I am usually someone who likes to plan my trips but this one was actually organized by my sisters so I discovered all the places on the spot! And you know what? It turned out to be amazing!

We stayed in a bed and breakfast in Edinburgh for three days. The owners were a really nice couple who prepared a typical Scottish breakfast every morning.

Day 1: Edinburgh City Center

We spent the first day wandering around Edinburgh, the capital city where you can walk for hours without getting bored! Start with Edinburgh Castle and explore the Scottish crown jewels, the ancient coronation seats of Scotland’s kings, Scotland’s Royal Line, the canon Mons Meg and the prisons of war.. It is where I learned why the crown had to be shared with England. I am interested in historical events especially Royal ones so this visit was satisfying.

Also don’t miss the panoramic view of the city from the main artillery defense on the north side of the castle.

After that, enjoy the Old Town with the Royal Mile walk, from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (also worth a visit if you have time). You’ll pass by ancient monuments, St. Giles Cathedral, the National Museum of Scotland, the Grassmarket..

It is hard not to fall in love with the beautiful streets of Edinburgh and its architecture, and not to spot bagpipers and enjoy the tunes of the national instrument of Scotland.

Day 2: Day Trip from Edinburgh

We booked a guided tour to the Scottish Highlands where you will find incredible landscapes and stunning nature. Some of the stops are Kilmahog where we saw Hamish the highland cow, Glencoe, one of the most beautiful places in Scotland and an iconic film location, and the famous Loch Ness.

We took the boat cruise to witness the incredible sights surrounding lake Loch Ness, the wildlife and the historic castles. The guides on board will tell you all the stories they know about the famous Nessie. It’s a creature said to inhabit the Loch. It is often described as large in size with a long neck and one or more humps protruding from the water. Evidence of its existence is anecdotal, with a few disputed photographs and sonar readings!

If you have time and can spend more than one day in the Highlands, it would be a great option to stay for one night to enjoy nature and more amazing villages. A good place to stay would be Drumbuie Farm B&B. In its surrounding fields you get to meet the cute Highland cow that originates from the Scottish Highlands.
Check it out on this link below:
www.loch-ness-farm.co.uk/index.html

Day 3: Whiskey Experience and Shopping

Whether you’re a whiskey fan or not, this experience is a must in Scotland. Not only you get to learn how whiskey is made and where it comes from, you’ll also get to taste four regional single malts. You’ll also enjoy a nice ride into the whiskey distillery to see how it is processed, the life of a cask, the history of Scotch whiskey. You’ll have access to the world’s largest collection of Scotch whiskey which comprises 3384 different bottles and has been described as one of the seven wonders of the whiskey world.

Finally wander the New Town, mainly Princes Street, for a great shopping experience and some nice views of the city. Take pictures wearing the national Scottish costume or just buy one. We took the pictures which were a great souvenir idea!

Scotland turned out to be a really beautiful country with many interesting and incredible places left to explore. I still talk about my experiences there and I remember how happy I was. I think I am definitely going back one day!