Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, with a skyline that is dominated by the impressive 12th century Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano and occupied since the 9th-century BC (!). Edinburgh’s streets, whether in the medieval Old Town or the Georgian New Town, are steeped in history and are home also to the Scottish Parliament, The Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh has a thriving cultural scene and you can also visit The Elephant House coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Harry Potter books! Just outside Edinburgh is the enigmatic 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, of Da Vinci Code fame, where practically every surface of the chapel is covered with stone carvings of figures and scenes and the atmosphere is one of deep mystery.

Glasgow

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and is home to an outstanding variety of museums, galleries and performance venues. Once the 2nd city of the British Empire and a major center of trade with the USA, Glasgow now wears its Victorian splendor with pride. Everything from impressionistic paintings to medieval armor is on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Other attractions are the Gallery of Modern Art, the social history museum Peoples Palace, Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, the bustling Merchant City, and the Provands Lordship.

Hadrian's Wall and the Borders

Having conquered most of what is modern day England, the Romans decided that the Scots were simply too ferocious to do battle with. They retreated south and built the infamous Hadrian’s Wall – which runs close to the modern day England-Scotland border. Nowadays sections of the wall still remain intact, as do the ruins of many of the forts the Romans built along the wall’s length to defend themselves. An amazing opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in Roman Britain!

Students will also have a chance to explore the Scottish Borders, a region covering about eighteen hundred square miles. Rolling hills and moorland and lush agricultural plains characterize this sedate and peaceful part of the country. It is home to several beautiful ruined abbeys and imposing stately homes.

Oban and Isles of Mull and Iona

Although perhaps not as famous as some of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides which include Mull & Iona are not to be missed. Mull is the largest of these islands and features a variety of landscapes including the rolling hills of Glen More and stunning bays visible from the arrival on the ferry. And of course, what would a Scottish island be without a few castles thrown in for good measure as well?

Iona lies to the southwest of Mull. With a population not even hitting triple figures, it might not seem like much but the island is of great importance to the history of Christianity and is thought to be the birthplace of the religion on the British mainland. The island is surrounded by crystal blue water and covered in lush green grass. It is an ideal peaceful and tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s mainland.

All this is accessible from the idyllic coastal town of Oban – a seafood lover's paradise and home to unique local wildlife. Students are bound to fall in love with this part of Scotland!

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, with a skyline that is dominated by the impressive 12th century Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano and occupied since the 9th-century BC (!). Edinburgh’s streets, whether in the medieval Old Town or the Georgian New Town, are steeped in history and are home also to the Scottish Parliament, The Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh has a thriving cultural scene and you can also visit The Elephant House coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Harry Potter books! Just outside Edinburgh is the enigmatic 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, of Da Vinci Code fame, where practically every surface of the chapel is covered with stone carvings of figures and scenes and the atmosphere is one of deep mystery.

Glasgow

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and is home to an outstanding variety of museums, galleries and performance venues. Once the 2nd city of the British Empire and a major center of trade with the USA, Glasgow now wears its Victorian splendor with pride. Everything from impressionistic paintings to medieval armor is on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Other attractions are the Gallery of Modern Art, the social history museum Peoples Palace, Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis, the bustling Merchant City, and the Provands Lordship.

Hadrian's Wall and the Borders

Having conquered most of what is modern day England, the Romans decided that the Scots were simply too ferocious to do battle with. They retreated south and built the infamous Hadrian’s Wall – which runs close to the modern day England-Scotland border. Nowadays sections of the wall still remain intact, as do the ruins of many of the forts the Romans built along the wall’s length to defend themselves. An amazing opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in Roman Britain!

Students will also have a chance to explore the Scottish Borders, a region covering about eighteen hundred square miles. Rolling hills and moorland and lush agricultural plains characterize this sedate and peaceful part of the country. It is home to several beautiful ruined abbeys and imposing stately homes.

Isle of Skye and Loch Ness

Steeped in history and legend, the Highlands of Scotland is one of the last pristine regions of Europe. This is a land of high mountains, breathtaking islands, spectacular glens and deep, mysterious lochs. There is nature and wildlife to enjoy, imposing castles to explore and tales of folklore, heroes, and legends to savor. You will find beautiful sites such as Glencoe with its Three Sisters, a trio of iconic stunning mountains. Also, there is Glenfinnan, home to the Glenfinnan Viaduct – most famous for its appearance in Harry Potter as the bridge that the Hogwarts Express crosses. And of course, last but not least, Loch Ness – home to the Loch Ness monster. People have claimed to have spotted the infamous monster for hundreds of years but you can make up your own mind!

Sitting off Scotland’s west coast is the Isle of Skye. With a fairytale-like atmosphere, the imposing Cuilins (pronounced koo-lin) dominate the southern end of the island with the Fairy Pools, which are said to give eternal beauty to whoever bathes in them, sitting at their foot. The Fairy Glen is like many of Scotland’s great geographical features in miniature and is said to be the entrance to the ancient fairy kingdom. There are small fishing towns and stunning geographical features and formations to discover on this island. We challenge you to not be amazed!

Loch Lomand and the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Scotland’s second most famous loch after Loch Ness. You may be familiar with the loch from the song “Loch Lomond”. The loch certainly lives up to the description it is given in the song – that is as having “bonnie, bonnie banks” (bonnie is a Scottish word for pretty!). At the south end the landscape surrounding the loch is fairly flat but as it reaches the north banks the landscape becomes more mountainous and imposing, meeting with Scotland’s Highlands. There are various viewing points and charming little villages surrounding the loch. Part of the West Highland Way, a 96-mile walk undertaken by many visitors to Scotland, which goes from just outside Glasgow up to Fort William runs by the banks of the river.

Oban and Isles of Mull and Iona

Although perhaps not as famous as some of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides which include Mull & Iona are not to be missed. Mull is the largest of these islands and features a variety of landscapes including the rolling hills of Glen More and stunning bays visible from the arrival on the ferry. And of course, what would a Scottish island be without a few castles thrown in for good measure as well?

Iona lies to the southwest of Mull. With a population not even hitting triple figures, it might not seem like much but the island is of great importance to the history of Christianity and is thought to be the birthplace of the religion on the British mainland. The island is surrounded by crystal blue water and covered in lush green grass. It is an ideal peaceful and tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s mainland.

All this is accessible from the idyllic coastal town of Oban – a seafood lover's paradise and home to unique local wildlife. Students are bound to fall in love with this part of Scotland!

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a stunning medieval city and home to the oldest university in Scotland where Prince William and Kate Middleton studied and met. It is also, of course, the home of golf. There are several golf courses in the town including the world famous Old Course and the town also has its own Golf Museum – great for those of us maybe not keen to play but who want to find out more about this famous sport! On top of all this is a stunning medieval cathedral and a beautiful ruined castle, which both played an important part in the reformation here in Scotland, surrounded by beautiful blue flag beaches!