From Edinburgh to the Highlands

About the destination: As the capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most stunning city in Northern Europe. It remains the hub of Scotland's autonomous administrative institutions, managing to avoid becoming overly modernized or excessively large. The city is a blend of medieval alleyways surrounding a majestic castle, elegant 18th-century townhouses encircling lush parks, and a thriving cultural scene. The undisputed centerpiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle, can be seen from miles away, peeking around street corners. Within its walls is the 11th-century Queen Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. As you walk towards the palace, you'll pass Gladstone's Land, a medieval dwelling, and Lady Stair's House, a 17th-century townhouse that houses memorabilia of Scotland's literary trinity: Burns, Scott, and Stevenson. The final stretch of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth, which houses the People's Story Museum and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. For a panoramic view of the city, climb Arthur's Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill also offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than just sightseeing. For a taste of urban life, visit Stockbridge, a charming community filled with students, coffee shops, and great pubs. Every August, the city hosts the Edinburgh International Festival, a three-week celebration of the finest music, theater, opera, and dance. Thousands of culture enthusiasts flock here, and the city goes above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.

About the destination: Portree, the primary town on the Isle of Skye, is a lively port and a flourishing cultural hub. Surrounded by its natural harbor and bordered by elevated terrain and cliffs, the town is a favorite vacation spot for tourists. The harbor is still utilized by fishing vessels as well as recreational boats. It boasts top-notch leisure amenities including a swimming pool, pony-trekking, and boat cruises, along with numerous shopping options. Accommodation varies from luxury hotels to guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering establishments, and hostels. A campsite is also located nearby. Portree also serves as the cultural center for Skye. One of its main attractions, the award-winning Aros Centre, regularly hosts theater performances, concerts, and film screenings. The center also features an exhibition that captures the dramatic history of Skye, a stunning RSPB exhibit with live and recorded footage of rare sea eagles, and an audio-visual presentation providing a breathtaking aerial view of Skye’s incredible landscapes. The town is a popular starting point for exploring the rest of the island. Many visitors are attracted to the stunning scenery of the Trotternish Ridge to the north. This wild area is characterized by unique and fascinating rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the truly extraordinary pinnacles of the Quaraing.

About the destination: Inverness serves as the hub and tourist hotspot of the Highlands. This thriving port city, situated on the scenic banks of the Ness River, is an excellent starting point for exploring this Scottish region, home to some of Britain's most breathtaking landscapes. However, the city itself is also worth a visit. Inverness is a fascinating and appealing city with a wide array of attractions and activities, ranging from ancient castles to dining establishments, a Loch Ness cruise, or a riverside walk. The city is small, compact, and easy to navigate. The city's castle, majestically overlooking the river, is a prominent feature of the skyline. The castle's current structure is a formidable 19th-century Neo-Norman red stone fortress, still encircled by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery provides a comprehensive overview of the Highlands' evolution, while medieval Church Street houses the town's oldest surviving buildings. Contrary to popular belief, Inverness Castle is not the site of Macbeth's murder of King Duncan; the actual location is the dreamlike Cawdor Castle, complete with a moat and drawbridge, situated just east of Inverness. The stunning gothic structure is certainly worth a visit, if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national symbol and one of the region's most photographed sites, are located on the Loch's northern side. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have been reported. Today, Inverness is a modern city, equipped with all the contemporary conveniences and facilities you would expect from a major city. There are numerous charming riverside restaurants and lively sidewalk cafes, as well as a variety of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether you're wandering the city streets or venturing out into the Scottish Highlands for a day trip, Inverness is undoubtedly one of the must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

About the destination: As the capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most stunning city in Northern Europe. It remains the hub of Scotland's autonomous administrative institutions, managing to avoid becoming overly modernized or excessively large. The city is a blend of medieval alleyways surrounding a majestic castle, elegant 18th-century townhouses encircling lush parks, and a thriving cultural scene. The undisputed centerpiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle, can be seen from miles away, peeking around street corners. Within its walls is the 11th-century Queen Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. As you walk towards the palace, you'll pass Gladstone's Land, a medieval dwelling, and Lady Stair's House, a 17th-century townhouse that houses memorabilia of Scotland's literary trinity: Burns, Scott, and Stevenson. The final stretch of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth, which houses the People's Story Museum and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. For a panoramic view of the city, climb Arthur's Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill also offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than just sightseeing. For a taste of urban life, visit Stockbridge, a charming community filled with students, coffee shops, and great pubs. Every August, the city hosts the Edinburgh International Festival, a three-week celebration of the finest music, theater, opera, and dance. Thousands of culture enthusiasts flock here, and the city goes above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.