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Scotland’s Picturesque Villages and Towns with Dr. Irene Mariani
Scotland’s Picturesque Villages and Towns with Dr. Irene Mariani

Scotland’s Picturesque Villages and Towns with Dr. Irene Mariani


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

While the spectacular mountains, lochs, and glens of the Highlands offer the ideal opportunity for walks and outdoor activities, the tiny postcard-type villages, and towns dotted across the country is where one can get an authentic Scottish experience. Packed with history, tradition, and unique photographic spots, Scotland’s villages and towns have it all. Whether traveling north or south in Scotland, these charming places are well worth including in any itinerary. This seminar will explore these stunning locations in more detail.
Starting our virtual journey from the Scottish Borders in the south of Scotland, we’ll discover Melrose and the ruins of its twelfth-century abbey, where the heart of Robert the Bruce is said to be buried. After a quick stop at Abbotsford, the home of the romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott, we’ll cross the green hills of Dumfries and Galloway to visit Kirkcudbright, known as the artist’s town for its colony of painters and craftsmen.
Moving north, we’ll reach the pretty town of Tobermory on the isle of Mull where, according to the legend, a Spanish galleon loaded with gold and silver lies at the bottom of its bay. Further north, we’ll leave Lochcarron behind us to reach Applecross through the country’s most epic drive. We’ll then carry on east through the scenic village of Killin to admire the Falls of Dochart, while a short walk from the village of Dunkeld will lead us to the Birnam Oaktree celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In the vibrant university town on St. Andrews, we’ll discover the impressive ruins of what was once Scotland’s largest cathedral, and walk through the oldest golf course in the world. Descending the Fife Coastal Path, we’ll reach some of the most charming fishing villages of this region including Anstruther and Pittenweem. 
Led by Edinburgh-based art historian Irene Mariani, this interactive seminar will introduce participants to some of Scotland’s prettiest villages and towns through photographs, videos, and maps. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with an understanding of the location, history, and culture of some of the most picturesque destinations in Scotland.

Irene specialised in Italian Renaissance Art and her doctoral thesis looked at the artistic patronage of the Vespucci family in fifteenth-century Florence. She was an intern at the Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and collaborated with the Education Department of the National Galleries of Scotland. Irene currently teaches History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh stole her heart and it is now her second home.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
95%
(18)
5%
(1)
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Reviewer avatar
Beth Ann from Michigan (Plymouth, US)
Excellent pre-Travel Overview of Scotland

I am thinking of traveling to Scotland soon and this seminar could not have done a better job of giving me a good overview of what there is to see and do there. I came away with a good idea of what I want to do and see but also how many days we will need to take it all in. Dr. Irene Mariani's organization of the material was perfect as she transitioned from region to region using a map each time to show us where she was transitioning to next. Her photographs are excellent and inspired me to even more of a desire to beautiful Scotland. Thank you for this great overview.

P
P.V. (Minot, US)
Scotland’s picturesque villages & towns

Guest did not leave comment

L
L.P. (Springfield, US)
r Scotland's Picturesque Villages and Towns

Very well organized and filled with great stories. Just like being there.

R
R.C. (Annapolis, US)
Excellent.

Great presentation, lots of interesting detail. Dr Mariani is knowledgable, never gets boring and makes the places she talks about come alive.

C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
Any place this guide takes you it’s always worth seeing.

Scotland, of course, is absolutely beautiful, but Dr. Mariani has such enthusiasm and love for these places that they just come alive during her tours. I cannot wait to visit a couple of these villages introduced in this tour.

Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
95%
(18)
5%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
Reviewer avatar
Beth Ann from Michigan (Plymouth, US)
Excellent pre-Travel Overview of Scotland

I am thinking of traveling to Scotland soon and this seminar could not have done a better job of giving me a good overview of what there is to see and do there. I came away with a good idea of what I want to do and see but also how many days we will need to take it all in. Dr. Irene Mariani's organization of the material was perfect as she transitioned from region to region using a map each time to show us where she was transitioning to next. Her photographs are excellent and inspired me to even more of a desire to beautiful Scotland. Thank you for this great overview.

P
P.V. (Minot, US)
Scotland’s picturesque villages & towns

Guest did not leave comment

L
L.P. (Springfield, US)
r Scotland's Picturesque Villages and Towns

Very well organized and filled with great stories. Just like being there.

R
R.C. (Annapolis, US)
Excellent.

Great presentation, lots of interesting detail. Dr Mariani is knowledgable, never gets boring and makes the places she talks about come alive.

C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
Any place this guide takes you it’s always worth seeing.

Scotland, of course, is absolutely beautiful, but Dr. Mariani has such enthusiasm and love for these places that they just come alive during her tours. I cannot wait to visit a couple of these villages introduced in this tour.