Pipes, Peaks, & Pints
Scotland Adventure
August 6–13, 2028
Join the Flint Scottish Pipe Band as they tour their heritage!
Imagine standing among Scotland's rolling green hills, hearing the unmistakable sound of bagpipes, and discovering the history and traditions that have shaped generations.
This is more than a trip to Scotland. It's an opportunity to travel alongside the Flint Scottish Pipe Band as they explore the land, culture, and heritage that inspire their music and traditions.
From the historic streets of Edinburgh to the breathtaking Highlands and the vibrant city of Glasgow, we'll experience Scotland through its stories, landscapes, and enduring Scottish spirit.
Whether you're drawn to your own Scottish roots, fascinated by the music and traditions, or simply dreaming of discovering this remarkable country, you're invited to be part of the journey.
Discover the heritage. Experience the traditions. Share the adventure.
Important travel note: The tour dates are August 6–13, 2028. International travel time may require departing home one day earlier and returning home one day later. Please allow for additional travel days when planning your trip.
The story behind
the band!
A Heritage That Began in 1916. An Adventure That Leads Home.
For more than a century, the sound of bagpipes and drums has brought Scottish tradition to communities across Michigan and beyond. Founded in 1916 by Scottish immigrants who wanted to preserve the music, dress, and traditions of their homeland, the Flint Scottish Pipe Band carries that legacy forward through performances, competitions, and a shared love of Scottish culture.
Now, you have the opportunity to be part of their story. Join us on a journey through the country that inspired generations of musicians and storytellers.
Imagine exploring historic Edinburgh, traveling through the dramatic Highlands, standing beside legendary lochs, and discovering the history woven into Scotland's towns and landscapes.
You don't have to be a piper to appreciate the magic of this journey. Whether you have Scottish roots of your own, love the stirring sound of bagpipes, or simply dream of experiencing Scotland beyond the pages of a book, this is your invitation to come along.
A little about our adventure!
Hi, I'm Sheila! One of my favorite things about travel is the way a destination brings its stories to life. You can read about history, listen to traditional music, or look at photographs of distant mountains, but there is something different about standing in those places yourself.
Scotland invites us to slow down and take it all in. Imagine wandering through centuries-old streets, looking out across the Highlands, hearing stories passed down through generations, and sharing a meal at the end of a day spent exploring.
Pipes, Peaks, & Pints brings those experiences together with the opportunity to travel alongside the Flint Scottish Pipe Band and discover the heritage behind its traditions.
We'll explore historic landmarks, take in remarkable scenery, and make room for the little moments that often become our favorite travel memories.
At Believe You Can Travel, I believe a trip should be about more than checking places off a list. It's about the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the memories you bring home.
Edinburgh
Day 1
Welcome to Scotland! After arriving at Edinburgh Airport, you'll meet your Cosmos Tour Director and transfer with the group to your accommodations. Take some time to settle in and begin soaking up the atmosphere of this remarkable city.
This evening, we'll gather for dinner at the hotel and meet our fellow travelers. It's the beginning of a Scottish adventure filled with new places, shared experiences, and plenty of stories to bring home.
Discover Historic Edinburgh
Day 2
Today, we'll get to know Edinburgh with a local guide. We'll explore the elegant New Town, known for its architecture and connections to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists, before discovering the historic Old Town.
One of the day's highlights is Edinburgh Castle, where we'll visit to see Scotland's Crown Jewels. With its centuries of history and commanding position above the city, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's royal past.
The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, enjoy a meal, browse the shops, or simply wander through the city's atmospheric streets.
St. Andrews, Pitlochry, and the Highlands
Day 3
We'll leave Edinburgh behind and travel over the Forth Road Bridge toward St. Andrews, a historic university town also known around the world for its connection to golf.
From there, our route continues through the Scottish countryside to Pitlochry, a charming Victorian town surrounded by beautiful scenery. We'll also enjoy a guided visit to a local whisky distillery, subject to availability, for a look at one of Scotland's best-known traditions.
By evening, we'll reach the Highlands, staying in the Strathpeffer or Aviemore area. We'll finish the day with dinner together at the hotel.
Culloden, Loch Ness, and Glenfinnan
Day 4
Today brings together some of Scotland's most memorable stories and landscapes. We'll visit Culloden, the site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, where the Jacobite rising came to a devastating end. It's a place that offers a powerful connection to Scotland's past.
Next, we'll travel along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes open for Nessie as we take in the scenery surrounding one of Scotland's most famous lochs.
We'll continue to Glenfinnan, home to the celebrated railway viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films and a monument commemorating the Jacobite clansmen.
Afterward, we'll have free time in Oban before dinner at the hotel.
The Trossachs, Loch Lomond, and Glasgow
Day 5
Get ready for another beautiful day on the road. We'll travel through the dramatic scenery of the Trossachs National Park, a landscape of hills, forests, and sparkling water that captures the beauty of Scotland.
We'll also enjoy views of Loch Lomond, one of the country's best-known lochs, before continuing to Glasgow. An orientation drive introduces us to some of the city's notable sights, including the cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares.
We'll settle in at our Glasgow hotel, with dinner included this evening.
Glasgow Green
Day 6 & 7
After breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to experience one of Scotland's most exciting celebrations of its musical heritage: the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green!
We'll be offering an optional trip to the championships, where you can experience the incredible sound of pipe bands and drums coming together for this spectacular event. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the traditions that connect the Flint Scottish Pipe Band to its Scottish roots.
Prefer to explore at your own pace? You're welcome to spend the day discovering Glasgow independently instead.
The choice is yours! Join the optional championship outing for this day, explore Glasgow on your own, or make your own plans.
Farewell to Scotland
After breakfast, we'll transfer together to Glasgow Airport for our departure flights. It's time to say goodbye to Scotland, carrying home the memories of historic cities, Highland scenery, fascinating stories, and the experiences we've shared along the way.
Depending on your flight schedule and travel time, you may arrive home later than the tour's August 13 end date.
Let's Make Scotland a Story You'll Tell for Years
Travel is about more than the places we visit. It's about the stories we hear, the people we meet, the traditions we discover, and the memories we create together.
Pipes, Peaks, & Pints brings us into the heart of Scotland, from the historic streets of Edinburgh to the beautiful Highlands and the vibrant city of Glasgow.
And this journey has something especially meaningful at its heart: the opportunity to travel alongside the Flint Scottish Pipe Band as they explore the heritage that has inspired their music and traditions for generations.
Whether Scotland connects to your family history or has simply been calling your name, we'd love for you to join us.
Discover the heritage. Experience the traditions. Share the adventure.
Let's make Scotland a story you'll tell for years to come.
Sheila Smith
Believe You Can Travel