Page 15 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – September/October 2021

TRAVEL
Dramatic Landscapes and Charming Cities Define
sure to visit the world-renowned museums, particularly Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which houses over 8,000 objects. Don’t miss Glasgow’s architecture, which includes the charming West End with its rows of cobbled streets and quaint shops.
Sterling, situated between Edinburgh and Glasgow, is known for multiple battles fought for Scotland’s independence. Robert the Bruce and the legendary William Wallace are honored here.
Scotch whisky, called the “water of life,” is Scotland’s national drink. With over 100 distilleries, each with a distinct flavor, it’ll be easy to fit in a visit and partake in a wee dram. Not into whisky? You might be surprised to find that Scotland also has a good reputation for its gin and craft beers.
Be sure to look for “Nessie,” the mythical monster that according to legend has made the famous Loch Ness home for centuries.
Visit Culloden, the battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746. The battle had drastic consequences for the Highlands.
Scotland has a myriad of different castles, which come in all different shapes and sizes. The most photographed and a favorite of visitors, Eilean Donan Castle sits on a tidal island at the confluence of three lochs. A Jacobite stronghold, it was destroyed in 1719 but restored in the early 20th century.
The Scots lay claim to many inventions, perhaps none so loved as the game of golf, and St. Andrews has some of the finest courses in the world. Here too, you’ll find the University of St. Andrews, the 3rd oldest university in the English-speaking world.
The largest of Scotland’s inner isles, the Isle of Skye
is especially popular with nature lovers. The island scenery, marked by green valleys, sandy beaches, and rushing waterfalls, makes the perfect environment for abundant wildlife of otters, seals and over 200 species of birds that make the island home.
Visit all of these attractions and fall under the spell of this enchanting country during AAA’s Best of Scotland guided tour scheduled to travel April 9-16, 2022.
Scotland
When thinking of Scotland, it’s likely some iconic images
will come to mind: castles, golf, tartan-kilted Highlanders, bagpipes, and of course a wee dram of whiskey. While each plays a part in the mystique of this unique country, they are but a sampling of all this special destination offers.
The last true wilderness of the British Isles, Scotland has the most striking, dramatic landscapes in the United Kingdom. The Highlands, with a long history, at once both violent and romantic, are known for their outstanding natural beauty
and are a highlight of any trip here. Sparsely inhabited, these mountains, awash in a sea of green and purple heather, are graced with craggy peaks and shimmering lakes, or lochs.
Aside from its mountainous terrain and rugged beauty of the Highlands, Scotland’s history, quaint cities, diverse list
of attractions and culinary delights make it a great vacation destination. Here are just a few attractions that should top the list for anyone traveling there:
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is the historic epicenter and the country’s most popular destination. Edinburgh Castle offers magnificent views of the city and a trip through the country’s tumultuous past. The Royal Mile connects the castle to the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, another famous landmark, and the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh. Beyond historic landmarks, the Royal Mile is also filled with small shops, kilt makers, tearooms, museums, and cafes. The National Museum of Scotland, one of the country’s top attractions, is also found within the city.
Glasgow, known for its creative culture and upbeat vibe, attracts talented artists and musicians from around the world. Be
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