Glasgow Greenock Shore Excursion Stirling Castle & Highlands
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Maximise your time ashore and let Macleod Heilan Tours take you on a Scottish adventure through some of the best scenery and historical locations in Scotland.
This tour gives you a real flavour of Scotland with a visit to the magnificent Kelpies a huge 100ft steel structure which pays homage to one of Scotland’s most famous mythical beasts then onto Stirling Castle where you will see many stone carvings of our national animal the Unicorn.
Stirling Castle is a real testament to Scotland’s past where many of our most famous battles were fought and won. The castle also provides a fantastic view onto the Wallace Monument built as a tribute to two of Scotland’s most famous son’s William Wallace & Andrew de Moray who helped Scotland to victory at Stirling Bridge.
We round off the day with some stunning scenery on the drive through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
Available options
Glasgow Greenock Shore Excursion Stirling Castle & Highlands
What's included
Local Taxes (Vat 20%)
Parking/Fuel
Dual Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Port pick up/Drop off
Exclusive use of luxury mini-van
Dedicated Tour Booking Agent
Bottled Scottish Water
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your kilted guide will greet you of the ship at Greenock Cruise terminal with a warm Scottish welcome and invite you onboard our luxury mini-van.
The drive to the Kelpies is just under 1 hour and your guide will give you stories of Scotland as we travel through Scotland’s largest city Glasgow and East towards Falkirk.
Arriving at Kelpies which are monumental 100ft steel structures affectionately known as Baron & Duke you will learn a little bit about Scotland’s Folklore.
2
Stop 2
Arriving in Stirling you can’t help but notice the castle sitting aloft on top of the volcanic craggy rock. It is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland with a tempestuous past.
A royal residence for many Kings & Queens it has had its fair share of battles over the last 800 years with the most recent siege taking place in the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion where you can still spot the cannon fire on the castle walls.
There is a complimentary official guided tour included with castle entrance fee that starts every 30 minutes on the hour. You can jump in and out of the group tour as you please. (We cannot guide inside the castle)
Tickets are advised to be purchased in advance to reduce line times and ensure a seamless entrance. The most up to date prices can be found here:
https://tickets.historic-scotland.gov.uk/webstore/shop/viewitems.aspx?cg=tkts&c=scp
3
After the visit to the castle, you may want to refuel one of the nearby restaurants to the castle or maybe drive a little further along the route and stop in either Callander or Deanston Whisky distillery for a spot of lunch.
You may decide on a more grab and go style lunch to make more time for scenic stops on the route this is entirely your groups decision as it’s a private experience you make the decisions. (With a little advice from your booking agent or guide)
4
Stop 4
We will make a stop on Scotland’s most famous Loch, we have a few options for this stop including Balmaha, Balloch or the village of Luss.
Depending on our time we will suggest one of these 3 options.
What's not included
Meals
Stirling Castle Adult £17.50 Conces £14 Child £10.50 Tickets to be booked online
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Your guide will be at the Cruise Port in Greenock for 0800 or at a time that suits the ships timetable waiting to greet you with a big Scottish welcome & holding up an information board with the groups name.
(Guide will make contact the night before via Whatsapp or contact us through Viator)
About Scotland
Scotland is a country in the United Kingdom known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the rugged Highlands and serene islands, Scotland offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.
Top Attractions
Edinburgh Castle
A historic fortress that dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, offering a glimpse into Scotland's past.
Historical
2-3 hours
£18
Loch Ness
A large, deep freshwater loch known for its legendary monster, Nessie, and stunning scenery.
Nature
Full day
Free to visit, tours vary
Glasgow Cathedral
A stunning example of Scottish Gothic architecture and one of the few medieval cathedrals in Scotland to have survived the Reformation intact.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free
Isle of Skye
A picturesque island known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing.
Nature
Full day to multi-day
Free to explore, tours vary
St. Andrews
A historic town known as the home of golf and the University of St. Andrews, with a rich medieval history.
Historical
Full day
Varies by attraction
Must-Try Local Dishes
Haggis
A savory pudding made from sheep's offal, oatmeal, and spices, traditionally cooked in a sheep's stomach.
Main dish
Contains meat and offal, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Cullen Skink
A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions.
Soup
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Cranachan
A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.
Dessert
Contains dairy, can be made vegan with substitutions.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Highlands
Whale watching
White-water rafting
Whisky tasting tours
Spa days
Scenic train journeys
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending festivals
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest time of the year, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. However, it is also the busiest tourist season.
12°C to 20°C
54°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Scottish Gaelic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Scotland is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas and crowded places.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious when using ATMs at night
Getting there
By air
- Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
- Glasgow Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center
By train
Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central
By bus
Edinburgh Bus Station, Glasgow Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient and comfortable, with scenic routes through the Highlands.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town, Edinburgh
West End, Glasgow
Highlands
Day trips
Stirling Castle
40 km (25 miles) from Edinburgh • Half day to full day
A historic castle that played a significant role in Scottish history, offering stunning views and a rich past.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
50 km (31 miles) from Glasgow • Full day
A beautiful national park with lochs, mountains, and forests, offering a variety of outdoor activities.
Melrose Abbey
70 km (43 miles) from Edinburgh • Half day
A stunning ruin of a Cistercian abbey with intricate stone carvings and a rich history.
Festivals
Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August
Hogmanay • December 31 - January 1
Up Helly Aa • Last Tuesday in January
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather
- Explore beyond the major cities to discover Scotland's diverse landscapes and culture
- Try traditional Scottish dishes and whisky for an authentic experience
- Use public transport or rent a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas
- Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
