Travel to Scotland, the birthplace of Golf, to experience the prestigious British Open in 2012 as well as having to chance to play on some of the best golf courses in the world.
In this Issue In The NewsMaking News This Month Singapore Airlines to Begin Codesharing on Virgin Australia Flights Virgin Atlantic Begins Improvements on International Upper Class Etihad Airways Offers Complimentary 96-hour UAE Visas For Guests Newly Renovated M/S Paul Gauguin Sets Sail Also in the news... Specialist Review of Edinburgh
My next few days were spent getting to know Edinburgh and everything the great city has to offer. The ancient city is thriving with Scottish culture and history, and the best place by far to start is the famous Edinburgh Castle, home of the annual Edinburgh Tattoo.
Dominating the Edinburgh skyline for 800 years, this favoured residence of historic Scottish Monarchs is a monolith of stone work set on an ancient volcanic rock. Inside the mighty walls of the Castle there is much to see and admire. Your entrance fee will give you access to all the public areas of the castle which include several war museums, the National War Memorial, the Royal Palace, access to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The views from the fortifications of the castle are probably the best of the centre of Edinburgh and the old town; it’s a great place to take photos. Also make sure to time your visit so that you can view the firing of the One O'clock Gun at 1PM, fired almost daily since 1861. Just outside the castle gates, at the top of castle hill, you will find 2 great examples of Scottish culture. On one side of the road you will find the Tartan weaving Mill and Exhibition. This functioning weaving mill, set back inside a tartan and kilt store, is a great experience and is absolutely free. You can walk in amongst weaving machines and see the techniques used to create all kinds of tartan products, there is also a brief history of not only the weaving process but of the Scottish tartan itself and the chance to buy your own kilt! On the opposite side of the street is the Scotch Whisky Experience. This is a must visit for Scotch lovers and provides a unique journey through the process of whisky making on a swirling, bubbling barrel ride through a replica distillery. They will also help you to find the perfect mixture of aromas and flavours that appeal to your palate and lead you to your perfect Single Malt Whisky.
From the top of Castle Hill you can walk down the Royal Mile and Edinburgh’s High Street. This historic stretch of road, from the castle right down to the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is home to a myriad of shops and is the best destination for boutique Scottish shopping in the city. You can pick up an authentic kilt, wool or cashmere jumpers and a uniquely Scottish souvenir. You can also get something to eat and drink at one of the numerous cafes, iconic pubs and restaurants on the Mile. If shopping is your vice then another great place to check out is the high end fashion and department stores on Princes Street. A great place I really enjoyed was the Princes Street Gardens located below Edinburgh Castle. These gardens are a great place to relax right in the heart of the city; while I was there they had a German Style Christmas market on which included a large ice skating rink! Dominating the park is the Scott Monument. This gothic memorial to the writer Sir Walter Scott is an impressive structure. Climb to the top of its 287 steps for a small fee and you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Edinburgh. For art lovers, right next to the Gardens is the Scottish National Gallery. This free art gallery houses a superb collection drawn from the early Renaissance to the late 19th century, including masterpieces from Raphael, Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
From the massive castle towering above the city to the smallest boutique on the Royal Mile Edinburgh is a city that you can easily fall in love with. It is hard to leave the beautiful Scottish capital draped across the rocky hills by the sea and I know I will return there one day. Edinburgh is also a fantastic place to base your Scottish holiday from. An hour’s drive north of the city is the World famous golf courses and Luxury hotels of Gleneagles and St. Andrews, here you can experience golf in its birth place in true style. If you feel like going a little further then Inverness, the Highland Capital, is only 2 hours away by train. From here you can experience the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Great Scottish Holidays
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FirstClass UpdatesTop Supporters of FirstClass Awards - WIN A FREE BUSINESS CLASS TICKET!At our annual Christmas party in 2012 we will be giving out some new awards to three of our lucky customers, the Top Supporters of FirstClass Awards. The winner, who will be chosen at random out of our top 3 supporters, will receive a Business Class flight to anywhere in the world!* The runners up won't leave empty handed though, with each receiving a $500 gift voucher. For a chance of winning this prize you simply need to show your support for FirstClass by sending us more business. This includes not only booking with us yourself but also refering family, friends and business associates to try our first class travel services. Check details, terms and conditions on Top Supporters of FirstClass Awards And Finally
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