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Vacations with Personality

CULINARY & WHISKY TOUR

Self-Drive Tour

8 days / 7 nights
  • About Tour
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Whats Included
  • Important Info
  • T&C
Languages English Duration 8 days / 7 nights Airline
This self-drive tour offers an immersive journey through Scotland’s culinary and whisky heritage, blending cultural exploration with regional flavors. Beginning in Glasgow or Edinburgh, travelers can enjoy city sightseeing before heading to the coastal town of Oban for fresh seafood and a visit to one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. The route continues through the breathtaking landscapes of Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, and the Highlands, with stops at historic sites such as Urquhart Castle and charming towns known for their warm hospitality. Along the way, guests visit renowned whisky distilleries in Speyside, witness the craftsmanship at a cooperage, and savor local treats like traditional shortbread.

The experience also highlights Scotland’s agricultural and culinary traditions. In Royal Deeside, visitors can explore castles, quaint villages, and meet Highland cattle farmers. The journey south includes tastings of Arbroath Smokies and artisanal cheeses in St Andrews, alongside exploring the town’s iconic golf heritage and historic sites. The tour concludes in Edinburgh with a blend of cultural sightseeing, castle visits, and guided food walks, ensuring travelers leave with a deep appreciation of Scotland’s landscapes, history, and rich gastronomic culture.

Highlights
Experience the best of Scotland’s food and drink on this 8 day tour, meeting local producers along the way.

• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from your departing airport (Calgary, Halifax or Toronto) to Edinburgh on the selected itinerary and flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on included on all flight classes
• Checked luggage can be added ($) when booked on Economy Class (Y)
• 2 pieces of checked luggage included on Premium (W) and Business (J) classes
• Rent Car
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Returning flight onboard WestJet from Edinburgh to selected airport on a direct flight.

* Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
• Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
• Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
• Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included

** Departing airports are:
   • Departing from Calgary (YYC) 
   • Departing from Halifax (YHZ) 
   • Departing from Toronto (YYZ)
The Tour on Map Tour map image path

Itinerary

Tour day #1 photo
Day 0 Departure from Canada
Arrive at your departing city airport on time for your direct flight to Edinburgh.

Hop aboard your WestJet flight and brace yourself for the adventure!

** Departing airports are:
   • Departing from Calgary (YYC) 
   • Departing from Halifax (YHZ) 
   • Departing from Toronto (YYZ)


Tour day #2 photo
Day 1 Ediburgh - Glasgow
Arrive in Edinburgh, pick up your car and drive 45 minutes to Glasgow. 

Explore Glasgow.  Visit Tennent’s Brewery for a tour and tasting of their award-winning beers brewed near the historic cathedral precinct. 

Overnight: Glasgow


Tour day #3 photo
Day 2 Oban
Depart Glasgow and drive along Loch Lomond to the seaside town of Oban. Explore Oban’s shops, pubs, and restaurants. 

Visit the Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest, founded in 1794. Sample fresh seafood caught off the coast for dinner. 

Overnight: Oban


Tour day #4 photo
Day 3 Loch Ness
Drive from Oban to Speyside via Loch Ness. Pass through Fort William and stop at Spean Bridge’s woollen mill for a visit. Enjoy stunning views at Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. Drive through Inverness to reach your accommodation in Speyside.

Overnight: Speyside


Tour day #5 photo
Day 4 Speyside
Explore Speyside’s famous whisky distilleries such as Glenfiddich, Macallan, and The Glenlivet. Visit the Speyside Cooperage to see whisky cask production from oak. Stop at Dean’s of Huntly to taste locally made shortbread with tea or coffee. 

Overnight: Speyside


Tour day #6 photo
Day 5 Cattle and Castles
Discover Royal Deeside with a morning visit to Crathes Castle and its gardens. Explore the village of Ballater with its royal warrant shops. Meet a local farmer to learn about Highland Cattle and enjoy local delicacies.

Overnight: Aberdeen


Tour day #7 photo
Day 6 Cheese and Haggis
Drive south from Aberdeen, stopping in Arbroath to sample Arbroath Smokies. Visit St Andrews Cheese Farm for locally produced cheese. Explore St Andrews’ golf, cathedral, and university. Arrive in Edinburgh for a Scottish Evening featuring haggis and entertainment. 

Overnight: Edinburgh


Tour day #8 photo
Day 7 Scottish Food Tour
Take an open-top bus tour of Edinburgh, exploring both the New Town and Old Town. Visit Edinburgh Castle atop an extinct volcano.

Join a food walking tour to taste Scottish delights. 

Overnight: Edinburgh


Tour day #9 photo
Day 8 Farewell
Return your hire car at Edinburgh airport before departing for home.

Arrive on time at Edinburgh Airport for your direct WestJet flight to your destination in Canada.

** Arriving airports are:
   •  Calgary (YYC) 
   •  Halifax (YHZ) 
   •  Toronto (YYZ)
Whats Included
• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from your departing airport (Calgary, Halifax or Toronto) to Edinburgh on the selected itinerary and flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on included on all flight classes
• Checked luggage can be added ($) when booked on Economy Class (Y)
• 2 pieces of checked luggage included on Premium (W) and Business (J) classes
• Rent Car (Compact Manual or Compact Automatic)
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Included: Admission to Oban Distillery, farm visit at Farm Stop
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Returning flight onboard WestJet from Edinburgh to selected airport on a direct flight.

* Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
• Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
• Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
• Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included

** Departing airports are:
   • Departing from Calgary (YYC) 
   • Departing from Halifax (YHZ) 
   • Departing from Toronto (YYZ)

ACCOMODATION
Example hotels (or similar):
3* Glasgow: Ibis Styles Glasgow / Oban: Falls or Lora Hotel / Speyside: Ramnee Hotel / Aberdeen: Palm Court Hotel
/ Edinburgh: Cairn Hotel
4* Glasgow: Maldron Hotel / Oban: Loch Melfort Hotel / Speyside: Dowans Hotel / Aberdeen: Norwood Hall Hotel /
Edinburgh: Ten Hill Place Hotel

CAR RENTAL INCLUSIONS:
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW),
• Theft Protection (TP),
• Airport/City Surcharge 
• Vehicle License Fee (VLF)
• Applicable local taxes.
• Mileage: unlimited 
Whats Not Included
. Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
. Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
. Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary 
. Guaranteed early check-in
. Guaranteed late check-out 
. Any service not specifically listed under "Included"
CONGESTION ZONE – LOW EMISSION ZONE (LEZ) CHARGE (non-exhaustive list)
Some cities charge when driving into certain areas. Clients might be charged when accessing those 
zones this is the responsibility of the renter.
-  Glasgow https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/LEZ  
-  London https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge

NOTES
Credit Card will be required for deposit (CDW Excess & Petrol deposit). Amount will vary depending 
on vehicle type. Name on the card must be the same as driver’s name and driving license.
Minimum age from 23 years
-    Young drivers surcharge applies ages 23 & 24 y/o, only certain vehicle category available -
-    Executive / Premium and MPV / Full size category minimum age : 30yo
Maximum age - 75 years on return day – 75 to 80 can be accepted on certain vehicle category with 
provision of letter from insurance company (no accident in the last 5 years) + letter from your 
doctor confirming you are in good health and fit to drive.
Driver’s license - Driver must hold a current, full driving license, valid in the UK for the type 
of vehicle being hired, for at least 1 year or more at time of rental. Overseas visitors must 
additionally provide a valid passport. Young drivers must hold a valid and full driving license for 
a minimum period of four years.
Excess – amount will vary depending on vehicle type, unless Excess Waiver / Protection has been 
taken by driver when collecting the car.
Fuel - refueling charge applies if vehicle is not returned with a full tank. Admin fee – parking 
tickets, bus lane % congestions charges will apply DVLA
Airport pick up / return – depending on vehicle type, arrival time and airports pick up / return 
sometimes if branch is outside terminal center will provide shuttle transfer.

In case of emergency please contact our local Representatives:
Abbey Ireland UK
City Gate, 22 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin, D08 DW30, Ireland
 t:+3531 6486100 f:+3531 6486159
 email: info@abbey.ie

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE AIRLINE

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product or air segment offered by WESTJET Airlines.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions applicable to the services offered by Abbey Ireland and UK (local Destination Management Company in Ireland and UK).
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