Things to do in Firth of Clyde

On this tour, you will experience the shimmering lochs, scenic mountain views, and romantic and historic castles of the western highlands. From Glasgow cross the Firth of Clyde, passing Dumbarton's famous and imposing rock fortress. The first stop is the pretty conservation village of Luss, on the 'Bonny, Bonny Banks' of Loch Lomond. Here you can walk along the shore or stay to admire the village. Pass several dramatic castles and lochs as the tour climb into the Highlands. Make a stop for lunch at the fishing town of Oban. Journey on a southern route that takes you past the spectacular Kilchurn Castle, majestically situated on Loch Awe. Our final stop is Inveraray, the historic seat of the Duke of Argyll, where you can choose to either visit Inveraray Castle (April-October only) or explore the town’s Georgian houses and wide streets. Return to Glasgow via the Rest and Be Thankful pass.

Start your day trip from Glasgow, heading along the south shores of the Clyde Estuary. Relax and enjoy the stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Argyllshire Sea lochs and Highland mountains. Traveling through the seaports of Greenock and Gourock, you continue down to the North Ayrshire coast to the quaint ferry port located at Weymss Bay. Take a deep breath as you sail across the Firth of Clyde before disembarking at Rothesay, the largest town on the Isle of Bute. Continue the journey on to the ancestral seat of the marquesses of Bute, Mount Stuart, a spectacular 19th-century neo-gothic mansion boasting ornate Gothic revival architecture. Explore the wonderful grounds which was the first Scottish home with electricity and an indoor heated swimming pool. After a short jaunt around Mount Stuart, get back on the bus and relax as your driver-guide takes you for a scenic drive around the south side of the island. Take in the spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde, making stops along the way. Then, get ready to curl your toes in the sand of the West Coast's beautiful beaches. Keep an eye out for Bute's beautiful wildlife, from red squirrels to otters. Head back to Rothesay and get free time to sample the local cuisine, explore the promenade, grab a souvenir, or take in the castle ruins. Next, jump back on the ferry and enjoy the journey back to Glasgow.

You leave Glasgow and venture into the Renfrewshire Hills. You have a chance here to admire the largest windfarm in Europe, Whitelee Farm. These massive turbines provide clean energy to over 180,000 homes. From here, you take the road south through rich farmlands into Ayrshire. Now it’s time for one of our favourite stops of the day, the Culzean Country Park. There’s so much to do and see here: take a wander and enjoy the walled garden, ogle beautiful coastal views, and get jealous of the beautiful furniture of this fine country house. You have time for lunch at Culzean before travelling to the village of Dunure. This harbour town hosts a ruined castle and a history of dark secrets. The road now takes you down to the village of Alloway. This is the region that inspired Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns. You get the chance to enjoy the visitor centre to learn about how this poor farmer’s son became the writer of the world famous ‘Auld Lang Syne’. There are also riverside walks and the haunted ruins of an old church for you to explore. You return to Glasgow in the early evening.

A tour that is ideal for cruise ship visitors, combining Scottish scenic beauty with the history of Stirling and its district. This tour is fully flexible, you can suggest adjustments and changes to the tour itinerary, even on the day. If time and geography allow, your driver will strive to meet your requests. Stirling Castle Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, historically and architecturally. The castle sits high on a volcanic outcrop, guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. There is a lot to be discovered and enjoyed in the castle. 60 minutes Entrance Fee The William Wallace Monument Just a 8 minute drive from the Castle, this iconic monument is 220 feet high and sited on top of Abbey Craig hill above the fields, where in 1297, Wallace led his troops to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. There are 276 steps to the top. 40 minutes Entrance Fee Old Stirling Bridge A short drive from The Wallace Monument brings us to Stirling Bridge. The present Stirling Bridge was built in the 1400s replacing a succession of timber bridges. In 1297 William Wallace defeated Edward 1's forces at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. If your time allows we will make extra stops, which will let you see so much more. An example is stopping in the Cathedral District of Glasgow on our way to Stirling. This is always a very welcome addition for guests. There are other options as well, this tour is fully customisable to your requirements

This tour for you and your personal group is fully flexible, you can suggest adjustments and changes to the tour itinerary, even on the day. If time and geography allow, your driver will strive to meet your requests. Your day begins at the door of the cruise arrivals hall at Greenock Ocean Terminal, then a 45 minute drive from Greenock along the River Clyde then across the Erskine Bridge and into the Highlands. Enjoy your first stop in the village of Luss on the Western short of the Loch Lomond. Walk past the sandstone and slate cottages to the pier with it's wonderful views across to Ben Lomond and up and down the Loch. A very short walk and into the atmospheric Luss Graveyard which has graves dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.. Marvel at a Viking grave from the 11th century complete with a Viking Hogback Stone on this 30 minute stop. Travel to The Rest and Be Thankful, only a 27 minute scenic drive from Luss. Passing through Arrochar, at the head of the fjord, Loch Long, you will drive through high and steep sided Glens before arriving at The Rest and Be Thankful, traditionally for travellers and drovers to rest at the top, and be thankful for having made the highest point. For centuries the pass has been affectionately known as The Rest and Be Thankful, or simply 'The Rest'. Inverary, on Loch Fyne is a lovely village in a grand scenic setting on the western shore of Loch Fyne, as well as strolling in the village, a walk to the picture perfect Inverary Castle is very popular for visitors. There are shops worth browsing for souvenirs, an excellent whisky shop which will let you sample some quality Scotch. There are also some food takeaways, although tour guests love the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, the take-away fish and chips is the favourite and siting at the outdoor tables with wonderful views of the Loch and Mountains somehow makes them even more delicious. Leaving Inverary we have a very scenic 65 minute journey along the east shore of Loch Fyne and through the heart of the Cowal to Kirn at the entrance to the Holy Loch and onto an open ferry. Make the 15 minute crossing of the Firth of Clyde on the small open deck ferry boat and admire the views up and down the Firth and back towards the steep sided glens. We drive ashore just 10-minutes away from your cruise ship.