Prepared for SMWS Dream Escape - 'One for the Great Outdoors': Whisky tour across Scotland . in partnership with
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Prepared for SMWS
Dream Escape
March 2012
‘One for the Great Outdoors’: Whisky tour across Scotland…….
in partnership with
'The following collection of rare experiences is
brought to you in collaboration with The Scotch
Malt Whisky Society - the world's foremost malt
whisky club. Discover the Society's exclusive
single cask, single malts from over 128 different
distilleries, as SMWS and Dream Escape guide
you through some of the finest and hidden
experiences of Scotland…’
dreamescape.co.uk
Day One Accommodation Choices: The Missoni Hotel, Edinburgh Hotel du Vin, Edinburgh You’ll be welcomed on arrival into Edinburgh Airport by your chauffeur/guide who will accompany you on your trip. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, characterised by narrow closes and cobbled streets. Visit Edinburgh Castle, sitting high above the city on its volcanic rock - highlights start as soon as you step out on the Esplanade. Towards the end of the day, head to the Scotch Whisky Experience on Castlehill and view the Claive Vidiz Collection, the largest collection of Scottish whiskies in the world. A special Scotch Malt Whisky Society welcome at the hotel of your choice. The Missoni Hotel Located just off arguably one of the most famous streets in the world, the Royal Mile, is Edinburgh’s newest 5* property, Hotel Missoni. Bold and chic contemporary luxury. Hotel du Vin Nestled deep in Edinburgh's Old Town, is the 4* Hotel du Vin. The property is elegant but relaxed, classic yet quirky. Think quintessential British style without pretension, and with a dedicated whisky snug, a fitting location to being your trip. dreamescape.co.uk
View of Edinburgh Castle from The Balmoral Hotel Catherine Warner July 2009 dreamescape.co.uk
Day Two Accommodation Choices: The Missoni Hotel, Edinburgh Hotel du Vin, Edinburgh Walk down arguably one of the most famous streets in the world – the Royal Mile and visit the spectacular baroque Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of HM, The Queen and Royal Family when in Scotland. The Palace is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and as the setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent reign. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the famous Royal Yacht Britannia and perhaps the amazing Royal Botanic Gardens across the afternoon. This evening let your voyage into the world of whisky commence at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and their beautifully restored town house in the heart of the Georgian New Town. Elegant and chic surroundings provide a stylish backdrop for an introduction to whisky, affectionately called “the water of life” or the “amber nectar”. Learn characteristics that make up a Lowland, Highland, Island or Speyside under the tutorage of an expert Society Whisky Ambassador, followed by a wonderful dinner served in the restaurant. dreamescape.co.uk
Hotel du Vin, Edinburgh dreamescape.co.uk
Hotel
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Members’ Room bar du Vin,Queen
at 28 Edinburgh
Street
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Day Three Accommodation Choices: Kilmeny Guest House, Islay Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel this morning before you are met by your driver guide and its time to check-out. Head west to Glasgow and enjoy a panoramic tour of this stylish city before taking a short flight over to the Isle of Islay, the Queen of the Hebrides. Measuring no more than 25 miles in length, and famed for its beautiful beaches and magnificent sweeping bays on the Atlantic, coupled with charming little villages it is truly a picture postcard perfect place. Your accommodation for the next two evenings, is the charming Kilmeny Guest House. Enjoy dinner on Islay this evening at a local restaurant or Inn. Kilmeny Guest House This luxurious guest house is situated a few miles from the coast in an elevated position and commands wonderful views all around. The owner, an Islay islander, will enrich the stay by imparting the true experiences of living on the island. dreamescape.co.uk
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Day Four Accommodation: Kilmeny Guest House, Islay Today spend the day discovering Islay’s malts. A recognised whisky region it its own right and home to eight working distilleries - it is believed that the Irish monks first introduced the art of distillation here during the 14th century. Here, they found an island eminently suited for the production with unlimited supplies of peat, lochs and rivers filled with pure soft water. In the north visit Bunnahabhain - sample its trademark un-chill-filtered malt, a smoky and rich, full-bodied experience . It’s then to the west to sample malts from the oldest distillery on the island, Bowmore, for a craftsman tour of the famous malt which is a must for all whisky enthusiasts. Head south to the picturesque town of Port Ellen and visit Lagavulin and of course Laphroaig, where for 200 years locals have been hand-cutting Islay peat from the beds next to the distillery for use in the kilns. Finally visit the famous Ardbeg Distillery – where you’ll enjoy a range of their iconic malts. Why not wrap up the day’s tour with a sampling of SMWS whiskies from across Islay. Return to Kilmeny later in the day for afternoon tea before heading out to dinner this evening. dreamescape.co.uk
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Catherine Warner July 2009 dreamescape.co.uk
Day Five Accommodation Choices: Highland Cottage, Tobermory, Mull Glengorm Castle, Mull Depart Islay and head north on local ferry and pause briefly in Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles”. Following a leisurely lunch in one of the waterfront restaurants, take the short ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull, the third largest in Scotland. See stunning land and seascapes including the impressive Lismore Lighthouse. Visit Tobermory distillery, which dates back to 1798, to enjoy tour and tasting. See also the ancestral home of the Clan McLean, once the most powerful clan in the Inner Hebrides at Duart Castle. Onto your choice of accommodation this evening. Either a Castle with amazing views or a wonderful traditional cottage hotel overlooking the bay at Tobermory. Highland Cottage Situated just outside the hustle and bustle of Tobermory, the property has received many accolades for its service and dining and is generally considered to be the finest small hotel on the island. Glengorm Castle Built in 1860 it is situated on the headland of the northern tip of the Isle overlooking the crashing waves of the Atlantic, the castle offers stunning views of the Outer Hebrides and Isles of Uist, Rhum and Canna. Today it is still a home with the family living on-site, and it is run as a luxurious 4* bed and breakfast property. dreamescape.co.uk
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Day Six Accommodation Choices: Highland Cottage, Tobermory, Mull Glengorm Castle, Mull The Isles are famous for their wildlife and are a genuine nature lover’s paradise - the waters surrounding Mull, Staffa and Iona are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Up above in the skies, sea eagles amongst others glide across the sky and red deer freely roam the land. Today a rather special day with a visit the Isle of Iona and Staffa. Only a mile in length and only 10 minutes boat-ride from Mull, Iona has its place in history as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. It was from here that in AD563 St Columba spread the word across the ancient kingdom. Today, the island instils a wonderful feeling of an inner peace in the visitor, no more so than in the tranquil Iona Abbey, one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites. This afternoon take a boat trip to Staffa, one of the most dramatic of Scotland's many uninhabited islands. It is perhaps most famous for its south side, the perpendicular rock face features an imposing series of black basalt columns, which have been cut by the sea into caverns, most notably Fingal's Cave. Return to your accommodation for to freshen up and a chance to enjoy a special Society single malt whisky and Mull cheese pairing. Enjoy a relaxed dinner and overnight on Mull dreamescape.co.uk
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Day Seven: Accommodation Choices: Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William Factors Cottages at Inverlochy Castle, Fort William Return to Oban this morning and visit the distillery for a tour and tasting, no more than a stone’s thrown from the pier. It dates back to 1794, making it one of Scotland’s oldest. From here, head north along the coast or perhaps you would prefer to drive through the amazing scenery of Glencoe. Arrive at your Highland accommodation, which is nestled at the foot of this mighty mountain. It’s fair to say, a more picturesque location is hard to imagine and indeed in 1873, Queen Victoria spent a week here sketching and painting where she wrote in her diaries 'I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot'. Enjoy pre dinner drinks in the Drawing Room before a private dinner in the Library followed by some special SMWS whisky chocolates with your choice of after dinner dram. Inverlochy Castle Inverlochy had been a private residence for over a hundred years until 1969 when it was converted from a family home to Scotland's finest country house hotel. The castle offers generous sized accommodation – a spectacular four poster bed and a comfortable sitting area in front of a series of bay windows with views over the loch. Factor’s Cottage at Inverlochy Castle Charming cottage accommodation on the grounds of Inverlochy Castle. Overlooked by Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the surrounding scenery is breath-taking. dreamescape.co.uk
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William Catherine Warner July 2009 dreamescape.co.uk
Catherine Warner July 2009 dreamescape.co.uk
Day Eight Accommodation Choices: Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye Toravaig House Hotel, Isle of Skye Depart Inverlochy Castle after breakfast this morning and board the Jacobite Steam Train at Fort William, justifiably mentioned as one of the world’s great train journeys. The route takes in the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct and travels along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline. On a clear day you can see the enchanting Small Isles of Muck, Eigg and Rum. Enjoy a casual lunch in the small town of Mallaig before taking the ferry across the water on the short crossing to your next port of call, the Isle of Skye - it is rightly said that no trip to Scotland would be complete without a visit here. Arrive at your accommodation in the south part of the Isle of Skye late this afternoon. Time to relax and enjoy your surroundings before a wonderful dinner this evening at Kinloch Lodge or Toravig House Hotel. Kinloch Lodge Lady Claire MacDonald’s Kinloch Lodge Hotel is charming, cosy and discreetly luxurious. It is recognised internationally and was cited as one of the world's top 25 small hotels in Condé Nast Traveller magazine, and the restaurant holds a coveted Michelin star. Toravaig House Hotel Situated in quite the most idyllic location, overlooking the waters of the “Sound of Sleat”. With only 9 bedrooms, the property is best described as “romantic and luxurious” and makes a great base to come to after exploring the island today and the next. dreamescape.co.uk
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Day Nine Accommodation Choices: Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye Toravaig House Hotel, Isle of Skye Spend a day with your driver guide discovering the Isle of Skye, taking in the scenic landscapes and the stunning Cuillin Hills. You can visit Scotland’s oldest inhabited Castle, seat of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod since 1200. Enjoy a lunch in a multi-award winning old crofters cottage, The Three Chimneys Restaurant overlooking the water with stunning views. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Talisker Distillery, located on the banks of Loch Harport. They have been producing a peaty whisky since 1931 and it’s a wonderful location to visit – it’s also the only distillery on the Isle of Skye. This evening perhaps stop in the Isle of Skye’s largest town, Portree, for a drink or a light supper before returning to your accommodation. dreamescape.co.uk
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Day Ten: Accommodation Choices: Rocpool Reserve Hotel Culloden House Hotel Return to the mainland travelling over the impressive Skye Bridge, pausing for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle – it is very much an iconic image of Scotland, situated on a small island where three great see lochs meet. Travel alongside the waters alongside mighty mountains called the Five Sisters of Kintail, four of which are over 3,000ft. Reach, without a doubt, one of Scotland’s most famous stretches of water, Loch Ness. There can be no better way to see the water than from on board a luxury motor cruiser. Step aboard for a private cruise on including a seafood buffet luncheon. The views from the boat offer a unique view of the impressive Urquhart Castle, dating back to the 13th century. Once it was one of Scotland’s mightiest strongholds – now an atmospheric ruin overlooking the dark waters, where you may even get a glance of the Loch’s elusive resident... Enjoy a wonderful whisky dinner this evening hosted by an expert SMWS Whisky Ambassador and a chance to taste some rare Society whiskies. Rocpool Reserve The 5* Rocpool Reserve is an award-winning luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of Inverness - an exclusive hideaway in the centre of the city. Culloden House Best described as a gracious Georgian country house incorporating a mid-16th century castle, it was headquarters for Bonnie Prince Charlie prior to the Battle of Culloden. dreamescape.co.uk
Loch Ness Catherine Warner July 2009 dreamescape.co.uk
Day Eleven: Speyside & Departure Head south to Speyside, a region home to more than half of our working malt whisky distilleries – a total of 84 – including some of the world’s best-sellers; The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant and The Macallan. Start with a visit to the only working cooperage in the UK where you can experience the ancient art of coopering. Here, using traditional methods and tools, they produce the finest casks essential to the art of whisky distilling. Follow with one final visit to your distillery of choice, perhaps an opportunity to sample your favourite rare malt in the very place it is distilled. From here, only a short journey to Aberdeen Airport for your onward flight. dreamescape.co.uk
ll of our programme overviews provide just the basic itinerary information. There A is of course a huge amount of detail that sits behind each proposal. If you have any questions or queries about any part of your proposal please do let us know. We look forward to hearing from you at your convenience to confirm your dream escape. enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk dreamescape.co.uk
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