Rugged, mystical and untouched, where majestic castles dominate the skyline of medieval cities and unspoiled wilderness creates an almost ancient isolation; Scotland is a land of extremes, and few places can claim such a wide variety of experiences.The Scottish Highlands evoke images of Celtic warriors roaming the plateaus of the Cairngorms, and thatched houses provide shelter from extreme weather on a barren landscape. The major cities appear medieval in nature, yet feature a modern atmosphere. Modern on the outside, yet primitive underneath, Scotland is an authentic adventure and a land with a magical history. Haven’t started planning your trip to Scotland yet? So let’s go!
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Glasgow
With world-renowned art museums, theaters, historic sites, and more, Glasgow is known as a modern city with a cultural and historic twist. As you walk among beautiful old buildings of Central Glasgow, you feel like you are walking through history – that is – until you spot the modern steel and glass buildings, offering the city a stark architectural contrast.
Local Attractions: There is no shortage of museums to visit in this cultural hub, catering to a wealth of interests ranging from art, to history, to architecture, and beyond. Architecture enthusiasts should make sure to check out the Mackintosh house, whose interior is redesigned as an exact replica of the famous architect’s home.
Day Trip: Escape the bustle of the city and head to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The park features several lochs, hikes through the mountains, and some of the most stunning views in the country.
“Like a Local” Tip: Take your lunch on the go and eat it in Pollack Country Park, where you can spend your lunch-break people watching and relaxing, followed by the Burrel Collection, uniquely situated in the middle of the park.
Local Attractions: There is no shortage of museums to visit in this cultural hub, catering to a wealth of interests ranging from art, to history, to architecture, and beyond. Architecture enthusiasts should make sure to check out the Mackintosh house, whose interior is redesigned as an exact replica of the famous architect’s home.
Day Trip: Escape the bustle of the city and head to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The park features several lochs, hikes through the mountains, and some of the most stunning views in the country.
“Like a Local” Tip: Take your lunch on the go and eat it in Pollack Country Park, where you can spend your lunch-break people watching and relaxing, followed by the Burrel Collection, uniquely situated in the middle of the park.
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Eilean Donan Castle
Where the three great lakes of Scotland meet lies one of the most romantic and iconic castles in the world, Eilean Donan Castle. Visiting a castle on a trip to Scotland is almost mandatory, but making the effort to include this particular site on an itinerary will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Originally built in the Mid-13th Century and located at Kyle of Lochalsh village, Eilean Donan Castle was home to many occupants over the years, and subjected to a large number of raids. Succumbing to decay and neglect for many years, it is now fully restored and is an astonishing preserved medieval castle. As mist rises in the morning and first light casts a haunting shadow over the lake, Eilean Donan Castle presents itself in a stunning landscape of wildflowers, still waters and fresh mountain air;. There are many castles in Scotland, but none quite like Eilean Donan.
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Edinburgh
Ancient and atmospheric, the medieval city of Edinburgh is a destination with so much to offer. From the old city walls and narrow cobblestone streets, to the magnificent castle and quaint botanical gardens, the lively nightlife and endless number of restaurants, and the fascinating Museums and spectacular art galleries, there is no shortage of excitement for any type of traveler. Although a modern city with designer stores, fine dining and a cosmopolitan feel, the many remnants of medieval times in Edinburgh offer a distinct impression that it will never let go of the past. Ideal for walking, safe and a high quality infrastructure for tourism, Edinburgh is the perfect place to start your adventure in Scotland.
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Aberdeen City and Shire
This 8000-year-old city is also known as the “Granite City”, but is mostly known for its many, many attractions. There is something for everybody in Aberdeen – breathtaking nature, whiskey tours, castles, golf, just the perfect mix of history and novelty. The shire is a stunning landscape, stretching between lush green hills and rapid waters.
Take a day trip to Cairngorms National Park, which is located in the heart of the Eastern Highlands. Wild and rocky, the park offers unlimited hiking opportunities and marked trails, each requiring a varying degree of effort or fitness.Expect old abandoned cottages and ancient stone walls, ruins on mountain tops and endless open fields. With excellent roads, decent accommodations and several villages to in stop along the way, few places offer the convenience of Cairngorms National Park or the same authentic experience. There may limited wildlife in the mountains, but they offer a genuinely immersive experience, in one of the last true wilderness areas in Scotland.
Take a day trip to Cairngorms National Park, which is located in the heart of the Eastern Highlands. Wild and rocky, the park offers unlimited hiking opportunities and marked trails, each requiring a varying degree of effort or fitness.Expect old abandoned cottages and ancient stone walls, ruins on mountain tops and endless open fields. With excellent roads, decent accommodations and several villages to in stop along the way, few places offer the convenience of Cairngorms National Park or the same authentic experience. There may limited wildlife in the mountains, but they offer a genuinely immersive experience, in one of the last true wilderness areas in Scotland.
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Loch Ness
South of Inverness, Loch Ness is a 23 mile long freshwater lake in the heart of the Scottish highlands and the halfway point of this trip itinerary. Ruins, castles, ancient stone walls and stunning scenery are common in the surrounding area, but Loch Ness is a major attraction and world famous for an entirely different reason. According to legend, this awe-inspiring lake is home to the Loch Ness Monster. Many sightings have been reported by locals since the 6th Century, which attest to a great dinosaur-like beast appearing in the still waters in the mountains. Loch Ness is a spectacular destination, and the legend behind this landscape is enough to make it a must see on any trip to Scotland.
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Isle of Skye
Towering peaks, rugged cliffs, a churning ocean and quaint country villages, there is good reason the Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most visited destinations. Few places in the country can offer such a personal and authentic experience, surrounded by breathtaking nature. Locals are notoriously welcoming in the rural areas of Scotland, but it would seem that the islanders treat hospitality like a profession.
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Loch Ard lakeside, Scotland
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Loch Lomond, Scotland
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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
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