Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century, and is a setting for state occasions and official entertaining.

Stretching the length of the Old Town, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s oldest street, runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. There are many places to visit on the Royal Mile such as St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, Mary King’s Close and John Knox’s House.

From 1767, the New Town has been an expression of Edinburgh’s transformation from a medieval city into one of the most impressive cities in Europe. Today it is best known for its stunning Georgian architecture, Princes Street and the Scottish National Gallery.

While Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, Glasgow is its largest city and is the third largest city in the UK. Well known for its shopping, many museums and visitor attractions, not to mention hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and COP 22, Glasgow has also been voted the friendliest city in the world.

Dominating the landscape above the River Forth, historically whoever controlled Stirling controlled Scotland as it was the gateway to the Highlands and the Lowlands. In 1314, Robert the Bruce won the battle of Bannockburn in the shadow of Stirling Castle, which gave Scotland its independence from England.

This fascinating and historic town played a major role in the religious life of Scotland’s medieval past, with a cathedral dating back to 1160. St Andrews is also renowned for the West Sands Beach, made famous in Chariots of Fire, and the Old Course, one of the oldest and most famous golf courses in the world.