7 Wonders of Scotland

SCOTLAND’S 7 WONDERS

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

Set at the junction of three lochs, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, Eilean Donan is completely surrounded by water with just a footbridge connecting the island to the mainland. Appearing in various film and television scenes, this is Scotland’s most photographed castle, and it is not difficult to see why. Although the island of Eilean Donan has been a fortified site for at least eight hundred years, the castle you see today dates largely from the early 20th century, making it even harder to believe it is yet to celebrate its 100th birthday.

GLENFINNAN VIADUCT

A location made famous in the popular “Harry Potter” films, situated approximately 20 miles from Fort William. Overlooking the waters of Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument, the viaduct carries the railway between Fort William and Mallaig. Constructed between 1897 and 1898, made up of 21 arches and a maximum height of 30 metres, the views offered are simply spectacular.

GLENCOE

Another “Harry Potter” location and scene of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan by the soldiers of King William, the valley of Glencoe is one of the most hauntingly picturesque sites in Scotland. A popular photo stop for visitors travelling North, Glencoe is often considered as boasting the most magnificent scenery in the country, making it no surprise this famous spot made the list.

EDINBURGH

Recognised as the capital city of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh has many historic buildings including Holyrood Palace, St. Giles Cathedral and of course, Edinburgh Castle. Also, home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, the jointly listed Old Town and New Town attract more than one million visitors per year making it the United Kingdom’s second most popular tourist destination. Celebrating the largest annual international arts festival in the world, the list wouldn’t be complete without the historical, cultural, and above all, beautiful capital city.

MELROSE ABBEY

A Cistercian abbey founded by King David I circa 1136. It was largely destroyed by an English army in 1385 but rebuilt in the early 15th century. Melrose Abbey is the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque found within the grounds. It is now highly regarded as the most famous ruin in Scotland because of the elegant and elaborate stonework which remains.

THE FORTH BRIDGES

Recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the iconic, historic, and dynamic, the Forth Bridges represent a milestone in the development of design and engineering. Towering over the turbulent waters of the Firth of Forth, the structures are a highly celebrated Scottish landmark. With the imminent arrival of the beautiful new Queensferry Crossing, a new chapter is being written for the site of these world-famous bridges.

ST. ANDREWS OLD COURSE

Located in the country’s capital of golf, the Old Course is the most famous and most prestigious course in Scotland having hosted more Open Championships than any other course. Often believed to be the oldest course in the world with origins dating back 600 years, it is no wonder where this famous course gets its name. With features recognised across the globe, including the iconic Swilcan Bridge, St. Andrews Old Course is a site admired not just by lovers of the home sport.

Inclusions

– 9-night accommodation in 3* hotels
– Daily breakfast
– Edinburgh City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Tour (Day 2)
– Afternoon Tea at a manor house or castle hotel between Speyside and Perth (ex: Fonab Castle or Murrayshall House Hotel; Day 9)
– 9-day car rental ECMR (manual transmission, Opel Corsa or similar), including VAT, liability insurance, fire insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW) with deductible, theft protection (TP) with deductible, unlimited mileage

Exclusions

Flights – Additional vehicle insurance, GPS, fuel – Meals and drinks unless indicated – ETA Visa – Entrances to museums, sites or monuments unless indicated – Optional excursions – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.