Scotland

If Shakespeare’s often quoted phrase, “Though she be but little, she is fierce!” was made for a place, Scotland could very well fit the bill. This small country in the United Kingdom, bordered by miles of coastline and England to the south, packs quite a punch. With a dramatic and diverse landscape and history dating back thousands of years, there’s endless eye candy in the country’s rolling highlands, dramatic moors and storied cities. Whether you want to explore Scotland’s past at a medieval castle, fish along a stunning, remote river or browse museums in the city, it’s easy to drift from one iconic landscape to the next.

For city lovers and history buffs, Scotland offers two gems with colorful and often competing personalities. Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, has an old-world charm and elegance and is also home to the famed Edinburgh Castle. Here you will find UN World Heritage Sites, lively summer festivals and hilly, cobbled avenues. Glasgow, in contrast, is the country’s largest city with a cutting-edge and dynamic attitude. Between the world-famous architectural gems, you will find some of the UK’s best museums, shops, and non-stop nightlife.