Scotland has a rich and unique natural larder influenced by its dramatic natural landscapes.
Whisky, seafood, game, venison, beef and lamb are all shaped by Scotland's natural environment and our new Flavours of Scotland tours are designed to get you in touch with the raw ingredients, and experience the local rural communities and traditions that allow this natural larder to be harvested.
An experience that will last a lifetime!
Departs 09.00
Returns 17.00 approx
Adult Prices
From £95 to £119
Discount Prices
From £85 to £109
2008 Departure Dates - Fridays 4th April, 2nd May, 30th May, 27th June, 11th July, 8th August, 29th August, 19th September, 3rd October, 17th October
Full Details & Itinerary
Day 1 will be a leisurely morning making your way through the Loch Lomond National Park towards Argyll. You will make your way to one of Scotland's finest microbreweries - Fyne Ales.
The Fyne Ales brewery was set up in 2001 using a redundant milking parlour in the traditional farm buildings at Achadunan, Cairndow. Within nine months of starting production, Fyne Ales were awarded the Scottish regional gold awards from the SIBA (the Society of Independent Brewers) for two of their beers. Here you will have the opportunity to sample some Scottish Ales before making your way to the world famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar for lunch.
The original Loch Fyne restaurant started out as a small shed nestling at the top of Loch Fyne and Cairndow in the 1980's. Now it is world famous for its quality oysters and seafood served fresh from their west coast habitats.
In the late afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit Oban Distillery. Opened in 1794, Oban Distillery has played an important role in local life. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a tour here. You will discover unique insights into the delights and subtleties of whisky and enjoy a cultured whisky tasting - a must for connoisseurs and new comers alike.
Your evening will then be free in the beautiful west coast harbour town of Oban - gateway to the Western Isles and heavily influenced by its close links to the Atlantic Ocean. For your stay in Oban you will be given a choice of accommodation, allowing you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and meet the locals.
On day 2 the morning will be spent in the heart of Argyll exploring the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 ancient monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin, Argyll: 150 of them are prehistoric. From Kilmartin you will Cross the "Bridge over the Atlantic".
The bridge links the Island of Seil to the mainland. It is more properly known as the Clachan Bridge and was built in 1792/3 for the sum of £450. Situated in the tiny village of Ellenabeich is the Isle of Seil Brewery. Traditional brewing methods are still used, although the equipment installed is very much state of the art. You will visit the brewery and have lunch on the Island before traveling back to Oban.
The most outstanding feature in Oban is McCaig's tower. The Tower was built by a local banker in 1897 to provide work for local stonemasons and provide a lasting monument to his family. You will have an an afternoon and evening in Oban to explore the town, busy Harbour, shops and Chocolate Factory.
Day 3 you will enjoy a morning visit to the famous Inverawe Smokery for a tour and tasting session. Inverawe smokery is world renowned for retaining the old and ancient skills of curing and smoking all types of fish and meats and you will enjoy a unique insight into their processes as well as enjoying their phenomenal flavours.
After Inverawe smokehouse you will make your way along the magnificent West Coast of Scotland. Travelling towards Appin you will pass the impregnable Castle Stalker, rising out of the sea.
Lunch will be taken in the renowned Port Appin Pierhouse Restaurant. With breathtaking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull, the restaurant prides itself on the freshness & quality of its seafood and local meats. Overlooking the original pier that still runs a foot-passenger ferry to the island of Lismore, the restaurant and bar offers a perfect vantage point where you can watch the local fisherman landing their catch.
In the afternoon you will explore spectacular Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692, before stopping in Killin for refreshments beside the Falls of Dochart. You will then travel back to Edinburgh for approx 18.00.
Inclusions:
Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience. Beware other operators claiming to deliver "small group tours" in 29-39 seat midi-coaches. We know it makes a big difference, because we tried touring in larger coaches and your experience wasn't the same and you told us so. That's why we stopped using larger coaches and we are the only 5 star operator in Scotland, who can truly claim to provide you a small group tour experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
All ferry and bridge crossings.
Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Exclusions:
Lunch, Dinner and refreshments.
Entrances to all Visitor Attractions.
All items of a personal nature, telephone calls etc.
Accommodation - the tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you - Hostel, B&B or Hotel - please refer to the booking form on this web site for prices.
Please note that in the case of late bookings accommodation availability and choice may be restricted and we cannot guarantee to find your first choice. There is usually a supplement for single rooms.
By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain their communities in the long term.
Discount Price
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16
We regret we do not carry children under 5 years.
Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!!
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