Top Five Travel: Discovering Scotland Coast to Coast

When visiting Scotland for the first time, one immediately notices green, everywhere the eye can see. All the stories are true; yes, Scotland has hundreds of castles, and golf courses. But in seeing it for yourself, you begin to take in the warmth of Scotland's people, it's history, and the mysterious way it makes you feel at home. Everyone should see the exquisite beauty that is Scotland at least once in their lives, so let's explore five of the most magnificent places Scotland has to offer.

Discovering Scotland: Edinburgh, Capital of Scotland

The most famous city in Scotland, Edinburgh is both breathtakingly beautiful, and a cultural center of the world. Robert Louis Stevenson once referred to Edinburgh as, "The city Paris wishes it was". Edinburgh has hundreds of bed and breakfasts, luxury hotels, and affordable rentals for vacationers year round. It boasts some of the best shopping in the world on it's main thoroughfare, Princes Street, and (contrary to what you've heard of Scottish food) has amazing restaurants. Just off Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens is the Central Park of Scotland. Filled with beautiful flower gardens, historical statues, and a 300 year old carousel, it is a wonderful place for the whole family to visit while staying in Edinburgh. Inside another of Edinburgh's famous parks, The Meadows, is Arthur's Seat, a collection of distinctive hills that at least one million people a year hike.

When you visit Edinburgh, Scotland, you must see Edinburgh Castle, where Scottish Kings lived, and weapons and armour are housed. It also houses the Royal apartments, inside which Mary, Queen of Scots once lived, and gave birth to a future king. Nearby is also the Scottish National War Memorial, also a recommended visit in Edinburgh. The grounds of Edinburgh Castle are home to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a festival held every year in August that includes music, pipes and drums, and marching, as well as historical military re-enactments.

A visit to Old Town conjures up a bit more of Edinburgh's fascinating history, where you'll find Mary King's Close, the site many casualties of the Black Plague, which was later simply sealed off exactly as it was. Nightly tours of the Close are spooky, and enlighten visitors to the plight of many who succumbed to the Plague.

A visit to Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, rewards the visitor with hundreds of fascinating experiences, from tasting whiskey in the New Town, to shopping and eating in the Grassmarket district.

Discovering Scotland: The Kingdom of Fife

Just across the Firth of Forth (say that six times fast) via the Forth Road Bridge from Edinburgh, lies the breathtaking Kingdom of Fife. Fife is the epitome of Scotland, in all it's charm and splendor. Scots refer to Fife as the 'wee kingdom', which is very accurate when you see that Fife is majestic and beautiful, as picturesque as a storybook. It boasts the sunniest beaches you'll find in Scotland, as Fife is technically a pensinsula. A visit to Dunfermline, Fife, is a must. Dunfermline is the tiny town that was the ancient capital of Scotland. It's also the home of famed New York philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. According to Dunfermline history, when Carnegie was a child, he would look inside the gates of a neighbor's land, wishing he could play
there. He said that when he grew up he was going to buy the land and make it a public park so every child could enjoy it. He did just that, and today the Meadow is one of Fife's most extraordinary public parks. There are many other historic houses, museums, and villages in Fife. Exquisite cathedrals, golf courses ( including the famed St. Andrews), and gardens dot the sunny landscape of this jewel, one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland.

Discovering Scotland: Oban

Often called "The Gateway to the Isles", Oban's splendor is unparalleled. Located on the west coast of Scotland in the Stirlingshire territory, Oban is a popular vacation spot for many European and American people. Oban's bay is dotted with colorful fishing boats, and houseboats, and is a bustling port. Tours of the bay are available twice daily, where visitors can see why Oban is such a coveted location in Scotland. There are many quaint bed and breakfasts, as well as five star hotels
with views of the spectacular mountains, lochs, and islands. Tours of the islands are very reasonable, and not to be missed. Iona, Cull, Colonsay, and Tiree islands are some of the places you'll see when you visit "the little bay" which translates to Oban in gaelic. Many of the residents of Oban speak Gaelic, and love to teach a little bit of the ancient language to tourists. A trip to Oban, Scotland is unforgettable.

Discovering Scotland: The Isle of Skye

If you're looking for the real Scotland, visit the Isle of Skye. Skye is home to breathtaking highlands, gorgeous lochs, and tiny rural villages which are almost surreal in their charm and beauty. If you love to hike, climb Glen Shiel, one of the best locations for hiking in the area, and upon descent you'll find the gorgeous Loch Duich. Skye is also home to beaches with some of the most beautiful, softest sand you'll ever encounter, below the stunning Cullin Ridge. Time seems to stop on the Isle of Skye, where you'll find local residents who live in cottages with thatched roofs and speak only Gaelic. The wildlife and landscape is as spectacular as any you'll find in Scotland. Lochside cottages are available at very reasonable rates for visitors who want to be as close as possible to how the locals really live, and horseback riding on the beach is a favorite activity for visitors. Don't forget to take lots of pictures of the Highland Cattle standing in the surf in the inlets, and visit the Highland Games of Skye. Culture and history, castles and legends, are a part of everyday life on the Isle of Skye. Do not miss a trip to this breathtaking area when visiting Scotland.

Discovering Scotland: Glasgow

Considered the most modern and sophisticated city in Scotland, Glasgow has bridged the divide between history, culture, and modern industry gracefully. Ancient castles and contemporary skyscrapers go hand in hand when seeing Glasgow, Scotland for the first time. Home to more than twenty museums and art galleries, mostly free of charge, Glasgow is one of the cultural centers of Europe. Festivals, operas, and concerts can be found fifty-two weeks a year in Glasgow, and entertainment for every possible interest is easy to find. You'll also notice hundreds of choices for lodging in the area, from five star hotels to B&B's and rented flats in downtown Glasgow.

Glasgow's famed West-End is home to shopping galore, including stores that specialize in rare books, antiques, and bohemian art by local artists. Craft centers and public gardens, as well as pubs exist on almost every corner in Glasgow. It truly has something for everyone, from the littlest visitor to the hard to please adult. Restaurants of every possible theme and culture are a big draw for tourists in Scotland who are looking for something a little tastier than the admittedly acquired taste of Scottish cuisine.

Outside the city of Glasgow lies a beautiful landscape of small villages, hills, and valleys. A short trip south of the city brings visitors to the famous and exquisite River Clyde, which has it's own unique activities and lodging for tourists looking to step outside the city life of Glasgow.

From Edinburgh to Glasgow, Scotland has something for everyone. Perhaps it's most attractive attribute, even above the unparalleled scenery, is the people of Scotland. The patriotism and cultural pride of the Scottish people is so moving, and visitors will be drawn to the easy welcoming manner they'll find in Scotland. Because of the beauty of Scotland and it's history, it really doesn't matter what area you visit while there. From Oban to Skye, the feeling is the same. Scotland is an unforgettable experience, one that will stay in your heart for years to come