With the schizophrenic difference between the Old and New Towns, it should come as no surprise to learn that the man who wrote Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Robert Lewis Stevenson, was a native of Edinburgh. The New Town, where Stevenson grew up, was planned out in the 18th century as a gracious, orderly pattern of wide streets and spacious town houses. But Stevenson was also fascinated by the medieval Old Town, which has always been one of Europe’s most haunted enclaves. It’s a romantic warren of alleyways that twist and turn past moldering graveyards and gas-lit pubs. The laneways often end in ghostly cul-de-sacs, which now bear little bronze plaques with quotes from Edinburgh’s most famous poets and writers. (Robert Lewis Stevenson gets one, of course: “The stars in heaven aren’t so beautiful as the lamps of Edinburgh on a misty night,” he once wrote).

The eeriest corner of all is Mary King’s Close. When the Black Plague broke out here 1645, this whole lane was bricked up by the authorities with the tenants still inside, dooming them to starvation. Today, standing inside its fetid tunnels, you can easily imagine when Edinburgh was the most crowded city in Europe, it was filled with the frail tenements that rose as high as 14 stories and were prime fodder for fires and collapse. Back then, pedestrians would have to dash from door to door, dodging the buckets of refuse tossed from above. Tenants would yell gardylou, a corruption of the French gardez l’eau, ‘watch out for the water!’ Stevenson himself suffered from serious health problems due to Edinburgh’s chilly climate, and later in life he was obliged to leave his beloved city. After many epic journeys, he died far away from his damp, dark homeland, on the tiny tropical island of Samoa in the South Pacific.

THE DOME
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, this large domed structure was once a bank and now houses a classy bar and restaurant where the locals meet friends and colleagues for coffee, cocktails, lunch and dinner.

THE ELEPHANT HOUSE GOURMET TEA & COFFEE HOUSE
Opened in 1995, The Elephant House has established itself as one of the best tea and coffee houses in Edinburgh. Made famous as the place of inspiration to writers such as J.K. Rowling, who sat writing much of her early novels in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

GRASSMARKET
Stroll through Edinburgh’s vibrant and historic Grassmarket area, which offers a range of unique and quirky shops and is the ideal place to find a Scottish souvenir.

GREYFRIARS BOBBY MEMORIAL
This memorial commemorates the loyal dog that spent 14 years by his master’s grave. When John Gray, an Edinburgh policeman died in 1858, Bobby made his home by his master’s grave in Greyfriars’ Kirkyard, and local residents fed him and built him a shelter.

HOLYROOD PALACE
Explore Holyrood Palace, Queen Elizabeth II’s official residence in Scotland and once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 15th century. The Palace stands at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle.

HOLYROOD PARK
Holyrood Park, also known as the Queen’s Park since it is still owned by the monarchy, contains some interesting attractions such as the remains of an ancient volcano, a bird sanctuary, the dramatic Salisbury Crags and three lochs or lakes.

MAGDALEN CHAPEL
Hidden in the Cowgate in Edinburgh’s Old Town, beneath George IV Bridge, is the 16th Century Magdalen Chapel. It was the last Roman Catholic chapel to be built in Edinburgh before the Reformation.

MUSEUM ON THE MOUND
Money and so much more! Opened in 2006, this fascinating museum takes a fresh look at money – and much, much more. Art & design, technology, crime, trade and security – all feature in the story of money.

SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE
Take a barrel ride as you become part of the actual whisky making process, then access the vault containing the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whiskies and enjoy a special tutored nosing and tasting. Explore Scotland’s whisky history from the very beginnings through to the global success of today.

ST GILES’ CATHEDRAL
St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).

ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL
The largest ecclesiastical building in Scotland stands in the heart of Edinburgh’s bustling west end, and its three spires can be seen dominating the skyline. It is a place of stillness in Scotland’s capital. Take some time to explore the site and find out what is going on in and around the cathedral. A warm welcome awaits you.

There are many legends of love that surround Gretna Green, the first town encountered across the Scottish border. For centuries, Gretna Green has been Synonymous with Elopement and Blacksmith Marriages, although marriage by a blacksmith is more legend than fact.

Until the 18th century, church marriages among the lower classes in Europe were almost unheard of. Instead, lower class weddings were usually looked at as “marriage by declaration.” When England passed the Marriage Act of 1754, establishing church weddings as the only legal form of marriage, a sudden industry began over the border in Scotland, where couples could still wed by declaration.

Scottish “blacksmith priests” began working in pubs and inns—and the eloping couples came in droves. While the laws changed over the years, and marriages now need to be registered to be legal, the romantic history of Gretna Green still calls. The six “blacksmith wedding” sites in town hold a noted 5,000 weddings annually and the town’s fame has etched an eternal place in history, thanks to references in the literary works of Robert Burns, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and others.

On a vacation to Scotland, any traveler will be amazed by the stunning natural beauty of it countryside and picturesque quaint towns. Take a hike through the hills, stop in a local pub, tour a castle or meander through the streets of the cities. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Scotland!

Crowned Queen of Scotland at less than a year of age in 1543 and heralded at age 15 as the true Queen of England by many Catholics, as well as the Queen Consort of France at 16, Mary, Queen of Scots was charismatic, shrewd, courageous, and beautiful. She loved archery, riding horses, hunting and hawking, and played golf, billiards, cards, and chess. Despite her passion for fun, she entered the world’s stage at a time of heated conflict between Catholics and Protestants. It was this conflict that drove the intrigue, plotting, and backstabbing that dominated much of her life.

In 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots, was unjustly accused of complicity in murder and later imprisoned in England for 19 years—not because she was guilty of a crime but because her freedom would have been a threat to the English throne. At age 44, she was executed for treason in a plot to kill Elizabeth I, a conviction that was purely political. Despite the fact that Mary and Elizabeth I were cousins, as queens of contiguous countries reigning at the same time and bound by political rivalry, Mary and Elizabeth never met. Only in death did they become close, as both are buried in Westminster Abbey.

Mary’s spirit lives on in unexpected ways. Many don’t know that a common nursery rhyme provides insight into her tragic story:

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockleshells and pretty maids all in a row.

What does the rhyme mean? In one interpretation, the garden is viewed as Mary’s ornamental garden at the palace of Holyroodhouse; the silver bells were used at Mass in her private chapel; cockleshells refer to those worn by Catholic pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela in Spain; the pretty maids are the four Mary’s who stood by her all her life: Mary Fleming, Mary Seton, Mary Beaton, and Mary Livingstone.

Both history and natural beauty await in the rolling hills, rocky cliffs, and charming towns of Scotland! This country is a “must-see” during any trip to Europe and we’ll show you why.  We can already hear the bagpipes so hurry and grab your kilt, passport, and sense of adventure and join us on a journey to Scotland!

We will introduce you to some of Scotland’s most beautiful and breathtaking views. The lush green hills, dramatic cliffs, and bright blue lakes, rivers, and seas that dot the coast and countryside will not be easily forgotten. It doesn’t stop there. Majestic castles rest atop these cliffs and colorful towns are nestled at the base of these hills.

Scotland has a rich history and culture that has produced timeless tales and we’ll tell you all you need to know about two of the best! We’ll start with one of history’s famous Royal women, Mary Queen of Scots, whose story is one of intrigue, backstabbing, courage, and religious conflict. Moving on to a warmer tale that’s caught the attention of famous writers Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, join us as we discover a town of love, Gretna Green. This small town on the Scottish border was once a place to elope for the lower class! To this day, people come from all over the world to say “I do” to the one they love!

Scotland truly has something for everyone. Like the outdoors? Head to the hills and hike along the coast. Enjoy the occasional drink? Take a tour of a Scottish whiskey distiller y and sit down for a drink at a local pub. Want a glimpse into royal life and history? Visit one of Scotland’s many castles and stop and see Scotland’s Crown Jewels.  Whatever you choose, you’ll most certainly enjoy a vacation to Scotland!

Don’t miss August in Edinburgh, a time when festivals take over and people come together. From the International Festival to the Jazz and Blues Festival, the entire month of August is filled with back to back festivals.

Beginning in late July, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival commences, featuring the most dazzling line-up of vocalists and musicians the world has to offer. Being the longest running event of its kind, the Jazz and Blues Festival pulls in everything from big band orchestras to new contemporary acts along with live pub jam sessions. Throughout this Festival, there is even opportunity to try out and develop your very own jazz skills.

Following the Jazz and Blues Festival….The Tattoo Festival. The Tattoo Festival begins on the first Friday in August and continues on for 23 days. The Tattoo Festival is a series of military tattoos performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and International military bands and display teams in Edinburgh.

Like the Tattoo Festival, the Fringe Festival begins on the first Friday in August but lasts not 23 days, but 25. The Fringe Festival is among the largest of the world’s art festivals. The Fringe attracts events from the performing arts including theater, comedy, dance and music. In addition to the events, there is an ongoing street festival which takes place on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Beginning on the second Friday in August and lasting for 24 days is the International Festival. Like the Fringe Festival, the International Festival is a festival of performing arts, though the performers must be invited by the Festival Director. The Festival brings in top class performers of theatre, dance, music, and opera from all over the world. In addition to the performers, the Festival puts on workshops, art exhibitions and talks.

The Book Festival is the last of the August Edinburgh Festivals. This Festival lasts 17 days and begins on the second Saturday in August. The Book Festival takes place in Charlotte Square and is the largest festival of its kind in the world. This Festival hosts both cultural and political discussions and debates as well as an established children’s events program. Don’t miss all of the top authors coming together to discuss their new books.

If you enjoy the festival scene but need an escape from the crowds, take a walk around Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. The Edinburgh Festivals in August have something for everyone.

In celebration of some unique aspect of a community, festivals serve to not only provide entertainment but to direct focus on the cultural significance of that particular community. Along with honoring some cultural significance, festivals take place to celebrate seasonal change, religion, tradition, and history. Festivals are celebrations that provide a sense of belonging for social, religious, and geographical groups.

Many festivals hold fascinating links to history. Whether it is the dance, custom, art, or culture, the correlation to the past provides us with a sense of unity. In fact, in past times, festivals took place solely for storytelling. Stories were told by the elderly in an effort to transfer certain knowledge onto the next generation. Historic feasts provided a time for families to come together which provided a means for unity.

Although the term “festival” was used to refer mainly to religious celebrations in the past, the festivals of today center more on art, film, dance, and music. Though many still have religious origins, many others serve to mark a significant aspect of the culture inside the community, including food and beer celebrations.

If you enjoy being surrounded by unique people, original talent, and an array of art; focused on the significance of culture within a community, summer festivals are just your forte.

So travel with us as we explore some of the unique festivals happening around the world this summer. Put your dancing shoes on at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival in Scotland or become fascinated with original talent at the Art Basel Festival in Switzerland. Even chose to sample all the clam chowder you can get your hands on during the New England clam chowder contest at the Boston Chowderfest. The festivals are endless and the fun never ending. Get ready for the festivities to begin!

A vacation to Scotland is sure to be filled with splendid cathedrals and “kirks” charming cobblestone streets, medieval alleyways, and the outstanding cultural and entertainment scene of Edinburgh.

Few realize that the game of golf has been distracting Scotsmen for more than 600 years.  The earliest known reference to it comes from the 1400s, when the Scottish Parliament had to ban the playing of “gawf,” thought to be the old Gaelic spelling, because it was keeping able-bodied citizens away from their military training.  Nobody knows who invented the addictive game, but it is agreed that the world’s first permanent golf course was created on an ocean-side stretch of land in St Andrews – a magnificent medieval town that also boasts the country’s oldest university (famously, the Crown Prince William is amongst its students).

Today, St. Andrews is still a paradise for golfers, who flock here from around the world to play the Old Course bathed in golden northern light and visit the majestic clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.  Almost every aspect of golf was devised on this verdant piece of real estate, right down to the number of holes in a tournament.  The Old Course originally had 11 holes determined by the rugged topography of the land, and would be played in both directions, for a total of 22 holes in a round.  But as the game became more popular in the 1700s, some of the holes were deemed too short and were combined, eventually leaving 18 holes, now the standard.

In 1897, the Society codified the game’s rules, and since 1952 has shared their administration with the United States Golf Association.  Luckily for travelers who do not share the international obsession with golf, St. Andrews has a great deal more to offer – the haunting ruins of the St. Andrews castle, which towers over the wild Scottish shoreline, is one of the most evocative historical sites in Britain.