Overview
NEW - Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis
Europe
9 days
8 nights
12 people
Easy
Food & Drink
Get ready to embark on a delectable journey through Scotland's culinary heartlands. From historic castles to working country estates, prepare your palate for iconic national specialties like haggis and Cullen Skink, artisanal tastings - from smokehouse to creamery - and drams of the finest single malt whisky sipped amidst heather-cloaked highlands. Along the way, you'll hobnob with larger-than-life characters, from friendly lairds to master storytellers, who will regale you with lively tales steeped in centuries of tradition. Whether cruising lochs, rambling around royal cities, or getting hands-on during exclusive culinary demos, every day promises another serving of Scotland's exceptionally warm hospitality. This mouthwatering epicurean adventure is sure to leave you forever smitten with this bonnie and bountiful land!
Special Access: Meet the owners of a family-run fish monger shop.
Travel with Purpose: Spend a night on the lands of a Rewilding Center focused on the wild forest of the Highlands.
Global Community: Eat with Wendy Barrie, author of the Scottish Food Guide.
Highlights
- Meet the owners of a family-run fish monger shop.
- Learn to make haggis from a certified expert.
- Meals with Wendy Barrie, author of the Scottish Food Guide.
- Spend a night on the lands of a Rewilding Centre focused on the wild forest of the Highlands.
- Stay the night in a 700 year old castle that once hosted Queen Victoria.
Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.
Day 1
Welcome to Scotland
Hello and welcome to Edinburgh! Touch down in the Scottish capital and be whisked away to Dalhousie Castle, your stately home for the night. This 13th-century stronghold, steeped in 700 years of history, offers a glimpse into Scotland's storied past, with illustrious past guests including Queen Victoria, Sir Walter Scott, and Oliver Cromwell. Wander the medieval passageways, peer into hiding nooks, and descend into the atmospheric dungeon before convening over welcome drinks and a hearty feast in the Orangerie. Clink glasses with your fellow gourmet-loving adventurers and settle in for an evening fit for nobility.
Welcome to Scotland
Hello and welcome to Edinburgh! Touch down in the Scottish capital and be whisked away to Dalhousie Castle, your stately home for the night. This 13th-century stronghold, steeped in 700 years of history, offers a glimpse into Scotland's storied past, with illustrious past guests including Queen Victoria, Sir Walter Scott, and Oliver Cromwell. Wander the medieval passageways, peer into hiding nooks, and descend into the atmospheric dungeon before convening over welcome drinks and a hearty feast in the Orangerie. Clink glasses with your fellow gourmet-loving adventurers and settle in for an evening fit for nobility.
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Dalhousie Castle or similar, Bonnyrigg
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Welcome Dinner
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Dalhousie Castle or similar, Bonnyrigg
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Ode to a Haggis
Today's culinary odyssey celebrates that most iconic Scottish delicacy - the mighty haggis! We'll journey to a working sheep farm near lovely Loch Lomond for an exclusive masterclass. Under the tutelage of a certified haggis expert, delve into the quirky history of this "great chieftain o' the puddin' race" before observing the intricate preparation process firsthand. True adventurers will want to sample the real deal during a hearty, two-course lunch (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives are available). Afterward, we'll stretch our legs amidst the whimsical Fairy Trail at Balloch Castle before continuing on to the charming coastal town of Oban for the evening. With its fresh-off-the-boat seafood bounty, this harbor hamlet promises the perfect finale to a uniquely Scottish day of deliciousness.
Ode to a Haggis
Today's culinary odyssey celebrates that most iconic Scottish delicacy - the mighty haggis! We'll journey to a working sheep farm near lovely Loch Lomond for an exclusive masterclass. Under the tutelage of a certified haggis expert, delve into the quirky history of this "great chieftain o' the puddin' race" before observing the intricate preparation process firsthand. True adventurers will want to sample the real deal during a hearty, two-course lunch (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free alternatives are available). Afterward, we'll stretch our legs amidst the whimsical Fairy Trail at Balloch Castle before continuing on to the charming coastal town of Oban for the evening. With its fresh-off-the-boat seafood bounty, this harbor hamlet promises the perfect finale to a uniquely Scottish day of deliciousness.
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Columbia Hotel or similar, Oban
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Columbia Hotel or similar, Oban
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Wildlife Walks & Smokehouse Delights
Ahoy, seafood lovers! Today we sail to the Isle of Mull, a rugged jewel in the Hebridean archipelago, home to some of Scotland’s wildest coastal scenery. After ferrying across to Craignure, enjoy a wildlife walk with a local expert, who will guide you in search of the island's elusive residents - from shy otters to majestic white-tailed eagles soaring overhead. Our appetite properly whetted, we'll make our way to vibrant Tobermory to visit the family-run Tobermory Fish Co. 'Mum' will reveal the secrets of their smokehouses before leading a delectable tasting showcasing their sublime smoked specialties. Brimming with ocean-fresh flavors, we'll tuck into a decadent seafood platter picnic boasting sweeping views over the Sound of Mull. With satisfied smiles, we'll sail back to the mainland for an evening at leisure in lovely Oban.
Wildlife Walks & Smokehouse Delights
Ahoy, seafood lovers! Today we sail to the Isle of Mull, a rugged jewel in the Hebridean archipelago, home to some of Scotland’s wildest coastal scenery. After ferrying across to Craignure, enjoy a wildlife walk with a local expert, who will guide you in search of the island's elusive residents - from shy otters to majestic white-tailed eagles soaring overhead. Our appetite properly whetted, we'll make our way to vibrant Tobermory to visit the family-run Tobermory Fish Co. 'Mum' will reveal the secrets of their smokehouses before leading a delectable tasting showcasing their sublime smoked specialties. Brimming with ocean-fresh flavors, we'll tuck into a decadent seafood platter picnic boasting sweeping views over the Sound of Mull. With satisfied smiles, we'll sail back to the mainland for an evening at leisure in lovely Oban.
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Columbia Hotel or similar, Oban
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Columbia Hotel or similar, Oban
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Rewilding, Venison & Gaelic Folktales
Venture northwards today for an immersion in rewilding at the inspirational Dundreggan Centre. After fortifying yourself with a hearty lunch, lace up your boots for an eye-opening ranger-guided trek across this rejuvenated estate. Discover the incredible impact of tree planting, peatland restoration, and deer management in mitigating climate change and fostering biodiversity. Be prepared for some invigorating uphill stretches on this walk through Scotland's wild heart. As dusk falls, you'll be treated to a celebratory dinner showcasing the finest locally-sourced venison, sourced from the estate itself. Then, linger over enchanting Gaelic folktales recounted by a master storyteller, who will give you an introduction to the Gaelic language, and transport you into the mysterious world of Highland legends.
Rewilding, Venison & Gaelic Folktales
Venture northwards today for an immersion in rewilding at the inspirational Dundreggan Centre. After fortifying yourself with a hearty lunch, lace up your boots for an eye-opening ranger-guided trek across this rejuvenated estate. Discover the incredible impact of tree planting, peatland restoration, and deer management in mitigating climate change and fostering biodiversity. Be prepared for some invigorating uphill stretches on this walk through Scotland's wild heart. As dusk falls, you'll be treated to a celebratory dinner showcasing the finest locally-sourced venison, sourced from the estate itself. Then, linger over enchanting Gaelic folktales recounted by a master storyteller, who will give you an introduction to the Gaelic language, and transport you into the mysterious world of Highland legends.
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Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, Glenmoriston
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, Glenmoriston
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Castles, Cathedrals & Cashmere
Today's jaunt whisks you east along the Great Glen, pausing to drink in the vistas of mythic Loch Ness and explore brooding Urquhart Castle's atmospheric ruins. Continuing on, you'll stop in Elgin, where you’ll explore the ruins of Elgin Cathedral, burned to the ground by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390. Then dive into Elgin's wool heritage at the esteemed Johnstone's cashmere mill. On a guided tour, discover how the surrounding landscapes inspire their lush colors and patterns as experts reveal the meticulous process behind their ultra-luxe garments. Your final stop is the coastal village of Cullen, famed for its eponymous smoked haddock chowder - Cullen Skink. Here, the hotel's chef will regale you with tales of this iconic Scottish dish before a full demonstration utilizing the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. Of course, no culinary lesson is complete without a hearty tasting at tonight's dinner!
Castles, Cathedrals & Cashmere
Today's jaunt whisks you east along the Great Glen, pausing to drink in the vistas of mythic Loch Ness and explore brooding Urquhart Castle's atmospheric ruins. Continuing on, you'll stop in Elgin, where you’ll explore the ruins of Elgin Cathedral, burned to the ground by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390. Then dive into Elgin's wool heritage at the esteemed Johnstone's cashmere mill. On a guided tour, discover how the surrounding landscapes inspire their lush colors and patterns as experts reveal the meticulous process behind their ultra-luxe garments. Your final stop is the coastal village of Cullen, famed for its eponymous smoked haddock chowder - Cullen Skink. Here, the hotel's chef will regale you with tales of this iconic Scottish dish before a full demonstration utilizing the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. Of course, no culinary lesson is complete without a hearty tasting at tonight's dinner!
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Cullen Bay Hotel or similar, Cullen
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Cullen Bay Hotel or similar, Cullen
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Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Lairds & Liquors
Begin your day like the landed gentry at the stunning Ballindalloch Castle, home to the MacPherson-Grant family since 1546. You'll be welcomed by none other than the resident laird himself for an intimate tour of this baronial treasure trove. From opulent staterooms to the Queen Mother's favored nooks, uncover the estate's rich royal connections. After strolling the impeccably manicured gardens, retire to the courtyard cafe for a delightfully dainty cream tea luncheon. Suitably fortified, it's on to the rugged Cairngorms for an adventurous whisky-themed foray! Rumbling along in a hardy Argocat off-road vehicle, you'll be granted exclusive access to remote smugglers' trails and clandestine still sites high in the famed Glenlivet hills. Your local guide will regale you with tales of illicit spirits as you sip a dram (or two!) of Glenlivet's finest amid the heather-cloaked crags.
Lairds & Liquors
Begin your day like the landed gentry at the stunning Ballindalloch Castle, home to the MacPherson-Grant family since 1546. You'll be welcomed by none other than the resident laird himself for an intimate tour of this baronial treasure trove. From opulent staterooms to the Queen Mother's favored nooks, uncover the estate's rich royal connections. After strolling the impeccably manicured gardens, retire to the courtyard cafe for a delightfully dainty cream tea luncheon. Suitably fortified, it's on to the rugged Cairngorms for an adventurous whisky-themed foray! Rumbling along in a hardy Argocat off-road vehicle, you'll be granted exclusive access to remote smugglers' trails and clandestine still sites high in the famed Glenlivet hills. Your local guide will regale you with tales of illicit spirits as you sip a dram (or two!) of Glenlivet's finest amid the heather-cloaked crags.
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Grant Arms or similar, Grantown-on-Spey
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Grant Arms or similar, Grantown-on-Spey
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Tartans & Tartlets
Ease into the day exploring the charming village of Grantown-on-Spey at your leisure before an encounter with Scotland's iconic sheepdogs in action. At a rustic farm near Kingussie, witness the incredible bond between man and canine as a skilled shepherd deftly maneuvers his flock across the rugged mountainside with merely a whistle and a command. Then it's off to the warm environs of award-winning cookbook author Wendy Barrie's Edinburgh home for an artisanal edible extravaganza! This passionate advocate of Scotland's finest ethical and sustainable producers will regale you with tales over a tantalizing spread of locally sourced canapés and a nourishing homemade meal. Sated by Wendy's farm-fresh hospitality, you'll complete your journey into the capital's convivial heart, where you will enjoy a free evening exploring this charming city.
Tartans & Tartlets
Ease into the day exploring the charming village of Grantown-on-Spey at your leisure before an encounter with Scotland's iconic sheepdogs in action. At a rustic farm near Kingussie, witness the incredible bond between man and canine as a skilled shepherd deftly maneuvers his flock across the rugged mountainside with merely a whistle and a command. Then it's off to the warm environs of award-winning cookbook author Wendy Barrie's Edinburgh home for an artisanal edible extravaganza! This passionate advocate of Scotland's finest ethical and sustainable producers will regale you with tales over a tantalizing spread of locally sourced canapés and a nourishing homemade meal. Sated by Wendy's farm-fresh hospitality, you'll complete your journey into the capital's convivial heart, where you will enjoy a free evening exploring this charming city.
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The Scholar, Edinburgh
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Breakfast, Dinner
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The Scholar, Edinburgh
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Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Edinburgh Sightseeing & Swan Song
This morning, an expert local guide will usher you into Edinburgh's illustrious heart on an intimate city ramble. Beyond the iconic highlights, you'll be granted an insider's glimpse into the old town's winding wynds and secret nooks steeped in centuries of history. Pause for a decadent refueling at Café Royal, an art-bedecked institution dishing up Scotland's finest farm-fresh fare. The afternoon is yours to roam the cobblestones at leisure before reconvening for a rollicking finale! Over a sumptuous three-course spread, you'll be treated to the rousing revelry of a traditional ceilidh (subject to specific dates). Reeling with new friends to the skirl of bagpipes, you'll experience the infectious warmth and merriment of true Scottish hospitality.
Edinburgh Sightseeing & Swan Song
This morning, an expert local guide will usher you into Edinburgh's illustrious heart on an intimate city ramble. Beyond the iconic highlights, you'll be granted an insider's glimpse into the old town's winding wynds and secret nooks steeped in centuries of history. Pause for a decadent refueling at Café Royal, an art-bedecked institution dishing up Scotland's finest farm-fresh fare. The afternoon is yours to roam the cobblestones at leisure before reconvening for a rollicking finale! Over a sumptuous three-course spread, you'll be treated to the rousing revelry of a traditional ceilidh (subject to specific dates). Reeling with new friends to the skirl of bagpipes, you'll experience the infectious warmth and merriment of true Scottish hospitality.
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The Scholar, Edinburgh
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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The Scholar, Edinburgh
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Farewell
Your epic culinary journey comes to an end today. Should you wish to spend more time exploring Scotland’s myriad of wonders, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Scotland for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
Farewell
Your epic culinary journey comes to an end today. Should you wish to spend more time exploring Scotland’s myriad of wonders, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Scotland for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre-/Post-trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Upcoming departures
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Apr 20–Apr 28, 2025
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Jun 29–Jul 7, 2025
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Sep 21–Sep 29, 2025
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $820 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $820 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Activity level
This tour has an easy activity level. Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day in warm weather, and occasionally going up and down stairs.
Activity level
This tour has an easy activity level. Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day in warm weather, and occasionally going up and down stairs.
Arrival & Departure
Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) connects to a range of flight hubs. The best flight connections are offered by EasyJet and British Airways.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) connects to a range of flight hubs. The best flight connections are offered by EasyJet and British Airways.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about NEW - Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis? We're here to help!
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.