Our journey begins with two of the most important royal residences of medieval Scotland: Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.

Edinburgh Castle, towering over the Scottish capital, is a true jewel of defensive architecture. It's a place where history is tangible - from the oldest walls to the royal chambers. The castle offers unforgettable views of the city and the Firth of Forth bay. Look out for the Great Hall, built for King James IV, and St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. Not to be missed are the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the legendary Stone of Destiny.

The price of tickets to Edinburgh Castle may seem high (as of 2023), but most visitors find it worth it. The castle is open all year round, but it's worth remembering that it can get very crowded during the summer season. It is recommended to book tickets in advance.

Stirling Castle, on the other hand, located atop an extinct volcano, is another icon of Scottish history. For centuries it was a key fortress, controlling the passage between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland. The castle is famous for its perfectly preserved Renaissance interiors, including the Great Hall and the Royal Apartments. Particularly noteworthy are the reconstructed tapestries in the Royal Chambers, which give an idea of the luxury that Scottish monarchs surrounded themselves with.

Unlike Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle offers a more intimate experience. While also popular with tourists, it tends to be less crowded, allowing for a quieter visit. Ticket prices are slightly lower than in Edinburgh, making it an attractive alternative for those traveling with families.

Both castles offer audioguides, which are a great way to learn about the history of the sites. However, it's worth remembering that a full tour of each can take up to several hours. For those interested in military history, Edinburgh Castle offers more exhibits related to this topic, while Stirling Castle focuses more on the life of the royal court.

Whichever of these castles you choose (and it's best to visit both!), we guarantee that it will be an unforgettable journey into Scottish history, full of majestic sights and fascinating stories.

The next leg of our journey is two sites that, although in ruins, are still awe-inspiring in their beauty and history: Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness Lake and St Andrews Cathedral.

Urquhart Castle, located picturesquely on the shores of the famous Loch Ness Lake, is a place that takes us into the heart of Scottish legends. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has witnessed many turbulent events in the history of Scotland. Although mostly in ruins today, it is still very impressive for its location and atmosphere.

When visiting Urquhart Castle, look out for the well-preserved Grant Tower, which offers a spectacular view of Loch Ness Lake. Who knows, you might be able to spot the famous monster? The visitor's center at the castle offers an interesting introductory video to help understand the rich history of the place.

Urquhart Castle is well suited for sightseeing. Parking is right at the entrance, which is a great convenience. However, it is worth remembering that it can be very crowded during the summer season. Ticket prices are moderate, and the views of the lake and surrounding area compensate for every pound spent.

Moving to the east coast of Scotland, we arrive at the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. This is a site of great significance to Scottish history and culture. The cathedral, once the largest in Scotland, was the country's religious center for several centuries.

Today, walking among the impressive ruins, one can imagine the former splendor of this building. Particularly noteworthy is the preserved tower of St. Rule, which can be climbed. From its top you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of St Andrews and the North Sea.

St Andrews Cathedral offers a slightly different experience than Urquhart Castle. While the castle on Loch Ness attracts crowds of tourists, the cathedral allows for a more peaceful and reflective visit. The surrounding cemetery adds a mystical touch to the place.

Admission prices to St Andrews Cathedral are affordable, making it an attractive option for families. Note that climbing the tower of St. Rule can be a challenge for those with mobility problems - the stairs are steep and narrow.

Both Urquhart Castle and St Andrews Cathedral offer a fascinating journey back in time. Urquhart attracts visitors with its dramatic location and the legends of Loch Ness, while St Andrews Cathedral impresses with its monumentality and historical significance. Both sites are well suited for sightseeing, offering historical information and modern amenities for tourists.

Whether you are a lover of history, architecture or simply beautiful views, these two sites are sure to leave you with an unforgettable impression and help you better understand the rich history of medieval Scotland.

To conclude our tour of Scotland's medieval treasures, we will visit Elgin Cathedral, known as the 'Lighthouse of the North'. This place, although now in ruins, still impresses with its monumentality and the beauty of its Gothic architecture.

Elgin Cathedral, built in the 13th century, was once one of the most magnificent religious buildings in Scotland. Although it was partially destroyed in the 16th century, its ruins are still impressive. The 40-meter-tall west tower, preserved fragments of carved portals and majestic rosette windows allow one to imagine the building's former glory.

One of the most impressive features of the cathedral is the opportunity to climb to the top of the tower. From there you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Elgin and the surrounding countryside. It's an experience that remains in the memory for a long time, although those with a fear of heights should be prepared for a rather extreme climb up a narrow, steep staircase.

Elgin Cathedral offers not only architectural beauty, but also a fascinating history. Note the preserved sculptures and architectural details, which testify to the craftsmanship of medieval craftsmen. There is also an interesting biblical garden next to the cathedral, which adds additional charm to the place.

Ticket prices for Elgin Cathedral are moderate (as of 2023), making it an accessible attraction for families. However, it is worth remembering to book tickets in advance, especially during the summer season. The facility closes quite early, so when planning a visit, take this into account.

Compared to the other sites we visited, Elgin Cathedral offers a slightly quieter experience. While Edinburgh Castle or Urquhart Castle attract crowds of tourists, here you can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere. It's the perfect place for those looking for a moment of reflection and tranquility surrounded by medieval architecture.

Traveling through Scotland's medieval treasures, from the majestic castles of Edinburgh and Stirling, to the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and St Andrews Cathedral, to the impressive Elgin Cathedral, one has the opportunity to experience the diversity of Scottish history and architecture.

Each of these places offers unique experiences: Edinburgh Castle impresses with its royal splendor and skyline, Stirling Castle takes us back to the Renaissance, Urquhart Castle lets us feel the spirit of the Loch Ness legends, St Andrews Cathedral captures the atmosphere of Scotland's former religious center, and Elgin Cathedral shows the majesty of Gothic architecture.

When taking this trip, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Ticket prices vary from place to place, but discounts for children and seniors are offered everywhere. For popular attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle and Urquhart Castle, it is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the summer season. It's also worth paying attention to opening hours - some sites, like Elgin Cathedral, close early.

Whether you're a lover of history, architecture or simply beautiful views, these five sites are sure to give you an unforgettable experience and give you a better understanding of the rich history of medieval Scotland. Each tells a different part of the country's fascinating history, together creating a remarkable mosaic of Scottish cultural heritage.