Join us in Scotland in 2022!
September 16 – September 22, 2022
A colorful tapestry of rich history, vibrant culture, enduring traditions and rugged landscapes, Scotland is full of experiences waiting to be revealed and explored. This bespoke week-long adventure delivers the chance to get an exclusive insight into Scottish life and what makes up the country’s very special and unique cultural identity.
September 16, 2022
Arrival into Scotland, you will be greeted by your private Admiral Travel driver and guide on arrival at Glasgow (or Edinburgh) Airport and together, they will provide a safe and comfortable transfer to your first accommodation, Gleneagles.
As the saying goes, “There are many beautiful places in the world. There are many great hotels. There are many famous golf courses and resorts. There is only one Gleneagles”.
With three championship golf courses and Scotland’s PGA National Golf Academy, golf is at the very heart of the resort’s ethos.
For the non-golfers, visit The Spa at Gleneagles; perhaps the perfect tonic to get body and mind in tandem for the week’s adventure plus take away any lingering pressures from modern living.
Gleneagles
September 17, 2022 – VIP Visit to Glamis Castle & Walking Tour, St Andrews
As you enter through the Queen Mother Memorial Gates and see the Castle’s turrets and towers nestled at the end of the mile-long drive, you cannot fail to be impressed by its majesty. The family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, Glamis Castle is the legendary setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. With over 1,000 years of history, Glamis has many tales to tell.
St Andrews is Scotland’s oldest university town, the one-time ecclesiastical capital and the place where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge first met. The town’s main streets and numerous cobbled alleys, full or crooked house-fronts, dignified university buildings and medieval churches converge on the venerable ruins of the 12th century cathedral. It is a delightful town for the non-golfer to visit.
Golf, St Andrews
St Andrews is the undisputed home of golf and is a mecca for golf enthusiasts from all over the world. For If successful via the daily ballot, play the Old Course or alternatively play one of the other noted links Championship courses.
St. Andrews Golf Course
September 18, 2022 – In this stunning Scottish setting and with a hearty dose of fresh air, indulge in wonderful country pursuits or ‘fur, feather and fin’ activities as they are sometimes referred to. Expert tuition is provided for both novice and expert plus all levels in between.
Highlights could include:
• Gun Dog School: Experience first-hand the world of gundog training by putting lovable Labradors through their paces, testing their amazing agility and obedience.
• The Equestrian School: Take to the saddle and learn the basics of horse and pony riding or for experienced riders perhaps take your first show jump, learn the elegant art of dressage or carriage driving.
• Falconry: The aptly named ‘sport of kings’, often including falcons, owls and eagles; in full flight they are spectacular. Experience flying one of these magnificent birds of prey and then feeling it land on a gloved fist all with all the weight of a feather.
• Fly fishing: Unwind away from the hustle and bustle and spend a quiet spell casting a line in one of the resort’s well-stocked trout lochs.
Whisky runs deep in Scotland’s veins, from the peaty bogs to the pure streams that combine to create its myriad aromas and variations, and some would say no visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit to distillery.
The day concludes with an incredibly special visit to the spiritual home of Scotch whisky since 1494. Following a 500-year break, single malt distillation is occurring once again on this historic site under the watch of Drew McKenzie-Smith, whose family have owned the 12th Century abbey and neighbouring farm for more than 100 years. Drew will take you on a privately guided tour, giving you a personal insight to the history of the site, as well as the decades of planning behind the revival of the distillery.
Afterwards, you get the opportunity to dine with Drew and his wife, Helen. This is genuine hospitality at its very best. You will be welcomed into a real home with no menus or waiters – just good, traditional home cooking and the chance to discuss how Drew with Helen brought Lindores back to life.
September 20, 2021 – Transfer back to Edinburgh. Sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
September 20, 2022 – This afternoon enjoy a post-opening privately guided tour of the former Royal Yacht Britannia. This floating royal residence belonged to HM, The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years. She is filled with photographs, treasured family heirlooms, much-loved personal possessions and gifts from across the globe. This was the ship that, even with its full complement of around 300 Royal Yachtsmen and Royal Household staff, HM, the Queen named as the one place where she could truly relax By special arrangement, step on-board via a red carpet on the Royal Brow, a practice previously reserved for members of the Royal Family and visiting dignitaries. Highlights are numerous and include the magnificent State Dining Room and Drawing Room.
Overnight at the Balmoral
The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, where Old Town meets New, a legendary hotel and landmark clock tower: a symbol of its city
A welcome in bespoke Balmoral tartan; Hebridean blues, heather hues and classic Scottish art; whisky ambassadors with 500 malts – The Balmoral is a love letter to Scotland. Looking up to Edinburgh Castle, savour Michelin-starred dining, French-Scottish bistro fare, award-winning afternoon tea and a serene urban spa at the city’s most majestic spot.
September 21, 2022 – Option to golf or guided walking tour
Golfers
East Lothian is one of the country’s top golfing areas and is home to over 20 wonderful links courses. Noted Open qualifying links courses that offer scenic views across the Firth of Forth towards Fife include North Berwick and Gullane No 1 where golf has been played for over 350 years.
Privately guided walking tour, Edinburgh’s Old Town & visit to weaving studio
Explore the Old Town, an area that is brimming with cobbled streets, tightly packed buildings, narrow closes and hidden courtyards. 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.
Visit a weaving studio and discover how meticulous craftsmanship combines with the finest quality materials to make luxurious woven one-of-a kind products that speak of Scotland’s natural beauty and textile heritage. You are invited behind the scenes; hear directly from the makers and designers and encounter first-hand the craftsmanship and inspiration behind these wonderful textiles. To conclude, visit the showroom for an exclusive shopping experience.
September 22, 2022 – Depart time this morning is TBC for your return flights from Edinburgh Airport or onward to our Ashford Castle and Galway Oyster Festival Experience!
Please call Alexis Leeming at 941-951-1801 or 941-780-2124 to book this unique departure or email Alexis@AdmiralTravel.com
Cost: Based on time of year, number of guests and other customizations / Please inquire
Following your Scotland experience, You may choose to join our departure to Ashford Castle and Galway Oyster Festival in Ireland! Click link below for more details.
Optional upgrade to 1 night stay at Ardfin on The Isle of Jura
Ardfin on The Isle of Jura
In 2011 Bob Harrison a world recognized Australian Golf Course Architect was engaged to build a world class 18 hole facility based on land surrounding Jura House. Sol Golf were appointed to construct the course and this year it was opened for play for the first time. It has been met with high accolades and has been already rated within the top courses of the world for its style design location and presentation. In addition to the 18 hole course is a practice area and par 3 course by the “Quads” offering a chance for visitors to hone their game or simply enjoy a shorter more informal circuit . The course is very much a walking course and provides and extremely challenging game to most visitors. Caddies, trolleys and a fully stocked shop help support expectations from such a facility.
Suggestion: Guided Walk, Isle of Jura & The Gulf of Corryvreckan
The beautiful island offers superb walking (and hiking), especially on the slopes of the three main mountain peaks, known as the Paps of Jura. Combine a guided walk, taking in amazing scenery with a boat trip to the Gulf of Corryvreckan one of the world’s most spectacular whirlpools.
