Scotland
Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley is one of Europe’s most exciting and beautiful destinations, which combines the energy and sophistication of a great international city with some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.
Glasgow is an architectural dream: Victorian red & honey sandstone, Italianate steeples and medieval spires sit harmoniously with neo-gothic towers, the sensuous Art Nouveau of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the titanium, glass and steel of the contemporary city.
Shopping is an absolute delight in Glasgow. Not only is it tops for shops but its compact city centre and grid system makes it easy to navigate during serious retail therapy!
Just beyond the city of Glasgow lies some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. The local area is rich in history and heritage and each of its delightful country towns and villages has its own fascinating tale to tell.
A short drive south of the city is the Clyde Valley Tourist Route, which makes its picturesque way to the upper reaches of the River Clyde and the World Heritage Site of New Lanark.
The "Granite City" of Aberdeen - a prosperous, cosmopolitan city with an international population and a booming oil industry. The city boasts spectacular architecture and captivating museums, fascinating history, a wealth of art and culture and a lively social scene. The city's famous "Granite Mile", Union Street, is the gateway to over 800 shops, restaurants and bars, while visitors can chill-out in lovely flower-filled parks. The city has its own golden sandy beach.
Dundee, Scotland's fourth largest city, has transformed itself in recent years into a lively, cosmopolitan centre that's an increasingly popular choice as a short city-break destination or for a great family day out. Once heavily industrialised, Dundee is now developing exciting commercial, cultural, artistic, and scientific dimensions to take it forward into the 21st century.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a historic, cosmopolitan and cultured city.
The setting is wonderfully striking; the city is perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags which rise from the generally flat landscape of the Lothians, with the sheltered shoreline of the Firth of Forth to the north.
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city-centre skyline and from its ramparts you can look down on medieval lanes and elegant, sweeping terraces that hold over a thousand years of history, mystery and tradition. Yet you will also see a modern, dynamic capital where international festivals attract the world's leading performers, galleries display cutting-edge art, and bars, restaurants and clubs create a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a distinctly Scottish twist.
Inverness was granted its city status in 2000, making it Scotland's second-newest city (behind Stirling). It is the prosperous hub of the Highlands, with an enviable location on the banks of the River Ness at the head of the Great Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring. The compact city centre is crowned by a pink crenellated castle and lavishly decorated with flowers. Inverness has plenty of shops, places to eat and drink, peaceful areas close to the centre for relaxing, and a good variety of places to stay. There are also many attractions around the city such as Culloden battlefield and Loch Ness!
