Glasgow, Scotland - British Isles & North West Europe Cruises

To be ‘Clyde-built’ was once synonymous the world over with the height of quality in steamship building, this is an opportunity to visit the little heritage which now remains to commemorate the Clyde’s one-time dominance of the globe.

Visit the Titan Crane, the only accessible crane in Scotland that once towered over John Brown’s shipyard in Clydebank. Explore the small wheelhouse of this giant 150-ton cantilever crane and watch a presentation of the launchings of Queen Mary and QE2. Admire the city from the vantage point of the crane’s jib whilst imagining how the old liners grew like towering skyscrapers above the narrow streets and tenements below.

Explore the Riverside Museum, a new iconic transport museum located on the banks of the River Clyde. This modern landmark building, designed by acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid, is the new home to Glasgow's Museum of Transport. It houses around 3000 objects which give a proper interpretation of Glasgow's important maritime history. There are also recreated streets with shop fronts and vintage vehicles which span the years 1890 to 1980.

En route, spot the mighty Clyde River and the Erskine Bridge, with awe inspiring views up the Clyde valley to the old shipyards, now under-going intense regeneration.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is an elevator from ground level to the top of the Titan Crane. This tour is not suitable for guests who suffer from vertigo. There is approximately one hour spent at the Riverside Museum.

Glasgow is a place of internationally acclaimed museums, galleries and a vibrant contemporary arts scene. Listen to the city’s interesting history and heritage including its contribution to shipbuilding as you take a leisurely drive around the main sights of Glasgow.

Your knowledgeable guide will point out other interesting elements such as the magnificent buildings of modernist architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and George Square, with its imposing series of statues of Glasgow’s great and good. Pass the Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest building before stopping to photograph the impressive Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral with the Necropolis silhouetted on the hill in the background.

After driving through the main city park, you’ll make another stop at Glasgow University to admire its historic buildings and impressive wrought iron gates with their ornamental crests before travelling onto Kelvingrove.

Experience an adventure through art, time and the natural world at the Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum. Following a three year, £27.9 million restoration, the museum now has over 8,000 objects on display over three floors. The gallery includes art treasures such as masterpieces by Rembrandt, Titian and Dali. Among the interesting exhibits in the museum are the unique display of fearsome weapons and stunning suits of armour along with objects from Ancient Egypt, including a real mummy.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There will be 1½ hours at Kelvingrove Gallery, where walking is at guests’ discretion. The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. The city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. Scotland's best known architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s style adorns many unique attractions throughout Scotland's largest city. Glasgow boasts world famous art collections, numerous museums and some of the best shopping in the United Kingdom.

Sit back and relax as your transfer takes you into the heart of Glasgow. You’ll have around 4½ hours to explore this multicultural city at your own pace.


This excursion will operate by coach. The pick-up point is North Hanover Street. Maps will be supplied. This excursion is non-guided and exclusive of luncheon and entrance fees. Before you exit the coach please ensure you understand where the pick-up point is and what time you need to return, as the coaches cannot be held for latecomers. The cost of a taxi back to Greenock costs approximately £40.

The Glengoyne Distillery itself is perfectly located in a peaceful glen with a rolling waterfall, and a pristine visitor centre. Savour the warm feeling of a ‘wee dram’ of one of the world’s leading premium malt whiskies as you watch a short presentation about the history of production on the site.

Take an informative and entertaining guided tour through the distillery and learn all about the whisky distillation process. Smell the familiar sharp odour as you arrive at the mash tuns where the whisky is produced. End the tour by seeing the soaring distillation stills and the final shed where the casks are kept during the maturation process. There is an opportunity at the end to buy souvenirs in their shop.

Marvel at the stunning landscape as you drive towards Loch Lomond. A stop will be made at Loch Lomond Shores to enable you to take advantage of the quality range of shops or take in the fantastic views up the Loch to Ben Lomond and the Highland Boundary Fault.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to 1½ hours of walking on this tour, including 30 steps at the distillery. For safety reasons photography is not permitted in the main distillery.

Drive east to the other side of the Clyde via Erskine Bridge, before reaching Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater lake. Loch Lomond is the epitome of Scottish scenic splendour, offering unique views of high mountains and blue waters.

Make a stop in the picturesque village of Luss. Legend has it that the village takes its name from an adaptation of the French for the heraldic flower, the iris, or Fleur de Lys. According to the legend, a local girl married a high ranking French officer in the 14th century. She died in France, but her body was returned and buried by Loch Lomond. Fleur de Lys strewn on her grave by her husband are said to have taken root and grown here ever since. The Luss you see today owes much to the local landowners, the Colquhouns, who lived in nearby Rossdhu Castle. Take some time to enjoy a walk on the bank of the Loch or have a drink in a local pub.

Continue north along Loch Lomond, to reach the viewpoint of ‘rest and be thankful’, have your cameras ready to capture the stunning views over the local mountains. Watch the dramatic scenery as you pass by the beautiful Loch Fyne, Loch Eck and Holy Loch before boarding the car ferry at Hunter’s Quay.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is 45 minutes of free time at Luss, where walking is at guests’ discretion.

Embark on a journey across the River Clyde through the ancient town of Dumbarton towards the picturesque countryside known as the ‘Miniature Highlands’. The route will pass near Loch Lomond before driving through the quaint villages of Drymen, Buchlyvie and Arnprior before arriving at Stirling Castle.

Stirling Castle is considered to be the grandest of all Scotland‘s Castles, set on a high rocky outcrop over the meandering Forth River with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. The Castle is a great symbol of Scottish independence and a source of enduring national pride. Its long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots.

You’ll have the chance to visit the stunningly reconstructed Great Hall, scene of many medieval banquets, as well as the Chapel Royal, Renaissance Palace and the Artillery Fortifications of the 16th-18th centuries. There will be an opportunity to see the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who fought in campaigns all across the world, including the English assault on New Orleans. From the Castle esplanade you’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Highlands and Lowlands.

On the returning to the ship you’ll pass through the vibrant city of Glasgow.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours spent at Stirling Castle. The terrain around the Castle consists of paved and cobbled streets. There are steep inclines and steps within the Castle.