A Family Foodie Experience -...

Exclusive Travel Experiences - UK & Ireland

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A Family Foodie Experience

Specially designed

by

Dream Escape

2017



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Specially designed with a foodie family in mind, this eleven-day chauffeur-driven journey promises to showcase Scotland at its most delicious! Scotland is a food lover’s dream. Enjoy private food tours and fine dining, private chocolate tasting with a world-class chocolatier and a bespoke steak tasting at an organic farm. A wealth of epicurean experiences to delight every palate. Commencing on the famed shores of Loch Lomond, the trip will take you to Highland Perthshire and the ancient coastal town of St. Andrews before concluding on the cobbled streets of Edinburgh. Luxurious accommodation and fun family activities feature throughout, ensuring a truly memorable and unique holiday for every family member.

Day One: Arrival, Glasgow & Loch Lomond On arrival at Glasgow International Airport, be met and welcomed by your experienced chauffeur-guide, who will provide a safe and comfortable journey to your first luxury accommodation. Travel to Loch Lomond, one of the country’s most famous stretches of water. Formed during the last Ice Age, the north is dominated by mountainous peaks and a scattering of islands can be found at the southern shores. It is steeped in legend, folklore and history and has inspired artists, poets and writers for centuries. There can be no better way to experience the water than from a luxury motor cruiser which would be reserved exclusively for your use. Check in to your first luxury property, a baronial-style building situated on the water’s edge. Inside, the property’s interiors are an elegant blend of contemporary design with a graceful nod to a wild and baronial past, and your room’s offers stunning views onto the loch. This evening, you may like to dine in the Michelin starred restaurant Martin Wishart. Family-friendly options include a New England style boathouse on the banks of the Loch, featuring a Loch Fyne seafood menu, or the relaxed Cameron Grill, with its open fire and clan-inspired murals.



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Day Two: Loch Katrine

Spend the day exploring through the Trossachs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty straddling the border between the Highlands and Lowlands. It is often referred to as Scotland in Miniature - within a few miles, you can find towering peaks and deep wooded glens, as well as babbling streams and rivers which run into magnificent lochs. Let the fun-filled adventures commence as you pause to see the ‘Quack Commandos’, a hilarious roadshow that will demonstrate the skill and speed of Border Collies in action with a flock of Indian Runner Ducks. The talented sheepdogs guide the ducks around a course of obstacles and to follow, members of the public are invited onto the course to see if they can move the ducks as efficiently as the sheepdogs. Take the opportunity of meeting both dogs & ducks at the end of the show. To follow, head to Loch Katrine, which was immortalised in verse by Sir Walter Scott with his poem, “Lady of the Lake”. Here, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the SS Sir Walter Scott, which was named in honour of the writer. The cruise will take you past Ben Venue and Ellen’s Isle, a small island in the water. Pass by the site of Queen Victoria’s Royal Cottage, built for Her Majesty’s use on an official visit in 1859. Famously, the monarch never stayed in beautiful gothic cottage – the 21-gun salute to mark her arrival shattered the cottage windows! At the opposite end of the loch, collect a bicycle, or electric bicycle if preferred, and make the return journey following a route along the water’s edge. Cycle at your own pace and take in the picturesque surroundings.



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Day Three: Loch Lomond at Leisure This morning, take to the water of Loch Lomond on a luxury motor cruiser which would be reserved exclusively for your use. Afterwards, spend the day at leisure, doing as much or as little as you please. The Trossachs offers the perfect place for water-based activities. From lochs and meandering rivers to challenging rapids and falls, there is no shortage of locations. Perhaps try canoeing, water-skiing, or wind-surfing. For a gentler introduction to Scottish waters, an expert ghillie can teach you the art of angling. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, perhaps play a round of golf on a nearby Championship course, cycle or walk through the picturesque countryside, or try your hand at some country pursuits from archery to clay pigeon. Against the spectacular backdrop of famed Loch Lomond, indulge and delight your senses, body and mind in The Spa at Cameron House. It is complete with 17 treatment rooms including a VIP couple’s rooms with mineral bath, steam room and private balcony. The stunning rooftop infinity pool allows you to take a dip and admire the mesmerising views towards the Scottish mountains.



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Day Four: to Perthshire via Stirling Castle Depart Loch Lomond and drive east to Stirling Castle. It is perhaps one of Scotland’s most important castles – whoever ruled here, often ruled the nation. The castle towers over some of the most important battlefields in Scottish history, including Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe only 17 years later. Noted highlights for younger visitors include the Royal Palace complete with costumed courtiers, bodyguards and servants from the 16th century. The Palace Vaults are a great place to learn about the people who helped build the palace and others who worked for the King and Queen. Continue to your second property, a world-renowned property nestled in the countryside. When it first opened its doors in 1924, it was described as “a Riviera of the Highlands”; today, its reputation for luxury is undiminished. The 850-acre estate is situated in the heart of Perthshire, and offers sumptuous accommodation, impeccable service, Michelin-starred dining and an array of country pursuits and leisure activities with expert tuition on-hand. Once settled, be amazed by a privately reserved falconry display including falcons, owls, hawks and eagles. Afterwards, experience for yourself the “sport of kings”, learning how to handle and fly these magnificent birds of prey.



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Day Five: Country Pursuits Having won “Best of the Best Family Programme” at the 2013 Virtuoso Awards and “Best Family Hotel” at the 2014 Junior Design Awards, as well as high praise from Condé Nast Traveller, it is little surprise that the resort’s family-oriented activities are nothing short of amazing. Perhaps experience first-hand the world of gundog training, taking time with a beautiful, affectionate and enthusiastic canine companion, usually either a Labrador or Spaniel. For fans of larger animals, learn horseback riding or maybe even “own a pony for the day” and discover how these gentle creatures are fed, groomed and cared for. If in search of adventure, you may wish to visit the off-road driving school. For younger guests, it is the first in the UK to offer junior drivers their very own, purpose-built course. The Land Rover replicas have been specially built and are a quarter of the size of their parent original. With expert guidance on hand, the experience is both exciting and safe. From clay pigeon target shooting to air-rifle range and archery, the Shooting School provides an excellent opportunity to improve your aim. Feel the blend of calmness and anticipation as you raise your rifle or bow and lock onto the target, ready for a bullseye. Perhaps retreat from the world for the space of a few hours, and cast your line in the company of an expert ghillie. With private lochs stocked with rainbow and brown trout as well as the opportunity to try salmon fishing on the famous river Tay, the net is cast wide enough for all to enjoy.



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Day Six: The Highlands Experience Scotland’s famed mountains. All you need be is “armed with camera and binoculars” as you sit back and soak up the sights from the comfort of your chauffeur-driven 4WD. Your Safari Ranger will bring Scotland alive, transporting you into “Europe’s last wilderness” - an exclusive location 2500ft high on the hills above Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, offering dramatic views towards Ben Nevis some 50 miles to the west. Here on the mountain slopes, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch served from wicker baskets. You may even be lucky enough to see the majestic Red Deer, the Famous Grouse, the elusive Mountain Hare and the soaring Golden Eagle. The day concludes with a special visit to the picturesque base of an internationally-renowned and award-winning chocolatier. The highlight of the visit is perhaps a personal tasting of the artisan chocolates – each is created with the finest ingredients to ensure a sumptuous and unforgettable taste experience.



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Day Seven: Perthshire Produce Today, enjoy three visits designed to showcase Scotland’s Natural Larder. Travel to the east coast, and to the town of Arbroath, home to an attractive traditional harbour, sandy beaches and sandstone cliffs. The town is well-known for the “Arbroath smokie” – a form of smoked haddock. The term can only be legally used to describe line-caught haddock smoke-cured over smouldering oak chips in the traditional manner within an 8km radius of Arbroath. Visit one of the family-run smokehouses tucked away in the harbour. Perhaps head to one of the most atmospheric, which produces fish described by chef and cookery writer Rick Stein as “a world-class delicacy”. To follow, enjoy a visit to a nearby traditional farm. It first received organic status in 2002 and has since moved into new areas of production that compliment meat products, namely organic potato crops, organic egg production and organic table chicken. The animals are locally bred and have been for over 30 years. The herd of Aberdeen Angus are reared organically, grazing on the lush Perthshire pastures producing meat that is full of flavour. The meat is matured in the traditional manner, with beef being hung for approximately three weeks. The private bespoke visit concludes with a delicious steak tasting! The day concludes with a visit to a local farm to pick your own berries, giving you the chance to pick the juiciest, tastiest and freshest available!



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Day Eight: St. Andrews Enjoy a day tour to St. Andrews. Begin with a visit to a local farm which is known for producing delicious artisan cheese using milk only from their own herd of home-bred cows. Visit the herd, watch the cheese making in action, and then perhaps enjoy some refreshments in the coffee shop. Situated on the highest point of the farm, it provides sweeping views across the fields and to the Firth of Forth. Spend the afternoon exploring St. Andrews itself. In addition to being the home of golf, it is where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge first met, whilst studying at the world-renowned university. For the golfing enthusiast, see the famed fairways of the Old Course, Swilcan Bridge and the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. Browse the Tom Morris Store opened by the golfing great himself in 1866, making it the oldest golf shop in the world. The nearby famous Jigger Inn makes a great spot for refreshments or a meal. Dating back to the 1850s it is a charming and traditional building full of golfing memorabilia with a great atmosphere - popular with tourists and locals alike. Noted sites from Scotland’s history books include St Andrews Castle and St Andrews Cathedral and shopping is delightful. The town is still refreshingly free of national outlets and chain stores – save a few exceptions. Instead, there is an excellent range of independent, family-run shops and businesses, where you are guaranteed to find a unique range of goods matched by personal service. Check into your penultimate property which is located in the heart of the town. Recognised as one of Europe’s leading resorts, this prestigious property borders the 17th hole of the Old Course, and features a combination of classically elegant and contemporary interiors.



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Day Nine: An Introduction to Edinburgh Depart St. Andrews and travel south to your final location. You may prefer to go via a panoramic route which will take you through the Royal Burgh of South Queensferry, a suburb of Edinburgh on the banks of the River Forth. The town is dominated by the iconic Forth Railway Bridge. Built in 1890, it is a much celebrated Scottish landmark and a milestone in the development of railway civil engineering. Such is its importance that the bridge was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. This has been a strategic crossing point since the late 11th century, when the saintly Queen Margaret established a ferry across the River Forth to promote the pilgrim route to St Andrews. Continue to your accommodation, driving through the beautiful crescents and streets of the 18th and 19th century Georgian New Town. These stand in clear contrast to the narrow streets of the Old Town you will be visiting the next day. Edinburgh, sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neo-classical New Town, dating from the 18th century. The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995. Check in to your final accommodation, a Victorian building with Scottish baronial influences. It is a luxury hotel in the true sense of the word. While many Edinburgh hotels claim to have city landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their own doorstep is a landmark.



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Day Ten: Edinburgh’s Old Town Highlights Meet your qualified guide in the hotel foyer and set off to spend the day exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town. Commence with a visit to Edinburgh Castle which towers over the city from its volcanic rock. Step inside the ancient walls and learn of the royalty who lived and died here and the struggles for control of the nation. To follow, walk along the Royal Mile which lies at the heart of the Old Town and is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling cashmere goods and hand crafted silver jewellery. However, in centuries gone by it was a different story. Delving into the Old Town is like leafing through the pages of a dusty historical novel, as each era unfolds with its own legends and characters. During August, the Royal Mile comes spectacularly alive with outdoor performers of the Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. Spend time soaking up at the atmosphere and prepare to be surprised, delighted, amazed and inspired. Performances range from stand-up comedy, revival of classic plays, one-person monologues to wild avant-garde productions. Later, discover the city from a foodie perspective on an eating & walking tour. Lasting about three hours, it will take you through the Old and New Towns, into unusual or hidden restaurants, shops and bars. Taste dishes specially prepared for you and sample individually selected wines & malt whisky; talk to the chefs/owners, who will be happy to share the history behind their premises.



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This evening experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, often billed as the “most famous show in the world”. Showcasing music, dance and displays from around the world, The 2017 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, embraces the colourful theme, Splash of Tartan, playing host to a stunning array of performers from all points of the compass. In a Royal Navy led year, we set sail with the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines as we celebrate the history, heritage and colour of Scotland’s global family both near and far. With the unforgettable sight and sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums performing against the brooding backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the spectacular production will include, amongst others, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Highland Dancers and the Hjaltibonhoga Shetland Fiddlers.” The event is brought to a poignant conclusion as a lone piper high on the castle ramparts plays a haunting lament.

Day Eleven: Homeward Bound Your chauffeur-guide will accompany you to Edinburgh Airport where you will board your flight for onward travel. End of Services

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