September 17-September 23, 2017

On this Adventure we will roam the Central Highlands of Scotland and visit the Malt Whiskey Trail area.  You don’t have to be a malt whiskey lover to have a wonderful Adventure with us in Scotland!  We will visit several distilleries, enjoy tastings and even see how the barrels are made in the “only cooperage in the UK”. We will also visit a working woolens mill circa 1784,  as well as Johnstons of Elgin Woollen Mill (famous for weaving Burberry Tartan), search for Nessie on Loch Ness, sample haggis (if you dare), dine on gourmet food and even take in a pub or two! Of course visiting a few castles won’t be difficult.  No crowds in April, and although a little chilly, the whiskey and wonderful company will warm your soul.  Everyone will enjoy Scotland in the Spring. Our Country House accommodations have been specially chosen for the warmth of the hosts and the delicious traditional and gourmet dining!

Day 1– Sunday

We will meet you at Aberdeen Dyce Airport and transport you by private van through the beautiful Scottish countryside to your home for the week in the Scottish Highlands.  After settling in to our Scottish country house, we will all be ready for a  welcome toast and a scrumptious dinner next to the roaring fire.  D

 

Day 2–Monday

After a hearty breakfast we will head to Glenfiddich Distillery, here we will have an inspiring visit to the home of the world’s most awarded single malt.  You will be warmly welcomed by one of their most experienced guides.  Your time at Glenfiddich begins by delving into their 127 years of family ownership and discovering what has led them to become the world’s best selling single malt.  Throughout the visit you will experience the wealth of craftsmanship and traditions that are still used by them today and learn how they balance these with the innovation that has allowed them to create a range of exceptional whiskies. Following an introductory video, you will be shown around the distillery and experience the true taste of Glenfiddich, sampling at various stages along the way. During your visit to warehouse 8, home to their unique Solera process, you’ll discover what makes their 15 year old such an exceptional dram. You’ll then be taken into their malt masters blending room: here you will enjoy tasting a number of cask-strength samples. You’ll also have the unique chance to step into their Malt Master Brian Kinsman’s role, preparing your very own version of Glenfiddich 15 year old by combining different cask samples together. Each guest will be able to bottle a small sample of their own creation to keep.

Now we move on and will discover an old working woolen mill. Deep in the Spey Valley, the Woolmill continues an unbroken 200 year old tradition, producing woven fabric on its historic looms.  A great place to learn all about weaving! Also a good opportunity to take home their woolen plaid clothing, blankets and gifts!

We will then head back to our country house for cocktails and a delicious leisurely gourmet dinner. B/D

 

Day 3–Tuesday

Today we will fill our tummies with a hot breakfast and then venture to Loch Ness and the nearby city of Inverness.  Inverness is one of Scotland’s seven cities and sits in the south of the Highlands, on the banks of the River Ness. Crowned by a pink crenellated castle and lavishly decorated with flowers, Inverness is a thriving city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do both in the city and around. The city boasts a number of historic buildings in the Old Town that can be appreciated while browsing city shops. There is a great selection of places to eat and drink. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around.

No holiday in Scotland is complete without a visit to Loch Ness. And so we MUST visit! Over 20 miles long, a mile wide and 700 feet at its deepest, we will take a cruise, and perhaps a picnic, on Loch Ness, by volume, the largest lake in Scotland .  The Loch Ness Monster is just one of the many myths and legends to be discovered in this particularly beautiful part of Scotland.  B/L

 

Day 4–Wednesday

After breakfast, we will visit the Speyside Cooperage.  In the heart of Scotland’s rolling hills lies the only working cooperage (barrel maker) in the UK where you can experience the ancient art of coopering.  The artisans will amaze you by demonstrating the ancient craft of barrel making.

After the visit, we will leave and head on to Ballindalloch Castle – Family Home of the Macpherson Grants since 1546! Known as the ‘Pearl of the North’ it is a warm and welcoming castle set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey Valley. The Castle is filled with family memorabilia and houses a fine collection of 17th century Spanish paintings built up by Sir John Macpherson-Grant in 1850. Dinner at home. B/D

 

Day 5–Thursday

After a filling breakfast, we will head east to the beautiful city of Aberdeen.  Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city. Situated at the mouth of the Dee River, it is known for its granite quarries, fishing industry and sea port. Aberdeen is also known as the Oil Capital of Europe due to the abundant supply of crude oil which is found in the North Sea. We will discover the city and all it has to offer. On our way, though, we will venture into the Scottish countryside to visit a mysterious ancient site of the Scottish ancestors-a prehistoric stone circle.  B

 

Day 6–Friday

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we will set off north to the Johnston Elgin Mill.  Founded in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin, is one of the premiere wool mills in the world.  Johnstons makes arguably the best cashmere and woolen knits in the world. We will take a guided tour of the entire manufacturing process with one of their experienced tour guides. Watch for yourself as the cashmere is dyed, teased, carded, spun and hand finished by the latest generation of Elgin craftsmen, then we will visit their shop for a chance to purchase everything imaginable, made of woven tartan of course!

Next we will drive a short distance north to the Moray Firth, a roughly triangular inlet (or firth) of the North Sea. Best known for its resident population of dolphins, the Moray Firth is one of the best places in Europe to see these creatures in the wild.

Then on to Strathisla where we will partake of  “The Ultimate Strathisla Experience”.  The ultimate in luxury, enjoy an exclusive tasting of rare and aged Strathisla, Chivas Regal and Royal Salute. Afterwards we will take you inside one of their oldest traditional style warehouses where you will find the Royal Salute Vault.  Here under lock and key is a cask of Royal Salute Stone of Destiny 38 Years Old, and a sample will be drawn from this cask for you to enjoy. This small, intimate distillery was built in 1786 on the banks of the river Isla, and today is the oldest and most picturesque distillery in the highlands of Scotland. This classic Speyside malt has a deep fruitiness with a complex array of nutty and hay-like flavors and is the heart of all the Chivas Regal blends. Then back home for a hearty dinner. B/D

 

Day 7–Saturday

After a full breakfast, we will say goodbye and transport you to the Aberdeen Airport to return home or on to your next destination!

***Accommodations in our country estate are included as well as most meals.