Classic Scotland

Known by a variety of unique sobriquets such as Old Smoky for the smoke cloud that seems to perpetually hang over it, the beautiful city of Edinburgh sits perched on a range of rocky hills with the sea in the distance. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city has several cultural and historical landmarks worthy of leisurely exploration. Explore the palace, castle, churches, museums and climb up to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, for panoramic views of the city. Home to three excellent universities, Edinburgh has a diverse student population that has led to the mushrooming of numerous eateries and restaurants offering varied cuisines ranging from authentic Scottish dishes to exotic Yemeni food and fusion Scottish-Asian delicacies. Stop by the city in summer to soak in the street party ambiance of the annual ‘Fringe’ comedy festival, as well as the many music and literary festivals that happen during this time, or revel in the party atmosphere at New Year during the annual Hogmanay celebrations.

Famed for its proximity to Loch Ness, Inverness is a busy city that was founded in the 12th century. A splendid castle, cathedral, a pair of battlefields, and graves dating back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age are the important historical landmarks of the city. Stop by the indoor Victorian Market in the old part of town where you can browse through stalls displaying tantalizing food, apparel, and exquisite crafts. Inverness has its share of distilleries producing fine Scotch whisky, so stop by one for a better understanding of the process as well as for a tasting or two. A short drive from the city will take you to the starting point for cruises into the deep waters of Loch Ness in the quest for the elusive and mythical Loch Ness monster.

Framed by craggy mountains, mysterious lochs, and picturesque sea cliffs, the Isle of Skye has a magical allure all of its own. Besides spectacular scenic vistas, this mystic island is home to stately castles, museums, and awe-inspiring natural rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr. Dunvegan Castle, dating back nearly eight centuries, is the oldest in Scotland and with its beautiful gardens is worth exploring. Hop aboard a boat at the pier on the castle grounds for a fun visit to the nearby seal colony. A hike around Quiraing or Fairy Glen is an unforgettable experience as is watching the sunset at Neist Point Lighthouse. The crystal clear waters at the Fairy Pools of Glenbrittle and the Mealt Waterfall plunging into the sea are mesmerizing sights. Stop by the island’s oldest distillery Talisker which sits on a picturesque bay, for a fascinating tour of the process involved in producing fine Scotch whisky.

The Western Highlands region is famed for its soaring, rocky mountains and lush greenery dotted with lochs or lakes as far as the eye can see. For hiking and trekking enthusiasts, the Scottish Highlands are the stuff of dreams thanks to Lochaber Geopark, home to Britain’s tallest peak Ben Nevis, as well as numerous trails across rolling hills and valleys. Featured in many a movie, such as the Harry Potter series, the gentle slopes of the valley offer astounding photo opportunities. Stop by the two visitor centers in the park to brush up on your knowledge of geology and see samples of rocks and minerals from the area showcased in interesting displays. Nearby, a lighthouse at the mystical Ardnamurchan Point affords sweeping views of the British Isles, all the way from Isle of Mull in the south to Isle of Skye in the north! Wonderfully picturesque, Camusdarach draws you in for a stroll on its wooden footbridge and dunes, as does the Commando Memorial in Glen Spean. From your ideal base near Fort William, spend days exploring the region at your own pace. Climb aboard the Jacobite steam train that traverses a scenic route to Mallaig passing across the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Along the way, quaint little settlements beckon with authentic local pubs that offer fish and chips and Scottish ale on tap!

Serene and seemingly endless, the impossibly picturesque Loch Lomond is the largest lake in all of Britain! Second in popularity only to its northern cousin Loch Ness, the lake straddles Scotland’s Highland Border, starting as a glacier-cleaved trench in its northern reaches to fan out into a vast expanse studded by islands and skirted by rolling meadows in the south. With Glasgow only a few miles away, Loch Lomond is a favorite with summer crowds flocking to lakeside towns such as Balloch. The eastern shores on the other hand, offer quieter and more scenic stays and hikes interrupted only by the occasional sheep.

Sitting perched on the banks of Clyde River, the vibrant city of Glasgow invites you to explore its unique neighborhoods. Get a glimpse of the city’s rich architectural heritage as elegant Victorian buildings and impressive mansions rub shoulders with newer, innovative designs that line the riverside. Take your pick of museums with the Riverside Museum detailing the region’s transport history, the Hunterian with its eclectic curiosities, and Provand’s Lordship showcasing medieval treasures. Stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Buchanan Street with its upscale stores or explore the weekend markets of the East End. For vintage finds and second-hand books, head to the West End. Big Feed, Glasgow’s sprawling indoor market is the best place for foodies with plenty of street food vans and trucks serving up flavorful specialties and local beer.