Spirit of Scotland - Train tour

St Andrews evokes the very name of golf the world over, an elegant coastal town in Fife where the sport was born centuries ago. Its legendary Old Course is regarded as the Home of Golf, a place of pilgrimage for enthusiasts from across the planet. But St Andrews is also home to Scotland's oldest university, whose traditions and red-gowned students enliven the cobbled streets of the centre. The spectacular ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, once the country's largest, and of the castle overlooking the sea tell of a medieval past of great religious prestige. Broad sandy beaches, such as the famous West Sands, complete the town's charm. All around, the region of Fife offers picturesque fishing villages along the East Neuk, harbours, golf courses and a scenic coast. St Andrews is a town of rare elegance, where history, learning and sport blend in a unique atmosphere.

Perth bears the historic title of ancient capital of Scotland, a compact city on the banks of the River Tay in the heart of one of the country's greenest regions. Here the Scottish kings were crowned at nearby Scone Palace, a stately home that guards the story of the Stone of Destiny. The elegant centre is flanked by riverside parks, the imposing St John's Kirk and a quality dining scene. But it is the surrounding countryside, the Perthshire nicknamed Big Tree Country, that enchants: majestic forests, spectacular waterfalls such as those at The Hermitage, tranquil lochs and hills dotted with castles. The picturesque village of Dunkeld with its cathedral and the whisky distilleries round out the area's charm. Northward open the gateways to the Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park. Perth is an ideal and gracious base for exploring the green heart of Scotland, where nature and history gently intertwine.

Aviemore is the lively sport-and-adventure capital of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the United Kingdom, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Ringed by the imposing Cairngorm mountains, it is Scotland's main ski resort in winter, while in the other seasons it becomes a paradise for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers. All around stretch ancient Caledonian pine forests, tranquil lochs such as Loch Morlich with its beach, and rich wildlife of reindeer, red squirrels and eagles. The historic Strathspey Railway offers romantic steam-train journeys, while nearby there is no shortage of Speyside whisky distilleries and castles. Aviemore is the perfect base for immersing yourself in the wild nature of the Scottish mountains, among trails, outdoor sport and landscapes of rare grandeur in every season.

The Isle of Skye embodies the romantic dream of the Highlands, the largest and most famous of the Inner Hebrides, linked to the mainland by a bridge. Dramatic landscapes follow one another without pause: the jagged pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr, the green terraces and waterfalls of the Quiraing, the emerald pools of the Fairy Pools at the foot of the rugged Cuillin mountains, a mecca for climbers. On the north coast the lighthouse of Neist Point offers memorable ocean sunsets. The main town, Portree, with its colourful houses around the little harbour, makes an ideal base for exploring the island, while Dunvegan Castle guards centuries of MacLeod clan history. Skye is a land of Gaelic legend, whisky distilleries such as Talisker and the freshest seafood served in fishing villages. Its moors and cliffs offer unforgettable walks among wildlife and shifting skies. The Isle of Skye speaks to the soul, where nature becomes pure poetry.

Edinburgh reveals itself as one of Europe's most dramatic capitals, poised between volcanic rock and ever-changing skies. Its Old Town and New Town together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, two souls separated by a green valley, the Princes Street Gardens. Atop the crag stands Edinburgh Castle, a fortress guarding the Honours of Scotland and offering breathtaking views; from here the Royal Mile descends, the backbone of the old town, down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the sovereign's Scottish residence. Along the way open narrow alleys, the characteristic closes, St Giles' Cathedral with its stone crown, and shops of whisky and tweed. The airy, elegant Georgian New Town lines up neoclassical façades and stately George Street. Walkers can climb Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano giving panoramas over the whole city and the Firth of Forth, or Calton Hill with the monuments that earned Edinburgh the nickname Athens of the North. The National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden round out the cultural offer, while in August the city erupts with the famous Festival Fringe. The cuisine ranges from historic pubs and traditional haggis to seafood and Scotch distilleries. Within easy reach await the coastal villages of Fife and the bridges over the Forth. Edinburgh blends history, mystery and refinement in an atmosphere unlike any other.