Scotland Travelers Recommend

Warmer months mean longer days and more time to explore. The city of Edinburgh offers travelers plenty of ways to capitalize on sunshine with numerous cultural, historical and sightseeing options. History buffs can opt for walking tours of iconic city sights dating back hundreds of years, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle and notorious Edinburgh Dungeon. And as in most major European cities, the popular hop-on hop-off bus tours provide an easy, hassle-free way to make the most of limited time here. Those who prefer to take in the architectural highlights will find a handful of stunning churches, like the Rosslyn Chapel and Dunfermline Abbey, which showcase the best of spiritual art and design. Travelers who want to go a bit further afield can choose to venture to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, the Isle of Skye or the Scottish Highlands, where picturesque countryside abounds and visitors are sure to encounter incredible natural (and historical) beauty.

The Scottish Highlands are one of Europe's last great wilderness areas. Some come for the sweep of desolate, rugged beauty guaranteed to take your breath away. Others enjoy taking in the history of the castles and the Gaelic traditions that connect the area to its storied past. If Scotland triggers thoughts of tartan and kilts for you, you're dreaming of the Highlands. Think Highlands and you'll think of wild, windswept hills and cliffs plunging into ice-cold lochs. Take in spectacular views of the mysterious of Scotland's most famous lakes: Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. Explore the area's national parks on foot or by bike along its many dedicated trails and paths. Revel in the romance of historic castles and manors such as Stirling and Dunrobin, breathe in the calm of villages like Pitlochry and Kylesku, or sample some of the world's finest whiskies.

In August, the Festival City explodes with arts events and the streets fill with a cosmopolitan melange of visitors high on a heady mix of culture and single malt. Day 1: Old Town and Edinburgh Castle Start at the castle and explore Royal Mile, then see how people lived in the 16th century in Gladstone's Land tenement. Day 2: New Town, Parks and Modern Edinburgh New Town dates from the 18th century. Graceful neoclassical buildings front squares, circuses and parks. Don't miss George Street, and Charlotte Square, where Scotland's First Minister lives. Day 3: Discovering Scotland The Scottish Highlands have a wild beauty all their own and are dotted with castles and famous lakes like Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. Scotland invented golf, and St Andrews is considered the home of golf. And you can't visit Scotland without paying homage to its most famous product: whisky. All are within day trip distance of Edinburgh.

The scenic capital of the Highlands is the perfect base from which to explore the northern wilderness, but there’s no reason to limit yourself to the mainland — many of Scotland’s islands are also reachable from Inverness. Head to John O’Groats, the northernmost point of mainland UK, from where ferries set sail across the Pentland Firth for the Orkney Islands, as well as to the remote Shetland Islands. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their remarkable collection of Neolithic monuments, stone circles and tombs, there’s plenty to take in on the Orkney islands, but don’t miss the striking 12th century St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, the Standing Stones of Stenness or a drive across the famous ‘Churchill Barriers’ causeways, which connect the islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay to the main island. The islands’ highlights can be seen on a day trip, but to really experience the region, opt for a 3-day tour and stay overnight in one of the traditional villages.

Famed for their lush greenery, sweeping views, and pristine landscape, the Scottish Highlands certainly live up to their billing. A plethora of picturesque views saturate the landscape, making the area one of the most beautiful places on earth. Numerous mountain ranges dominate the region, giving way to ethereal lochs and a harsh but beautiful coastline. One could spend weeks traversing and enjoying everything the Highlands have to offer.