Elite Traveler Spring 2019

elite traveler SPRING 2019 79

QUEENOF SCOTS SCOTLAND If the infamous history of Mary, Queen of Scots has always fascinated you (perhaps even more so since the release of the eponymous movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie), then Gleneagles in Scotland has just the thing. Delve into the past of this controversial royal as the estate’s expert guide, Iris Marhencke, takes you on a private tour of Linlithgow Palace, where Mary was born, and Stirling Castle, where she was crowned Queen of Scotland in 1542. En route to Stirling Castle in a Rolls-Royce, you’ll stop off at poignant sites such as The Church of the Holy Rude, where Queen Mary’s son King James VI of Scotland and England was crowned in 1567. You’ll also visit Drummond Castle, where Mary spent her honeymoon with third husband James Hepburn, the fourth Earl of Bothwell (the manicured gardens are exceptional) and The Palace of Holyroodhouse, where Mary lived from 1561 to 1567. Back at Gleneagles, we recommend staying in the Royal Lochnagar Suite, an Elite Traveler favorite. From $15,900 for three night itinerary. Contact Lorraine McCreadie, reservations manager,

STARRY-EYED PORTUGAL

Astrotourism is a rapidly growing trend (tour operator Scott Dunn’s bookings for astrotourism have tripled over the last four years). And as scientists have predicted that those living in cities will no longer be able to see the stars at night due to light pollution by 2025, we can see why it’s so popular. On July 2, there will be a total solar eclipse and to fully appreciate it, you need to head to a Dark Sky location. Just two hours from Lisbon, rural Alentejo is home to the Lake Alqueva Observatory, where you’ll find the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve — the first astrotourism destination in the world. It is a protected area with perfect atmospheric conditions and no light pollution, so you can be sure of a bewitching view. The reserve has state-of-the-art telescopes to get a closer look at the stars and planets, and the resident experts will share information about the galaxy. Stay in the nearby São Lourenço do Barrocal, a charming, 200-year-old country estate surrounded by two acres of wheat fields, olive groves, wildflowers and vineyards. From $1,800 per person for five nights. Contact Sarah Matthews, travel consultant, +44 203 733 0637, scottdunn.com

lorraine.mccreadie@gleneagles.com, +44 176 466 2231, gleneagles.com

Photo Compagnie du Ponant, James Merrell, Nelson Garrido