Whisky.Castles.Lords

A rich abundance of cultural and culinary delights await.

life can be a trip

Scotland

When travelling through Scotland, past numerous fortresses, churches, castles, battlefields, and ancient historic monuments, it's not difficult to connect with the country’s distant past. Evidence remaining of the hardships borne by a nation carving out its place in history is everywhere. Following a turbulent past, the nation of the Scots became one of the most progressive contributors to the enlightenment, producing a diverse selection of engineers, inventors, pioneers, statesmen, explorers, artists, writers, and some of the greatest minds the world has ever known.

Famous throughout the world for many things, including their sense of humor, the Scots are perhaps best known for their warmth and hospitality.

Day 2Upon arrival at the Edinburgh airport we will have a private transfer to our hotel in the heart of Scotland's capital city's center. After Welcome Drinks shortly after our arrival, you will have the rest of the evening free.

Our hotel is situated on a pretty, leafy Georgian square, between Princes Street and George Street, Edinburgh's two shopping streets. If you stick your head out of the main door you can see the imposing Edinburgh Castle perched high on Castle Rock, the remains of an extinct volcano rising steeply above Princes Street Gardens. The hotel has a fantastic restaurant, and there are plenty of great restaurants nearby.

Day 3

We will begin the day with a spectacular private tour of Edinburgh Castle, including the ‘Honours of Scotland’ - the crown jewels. Following the tour we will have breakfast in the castle café.

We will provide a list of things to do and see in Edinburgh; the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Suggestions include The Royal Yacht Britannia, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Victoria Street and The Grassmarket, the galleries and museums, The Royal Mile, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and afternoon tea at The Balmoral Hotel.

Dinner tonight will be hosted by world famous whisky expert and writer, Charles MacLean, in the private, members only Scotch Malt Whiskey Society (SMWS). Charles is the author of 17 books and appeared in the award-winning Ken Loach film, The Angel's Share.

Day 4As a special treat this morning, we will visit the private home of the Family of Bruce, Broomhall House. Welcomed by Lord Bruce, descendent of the hero king, King Robert the Bruce, we will enjoy a tour and lunch. The tour includes a viewing of the king's original ceremonial sword which is over 700 years old. Lord Bruce's father, The Earl of Elgin & Kincardine, is the Family Chief (the Scottish Highlands have 'Clans' and the Lowlands have 'Families') and the most direct descendent of the King. He is delighted to welcome you to his home.

Heading north to Speyside, the group will travel through beautiful scenery and arrive at our private castle (for a few days). We will be greeted by one of Scotland's finest pipers who will be piping our arrival. Our butler (who works for our royals) will be awaiting with drams.

We will have time to unpack and explore this stunning property before a relaxing buffet dinner. The log fires will be crackling, the butler will be on hand with drinks, and the whisky library will be at our disposal.

Day 5

A day of whisky! Starting at the Glenfiddich Distillery, we will have a delicious tour and tasting. Following the tasting, we will have a VIP private lunch in Balvenie House, which is not open to the public.

We will then travel to the iconic Macallan Distillery for a tour of the magnificent new structure and taste some of Scotland's most sought-after drams.

Back at the castle we will have a formal, black tie dinner, for which gentlemen will don kilts. Special guests tonight will be Grant Harrold, (AKA The Royal Butler) former butler to HRH The Prince of Wales and Her Majesty the Queen's cousin, Her Royal Highness, Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Prior to dinner Grant will assist gentlemen with kilts. Grant and Princess Katarina are both great fun and will add sparkle to the evening!

For this special event, we will be piped into dinner, which will be a feast of superb, locally sourced produce.

Day 6

Today we will travel to the pretty coastal town of Elgin to visit the stunning ruined Elgin Cathedral and the world-famous Johnston's of Elgin woolen mill.

After lunch we will head down to the beach on the Moray Firth for a crackling fire and a round of drams provided by Scotland’s premier independent bottlers, Adelphi. We will be joined by the charismatic whisky expert, Connal MacKenzie.

We will head back to the castle for dinner in the hidden woods. The chef will prepare a sumptuous barbecue and the butler will, of course, be on hand to ensure guests have everything they require.

Day 7After bidding farewell to Candacraig, the pretty route towards Oban winds through Royal Deeside, where the royal family spends their holidays. Members of the group will get a choice to visit either the Royal Lochnagar Distillery or tour the gardens of Balmoral Castle.

Lunch will be a Scottish buffet in the nearby Fife Arms, one of Scotland's most celebrated destinations, which features original art from Queen Victoria to Picasso.

Our next stop will be Oban, a pretty coastal town, where we will stop for the night. The hotel, fresh and contemporary, has great food for dinner.

Begin your day with a tour & tasting at the Oban Distillery or perhaps you’d prefer to take a walk around the pretty fishing village.

Less than an hour away is Kennacraig where we will catch the ferry to Islay. The two-hour ferry to Islay is an enjoyable crossing on a large vessel with plenty of space and a cafeteria for lunch.

Our first stop on Islay will be at Bowmore Distillery, which is set in the picturesque harbor village of the same name. If there is time, we recommend checking out the round church at the top of the hill, built with a circular design so that the devil couldn't find a corner in which to hide!

After checking in to our hotel, we will have time to relax before regrouping for dinner. The hotel is set in a windswept golf course, has stunning views, and is modern and comfortable.

Day 8

Our first stop of the day will be a visit to the island's most famous distillery - Laphroaig. Our morning tour will include a bit of peat cutting!

Lunch will be one of the island's most famous culinary delights - Ardbeg Distillery’s seafood chowder. Yes, you will have the opportunity to wash it down with a dram, of course!

From the pier at Ardbeg we will hop on private RIBs and nip across the sound to the neighboring island of Jura for a dram at the island's only distillery which bears the same name. We will then go on a bit of a ‘distillery crawl,’ which will include stops at Bunnahabhain Distillery and the stunning new Ardnahoe Distillery.

At Ardnahoe, once the doors have been closed to the public, the distillery manager will take us on a private tour followed by a tasting and dinner in the still room. The vast windows of the still room look out over to Jura—a truly spectacular view. Our very special guest tonight will be whisky guru, Jim McEwan.

Day 9

Day 10This morning we will fly from Islay to Glasgow. Our luggage will be taken to our hotel, so that once in Glasgow we can spend the day enjoying the city before checking into the hotel later in the afternoon.

We will round out this incredible trip with a farewell dinner.

Thank You!Angelina Markus

life can be a trip

Castles.Lords.Whisky2021: May 15 – 26$9,750 USD per person (Includes: Air | Accommodation | Ground Transportation | Tours | Guides | Most Meals)

HighlightsEdinburgh Castle | Broomhall House | Candacraig | Balmoral Castle | Balvenie HouseGlenfiddich | Balvenie | Macallan | Adelphi | Royal Lochnagar Distillery | ObanBowmore | Laphroaig | Ardbeg | Bruichladdich | ArdnahoeCharles MacLean | Jim McEwan

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