The United Kingdom has shed its culinary past for a rich and celebrated present. Modern chefs have taken inspiration from around the world, incorporating international elements to intensify familiar flavors along the British Isles. On this custom tailored UK culinary tour through London, Edinburgh and Glasgow you will indulge in dining; discovering the exceptional newness of tradition, celebrated by the international cooking community but somewhat hidden behind the blanket of a distinct past....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Modern Union Jack
Arrive in London, a city positioned at the center of the world for centuries and moving forward in culinary tradition with decadent inventiveness. Your private transfer is at the airport waiting for you, and soon you are comfortably at your hotel in the heart of London. Big Ben sounds on the hour with a resounding peel. The Elizabeth Tower, also known as the Clock Tower, rises over Parliament on the River Thames and dates back to the 19th century. The Neo-Gothic design stands 315 feet tall.
The food scene around the city has burgeoned, moving away from the famous meat pies and licorice candies, on to something more refined, while simultaneously based upon British tradition. The city maintains a particular, unequaled energy. The streets bustle with people at all hours of the day. The streets wind around almost 2,000 years of history, from when the city was first founded in the 1st century. Smithfield Market is one of the largest and oldest meat markets in Europe dating back to the 12th century.
The pavilion opens up to the cityscape, decorated with colorful storefronts, and the occasional iconic red phone booth. In the evening, you can visit Dairy, a contemporary bistro in Clapham whose menu changes monthly. Workshop light fixtures and craft English beers add to the rustic décor. Using only seasonal ingredients the kitchen creates delicate, yet bold dishes, including a stunning pistachio and rapeseed cake, zested with orange and lime, accompanied by a ricotta and Sambuca ice-cream.
What's Included:
Day 2
All About Flavor
Day 3
Tasteful Day
Day 4
Turning Your Attention North
Day 5
Castle Grounds
Day 6
A Touch of Smoke and Water
Day 7
Taste of City Living
Day 8
Inside the Traditional Kitchen
Day 9
Morning Flavor
Trip Highlights
- Explore three of the most iconic cities in the British Isles, each enchanting with modern luxuries hidden behind old-world charisma
- Indulge in the modern twist on England’s traditional dishes at award winning DINNER by Heston Blumenthal
- Discover London, where foods from around the world are emblematic of England’s past empire and contemporary internationalism
- Eat finger sandwiches and fresh baked scones during a uniquely British Afternoon Tea at an award winning tea house
- Sample a collection of distinct scotch at a famous distillery to taste the elegant combination of flavors
- Delight in Scotland’s exceptional and newly recognized culinary mastery in restaurants that boast rustic ambiance and essences of fine dining
- Experience a half-day cooking course in Glasgow for first-hand knowledge of traditional dishes modernized by skillful and imaginative chefs
Detailed Description
Britain has not long been known for its culinary contributions to the world, however in recent years the restaurant world has erupted with celebration over the skilled and imaginative styles and flavors emanating from the United Kingdom. Your 9-day culinary tour of the UK takes you through the wonders of London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow to witness both the marvelous pasts of both England and Scotland, along with the enlightening culinary present. Relax in the pleasantries of dinner with a view over the whole of London. Feel the awe of dining in the shadow of an 11th-century castle. Traverse country roads and lavish art galleries to find bohemian ambiance with fine feasting. You will find an abundance of flavor in unforgettable Britain.
Your tour begins in London, where the international flair is alive and well, known for its global reach and desirable history. Your guide meets you at the hotel, readying you for a tour of the energetic streets. The iconic images of England practically overrun London, from Buckingham Palace to London Tower Bridge. The aroma of hoppy beer meets fresh, steaming pastries. Indian restaurants stand next to wood-oven pizzerias. You venture to Hyde Park to taste the celebrated dishes at Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant, DINNER.
Spend the early half of the day exploring London at your leisure before afternoon tea. An award-winning tea house near Hyde Park enriches the experience with traditional décor and modernized cuisine. For dinner, you head to the Financial District and venture to the 40th floor of Heron Tower for your meal and a view of London lit beneath the night sky. Your private transfer escorts you to the airport for your flight to Edinburgh for your Scotland tour. You quickly settle into the historic city and make your way along its streets on a private guided tour.
The marketplace is most energetic in the mornings but maintains a steady flow of passersby throughout the day. The following day you will venture south to tour Scotland’s southern borders before enjoying a meal at the elegant establishment, The Castle Terrace. You make your way north of the city to cruise along Scotland’s largest lake, Loch Lomond. Your tour of the local distillery finishes with a sampling of a fine collection of scotch.
Transfer to Glasgow where your private guide awaits to take you through the remarkable city, making a name for itself beyond its manufacturing past. Dine at the Ubiquitous Chip for a charming evening in bohemian ambiance. A half-day cooking course takes you on a journey of Scotland’s cuisine - beyond the preconception of food and heritage around the country. After breakfast, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and takes you to the airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,800 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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