KOSHER WHISKEY TOUR OF SCOTLAND
Whisky has been produced in Scotland for hundreds of years. The Gaelic "usquebaugh", meaning "Water of Life", phonetically became "usky" and then "whisky" in English. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, no one knows exactly when the art of distilling was first practiced in Scotland; it is known that the Ancient Celts practiced distilling, and that the liquid they produced evolved into Scotch Whisky. By the 11th century distillation first occurred in Scotland in the early Christian monastic sites. The first taxes on whisky production were imposed in 1644, causing a rise in illicit whisky distilling in the country. Around 1780, there were about 8 legal distilleries and 400 illegal ones. In 1823, Parliament eased restrictions on licensed distilleries with the "Excise Act", while at the same time making it harder for the illegal stills to operate, thereby ushering in the modern era of Scotch production. Two events helped the increase of whisky's popularity: first, a new production process was introduced in 1831 called Coffey or Patent Still; the whisky produced with this process was less intense and smoother. Second, the Phylloxera bug destroyed wine and cognac production in France in 1880. Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (formerly called "vatted malt" or "pure malt"), Blended Grain Scotch Whisky, and Blended Scotch Whisky. All Scotch whisky must be aged in oak barrels for at least three years. Any age statement written on a bottle of Scotch whisky, in the form of a number, must reflect the age of the youngest whisky used to produce that product. A whisky with an age statement is known as guaranteed age whisky.
Convenient Stay-Put Program – Stay in Only 1 Hotel! No packing and unpacking! Limited Space!
Day 1
Depart the US on our overnight flight to Glasgow.
Day 2
to Oban and visit the Oban Distillery. Oban distillery produces one of the finest west coast whiskeys. Free time for lunch in Oban. After lunch travel towards Loch Lomond to visit the Glengoyne Distillery. In Glengoyne we will have the option to participate to the Master Blender experience. We will learn the secret of blending different malts and we will even create our own whisky, receiving a personalized small whisky bottle. Then continue to our hotel for check in. After a chance to check in and wash up at the deluxe Hilton Hotel in downtown Glasgow we will be transferred to Glasgow’s only Kosher Restaurant for a candle light Gourmet Meal. At the conclusion, return to our city center hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Day 3
This morning after breakfast we journey to the medieval city of Edinburgh: Scotland's capital. Here we'll jump right in to savor the city's historical and cultural treasures: we will be guided through the Old Town, beginning at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and continuing on through the Royal Mile. Next, we'll drive to the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty's official Scottish residence. This afternoon we'll visit Glenkinchie Distillery, the closest distillery to Edinburgh and producer of the finest lowlands whisky. Finish our tour with a drive through the Georgian facades and tranquil refinement of the new town before returning to Glasgow for Shabbat.
Day 4
We'll enjoy Shabbat in Glasgow City Centre. Shabbat services are held at Garnet Hill shul (10-minute walk from the Hilton). All Shabbat meals will be held at the Hilton.
Day 5
Full day dedicated to distilleries in Pitlochry and Perth area. We will visit Dalwhinnie –the highest distillery in Scotland at 1160 ft. Then visits to Blair Atholl and to Glenturret, where the popular Famous Grouse Whiskey is made. After dinner we return to our hotel.
Day 6
Today, tour the Victorian architecture - which earned Glasgow the title of 1999's "City of Architecture" - and historical treasures of Glasgow, including Glasgow's central square, George Square, with its statues of famous Scots Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scot. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner in true Scottish tradition this evening along with entertainment and a sampling of some of Scotland’s best scotches.
Day 7
Early morning breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA.
Price Includes
- Air-conditioned coach for local travel
- Three Meals Daily
- Professional, experienced Tour Guide
- Entry to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Tastings at the following distilleries (or similar which may be substituted at the discretion of Eddie's Kosher Travel)
- Oban Distillery
- Glengoyne Distillery
- Dalwhinnie Distillery
- Blair Atholl Distillery
- Glenturret Distillery
- Glenkinchie Distillery
- 5 nights’ Double Room Accommodations at the Glasgow Hilton (5-star Hotel) – City Center
Price Excludes
- Insurance of any form
- Personal expenses
- Evening entertainment that is not part of the itinerary
Important To Know
There may be changes to the order of places visited. We will make every effort to
visit every place mentioned in the itinerary.
The tour organizers have no control over airline services such as seating, special
meal requests, changes in departure times or delays. These remain the sole
responsibility of the airline company.
Deposit, Cancellation Fees & Policy:
A $500 USD Deposit per person must be received at the time of booking in order to confirm
your reservation. Payment in full is due 90 days before departure. A minimum number of
participants are required to operate tour dates. If a minimum number has not been reached
prior to tour departure and the tour is cancelled you will receive a FULL refund.
- 90 days before departure bookings are refundable less a $100 administration fee
- 60-90 days prior to departure: $500 + $100 per passenger
- 30-60 days prior to departure: $1,000 + $100 per passenger
- Less than 30 working days prior to departure: 100% of total - no refund
- We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance.
Insurance
Travel insurance encompassing both cancellation and medical insurance is very important and we cannot stress that enough. We strongly recommend that our clients are adequately insured when travelling. It is crucial to purchase the travel insurance within 14 days from the 1st payment that you make for this trip (flights/cruise/tour etc). Your payment is made directly to the insurance company. We highly recommend the 'cancel for any reason' upgrade option. Our preferred policies are Travel Safe (USA & Canadian residents), Travel Select (USA residents) and Global Trip Protection Elite (All other Nationalities).
Disclaimer: Kosherica Cruises and it agents are responsible for making arrangements for the services offered. The carriers, hotels, cruise lines and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants, or joint ventureres of Kosherica Cruises or its affiliates. Airline alternative equipment and routings are subject to change by the Airline or the Operator and will not result in any refunds. Flight delays and changes are unfortunate, but are an inherent risk of air travel and are therefore outside the control and responsibility of Kosherica Cruises. All certificates and other travel documents for travel services issued by Kosherica Cruises are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the supplier and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Kosherica Cruises reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary or services whenever the company deems it necessary to the comfort, convenience, or safety of the participants and to cancel a cruise at any time. If Kosherica Cruises cancels a cruise, the company has no responsibility beyond the refund of monies paid to the company by the traveler. The participant agrees that neither Kosherica Cruises nor its affiliates shall be liable for any damage or loss including personal injury death, property loss, delay, change in air services, sickness, strike, war, quarantine, weather, upset, disappointment, inconvenience, or expense occasioned by any act or omission of any supplier or person providing services.
