Holidays in Scotland

Mention of Scotland conjures up images of Highlanders in kilts, bagpipes, the monster of Loch Ness, lonely castles, not to mention magnificent scenery, sheep grazing against a background of heather and bramble, and endless rain.

Of course, it's all really part of Scotland. But a holiday in Scotland can reveal even more, and the weather is rarely as bad as the stereotypes about it.

Scotland can be explored in countless different ways, and each path to a rich, unforgettable experience is unique. You can travel through the many castles and sites of legendary battles, where clans fought desperately, bringing the country's eventful history to life. You can follow in the footsteps of Mary Stuart, the queen who was a legend in her lifetime, or follow a literary trail through the lands of Robert Burns and Walter Scott. Choosing holiday in ScotlandYou can take the "wool" routes and admire the art of kilt-making. Visit Harris, famous for its tweed, or the Shetland Islands, equally famous for its knitwear.

One of Scotland's special charms is its delightful mix of richly contrasting heritages, including Norse, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Norman.

The Maes Hove Burial Grounds in the Orkney Islands are the best preserved prehistoric tombs in Europe. Another of Scotland's important attractions is its unspoiled nature. Even today there are many remote stretches of heather-covered moorland where you can wander for days without encountering a soul. This is complemented by the wild, romantic beauty of the lonely Scottish mountains with deep ravines and lakes teeming with fish, breathtaking rocky coastlines, rolling hills, white sandy beaches stretching for miles, lush parks and charming gardens.

Although Scotland has been part of the northernmost region of Great Britain since 1707, the contrast between Scottish and English identities has diminished little. The country's northern frontier has a look all its own -- at once recognizable and fascinatingly different. Last, but not least, is the exceptional hospitality of the Scots. Buy a holiday in Scotland and discover Scotland in all its intriguing diversity, and you will remember it as one of the most delightful journeys of your life.