on the first day of the Sojourn. The first official activity begins at 15:00 that day.
Optional air package from/to New York:
April 2017 Departure: $1,049/person
May 2017 Departure: $1,199/person
September 2017 Departure: $1,199/person
October 2017 Departure: $1,199/person
The air package includes round-trip, trans-Atlantic flight, airport transfers in the destination, and 100% travel assurance. This travel package can be booked once you have registered for this sojourn and paid the deposit of $500 per traveler. Scholarly Sojourns can also help arrange your travel from any US gateway.
