Ep 2. Edinburgh and Scotland

Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa season 4 episode 2 takes us on a journey to the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. We get to see the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Scottish people, the famous landmarks and breathtaking sceneries that make this town a must-visit destination for any avid traveler.

Our host, Rudy Maxa, starts our tour with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop Castle Rock and provides a majestic view of the town beneath it. Built in the 12th century, the castle has been the residence of various Scottish monarchs and has been witness to many significant historical events, including the Wars of Scottish Independence. We get a glimpse of the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg cannon, and the historic Great Hall, which has been restored to its former glory.

From the castle, we take a walk down the famous Royal Mile, a mile-long stretch that extends from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. Rudy takes us on a tour of St. Giles' Cathedral, the city's most significant religious building, which was built in the 14th century. We also get to see the Mercat Cross, an ancient stone monument that served as the central market for traders in ancient Scotland.

Continuing our tour of the city, the next stop is the Royal Botanic Garden, one of the world's largest. This garden is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the soul. The garden is home to over 13,000 plant species, some of which can be traced back to the 17th century and some that were discovered as recently as the 20th century.

Rudy takes us outside of Edinburgh to Stirling, known for its vibrant cultural and artistic scene. We explore the city's streets and alleys, with colorful local musicians, artists and street performers entertaining us along the way. We see the famous Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, which pays tribute to the Scottish hero, William Wallace, whose story was made famous by the film Braveheart.

Our journey to Scotland is incomplete without a visit to the impressive Scottish Highlands. We take a tour through the picturesque landscape that forms the backdrop for the famous Scottish legends that we read about or see in movies. We stop by at Glenlivet Distillery, one of Scotland's most famous whiskey production houses, and get to witness first hand the process of whiskey-making and savour a taste of the finest Scotch whiskey.

We travel further to Loch Ness, which is perhaps Scotland’s most famous body of water thanks in large part to the legend of the beast that has lived beneath its surface for centuries. While there isn't any sighting of the Loch Ness Monster, We soak in the stunning beauty of the surroundings that include mountains, wooded areas, and natural waterfalls.

In conclusion, Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa season 4 episode 2 gives a comprehensive travel guide to Edinburgh and Scotland, a land that is inextricably linked to some of the world's most extraordinary legends. The show's signature mix of history, culture, and breathtaking beauty is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers unparalleled insight into Scotland's people, heritage, and culture.