Page 12 - AAA Northampton County – AAA Now! – Fall 2017

TRAVEL
TM
TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST®
FOLLOWING THE TRAIL OF SCOTLAND’S MYSTERIOUS CASTLES
Scotland is a country of hauntingly beautiful landscapes, both brooding and welcoming. Dramatic, lush green mountains and rugged coastlines dominate this mystical land punctuated with dark and mysterious castles.
There are so many castles in Scotland – an estimated 3,000 at one time – that a traveler could easily spend days exploring these fortifications
and yet still find oneself in a quest for further knowledge and understanding of their deep-rooted history. Built for strength and protection, Scottish castles tell amazing stories of chivalry and derring-do during centuries of invasions and the clash of clans.
In the capital city of Edinburgh, cobbled medieval streets pave the way for exploration of many historic sites. Follow the Royal Mile, which runs through the heart of the city’s Old Town and connects to one of Scotland’s most famous and heavily visited castles, Edinburgh Castle, perched high upon a mountaintop. This magnificent building houses the Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg, a medieval bombard built in 1449. The castle now serves as a backdrop for the Royal
Edinburgh Military Tattoo during the Edinburgh International Festival, which takes place every year in August.
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, displays a vibrant art culture, with scores of galleries and museums.
It is also home to one of Scotland’s most revered castles. Until the 1800s, Stirling Castle guarded what was the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth. Many significant events took place there, including the crowning of Mary, Queen of Scotts in 1542. Perched atop Castle Hill and surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs,
Stirling had a strong defensive advantage, withstanding at least eight sieges. Once an attractive meeting ground for knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors, the castle today recreates 16th-century life with costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honor and dutiful servants.
Beyond the city lights, the region of Aberdeenshire is dotted with numerous castles, one of most famous being Balmoral. This castle has been the Scottish residence of the Royal Family since Prince Albert purchased it for Queen Victoria in 1852. The lovely
formal gardens cover nearly three acres and feature an array of Victorian glasshouses as well as a conservatory.
While your travels in Scotland may include just a select few of its many castle haunts, the beauty and charm of this country will surely inspire your imagination and capture your heart.
Act Fast! Save 5% on ALL 2018 Ireland & Britain Guided Vacations through September 15th.*
Eilean Donan Castle, Highlands ©Kenny Lam/VisitScotland
SCOTTISH CLANS & CASTLES
10 or 11 days, from $2128*
Explore historic castles and sample whisky in a Speyside distillery.
To book or for more information call 610.258.2371 click aaanc.com AAA Northampton County • 3914 Hecktown Road, Easton, PA 18045
* Book by September 15, 2017 with a $500 per person deposit. 2018 price shown is land only, pp, double occupancy and reflects discount. Offer not combinable, not available for group travel, valid on new 2018 bookings only, and subject to availability. Other conditions apply. Call for details.
Live like a Clan Chief...
EDINBURGH & THE HIGHLANDS - 8 Days/7 Nights from $1,289 Stay in sumptuous castles, hike extraordinary trails,
and take a scenic cruise on the famous Loch Ness.
2 Nights Melville Castle
1 Night Kildrummy Castle
1 Night Pittodrie House Hotel
2 Nights Tulloch Castle
1 Night Knipoch Hotel
Visit Edinburgh Castle, Craigivar Castle, Crathes Castle, Stirling Castle, and Inverewe Gardens Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Book and save $50 per person on a full day sightseeing tour! 610-258-2371 | www.aaanc.com | contact your local travel agent!
*Certain restrictions apply. Savings of $50 applies only to certain tours.
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3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 • northampton.aaa.com
FALL 2017
Now!