"Private" Scotland Shore Trips
This 3 Day package combines the best Scotland shore excursions in the ports of Glasgow (Greenock), Invergordon and Edinburgh (Leith, Rosyth or South Queensferry).
This package includes three days of tours, timed to meet your ship on the selected dates you are there.
Glasgow / Greenock (8-Hour Tour)
Glasgow and Sterling Castle
This Greenock shore excursion provides first time visitors an overview of Glasgow's main sites. Then after a lunch break in a local pub you visit the famous Sterling Castle.
You start with a Glasgow panoramic driving tour to orient you to Scotland's finest Victorian city. Following your driving tour you stop for an interior visit to Glasgow's Cathedral of St Mungo, which is the oldest building in Glasgow. Structurally, it dates largely from the end of the 13th century. It also incorporates features, some of them visible, others beneath the surface, from earlier cathedrals of the 12th century. There are also two additions dating from the 15th century, the Blacader Aisle
and the organ loft. A modern feature comprises the fine stained glass windows in the Quire, mainly installed in the 1960s and since regarded as one of the finest collections of modern stained glass in Europe. The focal point of the Lower Church is the Tomb of St. Kentigern, or Mungo as he is more often called in Glasgow. The Cathedral and earlier buildings were erected on or near the site of a monastic settlement, which he founded in the sixth century.
After your morning driving tour, you have free time for you to enjoy lunch in a local pub.
After lunch you visit Sterling Castle, which is considered one of Scotland's most magnificent castles. Stirling Castle is built on a rocky outcrop offering commanding views for many miles around. It was built as an almost impregnable fortification, and visitors can explore many aspects of its long military history, particularly during the Wars of Independence in the 1300s. But it was also an important and luxurious royal palace. Visitors today can gain an insight into the life of Scotland's royal court, especially that of James V.
After your memorable tour of Sterling Castle, you enjoy a short visit to the town of Sterling which is located at the mouth of the River Forth. The medieval old town is nestled below a large fortress. Many believe Stirling to be the "best small city" in Scotland. After your visit, you can judge for yourself.
At the end of the day you are brought back to the pier in Greenock.
Invergordon (8-Hour Tour)
Loch Ness Cruise and Cawdor Castle
This
Invergordon shore excursion travels along the beautiful Loch Ness and includes a visit to one of the Scottish Highlands castles; Cawdor Castle. You also enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness and some free time in the town of Inverness.
After meeting your guide in Invergordon you start your scenic, passing over the Moray Firth on the Kessock Bridge. Your first stop is the Cawdor Castle, which dates back to the 14th century. You tour the castle visiting rooms such as the Tapestry Bedroom, the Drawing Room, the Old Kitchen, the Dining Room and more. You see period furnishings and art giving you insight to times past. If the castle is not impressive enough, there are three lovely gardens on the site!
Next you have free time in the town of Inverness, regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland. While you are here you can enjoy lunch in a typical Scottish pub.
After lunch you board a cruise at the Clansman Harbor. You cruise along Loch Ness enjoying some of Scotland's most scenic countryside.
During the day your guide will share some of the many legends of Loch Ness and also stop at scenic photo stops.
At the end of the tour you are brought back to the pier in Invergordon.
Edinburgh Ports (8-Hour Tour)
Best of Edinburgh
This Edinburgh shore excursion can be taken from any of Edinburgh's three ports, Leith, Rosyth or South Queensferry. Included is a driving tour of Edinburgh plus a visit to the famous Edinburgh Castle. You have free time to enjoy lunch in a typical Scottish pub and to explore the Royal Mile.
After meeting your guide at the pier you enjoy a scenic driving tour of Edinburgh including the Georgian New Town. You delight in a photo stop on Calton Hill where you admire the splendid views of the city and it's historic Old Town.
Upon arrival in the Old Town you visit Edinburgh Castle, the most famous of Scottish castles. You will learn about its complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.
The castle houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. It is here that in the 11th Century, Queen Margaret, directed the defense of her adopted homeland two decades after the same Norman had slaughtered her brother and the nobles of Saxon England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Margaret, who was known for her saintly deeds and devotion to Christ, died during the siege and her body was lowered down the walls to prevent its capture and desecration by the Normans.
Following the castle visit is free time for lunch in a local pub and then you can explore the Royal Mile or visit St. Giles Cathedral which is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).
Later this afternoon you return to the pier.
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
