My Favorite Trip: Claire Schoeder on Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands

“I’ve been known to go to Scotland for a long weekend,” said Claire Schoeder, a travel advisor at Century Travel in Atlanta, who is also a Scottish travel expert. Schoeder recommends combining a taste of the Scottish Highlands with a stay in Edinburgh.

The four-night journey actually starts at the Edinburgh airport, where an in-house Rolls Royce Phantom will transport guests to the 17-room Inverlochy Castle Hotel, for what Schoeder refers to as a “Downton Abbey experience.”

Built in 1863, Queen Victoria spent a week here in 1873, noting in her diary that she “never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.”

Echoing back to another time, people dress for dinner at Inverlochy’s posh Michelin-starred restaurant. “It’s quiet and elegant,” said Schoeder.

From the hotel, guests are able to explore Fort William and its array of shops and restaurants on High Street. Set at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, Fort William is also where travelers may take the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig. “It is very well known to many people because it’s the viaduct and steam train used in the Harry Potter movies,” Schoeder said.

With its stunning scenery, the area also offers active travelers a range of hiking and walking venues.

Travelers spend the second two nights in Edinburgh at The Atholl, which features one one-bedroom suite, one two-bedroom suite and two three-bedroom suites. “It’s a phenomenal experience because it’s extremely private,” says Schoeder. “The kitchen is to die for.” Chefs actually prepare meals for guests from the apartments’ state-of-the-art kitchens.

Schoeder recommends visiting Edinburgh Castle, the fortress that dominates the city’s skyline, as well as Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

Another point of interest is the 17^th-century Gladstone’s Land, the former home of a local merchant. “It provides a good overview of how many people in Edinburgh lived,” Schoeder said.

She also suggests a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is berthed in Edinburgh. The yacht, which is said to have logged 1 million miles, once served as the vehicle for the Royals’ vacations from 1954 to 1997.

Travelers fly home out of Edinburgh. “I’m a firm believer that you should be pretty darn close to your airport before flying out the next day,” she said.