Scotland Full Day Tour Kelpies Stirling Castle and Highland Cows

Scotland , United Kingdom

Scotland Full Day Tour Kelpies Stirling Castle and Highland Cows

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About this experience

Explore Scotland's captivating beauty and rich history on this full-day tour from Greenock. Visit the magnificent Kelpies, the world's largest horse sculptures, and journey through Glasgow to appreciate its vibrant culture. Discover the historic significance of Stirling Castle, an iconic fortress steeped in Scottish lore. Meet the adorable Highland Cows, and finish your adventure in the scenic village of Luss, known for its stunning landscapes. Perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Scotland's heritage and its breathtaking scenery.

- Full-day tour from Greenock, ideal for nature and history lovers
- Discover the Kelpies and Stirling Castle with a knowledgeable local guide
- Encounter Highland Cows and visit the charming village of Luss
- Experience Scotland's cinematic locations from popular TV shows like Outlander and Game of Thrones

Available options

Scotland Full Day Tour Kelpies Stirling Castle and Highland Cows

Pickup included

What's included

Soda/Pop

Bottled water

Alcoholic Beverages

Snacks

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

I will give you a full guided tour on the kelpies, from very humble beginnings to everything in which they symbolise here in Scotland. At the Kelpies, there are plenty of great photo opportunities as well as public toilets, cafes and a gift shop.

Stop 2

I will arrange tickets on your behalf for the full guided tour of Stirling Castle if you let me know that this is what you want to do. If you do not wish to purchase the interior tour tickets, I can give you a full exterior tour and add something else on to your itinerary for you to visit. Stirling Castle is the most historic castle in Scotland, which sits on top of a huge volcanic plug. Stirling Castle was crucial during the wars of independence and sits at the most strategic position in Scotland. This Castle is truly spectacular.

Stop 3

I will give you a full exterior guided tour of Doune Castle. If you wish to purchase tickets for the interior tour you can do so on arrival, just make sure to give myself a heads up so that we can ensure the timings are right for returning to the ship. Doune Castle is a hidden gem, is steeped in history and is the filming location of Winterfell in Game of Trhones, Castle Leoch in Outlander and Monty python to name but a few.

Here, we will visit and feed Hamish, Honey and Baxter the Highland or "Hairy" Coos. At Kilmahog there is a café, toilets and a huge woollen mill gift shop.

In my opinion, the best is saved until last ! I will offer you a full guided tour of Luss. This Charming Village has so much to offer, and having been settled since before the 6th century there is so much history to get through. A quaint and typical highland village, Luss has it all. Nestled on the banks of the famous Loch Lomond in the heart of the Trossachs National park the scenery is absolutely stunning. There are also plenty of gift shops and cafes for you to meander through as you further immerse yourself in what is one of my favourite villages in Scotland. This is a great taste of the Highlands, and Highland life.

Witness the formidable Dumbarton Castle which sits on a volcanic plug at the very bottle neck of the River Clyde, where your boat will be docked. From stories of the Vikings to the residence of Mary Queen of Scots, Wallace, and Robert the Bruce Dumbarton Castle has it all. I will give you a full brief of the history of this castle, form its connection with the wars of independence through to its history at the very centre of the kingdom of strathclyde.

Only minutes from your cruise ship, Newark Castle is extremely overlooked and I am not sure that most guides even know of its existence ! Allow me to share with you all of my knowledge on this castle from a locals perspective.

What's not included

Stirling Castle - The Customer must personally pay for entrance fee if they wish to do interior tour at £20 per person. These details can be provided by myself.

Available languages

Written guide

DE IT FR ES

Guide guide

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reasonable adjustments for access

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