Tour Scotland's Castles, Countryside and Culture
See ancient castles, rolling landscapes and cultural mainstays that make Scotland what it is today.
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Edinburgh Castle
Perched on an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is an instantly recognizable fortress and a powerful national symbol.
Kilt Rock and the Mealt Waterfall
The observation point for views of Kilt Rock – located between the towns of Portree and Staffin on the Isle of Skye – resemble the pleats of a kilt. The Mealt Waterfall falls nearly 180 feet into the rocky coast below.
Eilean Donan Castle
In the western Highlands, Eilean Donan sits at the meeting point of 3 lochs: Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh. Tourists can tour nearly every corner of the castle, which was rebuilt in the 20th century.
Lock Portree
Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye. Take a walk around Loch Portree and stop by a pub for a dram of whisky or a pint of ale.
University of Glasgow Cloisters
Pass through the University of Glasgow Cloisters beneath Bute Hall, the main building. And make sure you take a moment to appreciate the neo-gothic architecture seen in the archways and pillars.
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle in the Highlands of Scotland may be in ruins, but the location couldn't be more beautiful overlooking Loch Ness.
Culzean Castle
Renovated in the 18th-century, Culzean Castle is not only one of Scotland’s most beloved castles, but it also has an expansive estate, with a beautifully landscaped garden that runs right up to the Firth of Clyde coastline.
Scottish Traffic Jam
The perfect way to see the Scottish countryside? Rent a car for a scenic drive, but beware, this may happen to you.
Johnstons of Elgin
Take a free, guided tour of 200-year-old Scottish mill Johnstons of Elgin to see cashmere transformed from fiber into beautiful scarves and other garments.
Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey was founded in 1136 but largely destroyed 2 centuries later. The expansive ruin and lavish masonry are unsurpassed in Scotland.
Loch Ness
See it? The Loch Ness Monster? No? Well, hoards of tourists still visit in hopes of getting a glimpse of the mystery and take in the spectacular scenery.
National Museum of Scotland
You'll find everything you've ever wanted to see from Scotland at the National Museum in Edinburgh, from dinosaur bones to a milk bottle once carried by Sean Connery.
St. Andrews Links
Perhaps the oldest standing golf course in the world, St. Andrews has become a bucket-list trip for avid golfers around the world. Originally built in 1457 with 22 holes – changed to 18 holes in 1764-- this famous course is a huge source of pride for the country Scotland.
Skara Brae
Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the prehistoric village of Skara Brae presents a remarkable picture of life around 5,000 years ago, before Stonehenge was built.
Stirling Castle
This forbidding structure, surrounded on 3 sides by steep cliff dropping down 250-ft, was chosen for its strong defensive purposes. It was built in the 12th century, but evolved into its current form during the 15th and 16th centuries; when it served as the fortress for the Scots.
Cawdor Castle
Explore Cawdor Castle's lush gardens, and you'll see it's a still-lived-in structure, as opposed to decaying ruins.
Inverlochy Castle
Spend a night at picturesque Inverlochy Castle, one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. It has 17 private rooms with views of the grounds and surrounding Grampian Mountains.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
A stunning red-sandstone structure, part cathedral and part castle, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses one of the greatest civic collections in Europe, with works by Rembrandt and Monet, among others.

Photo By: Chris Hepburn/Getty Images