Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond National Park & Whisky Tour

You travel first to Stirling Castle where you can visit this imposing stronghold, the favourite residence of the Stuart kings, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. You then continue into the beautiful forest-covered mountains of the Trossachs and stop for lunch in heart of the National Park. This area, on the southern edge of the Highlands was home to Rob Roy Macgregor, the famous Scottish outlaw. 

From here a short drive takes you to the “bonny, bonny banks” of Loch Lomond. At Loch Lomond you can visit the National Park Centre or walk along part of the West Highland Way to a hilltop viewpoint with spectacular views of the loch. Afterwards visit the malt whisky distillery of Glengoyne for a tour and dram before your return journey to Glasgow.

Departure Point
Outside Monteith House, 11 George Square, Glasgow (next to Greggs). Click here to see map.

Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.
Air Conditioning as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Exclusions
Lunch and refreshments. 
Entrance to Stirling Castle, but you get 10% off with our discount card - or £2 off Historic Scotland Explorer passes - for lots of Historic sites in Scotland
Glengoyne Distillery Tour. You can buy a personalised bottle of whisky here 

Discount Price
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16 (we regret we do not carry children under 5 years old)

Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!! Please note that due to safety legislation open-toed or high-heeled shoes are not permitted within the Whisky Distillery.

According to legend Mary Queen of Scots’ father, James V, died of a broken heart when he discovered his wife had given birth to a daughter and not the son he was hoping for! Your route north to Stirling is one which has been used for thousands of years by invading armies. It was the northernmost frontier of the Roman empire, and was later used by the English King Edward I, as he marched proudly towards Stirling (only to be sent homewards to think again!). As you approach Stirling the magnificent castle dominates your view and you make your way up towards the high volcanic rock where it imposes itself upon the surrounding land. Known as the ‘Key to Scotland’, for centuries this was the most important castle in Scotland and the views from the top make it easy to see why. To the north is the 220ft high tower of the National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland’s great hero William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning movie Braveheart. From the castle you can look down over the scene of Wallace’s greatest triumph, the battle of Stirling Bridge, where he defeated the English army in 1297. To the South is Bannockburn where, in 1314, the great Scottish warrior-king Robert the Bruce defeated the English army of Edward II. The battle was fought for possession of Stirling Castle but eventually led to a far greater prize for Scotland – the restoration of independence. It’s an area alive with history and you stop at the castle to visit and give you time to soak up the history and heritage of this great site. From Stirling you travel into the Highlands to an area known as the Trossachs National Park. Often referred to as ‘The Highlands in Miniature’ it marks the point where the Lowlands meet the Highlands and entering this beautifully picturesque area feels like going into a different country. With its shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens it’s easy to forget that this was once thought of as a dangerous frontier fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans. You stop here for lunch in the heart of the National Park forest outside Aberfoyle, where you can enjoy the magnificent nature all around you. After lunch you ‘take the high road’ or back-road to Loch Lomond, at over 22 miles long, 5 miles wide at its widest point, and with 79 islands, it is Scotland’s largest loch, it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. Following a walk out along the west highland way you travel onto the picturesque Distillery of Glengoyne, one of the leading ‘Malt Whiskies ‘in Scotland, where you have the option to tour the Distillery or enjoy the refreshments that are on offer at their ‘Slainte Mhath Shop’. Then it's just a short drive back to Glasgow at approx 18.00.

Photography Credits: Visit Britain, Visit Scotland, Britainonview, Mike Hasted, Luke Sheppard, Ingrid Rasmussen, Pawel Libera, Tony Pleavin, Craig Easton, David Angel, Martin Brent, Bob Berry, Paul Watts