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ALL JOURNEYS HAVE SECRET DESTINATIONS OF WHICH THE TRAVELLER IS UNAWARE
CULINARY HOLIDAYS & VACATIONS IN SCOTLAND 2020
CULINARY ADVENTURES & VACATIONS IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
COME MEET AND COOK WITH THE LOCALS
Highlands & Islands of Scotland
'Scotland'
Voted the most beautiful country in the world : Read why here
COOKING VACATIONS IN SCOTLAND 2020
Available from April through to October
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Have you seen our NEW Scotland
Cookery, Adventure and Whisky weeks?
SCOTLAND 2020
8 Days Cooking and Cultural Vacation
A unique Scottish cooking and cultural vacation experience.Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland
Experience Scotland’s magical landscapes.
A culinary treat for fans of the 'Outlander' books and TV.
Transform Scottish ingredients from the sea, fields and mountains to your plate.
New and traditional Scottish recipes.
Visit renowned Islands , whisky distilleries and historic sites.
Taste famous Scottish products.
2020 Availability. Saturday arrival and departure days. Availability from April through October
First arrival date: 4th April 2020
Last arrival date: 17th October 2020
Prices per person. USD $ 2650 No seasonal price variations:
Cooking Guests: For a booking of 2, 3 or 4 guests there may be discounts available
Single solo supplement: USD $ 699 (only available certain weeks)
Special offer discount weeks may be available please inquire.
Description: The location for this 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 continues to provide culinary and catering services to adventure groups during their vacations in Scotland. Jane's passions are firmly rooted in the Scottish countryside where she spends her time visiting remote locations and islands, seeking inspiration to help her create unique combinations of natural Scottish ingredients for traditional and modern Scottish dishes.During the week, you will be accompanied and hosted by other staff from Adventure Tourism Services which is also located in Mid Argyll.
Detailed holiday and course information -
Depending on your chosen month of travel excursion, experiences will vary.
Scotland benefits from long summer days from around 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 your own preferences; Scotland offers fantastic visitor experiences during most seasons. This vacation is operated and provided on a Saturday arrival and departure day basis. All itinerary items will be provided but some alterations to the specific daily activities will be required. Depending on what 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 2020.
Collect and return private transfer 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
7 Lunches
6 Traditional Scottish dinners
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.
Local guided walks for the collection of wild foods used in cooking sessions when available.
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. 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 Luing / Atlantic Islands centre/ Easdale Island.
(d) Island of Mull , Tobermory and visit to Tobermory whisky distillery.
(e) Island of Mull and visit to Duart Castle, (seat of the clan chief Mac Lean)
(f) Oban, visit to Oban whisky distillery & Dunstaffnage Castle or Dunollie castle estate.
(g) Town of Oban and a visit to Inverawe Estate and falcon display.
(h) 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 from Lochgilphead to Ardrishaig and Crinan.(11 miles)
(j) Explore the Crinan Canal, guided walk Cairnbaan to Crinan return ( 8 miles) all flat.
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. Only available up to 30th September.
(f) Inverary town and Inverary 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.
(a) Crinan canal , short and long walks
(b) Ardishaig and Lochgilphead
(c) Dunardy forest walk , near to nature trail.
(d) Dalriada Heritage trail.
(e) Visit to the local pub Cairnbaan hotel ( 5 minutes walk from your accommodation)
On this vacation /course you will be cooking and preparing a variety of meats, fish, shellfish and vegetables.
Some of the dishes you will cook and enjoy 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
Daily Itinerary 2020. The itinerary shown below is a sample and your actual daily itinerary will be determined by the excursions that you have chosen during your stay.
DAY 1 - Saturday : You will be met at your pre arranged location by our representative, who will accompany you by private car transfer to Mid Argyll - the base for your holiday. On arrival you will be introduced to Jane Chaplin and any other guests or staff who will be involved in your vacation during the week; this will be followed by the opportunity to relax and settle in for a couple of hours. Depending on the time of year, you may wish to go for a walk or to explore the local area or just relax. Dinner will be served around 7pm when you will have an informal meeting to discuss further and plan the aspects of your stay and ask any questions that you may have.
DAY 2 - Sunday : After breakfast, you will be taken on an excursion to visit Kilmartin museum. Lunch will be served when you return. In the afternoon you may like to relax or explore the picturesque Crinan Canal or other local sites of interest. You will meet up again around 4pm to start your first Scottish cooking session. Dinner will be served around 7pm.
DAY 3 - Monday : The morning is allocated to your chosen half day excursion. After lunch around 3pm you will participate in your second Scottish cooking lesson and dinner will be served around 7pm.
DAY 4 - Tuesday : After breakfast you will participate in your third Scottish cooking session, followed by lunch. The afternoon is free around 3pm and you will meet up for dinner which will be served around 7pm.
DAY 5 - Wednesday : Today you will participate in your chosen full day excursion.
DAY 6 - Thursday : The morning is allocated to your second chosen half day excursion.
Afternoon is free. Dinner is not included , this will be 'on your own' at a local pub or restaurant.
DAY 7 - Friday : After breakfast your morning is free. In the afternoon you will begin your final Scottish cooking session.
DAY 8 - Saturday : After breakfast you will be taken by private transfer to Glasgow for your onward connections.
*** IMPORTANT - Travel information to Scotland:
Arrival: 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 private car transfer to your accommodation base in Mid Argyll.
Departure: You will be returned by private transfer to Glasgow airport. The private transfer journey time is approx 2 hours to Glasgow (GLA) , please consider these times when making onward or departure flight arrangements. If your flight has a two hour check in time and your flight departs E.G. at 9.30am, this would require a latest departure from Mid Argyll at around 5.30 am, which is just feasible - but is best avoided if possible due to potential delays caused by early morning rush hour traffic when nearing Glasgow and Glasgow airport.
+++ Using Edinburgh airport (EDI) : If you choose to use Edinburgh airport for arrival and or departure flights, the arrangements are as follows: There are excellent modern public transport systems connecting Edinburgh airport and Glasgow airport from where your included private transfer will meet you at times outlined above.
1. Arrival : Take 'Citylink Air' service from Edinburgh airport terminal to Glasgow Buchanan St, Bus station and transfer to the 'Glasgow Airport express 500 service' Both these services operate every 30 minutes , 24 hours per day , 7 days per week and journey time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes , one way. The price of these journeys are not included in your vacation.
2. Departure : You will be taken back by private car transfer to Glasgow Buchanan St Bus station for you to take the 'Citylink Air ' service direct to Edinburgh airport, journey time is 50 minutes. This price of this journey is not included in the price of your vacation.
3. Staying in Edinburgh before or after your vacation: If you are spending a few days in Edinburgh city and would like transfer arrangements to facilitate travel to or from Edinburgh city centre, we can offer - ( included) to meet you from or take you to 'Helensburgh' Train station where you can take the train direct to or from 'Edinburgh Waverley station'. These journeys are every 30 minutes, and journey time is 1 hour and 40 minutes. For outward transfers from Edinburgh to Helensburgh the standard ticket price will be reimbursed on arrival. For return transfers from Helensburgh to Edinburgh city centre the tickets will be provided and included in the price of the vacation. Should you require any further guidance on using Edinburgh airport please inquire.