5 Day Scottish Cultural and Cooking Vacation in Scotland, UK
Magical Cooking and Cultural Holiday in UK
Experience Scotland’s magical landscapes. A culinary treat for fans of the 'Outlander' books and TV series. Transform Scottish ingredients from the sea, fields, and mountains to your plate. Modern and traditional Scottish recipes. Taste famous Scottish products.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- 3 Scottish cooking sessions
- Visit to Oban
- Whisky tasting sessions
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Ground transportation
Skill level
- Beginner
Accommodation
Facilities
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Picnic area
- Smoke-free property
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Ironing / ironing board
- Laundry
- Wireless internet
You will stay in Karibu Cottage, a private cottage next to the Crinan Canal. Solo travelers will have exclusive private use of the cottage. Couples or two single friends will have private rooms. Karibu cottage is conveniently located for access to the cooking school.
Program
The location for this unique Scottish cooking vacation experience is in Dalriada, once the ancient kingdom of Scotland, which is located in the unspoiled coastal region now known as Mid Argyll. Your accommodation base will be in Cairnbaan which is in the same area as Dunadd (Fort), the historical capital of Scotland, where in the past Scotland's Kings were crowned. Whilst staying in Cairnbaan, not only will you learn fabulous Scottish recipes you will also experience the wild and wonderful nature of rural Scottish life within this unique Scottish Highlands area.
Scotland has available a wealth of natural produce from its rich mountains, glens, wild rivers, and coastal area. This has allowed Scotland to develop a culinary repertoire of exceptional quality and diversity. Wild game - partridge, grouse, and the pheasant from its remote moorlands, succulent venison from the wild red deer roaming these mountains, salmon, and trout from Highland rivers, rare and succulent beef and lamb from the famous Highland herds and shellfish of all kinds. Using ingredients like these, you will discover and learn how to develop a range of mouth-watering and delicious feasts.
The presentation and delivery of this Scottish cooking and cultural vacation will be very informal, friendly, and personal. The cooking sessions will be based in a traditional Scottish family-style fully equipped kitchen and each vacation and course will be limited to a maximum of four guests. Participants can expect a fun week with wonderful culinary experiences and, most of all, they will experience the real Scotland combined with traditional Scottish culture, along with delicious Scottish food. Your culinary host for this vacation is cook Jane Chaplin.
Jane has had many years of experience in traditional and modern Scottish cooking. In addition to providing the cooking input for this vacation, Jane also provides culinary and catering services to your adventure groups during their vacations in Scotland. During the week, you will be accompanied and hosted by other staff from Adventure Tourism Services also located in Mid Argyll. On the vacation, you will be cooking and preparing a variety of meats, fish, shellfish, and vegetables. Some of the dishes you might cook and/or experience during your stay in Scotland:
- Cullen skink (Smoked fish soup)
- Braden Rost (Hot smoked Scottish salmon)
- Various Scottish bannocks - Oatcakes and shortbread
- Traditional meat Scotch pies and meat Bridies
- Cranachan (oatmeal raspberry, cream, oats, and dessert)
And of course Haggis, the famous Scottish delicacy. Please note: Adventure Tourism Services does not make this as part of a cooking class. Scotland benefits from long summer days from the beginning of May to late August when daylight remains until around 11:00 pm. These seasonal variations will not affect the vacation itinerary but may assist you in planning your trip to suit your own preferences.
Scotland offers fantastic visitor experiences during most seasons. Depending on which month you choose to visit, daily itineraries will be seasonal and variable but all inclusions will be covered. A sample five-day itinerary is available on request. There are three Scottish cooking sessions (three to four hours each session) including a dedicated baking session.
Included excursions
You will spend one day visiting Oban distillery, Dunollie museum, and a pub lunch.
Instructors
Jane Chaplin
Jane has many years of experience in traditional and modern Scottish cooking. In addition to providing the cooking input during vacation, Jane continues to provide culinary and catering services to adventure groups during their vacations in Scotland. Jane's passions are firmly rooted in the Scottish countryside where she spends her time visiting remote locations and islands, seeking inspiration to help her create unique combinations of natural Scottish ingredients for traditional and modern Scottish dishes.
Location
The location for this unique Scottish cooking vacation experience is in Dál Riada, once the ancient kingdom of Scotland, which is located in the unspoiled coastal region now known as Mid Argyll. Your accommodation base will be near Dunadd Fort, the historical capital of Scotland, where in the past Scottish kings were crowned. Whilst staying in Dál Riada, not only will you learn fabulous Scottish recipes, but you will also experience the wild and wonderful nature of rural Scottish life within this unique Scottish Highlands area.
The best time to enjoy this beautiful area is late Spring - April or May and early Autumn as they often have their best weather during these periods and the flora and fauna are at their most vibrant. Your base for this week is a private, cozy, rural cottage in the little hamlet of Cairnbaan on the west coast, on the banks of the famous and historic Crinan Canal. You can pop into the local pub just a few steps away for a wee dram to warm your cockles and catch the gossip! This area is known as Dalriada, the once ancient kingdom of Scotland near Dunadd, the historical capital, where Scotland's kings were crowned.
Food
You will be served daily breakfast (self-catered and your cottage is stocked with a range of breakfast goodies for you to help yourself), lunch, and traditional Scottish dinners at Cairnbaan Cook School with beverages as well as whisky tasting sessions included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Things to do (optional)
Stay on for extra nights at Adventure Tourism Services Karibu cottage and extend your stay.
- Various boat trips ranging from 55 GBP per person
- Guided sea kayaking full day - 110 GBP per person
- Visit Edinburgh or Glasgow: Many guests choose to spend a few days in Edinburgh or Glasgow before or after visiting the Cairnbaan Cook School. They can assist you in the planning of this. If you decide to stay on for a few extra nights, the local area offers a wide variety of self-guided activities and opportunities - walking, cycling, exploring, and visiting. Below are some of the areas that they would recommend. They will be able to supply you with a detailed map and further guidance to explore these areas.
- Crinan canal, short and long walks
- Ardishaig and Lochgilphead
- Dunardy forest walk, near to nature trail
- Dalriada Heritage trail
What's included
- 3 Scottish cooking sessions including a dedicated baking session
- 4 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 4 traditional Scottish dinners with beverages
- 1 whole day guided excursion to Oban
- Whisky tasting sessions
- Engraved personalized Scottish Whisky flask
- Scottish cooking apron
- 4 nights accommodation
- All transport throughout the provision of the holiday activities and itinerary
- Exclusive access to all recipes used in your cooking classes
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Extra activities
- Extra nights
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Glasgow Airport
68 km
Transfer not provided
Edinburgh Airport
131 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Glasgow Airport (GLA) or Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Traveling to your vacation base from Glasgow or Edinburgh airports is a very inexpensive and simple process. You can travel by coach and train. If you choose the train you will travel on one of mthe ost beautiful journeys in Europe. Glasgow to Oban is on the 'West Highland Line'. More information can be provided at the time of inquiry.
Arrival by taxi
Transfers are not included, however, Adventure Tourism Services can advise you on travel to Cairnbaan. You can request a private taxi transfer or use the excellent coach or train services.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.