Visiting Scotland

This time of the year, you may feel a slight twinge to head off somewhere picturesque and captivating, and there is no better place than Scotland. The entire country is full of numerous wonderful sites and attractions that you simply will not find anywhere else in the world, and the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness are particularly worthy of a visit. Of all the cities in the country, these three perfectly encapsulate what it is about Scotland that makes it such a distinctive country, and it is safe to say that you will get as close to an accurate picture of the country as you will ever get simply by spending some time in these three cities.

If you are simply too pressed for time, and cannot manage to visit all three cities during your trip, you can certainly do far worse than to spend all of your time visiting Edinburgh . The city is an incredibly rich and varied melting pot of everything there is to enjoy in the country, and it paints an accurate picture of Scotland like no other city can. Check out the Royal Botanic Garden for breathtaking views of lush greenery and verdant flower gardens for example, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach at Portobello. And of course, the crisp, chill air of autumn along with all of its invigorating sights is best appreciated from the captivating Pentland Hills and the outlying parks.

Of course, Scotland has a lot more to offer than just Edinburgh, regardless of the numerous attractions that the city has to offer. Glasgow is just as much a testament to the uniqueness and charm of Scotland as Edinburgh, and it is blessed with its own unique traits that make it one of the finest cities in the country. Just like Edinburgh, Glasgow also boasts a rich and varied cultural heritage, and there are many famous art galleries and museums in the city that regularly attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. Small wonder then that Glasgow was designated the European City Of Culture back in 1990.

Inverness is no slouch either, commanding a stunning view of the Inverness Castle bordered by the majestic River Ness. This town is actually only a short distance away from the world famous Loch Ness, where even if you don't catch a glimpse of the famous creature of legend, you will still enjoy a fabulous time cruising around the placid waters of the lake or heading up to Moray Firth to catch some dolphins at play.

With all the attractions Scotland has to offer , it is hardly surprising that there is a flourishing trade in tourist accommodations. Your choice of accommodation range from five-star hotels to tastefully appointed bed & breakfasts and guesthouses, many of which are available at surprisingly low rates. If you're staying in Edinburgh, you can certainly check into one of the many hostels in the city where you are generously assured of clean and inexpensive lodging, but if you have the money to burn, by all means treat yourself to a stay at one of several 5 star hotels in the Scottish capital. For a majestic view of the castle from your own room, the Caledonian Hilton is pretty hard to beat. You may also want to enjoy the best of both worlds in comfort and convenient accommodation by staying at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. There are a number of quality boutique hotels around Edinburgh also, including the Best Western Bruntsfield Hotel which is well positioned for new visitors to Edinburgh who have easy access to the city.