With the Goldring Travel Culinary & Cultural Journeys in April 2025 and October 2026 sold out, there was a long period without a Culinary & Cultural journey. So, I figured why not find a truly unique itinerary and create another…and boy did I find one!
This April 23 – May 4, 2026 Culinary & Cultural Journey combines Silversea’s Silver Endeavour’s intimacy (only 200 guests) and ability to deliver a luxurious soft expedition experience along with a fantastic combination of some of the most desired Irish, Scottish (and British?) cities along with many of the remote, picturesque, villages and islands in the north of Scotland (You know the ones. The ones that they make postcards of that you wish you could visit!).
Pricing for this eleven-night journey start at $11,900 per person, double occupancy + $200 Shipboard Credit. I do have some 150% Single Supplement suites (Classic to Premium Veranda only). Remember, on Silversea it includes expeditions and tours, an open bar (some premiums excluded), gratuities, caviar, and dining (except La Dame). And, of course, All Goldring Travel Culinary & Cultural Special Events are included at no additional cost!
Before departing from Dublin, Ireland, on April 23, 2026, Goldring Travel will host a special private culinary event to be developed. (In 2016 it was a visit to the farm of a Michelin star chef to assist harvesting some produce – and drink some great wine – and then head back to the city for a private luncheon back at his restaurant).
It will then be off to the Silversea Silver Endeavour on an 11-night expedition starting off with the politically diverse and nuanced Belfast, Northern Ireland. Between the political strife and the culinary wonders, it is one of the most memorable cities I have visited. A visit to St. George’s Market for some culinary delights including a pint of Guiness brings some local flavor, as do some of the anti-British protestations…and a better understanding of the conflict that has simmered and raged and simmered for decades.
Next up is Islay Island, home to some amazing whiskies and also dramatic hiking trails. Oh, the struggle of a possible private tour, tasting, and culinary experience at Laphroaig and/or Ardbeg versus an amazingly beautiful hike! I do love my whisky, so private special event may be created!
Next up is the tiny Scottish island of Iona and its famous Iona Abby; a truly important pilgrimage site in a breathtakingly beautiful setting.
Expedition is then the name of the game the following day when we visit the uninhabited and volcanic island of Lunga where you can see puffins and a wide array of sea birds including shags, guillemot, razorbills, and more. And you can see them by way of your choice of zodiac rides, hiking or kayaking.
Turning back to a more historical setting, is St. Kilda, a remote archipelago and the westernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides that has been voluntarily abandoned since 1930. Home to seabirds, it is also home to some historic ruins which can be visited, again, by zodiac, hike, or kayak. Later in the day is a visit to the spectacular Boreray Island (part of St. Kilda).
The Shiant Islands are the following day; another birder’s paradise that can be enjoyed from the ship, zodiacs, and kayaks. In the afternoon we may return to some civilization, Loch Ewe, the only north-facing loch in Scotland is home to the famous Inverewe Garden (and formerly heavy armaments during World War II) and is home to sea otter, seals, golden and sea eagles. The same day we head back into the wilds, Tanera Beg, Summer Isles is up next; the former hub of the herring industry with its remnants visible. With a zodiac cruise we will be seeking out otters, puffins, dolphins, basking sharks and minke whales. I am not sure, but we may be able to visit Achiltibuie Village and its Summer Isles Hotel, which is renowned for its cuisine and gardens.
Returning to a more “cruise” experience, we then visit Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is one picturesque tiny island that I have enjoyed leisure walks, a few beers, sausage rolls, fish & chips and other Scottish culinary delights! Of course, this also being an expedition, kayaking or a zodiac cruise will also be available.
Next up, Kirkwall, Scotland; home to the Highland Park Distillery and one of my favorite little culinary and cultural spots: Helgi’s Pub. Silversea will be offering more extensive tours of the area, including some of the more historical and religious sites, a very civilized walk through nearby Stromness, and a nature walk.
After a well-deserved day at sea, it is back to a bit expedition with visits to the tiny but beautiful St. Abbs and then the Isle of May, home to the largest puffin colony in the United Kingdom, which you will have an opportunity to hike to. (Almost as effective as watching penguins, puffins just make you smile!)
Our Culinary & Cultural Journey ends in Edinburgh, Scotland, but that does not mean it ends with disembarkation! For those that wish to stay on for at least one more night, Goldring Travel will be arranging another special private culinary event bringing an incredibly diverse, tasty, and beautiful culinary and cultural journey to an end.
Interested? Please call, email, text, WhatsApp or Facebook message.
