Heart of Scotland!Rick Steves Tour - May 2023
We recommend the Rick Steves Heart of Scotland tour! |
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Dan & Marcia
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My wife, Marcia, had at the Top of her Bucket List to visit Scotland. She is a Campbell!
This was our first European trip together and it did not disappoint! Marcia's cousin Kay Pollard found the trip and urged us to go on it with her. It was just wonderful. The tour guides, the people and Rick Steves itinerary. |
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Hairy Coos!
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We particularly loved the regional feel of the trip as we are 'shop local' folks. I'm not sure we would have found the treasures that this trip had planned with lodging, dining, Hairy Coos, Border Collies and tour guides that could answer all of our cultural questions.
There was a great contrast between the (hotel in the hills, the hunting lodge) and downtown Edinburgh, and the modern accommodations there. We got to take in everything, except in May the heather was not blooming on the hills.
A thoroughly satisfying adventure and we are telling all our friends to sign up for a Rick Steves tour. We will again! 
Dan was surprised at the great influence of his Viking ancestors. They didn’t just show up and make trouble. They came and stayed. They are still present in current Scottish culture. Dan’s Viking and Marcia’s Scottish roots are likely intertwined.
While Dan enjoyed all of the journey, he would like to return spending more time in the Highlands and exploring the northern coast and islands. 
Nessie. Still elusive.
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Let this be a lesson to you kids . . . ALWAYS take care of your roof!
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Marcia's highlight was Urquhart Castle where she sat among the rocks of the former castle, above the lochs and there was a tattered Scottish flag flying on the hill above it (Dan hiked up there.) When I got back, I found Marcia in tears.
The energy and feeling she had there rushed over her Scottish emotions. 
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