AACI Kosher Scotland Tour
September 1 – September 8, 2025
Embarking on a tour of Scotland is a journey through stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the majestic Highlands, where towering mountains meet serene lochs, to the charming streets of Edinburgh, filled with medieval architecture and bustling markets, Scotland offers a diverse array of experiences. Join us as we explore iconic landmarks such as the historic Edinburgh Castle, the enchanting Fyvie Castle, Gardens and Estate, 3 famous distilleries and the haunting beauty of Culloden Moor. Whether hiking through the rugged terrain or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the picturesque coastline, a tour of Kosher Scotland promises unforgettable memories steeped in the spirit of its storied past and breathtaking natural beauty.
Monday September 1, 2025
Arrival at Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) and transfer to hotel. After our first delicious dinner, enjoy your first night with a true Scottish welcome, this evening will feature a variety of
Scotland’s finest entertainment to settle you into the spirit of Scotland!
Tuesday September 2, 2025
After breakfast, transfer to Loch Ness for a panoramic tour! Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 kilometres (23 miles) southwest of Inverness. It takes its name from the River Ness, which flows from the northern end. Like some other very deep lochs in Scotland and Scandinavia, Loch Ness is said to be inhabited by an aquatic monster. Many sightings of the so-called Loch Ness monster have been reported, and the possibility of its existence—perhaps in the form of a solitary survivor of the long-extinct plesiosaurs—continues to intrigue many.
Continue from Loch Ness to Inverness.
One of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, Inverness is at its liveliest in summer, when it bustles with visitors from all over the world. Although it was founded in medieval times, most of the city’s most important buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Landmark buildings include the bulky Inverness Castle, which was erected in 1835 on the site of a much smaller medieval stronghold, and the Old High Church, overlooking the River Ness on St Michael’s Mount. Inverness is attractively landscaped with numerous carefully laid-out parks and gardens, including the tropical glasshouses of the Bught Floral Hall, where palms and other warm-climate plants make a striking contrast to the often snow-capped mountains on the northern horizon.
After visiting the city, we take a short drive to The Battle of Culloden Visitor Centre. On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites. Experience the powerful emotions of the Battle of Culloden in the visitor centre’s 360-degree battle immersion theatre, which puts you right in the heart of the action. A powerfully atmospheric battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. The richly researched, stimulating and sensitive Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features artefacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. It is both a monument and a guide to a pivotal day in history.
Return to Aberdeen for dinner.
Wednesday September 3, 2025
In the morning, we drive to Fyvie Castle, Gardens and Estate. This magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire is a sterling example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Inside, the rooms are filled with antiquities, armour and lavish oil paintings. Out in the grounds the grandeur continues, with a picturesque lake and an unusual glass-roofed racquets court. Ghosts, legends and folklore are all woven into the tapestry of Fyvie’s 800-year-old history. But stories aside, we do know William the Lion was at Fyvie around 1214 and later Robert the Bruce and Charles I were among its royal guests. Visit, and lose yourself in the glory of Fyvie’s landscape and the richness of its past.
Continue to Glenlivet – World’s leading whisky distillery! Discover how Glenlivet became the original Speyside Single Malt Whisky and visit the Speyside Room where you will meet the individuals who are integral to The Glenlivet today from our local farming community to our cask management team. Learn and explore how we make our signature whisky with an immersive visual experience in our Process Room followed by a walk through our distillery and a visit to Warehouse.
Thursday September 4, 2025
After breakfast, drive to Balmoral Castle-Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family. The audio tour lasts approximately one hour and will guide you around the grounds and gardens. The highlight of the visit is the largest room in the Castle – the Ballroom. Please note that the Ballroom is the only room available to visitors – all the other areas are private residence.
Continue to Dunnottar Castle one of Scotland’s hidden treasures. Perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic and evocative cliff-top ruins were once an impregnable fortress of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over.
Continue to Lindores Abbey Distillery for a Private Tour & Dinner! Lindores Abbey Distillery holds a captivating blend of history and innovation, nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Fife, Scotland. Established in 1191, it is not just a distillery but a living testament to the origins of whisky itself, with its roots tracing back to the earliest documented reference of whisky production. Visitors embark on a journey through time, exploring the ancient abbey ruins where monks once distilled aqua vitae, the “water of life.” Today, Lindores Abbey continues this legacy with a commitment to craftsmanship, offering guests the chance to savor meticulously crafted spirits while immersing themselves in centuries of whisky tradition.
Friday September 5, 2025
After breakfast we bid farewell to our hotel in Aberdeen and drive towards Loch Lomond. A one hour private cruise (weather permitting) sailing north past the waterfalls at Inversnaid and taking in the sprawling glens and rocky peaks of the Arrochar Alps. Relax on board and enjoy our live commentary with tales from the loch and insights into the history and geology of this part of Loch Lomond. Sail past the famous Arklet waterfalls and the Loch Sloy Hydro Electric scheme. Look out for osprey, sea eagles and mountain goats along the way!
Continue to Glengoyne Distillery, situated only 30 minutes drive from Glasgow, in the stillness of a quiet glen, Glengoyne believe that patience is rewarded. Their Distillery Ambassadors will take you on the unhurried journey their spirit makes. Enjoy a tutored tasting of Glengoyne Highland Single Malt as you learn about the bold, complex flavours from the slowest stills in Scotland matured. Founded in 1833, Glengoyne is the only distillery that sits on the border between the Highland and Lowland whisky regions, so the whisky is actually distilled in the Highlands and matured across the street in the Lowlands. And because of its close proximity to Glasgow, it’s one of the most visited distilleries in Scotland.
Check into our hotel in Glasgow and prepare for Shabbat.
Enjoy tefillah at the Garnethill Shul and Friday night dinner at the hotel.
Garnethill Synagogue-Scotland’s first purpose-built Synagogue, and a Grade A listed building of significant architectural splendour. The Synagogue was built in the period of 1879-81 and is one of the best examples of a cathedral-style synagogue still active in the United Kingdom.
Shabbat September 6, 2025
Morning Tefillah at the Garnethill Shul.
After Shabbat lunch, explore Scotland’s Jewish history at The Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre based in Garnethill Synagogue. Displaying the development and contribution of the Jewish community to Scotland over the past 200 years, and the Scottish Holocaust-era Study Centre provides an opportunity to explore this critical time period in more depth.
In the afternoon, enjoy a Shabbat friendly visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Visit one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. Opened in 1901, there is plenty to see at the state-of-the-art galleries displaying some 8,000 amazing objects. With works by world-famous artists such as Salvador Dali and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Located in Glasgow’s trendy West End in a stunning purpose built Victorian-era building. The museum has 22 galleries, housing a range of exhibits, including Renaissance art, taxidermy, and artefacts from ancient Egypt.
Sunday September 7, 2025
After breakfast, drive to Edinburgh
Embark on your Edinburgh adventure with a walking tour of Old Town! Lose yourself in its labyrinth of narrow, winding streets and medieval architecture. Begin your journey along the iconic Royal Mile, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with shops, traditional pubs, and historical sites. Explore hidden ‘closes’ and alleys that whisper stories of Edinburgh’s rich past. This is just the beginning of your exploration of this enchanting Scottish city!
Visit Edinburgh Castle. Situated at the top of the Royal Mile on top of Castle Rock, and towering majestically over Scotland’s capital for more than a thousand years, the iconic Edinburgh Castle was once a military fortress and home to kings and queens. Today it is Scotland’s most-visited attraction and the most iconic building in the city. Perched on top of an extinct volcano, the Castle and its Esplanade offers unparalleled views of Edinburgh. Once inside you can explore some of the oldest and most important buildings of the city, including St Margaret’s Chapel, The National War Memorial and the Half Moon Battery. The regal Crown Square is a real highlight, where you will find the magnificent Grand Hall and Scotland’s Crown Jewels, Britain’s oldest regalia. Once you’ve been inside, be sure to take a walk along the cobbled promenades and winding stone steps and drink in stunning views over the city.
Enjoy farewell dinner in Edinburgh.
Monday September 8, 2025
After breakfast, check out of hotel and drive to Stirling Castle. Stirling is one of Scotland’s greatest stone castles – an icon integral to how we understand the nation’s story. The castle peaked in importance in the 1500s, but its volcanic crag has been fortified since ancient times.
Generations of Scottish monarchs have enlarged, adapted and embellished Stirling Castle. Explore its three main enclosures, and then admire the refurbished Royal Palace – childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace’s lavish design drew on European Renaissance fashions to show off James V’s power and good taste.
Our Scottish adventure has come to an end, transfer to Glasgow airport for our afternoon flight home.
* The order of the route and the visit to the sites may change due to flight times, hotel availability, and other constraints.
Price: (note prices are in British Pound Sterling)
£4,390 per person in a double room for AACI members
£5,090 single person in a room
Flights (not included-subject to change)
Departure flights from Israel
KL462 Monday, Sep 1, 2025: Departing Ben Gurion, Tel Aviv at 04:45. Arrival in Amsterdam: 08:40
Connecting flight:KL915 Sept 1 5th, 2025: Departing Amsterdam airport at 11:50. Arrival in Aberdeen at 12:20
Return flights to Israel:
KL942 Monday, September 8th , 2025: Departing Glasgow to AMS at 16:55. Arrival in Amsterdam: 19:25
Connecting Flight: KL461 Monday Sep 8th , 2025: Departing Amsterdam, at 21:10 arrival in TlV 02:35 Tuesday September 9th
The price includes:
- Accommodation: In excellent tourist-class hotels
- Meals: Half board (two meals a day, and packed lunch)
- Mineral water throughout the trip
- Transportation: Air-conditioned tourist bus for transfers and tours
- Attractions, visits, tours, and entrance to all sites as detailed in the itinerary, full-day tours
- Personal listening device kit for each traveler
- All tips
- Registration fees
The price does not include:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Additional meals not secified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and services.
- Anything not included in the itinearary and the price of the trip.
Note: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance at the time of registration that includes coverage for cancellation fees and medical expenses.
Payment Policy:
Upon registration Deposit- £400
Balance due – March 28th, 2025
Cancellation Policy:
From registration until March 28th, 2025- £400
Cancellation from March 29th until May 25th, 2025 – 50% cancelation fee
May 26th-July 25tht-75% cancellation fee
Full cancellation from July 26th, 2025
For more information please email info@aaci.org.il or call 02-5661181