With mouthwatering produce and artisan makers as varied as its topography, Scotland has made a name for itself in recent years as a true gourmet destination. Scotland's larder stretches from its sumptuous oysters in the west; jewel-coloured berries of the central belt; fresh-foraged mushrooms from the southern Borders; a cheese making tradition to rival the French and that's before we even mention the myriad sweet treats of shortbread, Dundee cake, and the dreamiest fudge of all - tablet. Of course no visit to Scotland would be complete without an exploration of 'the water of life' - whisky! Explore some of the country's most beloved highlights whilst also tasting many of its flavours - some traditional, many seasonal and oftentimes unexpected.
A TASTE OF SCOTLAND'S LARDER
HIGHLIGHTS
- Travel through the Highlands and taste Scotland's finest oysters at Loch Fyne
- Forage for the freshest produce from land and sea and prepare a memorable meal on a wild cookery class
- Dine at Scotland's only two-Michelin starred restaurant
- Sample national delicacies such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties against an enchanting backdrop of Scottish countryside
- Immerse yourself in the legend of Scottish whisky on a distillery visit and tutored tasting
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrival & afternoon tea
On arrival into Edinburgh airport, meet your private driver and transfer northwards to one of Scotland's most iconic hotels - Gleneagles, located just an hour north of the airport. Check in, relax and tuck into that most quintessentially British of treats - afternoon tea! Savour finger sandwiches; light and crumbly scones and cakes in every colour of the rainbow.
Overnight: The Gleneagles Hotel
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Day 2 Stirling & Haggis experience
This morning, meet your driver guide and head out to Stirling Castle - the home of the Stuart Kings and Queens and one of Scotland's most significant strongholds. Explore the castle with your guide before heading into the heart of the countryside to learn about Scotland's national dish- haggis. Once the butt of endless culinary jokes - but no longer - haggis is a true regional delicacy, as singular and distinctive as chorizo in Spain and saucisson-sec in France. Spend your afternoon creating your own Scots feast of 'Haggis, Neeps and Tatties' - which can be tailored to any and all dietary requirements, whilst discovering the origins and evolutions of this beloved dish. Needless to say you'll have a few drams of whisky along the way to toast your meal and complement its unique flavours.
Overnight: The Gleneagles Hotel
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Day 3 Gourmet cooking tour & class
Meet your very special guide for the day - a private chef who counts the British royal family amongst his illustrious clients - as you embark on a tour of some of Edinburgh's independent food producers. You'll meet award-winning butchers who can detail the provenance of all their meat down to the nearest mile; a traditional fishmonger whose catch is fresh off the boats each morning; a greengrocer whose array of colourful, seasonal and locally sourced produce is a true work of art, not to mention family-owned delis and a historic wine merchant dating back to the 17th Century. You'll collect all the ingredients to create your own feast, before heading to a private kitchen in a former whisky bond warehouse. Under the expert tuition of your chef and guide, you'll whisk up a full meal, ready to sit down and savour, with paired wines and sparkling conversation!
Overnight: The Gleneagles Hotel
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Day 4 Foraging session & wild cookery
Today head out into the Perthshire hillsides, where you will have the opportunity to hike into the vast rugged landscapes of the southern Highlands. With an expert forager by your side, collect delicious ingredients to use later. Once you have sourced everything necessary, set to work on a wild cookery class, creating a meal from the land, the streams and rivers and the hillside, awakening your sense and reminding us of the power of nature to provide.
Overnight: The Gleneagles Hotel
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Day 5 Loch Lomond Cruise & Loch Fyne Oyster tasting
A journey to the Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond is on the agenda today as you travel to one of Scotland's most picturesque bodies of water. You might like to take a gentle hike into the hills above the loch, before embarking on a cruise of Loch Lomond. Here you'll see the landscape changed from Lowlands to Highlands as you cross the 'Highland Faultline' and pass the charming villages of the region. In the afternoon, travel the short distance to Loch Fyne to taste some of the freshest and most exquisite oysters to be found anywhere. You'll also taste locally smoked fish and seafood sourced the short distance from the loch.
Overnight: The Gleneagles Hotel
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Day 6 Highlights of Edinburgh - Historical & Edible
Your tour today will take you back to Edinburgh to see some of the city's highlights. Starting on the Royal Mile, you'll discover royal residences, historic castles, medieval cathedrals, former leper colonies and winding alleyways. At lunchtime embark on a foodie walking tour of the city, meandering through the Old Town and discovering some of the most delicious flavours of the city, surrounded by the stunning architecture of Scotland's capital.
Overnight: The Gleneagles Hotel
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Day 7 Whisky distillery tour & tasting
Spend a morning at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of your hotel. In the afternoon, head out to one of Scotland's most notable distilleries. Learn the secrets of Scotland's 'water of life' and discover how the simple ingredients of barley, water and sugar create this beloved spirit. You'll take a private tour of the distillery, before taking a tutored tasting of some of the most favourite expressions of whiskies. In the evening, take your seats for dinner at Scotland's only two-Michelin starred eatery, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.
Overnight: The Gleneagles Hotel
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Day 8 Depart
After one last spoiling breakfast at the Gleneagles, meet your private driver as you travel to Edinburgh airport ahead of your departure flight home.
Upgrade options: private pre-opening tour of Edinburgh Castle; private cruise on Loch Lomond; exclusive pre-opening tour of Edinburgh Castle; private tour and drinks reception on Royal Yacht Britannia.
Extension options: explore the north of England on our Great Northern Journey; travel to London for a classic tour of England's capital.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICE - Per Person
| Low season | $ 10,922 |
| Mid season | $ 11,990 |
| High season | $ 12,955 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person based on two adults sharing a room
- Some elements of the itinerary are weather dependent and not suggested in winter
- Reservations at named restaurants are subject to availability at time of booking
INCLUSIONS
- Seven nights accommodation at Gleneagles based on two people a Manor Room
- Return airport transfers from Edinburgh airport
- Reservations as suggested
- Full day tour with driver guide with admissions to Stirling Castle
- Full day tour with driver and chef including tour and cookery class
- Foraging and wild cookery session
- Full day with driver guide with Loch Fyne Oyster tasting
- Full day Edinburgh tour with driver guide including city food tour
- Half day tour including visit to local distillery
EXTRAS
- Meals and drinks, unless otherwise specificed
- Optional upgrades such a private tours and special admissions
- Spa appointments, laundry and other items of a personal nature
- Travel insutance
- Visa fees, if applicable
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REASONS TO BOOK
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