Luxury Whisky Tour of Scotland July 7-16, 2017
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[email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 1 Luxury Whisky Tour of Scotland July 7-16, 2017 Whisky has been lovingly crafted in Scotland for centuries. It is fair to say that it is the country’s national drink, running deep in our veins. The indulgent ten-day program will take in a variety of regions. The pilgrimage begins in the whisky paradise of Islay before venturing to the famed region of Speyside. Combining luxurious accommodation with exclusive visits, this is an experience to savor, ensuring you will depart with a deep appreciation and great understanding of this timeless spirit. Day One: Friday 7 July Arrival into Scotland On arrival at Edinburgh Airport be met and greeted by your chauffeur who will be on hand to welcome you to Scotland. Take a short transfer into the city center where you will start your tour. Check into your accommodation, the Rocco Forté Collection's Balmoral, situated in what was once the North British Station Hotel, 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 Edinburgh's landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their own doorstep is a landmark. Let your introduction to the city begin in the property’s Scotch Bar. Relax on one of the comfortable Tweed sofas and let one of the Whisky Ambassadors provide a soothing tutorage on the water of life, with a dram from each whisky region. There are over 500 varieties to select from, with each accompanied by a specially selected snack; wild boar salami, dark Swiss chocolate or smoked almonds. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 2 Day Two: Saturday 8 July Edinburgh’s Highlights Accompanied by an experienced qualified guide, explore the vibrant and historic city. 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 what saw it be awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995. Begin at the iconic Edinburgh Castle – from its volcanic rock, it towers over the city. 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, is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling whisky, 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. You may like to visit the Scotch Whisky Experience, found next to the Castle. Head here for a nosing and tasting of the ‘water of life’. Sample contrasting malts before seeing The Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection: 3,384 bottles, the largest collection of Scottish whisky in the world. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 3 Day Three: Sunday 9 July By plane to Islay After a morning at leisure, a chauffeur will transfer you to Glasgow Airport where you will set off for the beautiful Isle of Islay. It is just 25 miles in length and is complete with stunning beaches and magnificent sweeping bays on the Atlantic, coupled with charming little villages. It truly is “picture perfect”, and a paradise for whisky lovers. Islay is home to eight working distilleries; it is believed that the Irish monks first introduced the art of distillation here during the 14th century. They found an island eminently suited for production, with unlimited supplies of peat, lochs and rivers filled with pure, soft water. Upon arrival, be welcomed by your chauffeur-guides, who will accompany you on your whisky tour of Scotland. Check into your accommodation that sits on Islay’s famous Whisky Coast, in the fishing village of Port Ellen, overlooking the harbour and marina. The Islay Hotel offers recently refurbished accommodation, a restaurant and well-stocked whisky bar. Guests can enjoy the unspoilt Scottish coastline and beaches, from 2 minutes' walk away. Each bedroom is individually designed and has a king or twin beds, and has luxury en suite facilities. The restaurant serves fresh, local food. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 4 Day Four: Monday 10 July The Isle of Islay Accompanied by your chauffeur-guides, spend the next two days exploring the island, indulging in the amber nectar and fantastic scenery that the island has to offer. Let your introduction to the “water of life” begin as you sample malts at the oldest distillery on the island. Enjoy a private craftsman tour which includes a visit to the inner sanctum, Bowmore’s No. 1 Vaults - a must for enthusiasts. To follow, your whisky tasting experience on the island continues. Most of Islay’s original distilleries, some long since lost to history, started as farm distilleries, retreating to secluded glens and caves when excise duty was first introduced on whisky in the 17th century. In actual fact, the excise-men didn’t dare set foot on Islay for over 150 years because of the fearsome reputation of the islanders, who were regarded at the time as wild and barbaric. Today, nothing could be further from the truth, with the island well noted from for its warm hospitality. Today, perhaps visit: • Bruichladdich Distillery – located on the westernmost part of the island, the distillery was built in 1881, and was considered advanced for its time. Much of the Victorian décor and equipment remains, providing a fascinating insight into the whisky world of times gone by. The distillery uses organically grown Scottish barley to create its remarkable whiskies, including one said to be the most heavily peated single malt whisky in the world – an acquired taste! • Kilchoman Distillery – By contrast, the newest distillery on Islay, and the first to be established in over 124 years. One of only six distilleries to stilly practice traditional floor malting, the distillery uses barley grown onsite at Rockside Farm. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 5 Day Five: Tuesday 11 July Islay’s Whisky Coast Travel to the southern end of Islay, commencing the day with a visit to the Kildalton Cross - a masterpiece of 8th century religious art, every inch the equal of the three great high crosses – St John’s, St Martin’s and St Oran’s – which are situated on Iona. Indeed, it is likely that the same sculptor carved more than one of these stones. It is remarkable that the cross is still standing where it was erected over 1200 years ago, the only early Christian cross still standing in its original position. Excavation in 1882 showed that there was an even earlier Christian cross-slab on the site, as well as burials. Three distilleries inhabit the southern shores of Islay, found within just a few minutes of one another. Private tours or experiences can be arranged at the following distilleries: • Laphroaig Distillery - For 200 years, locals have been hand-cutting Islay peat from the beds next to the distillery for use in the kilns. It was established in 1815 and is also the only whisky to carry a Royal Warrant of HRH, The Prince of Wales, which was awarded in person during a visit in 1994. • Ardbeg - Established in 1815, it is now one of the fastest growing Islay malts. It is the peatiest and smokiest of all the Islay malts, but counters with a fruity floral sweetness. • Lagavulin - Employing traditional, wooden fermentation vessels and unusually shaped stills contributes to producing this characteristic malt. The 16YRO malt is intense, smokey-sweet with sea-salt flavours and a huge finish. An Independent Affiliate of Largay Travel Virtuoso Member Specialists in the Art of Travel [email protected] www.rouxluxurytravel.com Office: (203) 757-9481 Mobile: (225) 717-2298 Toll Free: 1-800-322-9481 6 Day Six: Wednesday 12 July Return to the Mainland Board a ferry to return to the mainland, arriving at Kennacraig. Continue north through Argyll to Oban on the west coast. The picturesque waterfront town was established by the Duke of Argyll in the early 19th century as a popular Victorian resort. Today it is known as the “Gateway to the Isles”. Head to the town’s distillery for a visit. Dating back to 1794, the distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest and most charming. Indulge in a tasting of the 14YRO, described as having a rich and smoky nose; its palate is thick and full and there are notes of citrus with a smooth sweetness.