Whisky, Rugby & Rome: My First Six Nations Away Day with Scotland

Travel, whisky, world-class food, and rugby — Rome delivered on every front for my first ever live Scotland Six Nations match. From whisky cocktails overlooking the Colosseum to marching with the Tartan Army through the heart of Rome, it was a weekend I won’t forget in a hurry.

Friday: Whisky Cocktails by the Colosseum & Scottish Spirit in Rome

We kicked off the weekend in unforgettable style at The Court Bar, a stunning cocktail bar perched right beside the Colosseum. Sipping whisky cocktails in Rome, with one of the world’s most iconic landmarks glowing at golden hour, felt like the perfect collision of history and indulgence.

Whisky cocktails with views of The Colosseum

Later that evening, we headed to The Highlander Pub, a legendary Scottish bar in the city. Packed wall-to-wall with travelling fans, it was full of tartan, chants, and shared excitement ahead of match day. Even thousands of miles from home, the Scottish rugby community felt instantly familiar.

Saturday: The Tartan Army March & Six Nations Match

Saturday began with some sight seeing before heading to Piazza del Popolo, where we joined the Tartan Army for the pre-match march to the stadium. Thousands of Scotland fans singing, laughing, and sharing drinks as we wound through Rome’s streets — it was spine-tingling stuff.

Marching with the flags flying and the kilts swaying in the streets, we were welcomed to Stadio Olimpico with plenty of beers, amazing food stalls and live music to get us in the mood. We made it just in time to hear the bagpipes play Flower of Scotland, and then proceeded to watch the match in rainy conditions. In the end Scotland may have lost the game, but the result almost didn’t matter. The atmosphere was electric, emotional, and proud — my first time seeing Scotland play live, and every second felt special.

The Italian Fans made us feel right at home!

Post-match, we headed to the fan zone to party alongside Italian and Scottish supporters alike. Cold beers, great food, live music, and that shared rugby respect made it one of the best sporting atmospheres I’ve ever experienced.

Sunday: Vatican Views & One Last Taste of La Dolce Vita

Sunday was a slower, more reflective way to round off the weekend. We spent the morning exploring Vatican City, taking in the sheer scale and history of St Peter’s Basilica and the surrounding Vatican grounds.

From there, we walked along the Tiber towards Castel Sant'Angelo, soaking up the final views of Rome and fitting in one last slice of sightseeing before heading back to the airport.

After the energy of match day, it was the perfect way to close the trip — calm, scenic, and a reminder of just how much history and character Rome packs into a single weekend.

A Weekend That Captured Everything I Love

This trip had everything — incredible whisky cocktails, unforgettable sights, outstanding food, and above all, brilliant people. Seeing Scotland play live for the first time, surrounded by passionate fans in one of the world’s greatest cities, was genuinely special.

It’s experiences like this that inspire what I do with Barrel & Bond Whisky Tasting — bringing people together through whisky, storytelling, and shared moments that last far beyond the glass.

Rome, rugby, and whisky? We'll be back.

La Dolce Vita