CULINARY HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS IN SCOTLAND during 2022

Vacation and holidays 2022

​                                                                                   

Prices: (See below for detailed information and inclusions for option A or B ) 

There are 2 options available: Prices are based on a booking of 2 persons , solo traveller please enquire.  

Option A : From £999 per person 8 days traditional cooking holiday. 

Option B : From £1330 per person 8 days cooking and cultural vacation

​

These holidays and vacations are available throughout the year subject to availability. 

These 2 unique Scottish cooking and cultural vacation experiences are based in the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland

​

Highlights 

Experience Scotland’s magical landscapes.

A culinary treat for  fans of the 'Outlander' books and TV series.

Transform Scottish ingredients from the sea, fields and mountains to your plate.

Modern and traditional Scottish recipes.

Visit renowned Islands , whisky distilleries and historic sites.

Taste famous Scottish products.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Description: The location for these unique Scottish cooking vacation experience is in Dalriada, once the ancient kingdom of Scotland, which is located in the unspoilt coastal region now known as Mid Argyll.  Your accommodation base will be near Dunadd (Fort), the historical capital of Scotland, where in the past Scotland's Kings were crowned. Whilst staying in Dalriada, not only will you learn fabulous Scottish recipes you will also experience the wild and wonderful nature of rural Scottish life within this unique Scottish Highlands area.  

Scotland has available a wealth of natural produce from its rich mountains, glens, wild rivers and coastal area. This has allowed Scotland to develop a culinary repertoire of exceptional quality and diversity. Wild game - partridge, grouse and the pheasant from its remote moorlands, succulent venison from the wild red deer roaming these mountains, salmon and trout from Highland rivers, rare and succulent beef and lamb from the famous Highland herds and shellfish of all kinds. Using ingredients like these, you will discover and learn how to develop a range of mouth watering and delicious feasts. The presentation and delivery of this Scottish cooking and cultural vacation will be very informal, friendly and personal. The cooking sessions with be based in a traditional Scottish family style fully equipped kitchen and each vacation and course will be limited to a maximum of 4 guests. Participants can expect a fun week with wonderful culinary experiences and, most of all, they will experience the real Scotland combined with traditional Scottish culture, along with delicious Scottish food.

Your culinary host for this vacation is cook Jane Chaplin. Jane has had many years' experience in traditional and modern Scottish cooking. In addition to providing the cooking input for this vacation Jane also provides culinary and catering services to our adventure groups during their vacations in Scotland. During the week, you will be accompanied and hosted by other staff from Adventure Tourism Services also located in Mid Argyll.  

On these vacations you will be cooking and preparing a variety of meats, fish, shellfish and vegetables.   

Some of the dishes you might cook and/or experience during your stay in Scotland:

Cullen skink [Smoked fish soup] 

Braden Rost (Hot smoked Scottish salmon)

Oatcakes and shortbread

Traditional meat Scotch pies & meat Bridies

Cranachan ( oatmeal raspberry , cream , oats, dessert)

And of course Haggis, the famous Scottish delicacy

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Detailed holiday and vacation information 

Depending on your chosen month of travel, excursion experiences will vary.

Scotland benefits from long summer days from the beginning of May to late August when daylight remains until around 11.00 pm. These seasonal variations will not affect the course itinerary, but may assist you in planning your trip to suit your own preferences; Scotland offers fantastic visitor experiences during most seasons. This vacation is operated on a Saturday arrival and departure day basis.  Depending on which month you choose to visit, daily itineraries will be seasonal and variable and actual day activities may change, but all inclusions will be covered.

​

Inclusions per person for Option A  - From £999 to £1775 per pers0n : 8 days Traditional Scottish Cooking holiday. ​

• 7 Nights’ accommodation in your own private Scottish Highland cottage. Pictures show a representation of what you can expect. Your actual accommodation will be notified to you at the time of a confirmed booking and will be determined by the number in your party.  

• 4 Scottish cooking sessions ( 3 to 4 hours each session)

• 7 Daily breakfasts , your cottage will be stocked and supplied with a range of breakfast goodies for you to help yourself to breakfast. 

• 7 Lunches , these will be from lunch supplies provided at your cottage and supplemented by a couple emerging from the cooking classes.

• 5 Traditional Scottish dinners at Cairnbaan cook school. 2 evening, dinners are not included, this will give you the opportunity to visit local pubs or restaurants on your own to sample other local Scottish cuisine.

• Engraved personalised Scottish Whisky flask

• Scottish cooking apron.

• Exclusive access to all recipes used in your cooking classes

• Please note this option 'A' does NOT include transfers , see bottom of page for for information on travelling to Cairnbaan

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

Inclusions per person for Option B - Priced from £1330 to £1828 per person: 8 days Scottish Cooking and Cultural vacation

• Return transfers from Glasgow International airport to Mid Argyll.. See IMPORTANT travel information note below ***

• All transport throughout the provision of the holiday activities and itinerary.

• 7 Nights’ accommodation in a private Scottish Highland cottage. Pictures show a representation of what you can expect. Your actual accommodation base will be notified to you at the time of a confirmed booking and will be determined by the number in your party.  

• 4 Scottish cooking sessions ( 3 to 4 hours each session

• 7 Daily breakfasts , your cottage will be stocked and supplied with a range of breakfast goodies for you to help yourself to breakfast. 

• 7 Lunches , these will be from lunch supplies provided at your cottage and supplemented by a couple emerging from the cooking classes.

• 6 Traditional Scottish dinners. at Cairnbaan cook school. On one evening, dinner is not included, this will be an opportunity for you to visit a local pub or restaurant on your own to sample other local Scottish cuisine.

• I whole day and 2 half day excursions (see the choice of excursions below *** )

• Whisky tasting sessions

• Engraved personalised Scottish Whisky flask

• Scottish cooking apron.

• Exclusive access to all recipes used in your cooking classes

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

*** Excursions and visits : These will be determined by the month you choose to book all excursions are not available for all months After confirming a booking, guests will be provided with a detailed description which will assist them in choosing from the various options shown in the list below. Guests may choose one full day and two half day excursion. All excursions are guided by a member of staff.  

​

Full day guided excursions:  (Choose 1)

(a) Non landing scenic cruise to the island of Colonsay with dinner on board.

(b) Non landing scenic cruise to the island of Islay with lunch or dinner on board.

(c) Island of Mull , Tobermory and visit to Tobermory whisky distillery.

(d) Island of Mull and visit to Duart Castle, (seat of the clan chief Mac Lean)    

(e) Oban, visit to Oban whisky distillery & Dunstaffnage Castle or Dunollie castle estate.

(f) Town of Oban with free time to explore followed by an afternoon visit to Inverawe estate and falcon display.

(g) A morning walk through the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada and Kilmartin Valley followed by an afternoon

boat trip through the Gulf of Corryvreckan whirlpool passing by the islands of Scarba and Jura.

(i) Cycle trip along the Crinan Canal to visit Ardrishaig and Crinan (15 miles)     

​

Half day guided excursions.  (Choose 2)

(a) Farm visit / Meet & Feed Scottish Lambs - (April and May only) and subject to availability.  

(b) Foraging. Collect seasonal wild foods to include into recipes back at the cook school **

(c) Local historical sites Kilmory Chapel and stone carvings and Castle Sween - the oldest castle in Scotland.

(d) Guided walk to Cairnbaan and Achnabreac    

(e) Trout Fishing on the Crinan Canal and lochs - Only available up to 30th September. 

(f) Inveraray town and Inveraray castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, Clan Chief of the Clan Campbell.

(g) Guided forest walk Barlusgan beavers. See where beavers have been introduced back into Scotland.

(h) Guided walks through Kilmartin Valley, Templewood stone circle, Dunadd Fort.

(i) Visit to Crinan , can include a small walk , followed by cream tea and scones at Crinan.

** Please note excursion (b) in parts is on semi rough terrain and may not be suitable for people who have mobility issues.

Free time: During the week you will have ample free time. The local area offers a wide variety for self guided activities and opportunities - walking , cycling, exploring and visiting. Below are some of the areas that we would recommend. We will be able to supply you with a detailed map and further guidance to explore these areas.

• Crinan canal , short and long walks

• Ardishaig and Lochgilphead

• Dunardy forest walk , near to nature trail.

• Dalriada Heritage trail.

• Visit to the local pub Cairnbaan hotel ( 5 minutes walk from your accommodation)           

Daily Itinerary is available on request for both options A and B  

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

*** IMPORTANT - Travel information to Scotland: 

1. Arrival:  For Option B : Your vacation starts with your chosen arrival date where you will be met and collected by arrangement from Glasgow International airport (GLA). If you are using Edinburgh airport, see +++ below. You are strongly advised to use Glasgow airport where ever possible for smooth onward connections. Please note that the earliest meeting/collection time from the airport is 10.00 am. The latest arrival collection time is 7.00pm. You will be taken by a free transfer to your accommodation base in Mid Argyll.

2. Departure: You have 2 choices for the included return transfer  This will be provided by public transport (tickets included) - you will have the choice of either.

1. Adventure Tourism Services will take you to Oban to take the train from Oban to Glasgow, direct train departs 9.00 am or 11.55 am arrives Glasgow city centre 3 hours later.

2. Bus from Lochgilphead to Glasgow, city centre. Bus departs 8.00 am or 10.00 am arrives Glasgow 2.hours and 40 minutes later.

The above train or bus tickets are included in the price. Please bear these times mind when booking flights and or plans for your onward journey. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

For Cooking week option A :  Travelling to Scotland: These vacation and activity weeks are based in Cairnbaan Argyll , 

1. For international travellers , fly to Glasgow (GLA) airport, then follow the travel guidance below. 

2. The nearest town to this vacation base is Lochgilphead, which is easily reached by coach from Glasgow. The 926 service operated 5 times per day. 

3. After you arrive in Lochgilphead we will arrange to collect you free of charge. 

4. Alternatively you can take the Scotrail train from Glasgow to Oban , operates 3 times daily , and we will arrange a pick you up , the cost ranges from £25 per person    

 5. Airport transfers to Cairnbaan to and from Glasgow International airport (GLA) can be arranged at extra cost. Please enquire.