Cruise Scotland

Popular Excursions

The following is a list of popular excursions that are available.

It should be noted that these details are not definitive but are intended to demonstrate the range of excursions and activities available to cruise passengers visiting Glasgow (Greenock) as part of a cruise. Please note that, in many cases and with prior arrangement, half day tours can be combined to create full day itineraries

Shore excursions are normally pre-booked onboard via the cruise line concerned. Cruise Scotland cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of this information and all details and tour descriptions should be checked with the cruise line concerned.

• Half day tour Greenock (Glasgow) - Loch Lomond Scenic Drive

  
  

  Depart the pier today for a scenic drive through some of the magnificent countryside so typical of Scotland. From Greenock, cross the Erskine bridge to drive West along the banks of the Clyde. We will pause at Helensburgh for a photostop enabling you to photograph your ship in Greenock, across the wide stretch of the Clyde.

  Continue along the Clyde that leads onto Gare Loch before heading inland for a glorious drive up over the hills towards Loch Lomond itself. This little-used road provides fabulous views of the Loch from on high (on a clear day). We will pause here for the opportunity to take photographs before heading down into the shore-side conservation town of Luss.

  Enjoy some free time here in Luss. There is plenty for the visitor, from gentle walks along the banks of Loch Lomond, the National Park visitor centre with it's interpretive displays, shop and information, craft shops exhibiting the work of local artists, and very good coffee shop that also sells it's very own Loch Lomond tartan - the only place in Scotland you can purchase it!

  Finally, on departing Luss, drive south along the West bank of the Loch and continue back to in the direction of Glasgow to your awaiting ship.

• Half day tour Greenock - Glasgow & the Burrell Collection

  
  

  Travelling Eastwards from Greenock brings you to Glasgow. First, drive through to the outskirts of Glasgow to visit the Burrell Collection, one of the world’s most famous art collections. It is a treasure trove of more than 8000 items ranging from ancient civilisation to the Impressionist period. The wide-ranging collection of objets d'art forming the Burrell Collection was bequeathed to the city by millionaire shipping magnate Sir Alexander Burrell in 1944. Burrell's eclectic tastes are represented by European tapestries, Chinese jade, French Impressionist paintings, Persian rugs, medieval stained glass—and even whole rooms brought here from Burrell's former home, the 16th-century Hutton Castle.

  Explore at your leisure. Your guide and stewards of the gallery will be on hand to answer any of your questions.

  On leaving the Burrell, head into the centre of Glasgow for a panoramic tour. Glasgow is renowned as one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the UK. It combines the sophistication of a major European cultural capital with the history, heritage and scenic splendour of Scotland. After the coach tour (lasting around 45 minutes), guests may continue back to the ship, or stay in Glasgow to explore at their leisure (and make their own way back to Greenock either by taxi, train or ship’s shuttle bus).

• Half day plus free time Greenock (Glasgow) - Charles Rennie Mackintosh

  
  

  Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) made his mark on three types of architecture – public buildings, private houses and tea-rooms and created an entirely original blend of Art Nouveau design. World renowned for his innovative and influential style, many of his buildings can be enjoyed throughout his home town of Glasgow.

  First today head for Glasgow’s Hunterian Art Gallery where a collection of work by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (CRM) includes a complete reconstruction of No. 6 Florentine Terrace, where he lived from 1906 to 1914. Witness first hand the styles he was most interested in and the environment he was looking to create. Your guide will help to put his work into context for you.

  Later this morning, journey into the centre of Glasgow to visit Mackintosh’s greatest architectural achievement: the Glasgow School of Art. This fascinating building remains a working school of art today. One of the curators will give you a private and exclusive tour of the building and its history that will include rooms that are otherwise closed to the public! From here, continue to The Lighthouse – a Mackintosh building that has been developed into an interpretation centre for the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This centre will put all that you have seen today into a world context, giving a broader picture of the life and works of this ingenious architect and designer of Glasgow. The energetic amongst us can climb the Lighthouse Tower to the viewing platform for a great view over the rooftops of Glasgow.

  Enjoy lunch at your leisure at any of Glasgow’s many excellent eateries (your guide will be pleased to advise you), followed by some free time in the City for sightseeing or shopping. After a fascinating day that will no doubt inspire the interior designers and arts and crafts collectors among you, return to your ship.

• Full day tour Stirling Castle & the Trossachs

  
  

  A full day tour that visits the impressive Stirling Castle that sits atop a lofty crag, via Loch Lomond and the scenic hill region of the Trossachs.