Greenock Shore Excursions
private shore excursions from greenock
Experience exceptional Private Greenock Shore Excursions, with your welcoming and knowledgeable local guides, James and Lesley Kennedy from Tour Guide Scotland.
Upon disembarking from your cruise ship at Greenock Port, we will meet and greet your passenger group at the Greenock Ocean Terminal Cruise Ship Visitor Centre. We will then take you on a marvellous memory making guided tour of some spectacular sites around Scotland.
We can work with your private group to craft a unique customised shore tour, or you may select from our very sought after, tried and tested, Greenock Shore Tours below:
Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and The National Trossachs Park Shore Excursion
Explore the splendid, historical Stirling Castle, The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and The National Trossachs Park on our most popular private shore tour out of Greenock.
Departing from Greenock Ocean Terminal, our signature shore tour takes your group on an unforgettable journey, following along the River Clyde, through the city of Glasgow, en-route to the iconic and majestically situated, twelfth century Stirling Castle.
Your private tour guide will lead you through arguably one of Scotland’s most historic and architecturally important castles, home to the Royal Stuart family for nearly 3 centuries. Discover the magnificent Royal Palace residence commissioned by James V, the largest Great Hall ever built in Scotland by James IV, The Chapel Royal and Great Kitchens, before departing for lunch in a suggested countryside Inn, Pub or Tearoom in the National Trossachs Park.
Time allowing, after lunch your private group can opt to visit the Hairy Coos at Kilmahog. You will have the chance to feed the friendly Hairy Heilan’ Coos before visiting the picturesque Loch Lomond on the way back to the cruise terminal in Greenock.
Tour notes: Journey distance and time from the port of Greenock to Stirling castle is approximately 57 miles which will take a 1 hour 20-minute drive. To avoid the tour bus traffic and avoid large crowds, it is advisable to leave Greenock as early as possible.
Approximate tour time – 8 hours
Advance Tickets for Stirling Castle can be purchased from the Stirling Castle website here.
The Gothic 18th Century Inveraray Castle & Loch Lomond Shore Experience
Experience spectacular scenic Scotland and Bonnie Argyll, on your private shore tour departing from Greenock Ocean Terminal. Travelling north, this scenic route takes us to the quaint, idyllic conservation village of Luss, that sits on the western shores of the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.
Your private tour guide will take you on a short stroll through the village, where you can admire the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond and Scotland’s most southerly mountain, Ben Lomond, that stands over 3000 feet tall. Make sure to visit Luss Parish Church, to view the Viking Hogback carved stone dating from the 10th to 12th century.
We then journey on through the amazing Arrochar Alps, where we will stop at the Rest and be Thankful viewpoint, between Glen Kinglass and Glen Croe. Take some time to marvel at the magnificent mountains and capture some snapshots of this remarkable, breathtaking scenery.
Upon our arrival in Inveraray, you will have time to visit The Iconic Inveraray Castle, seat of the notorious Clan Campbell. Today, Inveraray Castle is home to Torquhil Campbell, The Duke of Argyll. Take time to explore this fine example of early Gothic Revival Architecture on a self-guided castle and garden tour, before getting a bite to eat in one of the local eateries in town.
This is also a bonus location for any Downton Abbey followers, who may recognise the castle from Christmas 2012-episode scenes.
Your group are then free to lunch at the 160-year-old, George Hotel or the Brambles Cafe. You may also want to take some time to wander through the town to visit the wee gift shops or to capture some photos of the scenic surroundings of Loch Fyne which is the longest loch in Scotland that stretches for 44 miles through Bonnie Argyll. There is also a lovely quaint wee pier, home to the famous, Vital Spark puffer boat. You may even want to explore the Inverary Jail experience, reputedly haunted, and also a very historical, educational 19th century listed building.
After a splendid day out, you can sit back, relax and reflect on your adventure, as we travel through beautiful Scenic Scotland on our way back to your cruise ship in Greenock.
Important Tour Notes: Journey distance and time from the port of Greenock to Inveraray is approximately 64 miles which will take around 1 hour 30 minute to drive. Approximate tour time – 8 hours
To avoid the tour bus traffic and avoid large crowds, it is advisable to leave Greenock as early as possible.
Please note: Inveraray Castle sometimes closes during the summer on specific days, therefore, we cannot guarantee entry on these occasions, however, we can check availability at the time of booking. If the castle is closed for any reason, then there is an optional alternative to visit Inveraray Jail. You may also opt to visit the Inveraray Jail instead of the Castle. Time availability would unfortunately prevent a detailed visit to both these attractions.
Wonderful ‘Wee’ Whisky Distillery Shore Excursion from Greenock
Your morning departure from Greenock Port, near Glasgow, takes your group on a short scenic journey to the Auchentoshan Whisky Distillery, on the outskirts of Glasgow. You will experience ‘The Auchentoshan Origin Tour’ with a guided tour through the distillery, where you can discover the story of Auchentoshan’s famous triple distilled whisky process. An informative tour is followed by sampling a wee dram of two of some of Auchentoshan’s finest malt whiskies, with some free time to browse or even make a purchase in their well-stocked gift shop.
Our tour continues, taking the high road to Loch Lomond, for a delicious pub lunch at The Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha, renowned for its warm hospitality and stunning loch-side panoramic views.
From Balmaha, our road trip takes us through The National Trossachs Park to the charming conservation village of Luss, on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. Luss is regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Scotland with many gift shops offering traditional Scottish gifts and souvenirs for you to take home as mementos. Make sure to bring your camera, to capture some breathtaking views of Ben Lomond (Scotland’s most southerly mountain) and picturesque scenes of Loch Lomond known in Scotland as the ‘Queen of the Lochs’.
Tour notes: It’s possible to adapt this shore excursion for the real whisky enthusiasts who would like to visit the Auchentoshan and Glengoyne distilleries. Let us know how much time you have ashore, and we will work with you to plan your spiritual Whisky Tour Experience.
Outlander Shore Excursion from Greenock
For all Outlander and Scottish historic castle fans, this spectacular shore tour from Greenock, takes you on a journey to savour some of the best Outlander Filming Locations and historical Castles in Scotland.
Our first destination of the day is to Midhope Castle in West Lothian, that many Outlander fans will recognise as Lallybroch, the family home of one of the main characters Jamie Fraser. Midhope Castle dates back to the 15th century, and this will be a photo stop location as the interior is derelict, whereas the exterior is in relatively good condition.
Our next destination is the short journey to Blackness Castle, on the southern shores of the Firth of Forth. Blackness Castle is known as the ‘Ship That Never Sailed’ due to its ship like shape. In Outlander, Blackness was used as the filming location for the infamous Fort William, where Jamie’s violent lashing from Captain Black Jack Randall scene occurred.
Moving on from Blackness, we cross the Firth of Forth on the new Queensferry Crossing Road Bridge and make our way into the Kingdom of Fife where we visit Culross, which was the setting for Cranesmuir. Culross is a fascinating 16th century village, and in the series, home to Geillis Duncan who was sentenced to death for witchcraft. Outlander fans will recognise Mercat Cross, ‘town square’ where we saw Jamie rescue the wee boy who cruelly had his ear nailed to the post.
After our leisurely stroll through Culross we will make our way back to the vehicle and head to Doune castle in Stirlingshire. Doune castle was the setting for Castle Leoch which was home to Colum McKenzie.
Incidentally, fans of Monty Python and Game of Thrones, will also recognise this stunning castle. There is an opportunity to go on a self-guided tour with earphones or on occasions a curator may lead a guided tour. You may also want to visit the gift shop in the grounds, which carries Outlander souvenirs.
Departing from Doune Castle, we will make the journey back to Greenock on time for your group to rejoin your ship and relive your adventure on your outstanding Outlander Shore Trip.
Customise your own Private Shore Tour from Greenock
We would be delighted to work with you to create your very own custom designed shore excursion from Greenock. You may have an idea of where you would like to visit, and we can combine this with our local knowledge of outlying areas of Greenock and Inverclyde.
Other options that you may consider, which are well within driving time are: The Viking Town of Largs, The Isle of Cumbrae, Puck’s Glen Forest hike in Bonnie Argyle, Robert Burn’s Birthplace Museum and Culzean Castle in Ayrshire or even a Highland Lochs and Glens Tour to name but a few. Whatever you decide, you will be safe in the knowledge you will have a memorable day.
Don’t Delay ...Book your Greenock Shore Excursion Today
Our Greenock Shore Excursions are very popular, and our diary fills up quickly. The quickest way to check our availability on our tours from Greenock is to either message us through WhatsApp, send an email to info@tourguidescotland.com , call on +44 (0)7801354512, or use our contact form by clicking here.
We hope to offer you a warm Scottish welcome on our shores, some great Scottish banter, along with many amazing lifelong memories of your Scottish excursion to return home with.
We also offer a great selection of Private Shore Excursions from Edinburgh if you are sailing on a British Isles Cruise.
