Why not start in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland since the 15th century? This city has plenty to offer with its enchanting buildings, beautiful green spaces, and intriguing history. Thousands of years of wars, plagues, religious upheavals and political conspiracies forge this fascinating city with Edinburgh Castle as its centrepiece on Castle Rock. Book lovers would enjoy haunts of Edinburgh’s literary legends including Robert Burns, Arthur Conan Doyle, J.K. Rowling and others. The city is also home to several farmers’ markets, chef-driven ventures, and some of the best restaurants. You will want to sample the best of Scotland’s larder, including Shetland lamb, Orkney beef, Stornoway black pudding and Loch Fyne oysters.

Stay at Fingal – A luxury floating hotel with all the glamour and style of a superyacht but with an old-world elegance that’s completely unique. Also stay at Prestonfield House for opulence, theatre and luxury combined in one of Edinburgh’s finest historic buildings. Just five minutes from Edinburgh’s Old Town, offering the privacy and seclusion of a country estate right in the heart of Edinburgh.

Venture north to Stirling, a beautifully preserved treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets that lead to its 14th-century castle perched on an imposing crag. There are many rooms inside the royal palace where you can transport yourself back in time to the lavish daily lives of royalty in the 1500s. As you ascend Wallace Monument, dedicated to Sir William Wallace, a patriot and guardian of Scotland (Braveheart) you will enjoy a radiant panorama of Scotland.

Stay at Cromlix, owned by Kim and Andy Murray. Nestled in the scenic Scottish countryside just three miles from Dunblane, Cromlix is located in 34 acres of secluded woodlands and landscaped garden grounds with its own chapel, loch, and of course, tennis courts.

As you journey into Perth, you see the winding River Tay, the many farmlands of the region, and the east side of the sprawling city centre of Port. There is an abundance of hiking hotspots with wildlife scattered across the trail’s lengths. You can spot red squirrels, owls, and other birdlife. Cast a fly for local salmon before visiting the smokehouse to learn more about this heritage tradition. Feel the passion of the local people at a traditional Highland Games. Relish in the vibrant-coloured tartan kilts, the strength of the caber-tossing, the lively piping of the pipers and the spirited highland dancing.

Stay at The Fife Arms in Braemar, where art takes centre stage with more than 14,000 pieces that have been thoughtfully integrated into every room, corridor, and corner. Braemar is also home to one of Scotland’s highest and wildest golf course, where play is watched by endangered ospreys, watchful stags and rare red squirrels.

Make a pilgrimage to the Macallan Distillery, founded in 1824 for a tasting and soak up the history of whisky-making. Explore the banks of the River Ness in the beautiful highlands capital of Inverness, in search for the mystical monster. Visit Fort George, one of Europe’s mightiest fortifications, built to suppress Jacobite ambitions, and enjoy its extraordinary architecture, garrison buildings, and Highlanders Museum.

Stay at Ness Walk, an idyllic, secluded retreat nestled on the leafy banks of the River Ness, right in the heart of the vibrant and historic city of Inverness.

Hit the North Coast 500 from Inverness, a great route for exploring the scenic northwest into the ancient and enchanting wilderness of Wester Ross, considered by many to embody the Highlands landscape. Drive the coast, where great sea lochs, such as Loch Ewe, Loch Torridon, and Loch Maree, create a long and winding shoreline. The marvellous mountains of Torridon offer a walking utopia while the famous Alpine-style mountain pass of Bealach Na Ba is sure to take your breath away.

Stay at Torridon Resort set in 58 acres of parkland at the end of a magnificent sea loch, one of the most spectacular and idyllic locations in the country. There is something for everyone here!