Culinary Excursion

From July 30 – August 7, 2015Witness the magic of Royal Scotland with Darren McGrady - former Chef to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales.You are invited to join 'The Royal Chef" Darren McGrady on his ninth culinary trip as he returns to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh, capital of Scotland. Share Darren’s personal, unique insight into the day-to-day life of Britain’s royal family with his personal tour of Balmoral Castle and Britannia, the Royal Yacht.

Highlights of the tour include:

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• Tour Balmoral Castle where Darren cooked for the Queen, and the ballroom where Darren danced with Princess Diana

• Luxury Land Rover Safari Tour through the Balmoral Estate• Hands-on cooking class with Chef Darren using local produce• Private tour and dinner aboard Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia

in ‘The Royal Dining Room’• Enjoy gourmet restaurants and dinner show with Scottish dancing

The Trip

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Where We Visit Day 1 – Thursday, July 30Welcome to Aberdeen, Scotland’s “Granite City”!You are met upon arrival at Aberdeen Airport and whisked away into the beautiful Scottish Highlands to the Victorian village of Ballater. Your home for the next few days on Royal Deeside will be The Darroch Learg Hotel. Built in 1888, this handsome turreted mansion rooted in a graceful past with roaring fires, polished brass, tartan fabrics and fabulous views sweeping south across the Balmoral forest still retains the ambience and relaxing informality of a country house.Gather tonight in the antique filled Drawing Room around a log fire for aglass of wine to renew friendships and meet new friends before heading into the Conservatory and prize-winning restaurant for dinner while watching the sunset over the Craigendarroch. Hotel: Darroch Learg Hotel, Ballater Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Friday, July 31

Day 3 – Saturday, August 1

Today we spend the whole day at Balmoral Castle where Queen Elizabeth II spends her eight-week vacation every year. Queen Victoria described Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands." It won’t take you long to see why. In his book ‘Eating Royally’ Darren talks about the “magic” of Balmoral and throughout the day he will share memories from the eleven years he visited...“Meeting the Queen for the first time, being chased by the royal corgis, Royal Tupperware parties in the hills, Princess Diana locked out of the castle, preparing picnic lunches for William and Harry to take to the ‘beach' and so many more royal moments.But we begin with a Luxury Land Rover Safari tour of the amazing 50,000 acre estate through the heather-clad hills and ancient Caledonian woodlands. After lunch, we’ll step into the beautiful Balmoral ballroom where Chef Darren danced with Princess Diana year after year at the ‘Ghillies Ball’. Tour the vegetable gardens that supply the royal table and visit the Garden Cottage where Queen Victoria would take breakfast each day. Perhaps take a walk in to Ballater village before dinner at the hotel. Hotel: Darroch Learg Hotel, Ballater Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, our journey today starts with a visit to Loch Muick. Don’t forget your cameras for the breathtaking views of the loch (lake) a sparklingly purple-and-blue reflecting glass sheet between steep hillsides of heather, birch and rowans with large groups of deer, red squirrels and birds of prey. Lunch will be a picnic of local produce overlooking Queen Victoria’s hunting lodge across the lake. After walking up an appetite, Afternoon Tea will be served at the magnificent Kincardine Castle (built in 1894) followed by a stroll through the castle vegetable and herb gardens and a visit to the kitchen gift shop.Dinner (for those still hungry) will be at the hotel.Hotel: Darroch Learg Hotel, BallaterMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea, Dinner

HMY Britannia

Balmoral Castle

Scottish Dinner Show

Afternoon Tea

Darroch Learg Hotel, Ballater

Where We Stay

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Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh

Day 4- Sunday, August 2This morning, we wave goodbye to the Highlands and head south to Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh stopping along the route for a traditional “Sunday Roast” lunch at a country pub. We chose the Apex International Hotel for our Edinburgh stay again this year because we had so much fun there last time. Set in the heart of Edinburgh’s ‘GrassMarket’ close by an amazing fish and chip shop and across from three pubs, no wonder we had so much fun! The location is perfect for antique shopping in the GrassMarket and also Princess Street is just a short walk away for High Street shopping.

The evening is free for you to unpack and check out Edinburgh’s finest restaurants. Hotel: Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Monday, August 3Today we will be exploring the outskirts of Edinburgh with a visit to the seaside village of Dunbar. The name Dunbar itself comes from the Gaelic "dun" meaning "fort and "barr" meaning "summit" and dates back to the Iron Age. Once in Dunbar, you have the option of playing golf, going to the beach or simply a little shoppingin their antique shops and galleries. But oh, we can’t depart this sleepy seaside town without first stopping for fish & chips in the wrapper, of course, while watching the fishing boats come and go from Dunbar’s double harbor.

Once back in Edinburgh, we have to visit the famous Chocolate Lounge at Harvey Nichols; no culinary tour is complete without doing a little chocolate tasting and sampling. As you sit on a stool, a conveyor belt of chocolate goodies pass you by. Imagine a smooth and silky chocolate ice cream sundae with a crunchy chocolate brownie sandwich and a side shot of hot melted chocolate. Or perhaps chilled Champagne poured over homemade Champagne jelly with floating golden nuggets, chocolate of course. Our dinner tonight will be “The Taste of Scotland” an evening with Scottish music, costume, bagpipes, fiddles and dance in the magically-historic setting of Prestonfield House in Edinburgh. Dance the ‘Gay Gordons’ with the Royal Chef as we enjoy local beef, salmon, haggis and rumbledethumps and bring the evening to a close with a hearty rendition of "Auld Lang Syne.”

Hotel: Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Show

Day 6 – Tuesday, August 4Today is your FREE day to spend as you wish. However, we know from past experience, that Chef Darren always finds some amazing “activities” to add that he surprises us with just before we leave.

We will dine tonight at the famous “The Kitchin” restaurant. Tom Kitchin (yes, that’s his real name) is Scotland’s youngest Michelin starred chef proprietor, receiving this award just one-year after opening in 2006. Amazing.Hotel: Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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We start our day at the award-winning Coulston Cookery School, a beautiful country cottage kitchen set in the middle of 2,000 acres of organic farmland just outside Edinburgh. Chef Darren McGrady will delight us with a 3-course meal prepared with local produce and specialties. This hands-on / interactive class will show us “best practices” and special techniques for the chef in all of us, while sampling his wonderful Scottish recipes and fine wines.This evening, it’s ‘all aboard’ The Royal Yacht Britannia as our party takes overHer Majesty’s ‘floating palace’ for our grand finale. You will be piped aboardand enjoy an exclusive tour of the yacht replete with Champagne and canapés.You'll have exclusive access to areas not usually seen including a peek into the kitchens where 'The Royal Chef' prepared elaborate banquets and receptions. Once in the Queen's Royal Dining Room, Darren will share personal anecdotes and memorabilia of his trips on Britannia including how he served Kings, Queens and Presidents as we enjoy a remarkable four-course dinner you will long remember.

Hotel: Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Thursday, August 6

Depart for Edinburgh International Airport for your flights home. orOPTIONAL: Stay this night with tickets to the Military Tattoo(Hotel included, and transfers to airport next morning).The Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.This colorful military musical spectacular celebrates its 65th season this year including highlights such as Massed Pipes & Drums, the Massed Bands of the Royal Air Force, along with Highland dancing, and the haunting notes of the Lone Piper.Bring your cameras for this one!

Day 9 – Friday, August 7 Coulston Cookery

The Military Tattoo

Today we start gathering our ingredients for our fabulous Cooking School tomorrow. First, with some strawberry picking at the Bellhaven Fruit Farm and then to the James Dixon Fish Curer Shop. We’ll stop in the quaint 12th century Haddington Village for lunch.We have a special dinner planned tonight at Carberry Tower in Musselburgh. This stately home dates back to the mid-15th century. Mary Queen of Scots surrendered here in 1567 to her rebellious nobles and more recently, it was the former home to Lady Mary Bowes-Lyon, sister of the late Queen Mother. Our private dining room with the menu planned by Darren should be the culinary highlight of our Edinburgh stay... but wait and see what tomorrow night brings!

Hotel: Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Wednesday, August 5

The DetailsFinish: Edinburgh, ScotlandStart: Ballater, Scotland

Nota Bene: We build all of our itineraries as exhaustively as possible; however, wealso leave room for the spontaneity of the group, the creativity of the guide, and the unpredictability of the elements. Thus, all itineraries are subject to modest modification, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.

* Prices are based at $ 1.603 to one GBP. Final price will be adjusted on April 20, 2015.

Getting ThereFlights: We generally encourage our travelers to arrive the day before the trip starts on Day 1, as your flights will probably arrive early in the morning, and check-in for the hotel is not until 3pm.

Travel Services:For the convenience of our travelers, we would be happy to assist you with flights to get to and from the trip. If you require assistance beyond the flights, (i.e. if you wish to extend your stay or arrive earlier), or if you wish to make private or custom travel arrangements, please call us to discuss your needs. Please note that a service transaction of $ 50.00 will be charged for arrangements such as flights, transfers and hotel rooms that are outside the planned itinerary.

© All rights reserved; Southlake Travel 2014-2015.

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ABOUT USA highly-personalized travel

concierge service that arrangesmemorable trips, cruises, exotic

vacations and travel for thosewith discriminating taste.

So, whether you’re looking for a private jet to Paris,

a villa in Tuscany,tickets to the Grand Prix in

Monaco, golfing at St. Andrews or an island

escape to the Caribbean,we can arrange every detail.

For more information on Chef Darren McGrady,

visit his website at www.theroyalchef.com

AVAILABILITY This exclusive culinary tourwith The Royal Chef will be

limited to 15 – 20 participants;with a minimum of 15.

To avoid disappointment(and the inevitable waitlist),

please book early.

BOOK YOUR TRIP CONTACT:

KarenM.Dawson630 E. Southlake Blvd #50 Southlake,TX76092

kdawson@southlake-travel.com Phone:817.657.9866

PAYMENTS & DEPOSITS $1,000 per person non-refundable

deposit at time of booking(to guarantee tickets & hotels).

Deposit must be received immediately.

Final payment will be due on May 15, 2015.

- All accommodations on a shared twin/double room basis- Daily breakfast at hotel- Daily dinner at hotel: Darroch Learg, Ballater- Initial transfer from Aberdeen Airport- Return transfer to Edinburgh Airport- Entrance and tour of Balmoral Castle- Land Rover Safari tour of Balmoral Estate- Hands-on cooking class with The Royal Chef- Dinner at The Kitchin - Michelin Star Restaurant- Three lunches and seven dinners- Afternoon tea at Kincardine Castle- Visit to city of Dunbar- Tickets to World Famous “Taste of Scotland Dinner Show”- Entrance, tour and dinner on Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia

What’s Included:

Dates & Prices DURATION: 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTSDATES: July 30 – Aug 7, 2015PRICES: $5595.00 USD (per person, dbl. occupancy sharing)*SGL SUPP: $940.00OPTIONAL: August 7 - Military Tattoo ticket + 1 night hotel –

Apex International Hotel = $ 375.00 per person^(^Single Supplement Additional)