The itinerary for my culinary tour to Edinburgh, Scotland in August 2009.

1. Culinary Excursion
From August 6 - August 12, 2009
Enjoy a Culinary Tour of Edinburgh
and an insider’s tour of the royal
palaces with Darren McGrady, –
former Chef to H.M. Queen Elizabeth
II and Diana, Princess of Wales.
You are invited on a tour with The Royal Chef, Darren
McGrady as he personally guides you through the Palace
of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of her
Majesty the Queen and Glamis Castle, birthplace of the
Queen Mother. Highlights of the trip include the Military
Tattoo, a culinary presentation by The Royal Chef, and an
exclusive tour and dinner on Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia.
You will get a firsthand, unique insight into the day to day
life of Britain’s royal family through the eyes of Darren and
his fifteen years royal service.
Southlake Travel
Where Dreams Become Reality

2. The Trip
Where We Visit Day 1 – Thursday, August 6
Welcome to Edinburgh!
You are met upon arrival at Edinburgh International Airport and transferred to our centrally
located hotel, The Apex City Hotel. Explore this wonderful city of Edinburgh; a city of
elegant streets, cobbled alleys and incomparable sunsets. Gather tonight for a glass of wine
to renew friendships and meet new friends.
Hotel: Apex City Hotel
Meals: Welcome reception
Day 2 – Friday, August 7
Palace of Holyroodhouse This morning we get together for coffee with The Royal Chef at the hotel, hearing tales from
the Royal Chef as he traveled from the position of Junior Chef at Buckingham Palace to the
position of Personal Chef for Princess Diana.
Our day today starts with a tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in
Scotland for her majesty the Queen and where Darren traveled to every summer for eleven
years to cook for the Queen and her guests. This palace is rich in history and today the State
Apartments are used regularly by The Queen for State ceremonies and official entertaining.
Lunch will be at the Brasserie at The Scotsman Hotel.
After lunch, we search for antiques in the Georgian Antiques Market, the largest collection
of antiques in Scotland.
HMY Britannia Dinner tonight is at the fabulous Amber Restuarant in the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre..
Hotel: Apex City Hotel
Meals: BLD
Day 3 – Saturday, August 8
Saturday is market day in Edinburgh, and a great reason to stroll through the bustling
Edinburgh Farmers Market with The Royal Chef as he points out and we sample
indigenous Scottish foods. The market has evolved since it first opened as a small monthly
event in 2000 into a showcase for Scottish agriculture.
Lunch today will be at Olarosa’s, which features the most stunning views across both the
Firth of Forth and Edinburgh Castle.
Then we’re off to visit Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia now moored permanently in Leith.
The Royal Yacht has played host to some of the most famous people in the world, but, above
Military Tattoo all, she was home to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family - a floating palace.
Once onboard you will discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences
as you experience an exclusive tour with access to areas unavailable on normal tours,
including the royal galley (kitchen).
Champagne and canapés will be served on the tour followed by an eight course dinner
in the royal dining room where the royal chef prepared a state banquet when the Queen
entertained Presidents Regan and Ford. After dinner, Darren will regale us with his
favorite adventures on the high seas and share royal memorabilia.
Hotel: Apex City Hotel
Meals: BLD
Southlake Travel
Where Dreams Become Reality
Glamis Castle

3. Where We Stay
Day 4 – Sunday, August 9
This morning you have a chance to sleep in a little and enjoy a free morning of leisure.
Grab a Pub lunch on your own, or with Darren at Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar before we venture
forth to Glamis Castle, built in 1034 and the home of the Queen Mother’s birthplace in
Angus, Scotland. This expansive castle with its stunning architecture offers rich history as
well as beautiful grounds and gardens on a 14,000 acre estate.
This evening is open for your personal discovery of Edinburgh… we might recommend The
Edinburgh Theatre Festival or take in one of the many of the festivals in the city.
Hotel: Apex City Hotel
Meals: B
Day 5 – Monday, August 10
This morning we’ll explore the unique Belhaven Smoke House, located in Dunbar. The
beautiful town of Dunbar is on the North Sea coast of East Lothian, about 30 miles east
of Edinburgh. We’ll sample many of the smoked meats and fishes that are traditional
Scottish cuisine.
No trip to Scotland would be complete without stopping for Afternoon Tea; today we
stop at the beautiful Balmoral Hotel, a luxury five-star property in the very heart of
Edinburgh.
After a quick supper of Fish and Chips, we head off to the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh
Castle. This colorful military musical spectacular celebrates its 60th season this year,
including highlights such as the Massed Pipes & Drums, the Massed Bands of the Royal
Air Force, along with the highland dancing, and the haunting notes of the Lone Piper,
and in their first Tattoo appearance, the Central Band of the Swiss Army. Bring your
Apex City Hotel
cameras for this one!
Hotel: Apex City Hotel
Meals: BD, Afternoon Tea
Day 6 – Tuesday, August 11
We’re off this morning to Cooking School by Martin Wishart, a
renowned cooking school just outside of town. Chef Darren McGrady
will delight us with a 3 course meal he prepares with local produce and
specialties. This interactive class will show us “best practices” techniques
for the chef in all of us, while sampling his wonderful Scottish recipes
and fine wines.
After lunch, we take a delightful ride through the countryside to
Ballathie House Hotel in nearby Perth where at 17 years old Darren learnt
to cook. We’ll stay the night at this elegant country house hotel
that offers guests beautiful accommodations in an estate setting.
Our finale dinner will be celebrated in their fine dining room, a
truly Scottish sensation.
Ballathie House
Hotel: Ballathie House Hotel
Meals: BLD
Day 7 – Wednesday, August 12 Southlake Travel
Where Dreams Become Reality
Depart for Edinburgh International airport for your flight home.

4. The Details Southlake Travel
Where Dreams Become Reality
START: Edinburgh, Scotland FINISH: Edinburgh, Scotland
What’s Included: ABOUT US
A highly-personalized travel concierge
- All accommodations on a shared twin/ - Afternoon Tea at Balmoral Hotel service that arranges memorable trips,
double room basis - Walking tour with Royal Chef through cruises, exotic vacations and travel for
- Daily breakfast at hotel Edinburgh’s Farmers Market those with discriminating taste. So,
whether you’re looking for a private jet
- Round-trip transfers from Edinburgh - Walking tour with Royal Chef
Airport to hotel through Antique Markets to Paris, a villa in Tuscany, tickets to
the Grand Prix in Monaco, golfing at
- Entrance and tour of Palace of - Entrance to Military Tattoo at
Holyroodhouse Edinburgh Castle St. Andrews or an island escape to the
Caribbean, we can arrange every detail.
- Cooking demonstration by - Entrance, tour and dinner on
Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia
The Royal Chef
- Entrance and tour of Glamis Castle - Farewell celebration dinner AVAILABILITY
- Three lunches and four dinners
This exclusive culinary tour with
The Royal Chef will be limited to
Spontaneity: We build all of our itineraries as exhaustively as possible; however, 15 – 20 adults; with a minimum of
we also leave room for the spontaneity of the group, the creativity of the guide, and the 15. To avoid disappointment (and the
unpredictability of the elements. Thus, all itineraries are subject to modest modification, inevitable waitlist), please book early.
dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Trip Operator: Travelbound, a tour operator specializing in travel arrangements to Europe.. BOOK YOUR TRIP
CONTACT:
Dates & Prices
Karen M. Dawson
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
1300 Concord Ave
Dates: August 6 – August 12, 2009 Southlake, TX 76092
kdawson@southlake-travel.com
Prices: $4,785.00 USD (Per person based upon double occupancy)*
Phone: 817.657.9866
Single Supplement: $780.00 USD
PAYMENTS &
*Prices are based at $1.379 USD to one GBP. Final price will be adjusted on May 15, 2009.
Getting There
DEPOSITS
1,000 per person non-refundable
$
deposit at time of booking (to guarantee
Flights: tickets & hotels). Deposit must be
received by February 6, 2009. Final
Please be advised that most international flights arrive early in the morning, and check-in for
payment will be due on May 15, 2009.
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.
© 2009 Southlake Travel