June 17, 2008

EUROPE | SCOTLAND

High Life in the Highlands

By Nicole Cotroneo

How much would you pay for your own private Scotland?

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Donald Trump, eat your heart out. Stonewalled in Scotland over plans to build “the world’s greatest golf course” on a slice of pristine coastline, the mogul recently went on the charm offensive by visiting the childhood home of his late Scottish mother (he reportedly stayed all of 90 seconds). His PR maneuver homage did little to warm local hearts — but you, on the other hand, can expect the red carpet rolled out during the “Ultimate Scotland Experience.”

Concocted by luxury travel agent Dream Escape and Classic Malts Selection (a premium scotch collection), and available through September, the weeklong jaunt takes you and four friends to some of the nation’s best golf courses, castles and distilleries.

Touching down by private jet, you begin where golf began: St. Andrews, home of the world’s oldest course. But you’re here to pioneer the new Castle Course, open to the public June 28. A clifftop expanse of curvaceous green suspended over the North Sea, it’s already being hailed as the area’s toughest turf.

After a few nights in your own castle, you’ll helicopter west to the isle of Islay, known for its sandy beaches, mild climate (we kid you not), and fine whisky. Trading golf clubs for drams, you’ll get an insider’s taste during master classes at Lagavulin and Caol Ila distilleries. Then the island-hop continues: by motorboat to remote Colonsay for a morning round of golf, and by seaplane to Skye for an afternoon tour of its sole distillery.

Finally, you’re Highlands bound for a traditional Scottish feast, where tartan garb is a must (kilts are provided) and, of course, the single-malt will be flowing. But you’d better sober up fast. You’ve got a country drive the next morning — each of you in your own Ferrari, Lamborghini or Aston Martin. OK, OK, we know what you’re thinking: What’s the price tag on this modest trip? One that might even get The Donald’s respect: a cool half-a-million dollars.