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Price is based on a booking of 2 persons, solo traveller please enquire for price and available dates  

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Price per person during 2023: USD$ 2400

 

This vacation is available throughout the year subject to availability. 

 

Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland - 2023 Available dates shown below Saturday arrival for 7 nights

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March: 25th 

April: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th  

May: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 

June: Sold out 

July: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 

August: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th  

September: Sold out 

October: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 

November: 4th, 11th.  

Availability is updated weekly. 

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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.

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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' experiences 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

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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.​​

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Inclusions per person8 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, more information on our Karibu cottage click here

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

• 7 Daily breakfasts, (self-catered) 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 shown below 

• Whisky tasting sessions

• Engraved personalised Scottish Whisky flask

• Scottish cooking apron.

• Exclusive access to all recipes used in your cooking classes

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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 have one full day and two half day excursion. All excursions are guided by a member of staff.  

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Full day guided excursion:

Full day excursion: Visit to the traditional harbour town of Oban, including a visit to Oban whisky distillery and Dunollie Castle and museum.  Oban is a vibrant little harbour town on the west coast of Scotland with opportunities for you to browse the shops, walk the history trail up to McCaig's tower or maybe sample some fresh shellfish from the many shore side huts. On this day lunch out is included in a traditional pub in Oban - OR – we can substitute this lunch for you to try the tradition of Scottish Afternoon Tea with views over the sea. 

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Half day guided excursions. 

1. Inveraray town and Inveraray Castle and gardens. Inveraray is a very picturesque town on the shores of Loch Fyne with a variety of shops and cafés. Its historic Castle is home to the clan Campbell and dates back to the 14th Century. The current castle with its gothic turrets' dates from the 18th Century and is home to the current Duke of Argyll. The gardens are beautiful in all seasons but May and September are particularly stunning for colour.

 

2.Guided walk through the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada and Kilmartin Valley. Your vacation is based in one of the most historically significant areas of the United Kingdom. This 3-hour relaxed walk will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside to experience standing stones, stone circles, cairns and rock carvings that date back 5,000 years to the Bronze Age.

 

Optional extras that can be added at your own expense to your week vacation.

Pre notification and booking essential and we will take care of these for you. Prices are indicative and will be confirmed at time of booking

 

1.Wildlife and Corryvrecken whirlpool Boat Trip (May to Sept only) £95 per person

A 45-minute drive to the island of Easdale where you will board the day cruiser for a 3-hour cruise out to the gulf of Corryvrecken to experience the tide races, whirlpool and watch for whales and other wildlife. 

2.Day trip to the island of Jura and whisky distillery tour £90 per person. A short drive to the picturesque village of Tayvallich from where you take a 1-hour catamaran ferry to the famous whisky island of Jura. The Jura whisky distillery is a short 5 minute walk from the ferry jetty. 

3.Guided Sea kayaking – 6-hour trip £105 per person. Enjoy the local flora and fauna on a relaxed day of peaceful, guided sea

kayaking exploring the spectacular lochs and coasts of this area. All equipment, guiding and relevant clothing will be provided. 

 

** 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. 

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*** IMPORTANT - Travel information to Scotland: 

1. Arrival: Your vacation starts with your chosen arrival date where you will be met and collected by arrangement from Glasgow International airport (GLA). Please note that the earliest meeting/collection time from the airport is 10.30 am. The latest arrival collection time is 6.00pm. You will be taken by a private transfer to your accommodation base in Mid Argyll.

 

2. Departure: Check out your cottage bef0re 10.00 am: Return transfer, this will be provided by private taxi.  The journey back to Glasgow takes around 2 hours, please bear this in mind when arranging onward travel and flight check in times. If you require to leave your cottage before 8.00 am there will be a separate supplement of £30 payable in advance.    

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