Maravillas de Escocia: De Edimburgo a la Isla de Skye

About the destination: Capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Still the centre of Scotland’s autonomous administrative establishments, Edinburg has become neither too modernized to be cold nor too large to be unattractive. Medieval alleyways cluster around an imposing castle, elegant 18th century townhouses sweep around lush parks, and culture thrives. Unquestioned centrepiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle looms into view around street corners for miles around. 11th century Queen Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburg, is contained within the castle walls. Walking towards the palace, you’ll pass the medieval dwelling called Gladstone’s Land, and Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century town house containing memorabilia of Scotland’s literary trinity of Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The final lap of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth that houses the People's Story Museum and is one of its most recognizable landmarks. For a sweeping view of the city, climb Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill offers, as well, beautiful views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than sightseeing. For some urban flair check in to Stockbridge, a quaint community full of students, coffeeshops and good pubs. Every August the city celebrates the Edinburgh International Festival, three weeks of the finest music, theatre, opera and dance. Thousands of culture-minded visitors congregate here and the city does its best to keep them happy.

About the destination: Inverness is the nerve centre and tourist capital of the Highlands. A bustling port city located on the picturesque banks of the Ness River is a fantastic base to explore this Scottish region that contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. But this city is worth a visit in its own right. Inverness is an interesting and attractive city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do; from ancient castles to restaurants to a cruise on Loch Ness or a stroll along the river. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around. The castle in town, perched picturesquely above the river, dominates the horizon. The castle’s present day structure is a 19th century imposing Neo-Norman red stone fortress still surrounded by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery gives a good general overview of the development of the Highlands while medieval Church Street is home to the town’s oldest-surviving buildings. Contrary to the lore, Inverness castle is not where Macbeth murdered King Duncan; the actual site is a moat-and-drawbridge dream, Cawdor Castle, located just east of Inverness. The beautiful gothic construction is well worth a visit if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national icon and one of the most photographed sites of the region, are on the north side of the Loch. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have occurred. Nowadays, Inverness is a modern city, with all the modern accommodations and amenities one could expect from a major city. There are many lovely riverside restaurants and bustling pavement cafes as well as a wide range of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether it’s roaming the streets of the city itself or heading out into the Highlands of Scotland for a day trip, Inverness definitely stands as one of those ultimately must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

About the destination: Aviemore is a tourist resort in the Highlands of Scotland. The town is popular forits breathtaking scenery, skiing and other winter sports, Rothiemurchus Estate and for hill-walking in the Cairngorm Mountains. Situated within the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is one of the largest towns in the park. It is also notable for having a freely grazing reindeer herd, the only one in the United Kingdom. The town is an ideal base for a large variety of outdoor sports including skiing, both cross-country and downhill, golf, horse riding, climbing and walking, bird watching, fishing and water sports.

About the destination: Inverness is the nerve centre and tourist capital of the Highlands. A bustling port city located on the picturesque banks of the Ness River is a fantastic base to explore this Scottish region that contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. But this city is worth a visit in its own right. Inverness is an interesting and attractive city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do; from ancient castles to restaurants to a cruise on Loch Ness or a stroll along the river. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around. The castle in town, perched picturesquely above the river, dominates the horizon. The castle’s present day structure is a 19th century imposing Neo-Norman red stone fortress still surrounded by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery gives a good general overview of the development of the Highlands while medieval Church Street is home to the town’s oldest-surviving buildings. Contrary to the lore, Inverness castle is not where Macbeth murdered King Duncan; the actual site is a moat-and-drawbridge dream, Cawdor Castle, located just east of Inverness. The beautiful gothic construction is well worth a visit if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national icon and one of the most photographed sites of the region, are on the north side of the Loch. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have occurred. Nowadays, Inverness is a modern city, with all the modern accommodations and amenities one could expect from a major city. There are many lovely riverside restaurants and bustling pavement cafes as well as a wide range of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether it’s roaming the streets of the city itself or heading out into the Highlands of Scotland for a day trip, Inverness definitely stands as one of those ultimately must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

About the destination: Skye often referred to as the Isle of Skye, is the largest of the Inner Hebridean islands located off the west coast of Scotland. The capital and largest town on the island is the picturesque port of Portree. The island is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, and its abundant wildlife including the Golden Eagle, Red Deer and Salmon. Trotternish Peninsula, including The Old Man of Storr and The Quirang has a beautiful coastline with numerous viewpoints and the many interesting rock formations of the Trotternish Ridge. A minor road follows its coast from Staffin to Uig and offers some of the best scenery on Skye. The Isle of Skye will take your breath away. It is the best developed island in the Hebridean archipelago. The landscape is spectacular and dramatic. Skye is almost other-worldly.

About the destination: Located in the lush highlands of Scotland, Loch Ness is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and mystery. This expansive freshwater loch, known to be the second largest in Scotland, attracts visitors from around the world with its breathtaking surroundings and the tantalizing legend of the Loch Ness Monster, fondly known as 'Nessie.' Loch Ness is surrounded by picturesque landscapes that provide countless opportunities for nature lovers. Rolling hills, lush forests, and the tranquil waters of the lock itself provide a serene backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities. You can embark on a leisurely hike through the highlands, enjoy a boat tour across the calm waters or indulge in birdwatching - spotting everything from golden eagles to ospreys. For history enthusiasts, the ancient Urquhart Castle sits on the banks of Loch Ness, offering a glimpse into the region's storied past. The castle ruins, dating back to the 13th century, provide stunning views over the loch and are a must-visit during your stay. You can also visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, which gives an in-depth look into the natural history of the region, the legend of Nessie, and the various attempts made to find her. No trip to Loch Ness would be complete without exploring the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. While Nessie is notoriously elusive, you can still enjoy the thrill of monster hunting. Whether it's scanning the waters from the loch's edge or exploring the depths with sonar equipment on a guided boat tour, the hunt for Nessie is sure to be an adventure you'll never forget. After a long day of exploring, unwind in one of the many local pubs and restaurants, enjoying traditional Scottish fare and perhaps a dram of fine Scotch whisky. The nearby city of Inverness also offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels. Loch Ness, with its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and the enduring mystery of Nessie, offers a truly unique travel experience. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, historical exploration, or simply the tranquility of the Scottish highlands, Loch Ness welcomes you with open arms.

About the destination: Glen Coe is the most famous and perhaps most impressively dramatic of all Scottish glens, the perfect scenic match for its dark history of the massacre of the Macdonalds. For keen walkers, this is a true Mecca, epitomised by the famous pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mor, the guardian at the entrance to the glen. The highest peak is the great multi-summited massif of Bidean nam Bian whose three great buttresses rise impressively above the road and are known as the 'Three Sisters', whereas the north wall of the glen is the turreted and notorious ridge of the Aonach Eagach. Just to the south is the much quieter and secluded Glen Etive, with its own ranges of impressive mountains. North and east of Glencoe is beautiful Loch Leven, with the town of Kinlochleven at its eastern end nestled beneath the great mountain range of the Mamores, with walks as exciting as in Glencoe itself.

About the destination: Situated in Lanarkshire on the west coast of Scotland, Glasgow is a vibrant, fashionable city, with a freshness and style that few other U.K cities can match, Glasgow is famous for it's art & culture. Glasgow has internationally recognized art galleries and museums, the best shopping in the UK outside London and the best nightlife Scotland has to offer. With over 800 bars and pubs to choose from and a massive selection of nightclubs, Friday and Saturday nights see the streets swell with people moving from one entertainment to another. Music fans will love the Glasgow's atmosphere due to the number of festivals and live gigs throughout the city. With a wealth of cultural and entertainment options available, visitors will find Glasgow a city to remember. The city is easily accessible with many train and bus stations dotted around the city centre offering very reliable public transport.