From Edinburgh to the Highlands

About the destination: Capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Still the centre of Scotland’s autonomous administrative establishments, Edinburgh has become neither too modernised to be cold nor too large to be unattractive. Medieval alleyways cluster around an imposing castle, elegant 18th century townhouses sweep around lush parks, and culture thrives. Unquestioned centrepiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle looms into view around street corners for miles around. 11th century Queen Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, is contained within the castle walls. Walking towards the palace, you’ll pass the medieval dwelling called Gladstone’s Land, and Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century town house containing memorabilia of Scotland’s literary trinity of Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The final lap of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth that houses the People's Story Museum and is one of its most recognisable landmarks. For a sweeping view of the city, climb Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill offers, as well, beautiful views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than sightseeing. For some urban flair check in to Stockbridge, a quaint community full of students, coffee shops and good pubs. Every August the city celebrates the Edinburgh International Festival, three weeks of the finest music, theatre, opera and dance. Thousands of culture-minded visitors congregate here and the city does its best to keep them happy.

About the destination: Fort William is the second largest settlement in the Highlands of Scotland with around 10,000 inhabitants. Fort William is a major tourist centre, with Glen Coe just to the south, Aonach Mòr to the north and Glenfinnan to the west, on the Road to the Isles. It is a centre for hillwalking and climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevis and many other Munro mountains. It is also known for its nearby downhill mountain bike track. You must visit the West Highland Museum, old fashioned museum of Highland history just off High Street. It´s open M-Sa 10.00 – 16.00, entrance free.

About the destination: Portree, an príomhbhaile ar Oileán Sgitheanach, is calafort ghnóthach agus ionad cultúir beomhar. Tá an baile suite thart ar a chalafort nádúrtha agus tá sé faoi chumhdach ag ardthalamh agus aillte, agus is áit chéad rogha é do thurasóirí atá ar saoire. Tá an calafort fós in úsáid ag báid iascaireachta chomh maith le báid sult. Tá saoráidí fóillíochta den scoth ann, lena n-áirítear linn snámha, siúlóidí capaill agus cuairteanna báid, chomh maith le go leor deiseanna siopadóireachta chomh maith le réimse leathan lóistín ó óstáin ghalánta go tithe aíochta, B&Banna, áiseanna féinchóirithe agus brúna. Tá campálaíonn in aice láimhe freisin. Is é Portree an hub cultúrtha do Sgitheanach agus tá ceann de na príomhtharraingtheachtaí ann, an tIonad Aros atá buaite ag duaiseanna, ag reáchtáil amharclannaíochta, ceolchoirmeacha agus scannáin go rialta. Tá taispeántas ann freisin a thugann léargas ar stair dhramataí Sgitheanach, taispeántas iontach RSPB le físeán beo agus taifeadta de iolar mara annamh, chomh maith le léiriú fuaime agus físeáin a thugann radharc aeir iontach ar thírdhreacha dochreidte Sgitheanach. Is bunáit chóirithe é an baile do mhórán daoine a bhfuil fonn orthu an t-oileán a fhiosrú. Tarraingíonn an radharcra iontach ar an Ridge Trotternish ó thuaidh go leor cuairteoirí mar go bhfuil an ceantar fíorúil seo faoi smacht ag foirmeacha aille cloiche aisteacha agus iontacha araon, ar nós an Seanfhear Storr, Carraig an Eilt agus na barróg iontacha de Quaraing.

About the destination: Inverness is the hub and tourist capital of the Highlands. A lively port city situated on the scenic banks of the River Ness, it's a brilliant base for exploring this Scottish region that boasts some of Britain's most breathtaking scenery. But the city itself is well worth a visit. Inverness is an intriguing and appealing city with a wealth of places to visit and activities to enjoy; from ancient castles to eateries, a cruise on Loch Ness or a walk along the river. The city itself is small, compact and easy to navigate. The town's castle, perched beautifully above the river, dominates the skyline. The castle's current structure is a 19th century imposing Neo-Norman red stone fortress, still surrounded by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery provides a good general overview of the Highlands' development, while medieval Church Street houses the town's oldest surviving buildings. Contrary to legend, Inverness castle is not where Macbeth killed King Duncan; the actual site is a moat-and-drawbridge dream, Cawdor Castle, located just east of Inverness. The stunning gothic structure is well worth a visit, if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national icon and one of the region's most photographed sites, are on the north side of the Loch. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have occurred. Nowadays, Inverness is a modern city, with all the modern facilities and amenities you'd expect from a major city. There are many charming riverside restaurants and bustling pavement cafes, as well as a wide range of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether it's wandering the streets of the city itself or venturing out into the Scottish Highlands for a day trip, Inverness certainly stands as one of those must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

About the destination: Capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Still the centre of Scotland’s autonomous administrative establishments, Edinburgh has become neither too modernised to be cold nor too large to be unattractive. Medieval alleyways cluster around an imposing castle, elegant 18th century townhouses sweep around lush parks, and culture thrives. Unquestioned centrepiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle looms into view around street corners for miles around. 11th century Queen Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, is contained within the castle walls. Walking towards the palace, you’ll pass the medieval dwelling called Gladstone’s Land, and Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century town house containing memorabilia of Scotland’s literary trinity of Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The final lap of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth that houses the People's Story Museum and is one of its most recognisable landmarks. For a sweeping view of the city, climb Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill offers, as well, beautiful views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than sightseeing. For some urban flair check in to Stockbridge, a quaint community full of students, coffee shops and good pubs. Every August the city celebrates the Edinburgh International Festival, three weeks of the finest music, theatre, opera and dance. Thousands of culture-minded visitors congregate here and the city does its best to keep them happy.