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We began our adventure onboard the Our tour began with an early morning
Azamara Quest for an introductory “Scot‐ rendezvous at Glasgow’s bus station, where
land Intensive” cruise. Nine port stops we met Stuart, our energetic, kilt-clad
brought us to bustling cities to isolated vil‐ guide. The van, already filled with a dozen
lages, castles, and turf houses, lots of rain- travelers from around the world, had come
drenched vistas, and wailing bagpipes. from Edinburgh, and despite the overcast
Mary was a bit disappointed with the soot- sky, Stuart’s upbeat demeanor set a tone
stained urban areas and lonely landscapes. of excitement. With a steady stream of
She wanted to see more, still searching for jokes, historical anecdotes, and a playlist
Scotland’s fabled charms. A journey to the that spanned Scottish folk music to modern
scenic Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner tunes, he painted vivid portraits of Scot‐
Hebrides islands on the country’s west land’s culture and landscape.
coast, seemed the perfect next step. Stuart’s storytelling transformed what
The three-day road trip by Discover might have been a routine van ride into an
Scotland Tours promised not just iconic immersive experience. His knowledge of
landmarks—Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Glen‐ Scottish history and his willingness to ac‐
finnan Viaduct, Loch Ness, and more —but commodate everyone’s needs—whether it
also the possibility of deepening Ron’s was a meal break or bathroom stop—made
connection to his heritage. Would this ad‐ the trip both comfortable and engaging.
venture unlock hidden stories of his Scot‐ As we settled into the rhythm of the
tish roots? And would it reveal to us both road, one fact became clear: June in Scot‐
sides of the country we had yet to dis‐ land is not the summer we know. Rain,
cover? We were eager to see what magic wind, and low clouds clung to us like famil‐
lay ahead, step by step, through the heart iar companions, with only occasional bursts
of Scotland. of blue sky and sunshine to brighten the
18 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE WINTER 2025
