HALF DAY TOURS FROM GLASGOW
Glasgow City Tour (3.5-4 hours)
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Glasgow City Centre from the comfort of your touring coach. First we will see the historic Cathedral and Merchant City, then the Georgian grandeur of Blythswood Square, followed by Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the University Campus. Later we will cross the River Clyde to visit the world famous Burrell Art Collection in Pollok Country Park. If we are lucky we may also see the largest herd of Highland Cattle in Britain, who live in the Park.
Glengoyne Malt Whisky Distillery & Loch Lomond (4 hours)
Travelling from Glasgow, we drive to the foot of the Campsie Fells where we will visit Pretty Glengoyne Distillery. We will see how Scotland's national drink is produced - and there will be a taste of the end product for those who wish! From here we make our way to the Loch Lomond National Park to enjoy the stunning views of the loch from our viewpoint at Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre.
Loch Lomond (4 hours)
From Glasgow we travel along the banks of the River Clyde to Helensburgh, and then through scenic Glen Fruin to Loch Lomond where we will board a cruiser for a relaxing sail on the loch. Our drive back to Glasgow will takes us along the "bonnie, bonnie, banks" of Loch Lomond from where we can enjoy magnificent views.
Ayr and Burns Country (4 hours)
Our journey takes us through the golfing town of Troon, where we will see the famous Championship links course. In the small village of Alloway we will visit Robert Burns cottage, where the famous poet was born in 1759. For those who wish there is also an opportunity to visit the Land O'Burns Centre to learn about the life and times of Burns, before returning to Glasgow.
FULL DAY TOURS FROM GLASGOW
Stirling and the Trossachs (7 hours)
From Glasgow we travel northwards to the historic town of Stirling, once the home of the Scottish Kings and Queens. After a guided tour of the castle there will be some free time in the town of Stirling before we continue to the pretty little town of Callander. From here we will drive over the dramatic Duke's Pass to Aberfoyle in the heart of the Trossachs. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to shop in the Scottish Sheep Centre woollen shop before enjoying the scenic drive over the Campsie Fells and back to Glasgow.
Edinburgh City Tour (7.5-8 hours)
Our drive to Edinburgh takes us past the historic town of Linlithgow with excellent views of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. We will stop in South Queensferry, just outside Edinburgh, to enjoy the magnificent views of the Forth Bridges. We will then begin our tour of the city. First we will visit the Georgian New Town, with its sweeping crescents and terraces, and then we will see the historic Royal Mile with its charming wynds and closes. The highlight of the day is a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the afternoon is free for shopping or further sightseeing.
Inveraray and Loch Lomond (8 hours)
From Glasgow we travel along the banks of the river Clyde to Helensburgh and then through scenic Glen Fruin to Loch Lomond. Leaving Arrochar we cross over the "Rest and be Thankful" mountain pass, and drive along the scenic shores of Loch Fyne to the lovely little town of Inveraray. First we will visit Inveraray Castle, the home of the Duke of Argyll, and then there will be free time to take a stroll round the town. We will return to Glasgow by way of Loch Lomond Shores, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the Loch.
Scone Palace and the Fair City of Perth (8 hours)
We will make our way to Stirling to enjoy the excellent view of Stirling Castle perched high atop a volcanic plug. On the outskirts of Perth we stop to visit Scone Palace, home to the Earls of Mansfield and ancient coronation site of Scottish kings. After a tour of the Palace and it's extensive grounds we will continue into the heart of Perth where there will be free time for shopping and/or independent sightseeing. We return to Glasgow through the pleasant market town of Crieff.
Traquair House and the Scottish Borders (8 hours)
From Glasgow we travel through the Clyde Valley to the ancient market town of Lanark, which dates from the 10th Century. We will stop to visit New Lanark Heritage Village, founded in 1784 as an industrial village, but more famous for the social housing and welfare experiments conducted by the mill manager, Robert Owen. We continue through the rolling Border countryside to Peebles on the River Tweed and, following the banks of the river, we make our way to Traquair House which is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. The house has a strong connection with the Stuart dynasty. Indeed Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the house in 1745 on his ill-fated march south to capture the Crown.
The Isle of Arran (9 hours)
From Glasgow we travel along the Clyde Coast through Skelmorlie and Largs. This route offers some of the finest views of the Firth of Clyde. At Ardrossan we catch the ferru for the 55 minute sailing to Brodick on the Island of Arran - often described as Scotland in miniature. At Brodick we will visit Brodick Castle. This site has been fortified since Viking times and the present structure dates back to the 13th century, with 17th and 19th century extensions. After a scenic drive on the Island's famous String Road, with magnificent views to Kintyre, we will return by ferry to Ardrossan, and back to Glasgow.
Oban, Highlands, Glens and Castles (9 hours)
Enjoy some of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, glens and mountains on this scenic tour. Our journey from Glasgow takes us first to the "bonnie, bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond and then past romantic Kilchurn Castle. We will stop for a visit to the bustling fishing town of Oban, and then continue to the little 18th Century town of Inveraray. Here we will visit Inveraray Jail, a fascinating 19th Century prison. Our journey homewards takes us through the Argyll Forest Park to the Victorian resort of Dunoon, where we board a ferry for a pleasant 20 minute sail across the Firth of Clyde.
Highland Magic (8 hours)
A scenic drive along the banks of Loch Lomond will bring us to the pretty village of Luss where we will stop for a stroll. Our drive continues over the impressive "Rest & be Thankful" mountain pass to Inveraray which sits on the shores of Loch Fyne. We will visit Inveraray Castle, the splendid home of the Duke of Argyll, and then we will show you the Younger Botanic Garden. Here we will see an impressive avenue of soft-barked Wellingtonias and wonderful displays of exotic plants, including 250 species of Rhododendron. A short sail across the River Clyde will bring us back to Glasgow.