Scenery and Wildlife
Scotland is home to some seriously stunning scenery. Stretching for hundreds of miles, the Highlands is one of the country’s most beautiful areas, characterised by dramatic mountain peaks, serene lochs, ancient forests, sprawling moorlands and plenty of charming villages to explore. Head out on one of the many hiking trails in the Cairngorms National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for the area’s wealth of wildlife – including golden eagles, wildcats, osprey and much more. In fact, the park is home to 25 per cent of Britain's threatened species. From the Highlands to the coast, Scotland’s splendour continues. Across cliffs, beaches (both shingle and sandy), dunes and marshland, wildlife to spot includes seals, puffins, sea eagles and even dolphins and basking sharks!
Castles
In Scotland, rest assured you are never far away from a castle! There were once around 3,000 of these iconic buildings in the country and many still remain, awaiting your exploration. Renowned Edinburgh Castle in the capital is home to the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny, while Balmoral Castle remains a private home to the Royal Family, described by Queen Victoria as her ‘paradise in the Highlands’. Enchanting Cawdor Castle takes you to the romance of the Shakespearean era, featured in his famed play Macbeth, while the stunning Jacobite Eilean Donan castle overlooks postcard-perfect Loch Duich.
Outdoor Pursuits
Visitors to Scotland will be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting active outdoors. Besides the classic pursuits of hiking, mountain-biking and golfing, expect adrenaline-pumping gorge-walking, white-water rafting, and even skiing in the winter season.
Edinburgh
A city of two sides, Edinburgh boasts a charming, medieval Old Town with an imposing castle and cathedral, maze-like streets and quirky shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. Across the river, the expertly planned New Town promises splendid boulevards, elegant gardens and sophisticated shops and galleries. Just outside the city, climb the famous Arthur’s Seat, which gives a stunning, panoramic view of the city.
Traditions
Scotland is a nation proud of its longstanding traditions, including the 60 Highland Games that are held across the country every year and involve highland dancing and unique events such as the caber toss and haggis-eating competitions. Take a visit to Loch Ness, the largest body of freshwater in Great Britain, in the hope of catching a glimpse of the famous legend – the Loch Ness Monster. Burns Night, St Andrews Day and Hogmanay unite Scots, and indeed people from across the globe, in spectacular celebrations of Scottish culture. Even if you don’t visit during these festivities, Scotch traditions can always be enjoyed with our exclusive experiences on offer – whether visiting local bagpipe makers or sampling award-winning Scotch malt whisky with an expert.
Ask your Luxury Travel Specialist for the best travel arrangements according to your bespoke itinerary.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.