Scotland: Golf & Whisky

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1 Scotland: Golf & Whisky Specially designed by Dream Escape 2017 Page 1 of 9

2 Two icons of Scotland golf and whisky are impeccably combined in this incredible journey. James Braid is a name that leads little introduction to golfing enthusiasts. He was a leading golfer of his generation and winner of The Open Championship on no less than five occasions. Following this success, he went on to model and design golf courses; it is said that there over 200 courses in Scotland that bear his hallmark. Beginning amidst the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands, the journey will take you to some of Braids courses and to iconic distilleries, as well as incorporating specially arranged private experiences such as a luxurious sight-seeing cruise on Loch Ness and a masterclass to create your own blend of whisky at a luxurious hotel in the heart of Perthshire. Long after the trip has ended, you will be sure to enjoy a greater appreciation of the essence of Scotland as it swirls in your glass. Day One: Arrival in Inverness On arrival at Inverness Airport be met and welcomed by your local chauffeur-guide who will provide a safe and comfortable journey to your first accommodation. It is a beautiful guesthouse located within walking distance of fantastic beaches. A former dairy farm, it has been lovingly restored, and its excellent accommodation is complemented by a breakfast of local produce and sumptuous home baking. Enjoy panoramic views towards the Black Isle and the Moray Firth, famous for dolphin watching. Spend the afternoon at leisure, resting and relaxing following your international flight. Page 2 of 9

3 Day Two: The 1 st tee & Loch Ness The day commences with a round of golf at Nairn, one of the finest traditional links courses in Scotland. Nestling on the shores of the Moray Firth and created from a Highland wilderness of gorse and heather, it is said to test the talents of professionals and amateurs alike. Founded in 1887, it is now one of the best courses in Scotland, and has hosted a large number of important championships. The course is a combination of the work of Andrew Simpson, Old Tom Morris, Ben Sayers, and James Braid. Today's layout is largely the work of Braid, and the incredible course is a fantastic legacy left by Braid in this beautiful corner of the Highlands. Handicap required 28 (M) and 36 (L). To follow, sit back and relax as you explore Loch Ness, Scotland s most famous stretch of water, in true style. Step aboard a luxury motor cruiser which, with a capacity for just ten guests, will be reserved exclusively for your use. The loch s cold, deep waters are said to be home to the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie. It is said that the first sighting of the monster was in the 6 th century by St. Columba, and sporadic sightings have been reported ever since. Delicious platters of Scottish delicacies are served as you sit back and admire the spectacular scenery, including the brooding ruins of Urquhart Castle, which dates back to the 13 th century. Once one of Scotland s mightiest strongholds, the castle boasts a history as fascinating as it is turbulent. Page 3 of 9

4 Days Three & Four: Sampling Speyside Whisky has been lovingly crafted in Scotland for centuries. As a result it is a paradise for connoisseurs of the country s national drink. Accompanied by your chauffeur-guide, enjoy two days of sampling delicious drams in Speyside. Playing host to over half of the distilleries in Scotland, there can be no better place to explore than Speyside. Whiskies from this region are typically the sweetest of all Scotch Whisky Malts and many of the most popular single malts are produced here. Despite similarities in style, each has its own heritage, quirks, and secrets. From a distillery which produces the biggest-selling single malt in the United States to a distillery founded by two former illegal distillers in 1840, and the only distillery started by a woman, there is a wealth of history, and whisky, to be discovered. Paying a visit to a distillery allows you to discover more about the passionate people who shape the taste of your favourite tipples. A very special visit is arranged to complete the day. Head to Speyside Cooperage which has been home of this ancient art since Here you will embark upon a private tour led by an experienced former Cooper. The experience will give you the opportunity to get behind the scenes and see Coopers and their apprentices make and repair casks against the clock. The visit concludes with a dram of 10 year old single malt whisky, produced in the Cooperage itself. Your Speyside accommodation is in an idyllic, peaceful spot on the fringes of Knockando near the Cardhu distillery. A former mansion, it has been lovingly restored to offer luxurious and generous accommodation over three floors. Page 4 of 9

5 Day Five: The Highlands to the Lowlands Travel south, watching the stunning Highland scenery change as you pass. Nestled at the foothills of the Highlands is Scotland s oldest working distillery, which dates back to It is home to Glenturret, a popular malt, in addition to one of the world s most popular blends and reputedly the best-selling whisky in Scotland: The Famous Grouse. It was first made in 1896, following a royal banquet with Queen Victoria in attendance, and is a blend of two single malt whiskies; Highland Park and the Macallan. The bottles are highly distinctive, emblazoned with a Red Grouse. Enjoy a private guided tour of the distillery. As you depart a personalised single cask edition will be presented as a keepsake. Selected by the Distillery Master Whisky Maker, these exceptional casks are rare; the bottles are only available via the Distillery. Check into your accommodation for two evenings. It was described as a Riviera of the Highlands when it first opened its doors in Today, its reputation for luxury is undiminished and offers sumptuous accommodation, impeccable service, Michelin-starred dining and Championship parkland courses. Page 5 of 9

6 Day Six: The 2 nd & 3 rd tees In 2017, the property was voted "Best Golf Resort in the World" by UltraTravel, the Telegraph s luxury travel magazine, for an unprecedented sixth successive year, the latest in a long list of awards and accolades. With three championship golf courses and Scotland s PGA National Golf Academy, golf is at the very heart of the resort s ethos. Play both The King s and The Queen s Courses Handicap not required. Although not by the sea, the courses resemble the older links courses in Scotland in that they are built on sand and gravel deposited when the last ice sheet melted some 15,000 years ago. The result is a tranquil golfing landscape where many of the fairways and greens, particularly on the King's, are isolated from neighbouring holes which gives golfers the luxury of feeling as though they are playing on their own private course. At the end of the day, retreat to The Blue Bar. Complete with leather sofas, sumptuous throws and a large circular fire pit, it is the ideal al-fresco venue to indulge in some whisky and a Cuban cigar. Here, discover the art, skill, and magic of whisky blending, and have a go at creating your own blend with a private masterclass. During the experience, learn how to identify and savour its unique flavours. Using a selection of carefully chosen single malts, and a variety of foodstuffs to help you identify the characteristics that complement each other, blend your very own whisky to take home. Page 6 of 9

7 Day Seven: The 4 th tee Travel to the east coast to play a final round, this time at the Championship Course at Carnoustie Golf Links. Golf has been played here for more than 450 years. Although the course wasn't originally designed by James Braid, it was his re-design in 1926 that brought it up to Open Championship standard. It has provided The Open Championship with many of its most notable winners. At its first Open, in 1931, the winner was Tommy Armour, a First World War veteran who was blind in one eye; in 1937, Henry Cotton won the second of his three Opens in horrendous weather conditions. Fast forward to the 136 th Open Championship in 2007, just the 7 th occasion that Carnoustie has played host. Irishman Padraig Harrington saw off Spanish completion from Sergio Garcia and lifted the Claret Jug. He was the first Irish winner since Fred Daly some 60 years earlier. Fellow compatriot, Seve Ballesteros journeyed to Carnoustie to announce his retirement from the game, while Tiger Woods quest for a hat-trick, having been victorious in Royal Liverpool the previous year and St Andrews previously, ended in a tie for 12 th place. In 2018, it will once again play host to this prestigious tournament. With its thick rough and devilish bunkers, the course is known as one of the world s most challenging links courses. Handicap required: 28(M) & 36(F). Page 7 of 9

8 Day Eight: Travel to Edinburgh Accompanied by your chauffeur-guide, travel south 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 neo-classical New Town, dating from the 18 th century. The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in Check into your final luxury accommodation. Situated in a stunning 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 city landmarks on their doorstep, few can say their own doorstep is a landmark. In the property s Scotch Bar, relax on one of the comfortable Tweed sofas and perhaps let one of the Whisky Ambassadors provide a soothing tutorage on the water of life. There are over 500 varieties to select from, each accompanied by a specially selected snack - wild boar salami, dark Swiss chocolate or smoked almonds. Page 8 of 9

9 Day Nine: Edinburgh with a Guide Meet your qualified guide in the hotel foyer and set off to spend the day exploring Edinburgh s Old Town. Commence with a visit to 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 and is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling 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. From baroque palaces and famed art galleries to dramatic open spaces and hidden underground streets, there is much to be discovered, and your guide will ensure that you experience the very best day possible. Their local knowledge will allow them to explain and expand on the city s rich history and heritage like no book can. Their stories and fun facts will live long in the memory. Day Ten: Homeward Bound Your chauffeur-guide will provide a safe and comfortable journey to Edinburgh Airport where you will board your flight for onward travel. End of Services Page 9 of 9