Celebration Food and Whisky Tour of Scotland
As promised a chance for you to share in our fantastic 14 day culinary, food and drink celebration tour around Scotland. Enjoy the highlights of the first quarter, as we take you on a delicious culinary and cultural journey during Visit Scotland’s official ‘Year of Food & Drink’ and the British Food Fortnight.
Day one begins in Glasgow, recently voted the friendliest city in the world. It’s as vibrant and dynamic as they come, with informal dining being the route most travelled. “Unfussy, authentic and delicious” is how our guests described their first dinner at Café Gandolfi, a Glasgow institution that serves up Scottish inspired, locally sourced food in what was the old city cheese market.
Majestic Stirling Castle
Of course as much as we truly believe that the best way to immerse yourself completely and utterly in a country is through its food and drink, on your Tasting Scotland tour of Scotland, we include as many or as few places of historical interest as you like. On Day Two at Stirling Castle, sitting atop a 250ft volcanic crag, the Historic Scotland team have created a 5 star visit experience, which includes an insight into how the chefs would have created a feast of gastronomic proportions for the lavish parties and celebrations of the royal hosts.
Could there possibly be a better way to round off a royal meal than with a highland malt whisky? Normally we’d say no, but what if you crafted your own blend of malt whiskies to your own individual taste? At Glengoyne distillery, described as Scotland’s most beautiful, after an in-depth tour Pauline our expert guide, whisked us off to the Sample Room to assume the role of Honorary Malt Master. Understanding the effect that oak species, cask manufacture and previous fill have on the spirit, the creation process begins. The result is a one-off cask strength, un-chill filtered Glengoyne 17 year old, made the way you want it by your own fair hands, that’s ready to take home.
A relaxing overnight stay at the 5 star Cameron House on Loch Lomond, with a delicious Aberdeen Angus Rib-eye steak at the Cameron Grill, ensured no midnight hunger pangs were endured and brought day two to a close.
All aboard the Loch Lomond Seaplane for dramatic views
There are certainly worse ways in life than to be awoken the next morning than by the gentle hum of a seaplane gently meandering its way over the loch. Better still is the moment you remember you are on the 11:40 flight, before which a full Scottish breakfast with porridge to kick start the day beckons.
Champagne on arriving back on terra firma seems the perfect libation before the journey through the stunning ‘Rest and be Thankful’ mountain pass and onwards to Scotland’s largest sea water loch, for a touch of ‘spot the oysters’. Despite the high tide, you couldn’t miss them in the Loch Fyne Oyster Restaurant though, as even Napolean, who was said to eat a dozen before heading into battle, would have been impressed. A selection arrived, including their own hot and cold smoked salmon, langoustines, scallops, lobster, cockles and mussels.
Perfect peace in Glencoe
From there to the coastal town of Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and a chance to breathe in the delicious, fresh and salty maritime air. And on Day Four a spot of trout fishing and a behind-the-scenes insight on the production of smoked salmon with food artisans/fishermen Robert and Goose preceded a relaxing drive through Scotland’s most romantic glen, Glencoe and a stop at Clachaig Inn – well, naturally.
Over the next 4 days we venture further north deep into the highlands and onto some of the most beautiful islands on earth. See you on the other side.
For more information on creating your own luxury, custom-designed food and whisky tour of Scotland contact us at info@tastingscotland.com You’re memory will thank you for it.
