Visiting Scotland promises to surprise even the most seasoned travelers on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. When I first visited Scotland, I remember how gobsmacked I was by the natural beauty, spectacular scenery and lively culture of the locals. A guide to the best places to visit in Scotland will help you plan your first trip.
1. Edinburgh
Every journey through Scotland should begin in Edinburgh’s Scottish capital. It is not only a Scottish cultural hub, but it is also one of the most beautiful capitals in all of Europe. Surprised? me too. Edinburgh is incredibly underrated and has stole the heart of lucky people.
2. Heading to the highlands
On a recent visit to Scotland I explored the Highlands Highland Explorer 7 Day Tour. To say that he was awe-inspiring is certainly an understatement. After a 7-day tour of Highlands, I was listening to the story Fairy and Giantscaught a ferry to the island, cruised around Loch Ness, searching for monsters, and saw more castles than in the Game of Thrones episode.
3. Jacobite Steam Train
Everything is installed on the Hogwarts Express! Real life fantasies aren’t much better than this. Harry Potter fans will be happy to know that yes, you can really catch the Hogwarts Express. The castle itself does not exist, but the journey to Hogwarts is certainly a real event.
4. Maraigu
Malaigue is a small port town on the “opposite side” of the Jacobite steam train when traveling from Fort William. It’s also the gateway to Sky, so if you’re on a comprehensive tour of the Highlands of Scotland, you’re sure to pass through here.
5. Ferry to Sky
If you are visiting the Highlands, the iconic ferry trip to Isle of Skye is an absolute must. Make sure to prepare your camera. This is just as memorable intersection as the destination itself.
6. Seaside Village
Through our 7-day Highlands tour we stopped at some of the most charming seaside villages and small towns for check-in, sleep and check-out of our accommodation. This is an experience in itself, as it leads to mixing with “real” locals, as opposed to people who work in the tourism sector and only see them as foreigners all day. One of the most enjoyable parts of the tour was going to a small milk bar or cafe to chat!
7. Irene Donan Castle
Does it look familiar? Why yes! This is the “honorable” castle, Eileen Donan. It’s stunning from the outside, but I don’t particularly recommend going inside as I can’t take any photos. I’ve seen many castles once in my life, but they all tend to look the same! But if this is your first castle, then you have to be there! Take the tour!
8. Loch Ness
You cannot come to Scotland without living the legend that is Loch Ness. I (pretty sure) it’s a myth (it’s okay, it’s definitely myth), there’s so many talk around the lake, and the story has to have a truth. I hate others… so I don’t particularly like giant eels.
9. Meal waterfall and quilt rock
From the Quiltlock perspective, there is a story that involves the Giants and the bridge between Scotland and Ireland (it goes back to the Giants’ times). These stories are told only in knowledgeable guides, so I was really happy to be able to participate Highland Explorer Tour For my 7-day itinerary. It meant that I could get a “backstory,” ask questions, and make my dream come true of believing in magic.
10. Explore nearby forest areas
Sometimes it doesn’t matter where you are in the world. It’s as great as any other destination. Wherever you go in the world, I like to rest from exploring nature by playing tourists, paying admission, or having lunch at a tourist cafe. Often, it’s something you need at the end of a big trip! If you’re looking for open roads, there are plenty of great campsites for camper travel.