Page 14 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – March/April 2018

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When dreaming of visiting Scotland, iconic images of this country quickly come to mind.
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Maybe you picture bagpipers, castles, and folks in tartan kilts. Perhaps you think of golfers, friendly pubs, and the Highlands blanketed in heather. You might envision shaggy-haired cattle and dogs herding sheep ... or even imagine the Loch Ness monster. When actually in Scotland, you can expect to see all these, but there is so much more to experience, as the classic symbols are only a surface slice of this diversely attractive country.
Planning for a vacation in Scotland could be overwhelming if it were not for the access to expertise available from your AAA travel agent. Whether you want to explore on your own by driving a rental car and staying at bed & breakfast inns or prefer the convenience and enrichment of a guided tour, the choice is yours with AAA. If the thought of driving on the left side of the road in a car with its steering wheel on the right, all while attempting to figure out the rules of roundabouts (traffic circles) and the right route to your next destination is more than you want to tackle while trying to relax on vacation, then AAA recommends a
guided tour to get the most out of your travels in Scotland.
Let’s take a look at some highlights of visiting Scotland on an especially scenic route that commences on the west coast, heads north to the Highlands and Islands, then turns south along the east coast to an extraordinary conclusion.
You begin in Glasgow, the largest
city in Scotland and the country’s long-standing major economic engine. Reflecting its commercial and cultural wealth, Glasgow is renowned for its excellent museums and universities, attractive parks and architecture, including grand Victorian edifices. The collections of the city’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are world class.
The Highlands are calling, so you must head north and travel along the “bonnie banks” of Loch Lomond to board a boat to cruise with views of the imposing summit of Ben Lomond. Nearby is the richly decorated Inverary Castle, featured in
Downton Abbey’s Season IV.
The heart of the Highlands beats strong as you
journey across the Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe. Travel the “Road to the Isles” to Mallaig and board a ferry for the Isle of Skye and Armadale Castle. View Eileen Donan Castle, situated on its own island where three sea lochs meet, before
keeping watch for that monster while weaving along the shores of
Loch Ness. The fateful stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie are best heard from a Scottish guide
at Culloden Battlefield. Watch as an impressive demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep on a Highland farm becomes
an unforgettable memory.
Traverse the rugged Grampian Mountains to
Blair Castle. Dating from the 13th century, it has been the home of a succession of Dukes and Earls of Atholl who have transformed the castle from a medieval fortress to a baronial-style Victorian castle, and whose hospitality has been extended to many famous visitors including royals, perhaps most notably Queen Victoria. The Blair Atholl Distillery invites you to witness their whisky distilling process and experience their craftsmanship with a taste of a “wee dram.”
By Craig Haberle, CTC
Glamis Castle has two key claims to fame, as the legendary setting for Macbeth and as the actual childhood home of the mother of Queen Elizabeth II. Surrounded by lovely gardens, this castle comprised of majestic towers is elegantly decorated with historic treasures yet retains a livable presence. Along the shore of the North Sea is St. Andrews, the “Home of Golf”and site of the revered Royal and Ancient Golf Club’s Old Course and its Club House, and the country’s oldest university.
Capping-off this recommended route is Scotland’s capital city – Edinburgh. Be certain to tour the 200-year-old “New Town” with its park- lined avenues and Georgian mansions. Then, see reminders of medieval times tucked in alleyways serving as tributaries to the Royal Mile; this
historic thoroughfare leads up from Holyrood Palace and past St. Giles Cathedral to Edinburgh Castle, dominantly perched at the top of a massive outcrop of rock. Treat yourself to the traditions of a Scottish evening with dinner, haggis, bagpipes and Highland dancing.
If your Scottish vacation is planned for August,
your AAA travel agent can obtain reserved seat tickets so you don’t miss a truly unique spectacle
– the incredibly skilled performances of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This dramatic presentation with traditional music, dance, uniforms and tartans colorfully parades across the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle to delight you with yet another Scottish reality that exceeds imagination.
SCOttISh dReAM
This country’s reality exceeds imagination
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march/april 2018 – Discoveries eDition
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