Explore Scotland
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Take the ferry to the outer islands
The Orkneys and Shetlands are famed for their stunning scenery, but they're also especially important among archaeologists. Skara Brae, a complete Stone Age village, is on show on Orkney, while Jarlshof on Shetland was continuously habited from the Stone Age right the way until the 17th century.
Another highlight is Maes Howe on Orkney, a Neolithic tomb that, at 5,000-years-old, is older than Egypt's pyramids.
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Hunt for Nessie
Thousands of visitors to Loch Ness bring a pair of binoculars in the hope that they might spot the Loch Ness Monster – perhaps you'll get lucky and catch a glimpse? There's plenty more to do in the Highlands with a number of lochs, glens and bens to visit. There's also Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, to explore.
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Take to the Skye
The Isle of Skye is famed for its unique landscape, while the scenery in Quiraing, located in the north of the island, is lunar. Aros Skye Heritage Centre, located just outside Portree, is the place to learn more about Skye's history and wildlife.
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Ride the Hogwarts Express
Take this magical train journey and enjoy the stunning views of Loch Shiel from the window as you cross the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct – made famous in the Harry Potter movies as the thoroughfare of the Hogwarts Express.
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Make a pilgrimage
Scotland's spiritual character is epitomised by the island of Iona, for it was here that Christianity arrived in the country in 563AD with St Columba. A number of early Scottish kings and chiefs are buried at Iona Abbey. Among the most famous is Duncan, whose murder is a central part of William Shakespeare's Macbeth.
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Take a tour of the Granite City
Aberdeen is arguably the most distinctive of Scotland's cities. Independent minded, its sparkly granite looks out over the North Sea, a sea that has given Aberdeen its success. Explore the city's relationship with the North Sea at the Maritime Museum before discovering Aberdeen's cultural offerings. One of the best is the Lemon Tree, which offers an attractive combination of pubs, restaurants and shopping.
Travel 14 miles north and you'll arrive at the Sands of Forvie, a birdlife enthusiast's heaven and a location set against coastal dunes.
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Take a trip to Scotland’s Whisky Capital
Dufftown in Speyside has the reputation of being Scotland's whisky capital thanks to the large number of distilleries located in the region. A great place to visit after a day's exploring, among the famous brands here are Glenfiddich and Balvennie.
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Explore Big Tree Country's wonders
Big Tree Country does exactly what it says on the tin. This region of Perthshire is home to a number of record-breaking trees, including the tallest hedge in the world. Some of the finest examples can be seen during a visit to Blair Castle and Diana's Grove.
A must see is Fortingall Yew in Fortingall Church, a specimen that is thought to be between 3,000 and 5,000-years-old, an age that would make it Europe's oldest living organism.
If you visit Big Tree Country in the autumn you experience the enchanting light show at Faskally Wood, which is created when the sun's rays shine through the falling leaves.
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Walk up Calton Hill
Seven hills make up Edinburgh's landscape, and thankfully they're nice and easy to climb up compared to the Highlands' mountains. What's more, they're still capable of giving a pretty impressive view and from Calton Hill you can gaze all the way down Princes Street or look over towards the Pentland Hills from Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano.
There's a castle to explore at the hill's summit, and the history doesn't have to stop there – the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen, is located close to the foot of the hill.
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Learn more about the Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown's hugely successful novel-turned-movie, The Da Vinci Code, uses Rosslyn Chapel, situated just outside Edinburgh, as one of its locations. It is magnificently decorated with carvings of the Scottish Knights Templar, which date back to the 15th century.
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Sample some Mackintosh
Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of Glasgow's most celebrated sons, and you can explore the famous architect's works thanks to the Mackintosh Trail, which takes in 12 locations across the city that are home to some if his best-known works. Some of these include Glasgow School of Art's wrought iron roses and the white bedroom at Helensburgh's Hill House, both of which showcase Art Nouveau's development in Scotland.
Glasgow, also known at The Dear Green Place, accommodates six parks within its boundaries. Glasgow Green is the oldest while others include Bellahouston Park, the Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Park – home of Glasgow University and Kelvingrove Museum.
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An exploration of literature
Arguably the jewel in Scotland's literary crown is Ayrshire, where the influence of Robert Burns can be found almost everywhere. Burns’ Cottage in Alloway, near Ayr, is a good starting point, as this is the place the poet was born. Dumfries, Burns' home town, can be explored during a tour by the Burns Howff Club, while guests can even take a seat in his favourite local pub.
Sir Walter Scott is another literary hero that guests can be inspired by, and visitors can explore Abbotsford House, a typical Scottish Baronial Home, which was built in the 1820s close to Melrose in the Scottish Borders.
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