A Flavour of Scotland

Programme

Day 1: Fife’s fabulous larder

Individual arrival in Edinburgh. Pick up your rental car at the airport and head across the Firth of Forth with views of the iconic Fort Rail Bridge – a symbol of Scotland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey then takes you past rolling hills to the heart of the region of Fife, one of Scotland’s most fertile lands and a destination for foodies. It is here, where a lot of the barley for the whisky industry is grown, but also fine organic vegetables, and some of the best cattle and sheep in the country are bred. Fife even has a gourmet route for all its regional delicacies. After you have checked in to your accommodation, a traditional Scottish dinner with “Haggis, Neeps & Tatties” awaits. The national dish, which used to be eaten only by the poor rural population, is now taking proud centre-stage in many restaurants up and down the country. Accommodation: Fife

Day 2: St Andrews – history, cheese and golf

A breakfast could hardly be more sumptuous: the Full Scottish consists of 3 courses and (almost) gives you enough energy for the whole day. In the morning you will discover East Neuk, an idyllic coastal area with beautiful historic fishing villages such as Eilie, St Monans, Crail, Anstruther or Pittenweem. in the afternoon head to the traditional university town of St. Andrews, where Prince William and Kate studied and met. St. Andrews is considered the mecca of golf and one of the most historic cities in Britain. After a stroll through the city, visit the farm shop and steak barn Balgove Larder to get to know the numerous local products of the region. In the afternoon, you’ll also visit a local cheese specialist, where you’ll sample delicious Scottish cheeses. Accommodation: Fife

Day 3: Highland traditions, sheep dogs & craft beer

Today you explore the Central Highlands and the traditions of the rural population. The mountains of the Cairngorm National Park have a fine collection of different land formations that are otherwise only found in Arctic Canada. In Kingussie you can visit the Highland Folk Museum, an open-air museum offering a wonderful insight into the life of the Highland Scots between 1700 and 1962, showcasing more than 30 historic buildings, including restored thatched blackhouses. In Kincraig you can take part in a sheepdog herding demonstration with local shepherd Neil and his Border Collies. In the afternoon, head to the Cairngorm Brewery, where you get an insight into the beer production and of course you can also taste the end product. Afterwards drive to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Here you can try out the authentic pub scene of the city to listen to live music and exchange your craft beer skills. Accommodation: Inverness

Day 4: Shellfish Safari

The morning drive takes you to the magical landscape of the Northwest Highlands. The area is among the least populous regions in Europe and impresses with a barren, wild beauty, showcasing mountains and moors, tranquil lakes and fjords. In the small highland community of Gairloch you can experience a unique shellfish safari together with local skipper Ian McWhinney. With his fishing boat you set out to sea where you will hear the exciting stories of the local fishermen. Anyone can get involved in the pulling-up of fish baskets and checking for crabs, lobsters, starfish or haddock. After the tour, Ian invites you to a lunch  with freshly caught crabs, as well as homemade bread, coffee and shortbread. An unforgettable experience for sure. Accommodation: Inverness

Day 5: Western Highlands, Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle

Today you explore another scenic gem of the Highlands. You will cross the Caledonian Canal, which stretches across Scotland over a length of 97km and is connected by numerous locks. At the infamous Loch Ness, you can keep an eye out for Nessie. Loch Ness is the second largest freshwater lake in Scotland, but has the largest volume of water due to its depth. Through the beautiful Glen Moriston, and past the mountain range of the Fife Sisters of Kintail, you will reach Eilean Donan Castle, originally built around 1220. Situated on a headland and surrounded by three lochs, the castle is one of the most photographed attractions in Scotland. After an exciting visit, you continue your journey and in the afternoon you will reach the Island of Skye, the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Accommodation: Skye

Day 6: Tea time on the Isle of Skye

Explore the magical Isle of Skye, its mountainous interior often draped in mist and clouds! The basalt columns of the famous Kilt Rock sea cliff resemble a kilt, here the Mealt Waterfall plunges 200 feet into the sea. Visit the truly spectacular Quiraing Massive, with its distinctive landscape an icon of Scotland. In the afternoon you are going to experience a truly British tradition – an afternoon tea. Traditionally served on an etagere with cakes and scones as well as sandwiches. In the family-run former 17th-century hunting lodge Kinloch Lodge Chef Marcello Tully has already been awarded a Michelin star for his culinary art. Accommodation: Skye

Day 7: Glencoe, Loch Lomond & Trossachs and whisky

In the morning you set off for Fort William, the hiking capital of Scotland at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Continue on to the spectacular Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most scenic and most historic glens. Beyond the glen the countryside suddenly gets desolate. One of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe, the Great Moor of Rannoch is a vast expanse of boggy moorland, lochans, rivers and rocky outcrops. In the picturesque Trossachs National Park you dedicate yourself to Scotland’s national drink and visit the Deanston distillery (best known from the movie Angel’s Share). Finally, in the late afternoon, you will arrive in Edinburgh. After you have moved into your accommodation, you can explore the city and its numerous restaurants or pubs. Accommodation: Edinburgh (drop-off rental car)

Day 8: Culture, beer and gin in the heart of the capital

The capital of Scotland, is said to be built on seven hills, in an allusion to the seven hills of Rome. Take a walk through the Old and New Town (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), discover Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy the view over town from Carlton Hill. Then turn back to the culinary delights and enjoy whisky and/or gin tastings. A traditional pub crawl with live music and the tasting of various local beers is not to be missed at the end of your holiday. And where is a pub crawl better than in the city with the highest density of pubs in Europe? Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 9:  Departure 

Today you have to say goodbye to a wonderful, welcoming country. Take a last stroll through the streets of Edinburgh, buy a few last souvenirs or visit one of the many galleries and museums before starting your journey home.

Services

Tour includes

• 8 overnight stays in 3*-4* en-suite accommodation
• Scottish breakfast
• hire car for 7 days from/to airport including insurance and Sat Nav
• Haggis, Neeps & Tatties (2-course dinner)
• Shellfish Safari (subject to availability)
• traditional afternoon tea
• Scotland road map
• comprehensive info-pack
• 24/7 emergency hotline

Not included

• flights
• lunch and dinner
• fuel
• admissions
• additional driver

Optional add-ons

• £69 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow, double/twin room in B&B accommodation (+ £41 pp single supplement)
• £89 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow, double/twin room in hotel accommodation (+ £61 pp single supplement)
• from £50 per day car hire extension

Additional Information

Duration: 9 days
Participants: from 2 pax
Start: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport
Finish: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

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