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Day 10
Morning: We'll board our private motorcoach and set out for Aberdeen, Scotland's third largest city. Our total transfer time will be about three hours total, however we'll break up our journey with stops along the way to explore notable sites in the region. First, around 9:45am, we'll stop in Speysides to visit one of the last family-owned cooperages in Scotland. Here, coopers make barrels in which whisky is aged and stored. During our 1-hour visit, we'll learn about the modern challenges facing this ancient craft: Due to the cheaper cost of imported barrels, many whisky companies are now choosing to source their barrels from outside the country instead of supporting local coopers; as a result, the Scottish cooper industry is dying out. We'll meet with a member of the family that owns the cooperage to hear how the tradition of barrel-making has been passed down from generation to generation, and get his or her thoughts on the future of the industry. If you'd like, you can try your hand at being a cooper by fastening a stave (or specially-cut plank of wood) to the barrel. From there, we'll take a short 5-minute walk to a nearby distillery. Whisky connoisseurs will know that the area of Speysides is famous for producing single malt Scotch whisky; in fact, the two best-selling single malt whiskies--the Glenfiddich and the Glenlivet--are distilled right here in Speysides. We'll visit a smaller distillery to get an intimate look at production of this world-renowned spirit. In the company of a whisky expert, we'll tour the distillery's facilities, including the room where the barley is "malted" and the warehouse where maturing whiskies are stored in oak barrels. Finally, we'll conclude our tour with a lesson in "nosing" (sniffing) and tasting a sampling of aged whiskies produced here. After we've had our fill, we'll drive about an hour to Ballater, a quaint Victorian village in a protected scenic area known as the Royal Deeside. (Balmoral, the royal family's summer residence, is located nearby.) Lunch: On your own in Ballater upon arrival, around 1pm. Local specialties to try include the Aberdeenshire beef pie and Cullen skink, a hearty fish stew traditionally made with smoked haddock and potatoes. Afternoon: Continue exploring Ballater during free time until about 2:30pm. The main street is lined with pretty shops selling traditional handicrafts; you might like to pop into one to chat with the shopkeeper and shop for mementos. Or, perhaps you'll visit the Glenmuich church to view its colorful stained-glass windows and impressive organ. Then, we'll continue our transfer to Aberdeen, driving for about another 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and receive our room assignments. Depending on where we stay, our hotel will likely feature an on-site restaurant and bar, and typical rooms are equipped with a TV, wireless Internet, minibar, and en suite bathroom. You'll have some free to settle in or begin getting acquainted with the city on your own until 4:45pm, at which point your Trip Experience Leader will lead an optional 30-minute orientation walk around the hotel's vicinity. During this walk, they will point out nearby conveniences including ATMs, pharmacies, and recommended restaurants for meals on your own. Dinner: On your own whenever you'd like, after about 5:15pm if you join the orientation walk. Continuing a theme from earlier in the day, you might like to try beef with whisky sauce. Evening: Free for your own discoveries. Check with your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions. Freedom to Explore During your two days in Aberdeen, you have the freedom to explore this coastal city on your own during your free time. Below are some recommended options for independent explorations: Dive into the past at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum: Situated on a three-story replica of a North Sea oil-production platform that overlooks the bustling harbor, Aberdeen Maritime Museum explores the city's long history with the sea. The museum itself is contained in a range of historical buildings, including a former church and the 16th-century Provost Ross' House, the second-oldest house in Aberdeen. From thoughtfully-curated displays depicting the North Sea oil industry to old oil rig models and commercial trawlers, visitors gain an understanding of the pivotal role the marine environment has played here--both as a source of income, as well as the nucleus of local culture. Plan to spend approximately 1 hour exploring the museum.
How to get there: A 10-minute walk.
Stop to smell the roses at the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens: Presented to the University of Aberdeen in 1898 by the first female lecturer, Anne Cruickshank, the gardens were intended as a gift to commemorate her late brother. The 11-acre garden is located in a low-lying area of the city, less than 1 mile from the North Sea. Today, it is still partly owned and financed by the university, as well as the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens Trust. In keeping with its academic beginnings, the gardens largely remain in use for educational purposes, whether it be for teaching or research. In fact, an undergraduate student, specializing in botany, is welcomed to the grounds every summer and given the opportunity to gain work experience in their field. Points of interest within the gardens include an extensive arboretum, rock and water garden, rose garden, and birch lawn. Visitors should plan to spend approximately 2 hours exploring the grounds.
How to get there: A 10-minute walk.
Take a stroll through the Countesswells Forest Park: Formerly belonging to the prominent Burnett family estate, this extensive swath of land is located on the outskirts of Aberdeen and features a variety of mature woodland flora. Visitors stroll amongst massive conifers--spruce, pine and others--and enjoy sweeping views of gently rolling farmland. The centuries-old history of the land is even traceable in the tree species present today. For example, the towering beech trees that still stand were planted in the 1870s, only to produce timber over a century later. The paved trails here range in length from approximately 1.25 miles to almost 3 miles and are composed of mostly firm gravel surface.
How to get there: A 10-minute walk.
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5/6/21 |
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Overland to Aberdeen
Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-8:30am, with Scottish and American options available.