Scotland

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: 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: Oban is a vacation town located in the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Despite its small size, it is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William and during the tourist season, the town can accommodate up to 25,000 people. Oban is situated in a beautiful location in the Firth of Lorn. The bay is almost a perfect horseshoe shape, sheltered by the island of Kerrera, and beyond Kerrera is the Isle of Mull. To the north lies the long, low island of Lismore, and the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • McCaig’s Tower. This tower overlooks Oban bay. It takes about 15 minutes to walk up the hill via one of several marked routes on roads, or by steps. There are great views of Kerrera and Mull and looking up the Sound of Mull. • Dunollie Castle. Also known as Dunoille Castle. This is the ancient home of the MacDougalls of Lorn. It's a small castle located at the far end of the bay from the station. • Dunstaffnage Castle. A castle located about three miles North of Oban • War & Peace Museum. This museum details Oban's role in the world wars. It's located on Corran Esplanade, just North of the North Pier, next to the Regent Hotel. It's open daily from 10:00 - 16:00 from March - November. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

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.