Scotland: Scotland is a land steeped in history, whose folklore, legend and romance blend together to provide a spectacular and exciting destination. Unspoiled, wild and dramatic scenery with castles, battlefields and ancient settlements combine with modern, cultured, vibrant cities. For the naturalist, the angler, the hiker or the golfer, the countryside is a delight. Looking for museums, art and culture? Head for the cities of Glasgow or the capital city, Edinburgh, famous for its castle and international festivals. From the rolling farmland and rugged sea coasts in the southern borders, to the mountains and lochs of the Highlands and the magical outer islands, wherever you travel you receive a warm and friendly welcome.  Join Kosher Expeditions as we explore and discover the wonders of Scotland.

 

Day 1: Monday 9 June: Arrive Glasgow and transfer to hotel

Dinner & Orientation

 

Day 2: Tuesday 10 June: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Trossachs:

Departing Glasgow we take to the Highlands with a first stop at the picturesque highland village of Luss located on the shores of Loch Lomond.  There has been a settlement here for over a thousand years at least. It is known that the Vikings passed through Luss in 1263 plundering the nearby communities. From here we board our boat for a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond, passing, stately homes and Ben Lomond, Scotland's most southerly Munro.

 

Next we visit Aberfoyle, a bustling little village where we observe birds of prey, sheepdog and Indian runner duck demonstrations.  After lunch we climb up through the dramatic Dukes Pass into Rob Roy McGregor territory for some stunning views and vistas arriving at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most important castles and is associated with many great historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace (Braveheart), Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie.  On our visit to the castle we hear about key moments in Scotland’s  long, violent and bloody history including Stirling Bridge where William Wallace (Braveheart) defeated a much larger English army in 1297 and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce did the same in 1314.

 

Return to Glasgow for dinner & overnight.

 

Day 3: Wednesday 11 June: Loch Ness, Haunting Glencoe & The Highlands

From Glasgow our route takes us north to Loch Lomond National Park, where we will stop at the Drovers Inn for refreshments.  For over 300 years the Drovers has welcomed the great and good including the infamous Rob Roy McGregor. Said to be “haunted” there are many tales and sightings of ghouls and ghosts wandering around the Drovers Inn.  The landscape changes as we climb towards the Highlands, over desolate Rannoch Moor to spectacular Glencoe, setting to one of the most shameful episodes in Scottish history the "Glencoe Massacre”. We will make a stop here to admire the stunning but haunting beauty of the Glen. 

 

Sitting in the shadow of Ben Nevis is Fort William where we will stop for lunch before entering the Great Glen. Cutting through the Great Glen is the Caledonian Canal, considered by many as one of the greatest waterways of the world. Sixty miles of outstanding beauty best describes this area.   Enjoy the superb scenery as we hug the shoreline of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle (ruins) which sits at the edge of the deepest part of Loch Ness and where most sightings of Nessie have been.  We will explore Urquhart Castle & Visitor Centre followed by a five star Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness followed by dinner and overnight at Inverness.

 

Day 4: Thursday 12 June: Inverness, Cairngorms National Park and Grampian mountains, Glasgow

Our return journey to Glasgow takes us through the Highland capital Inverness. Shakespeare’s Macbeth was supposedly based in the earlier 11th century Inverness Castle, the location of Duncan’s murder. It is said that the kingly apparition of Duncan is seen walking along the banks of the Ness near the castle.

 

On our route down through the Cairngorms National Park and Grampian mountains, keep a look out for Ruthven Barracks, for what you see today is pretty much what is was left like after the Jacobites fled in 1746.

 

In the evening we will we will have the opportunity to explore Glasgow’s West End Festival, Glasgow’s largest cultural event of the year. Dinner and overnight in Glasgow

 

Day 5: Friday 13 June: Glasgow Whisky Distillery

Today we explore the city of Glasgow including a tour and tasting at a whisky distillery before returning to your hotel to prepare for Shabbat with the local Jewish community.

Day 6: Saturday 14 June: Shabbat in Glasgow

 

Today we spend a memorable Shabbat with the local community at the nearby synagogue.  Afternoon is free to relax and explore the area on your own.  Dinner and overnight in Glasgow

 

Day 7: Sunday 15 June: Glenfinnan, Mallaig & Jacobite Steam Train

Today’s stunning tour takes us to famous film locations from movies such as Highlander, Local Hero, Skyfall and Harry Potter. Enjoy an optional trip on the Jacobite Steam Train which crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct (as seen in Harry Potter) described as one of the great railway journeys of the world.

 

From Glasgow we follow the full length of Loch Lomond before we make a short stop for coffee at Tyndrum then on to Glencoe, (a film location used in Skyfall and Harry Potter) the setting to one of the most shameful episodes in Scottish history. We will make a stop here to admire the stunning but haunting beauty of the Glen.  In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at Glenfinnan in an ill-fated attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts on the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. The Glenfinnan Monument which lies at the head of Loch Shiel was erected in 1815 in tribute to the Jacobites who fought and died in the cause of Price Charles Edward Stuart.

 

The views and scenery in this region are simply spectacular.  View Loch Eilt (where Hagrid is seen skipping stones across the water), a stunning example of the ancient Caledonian pine forest. An essential stopping off point here is the Silver Sands of Morar, with superb coastline views across a turquoise sea to the Isles of Eigg, Rum and further north to Skye.  Next aarriving in Mallaig you will have approximately an hour to enjoy a walk round and take in the local atmosphere.  From Mallaig you will return to Fort William on the Jacobite Steam Train, then on to Glasgow.

 

This evening we will enjoy a special performance by The Royal Scottish National Orchestra.  Dinner and overnight in Glasgow

 

Day 8: Monday 16 June: Edinburgh

Today we travel to the capital city of Edinburgh.  Your visit includes:

New Town, The Scottish National Gallery, Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Cowgate, Our Dynamic Earth, Palace of Holyrood House and Canongate before returning to Glasgow for dinner and our farewell dinner.

 

Day 9: Tuesday June 17: Glasgow-Depart

 

*Kashrut: All daily kosher meals will be freshly prepared in our own on site kosher kitchen by the re-nowned chef Malcolm Green and his team. The whole tour will be supervised by a resident Mashgiach of the Kashrut Division of the London Beth Din. All meat Glatt & Chalav Yisroel dairy products.