Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Cruise
1 day tour
Compare the grandeur of Stirling Castle with the beauty of Loch Lomond on this tour packed with history and local legends.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Stirling Castle* - The “Key to Scotland”, this impressive castle offers a dominating view of the area around it from its impregnable walls.
Aberfoyle - Picturesque village on the banks of the River Forth in the stunning Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
Rob Roy Country - One of the most charming corners of Scotland and once home to the famous outlaw, known as the “Robin Hood of Scotland”.
The Trossachs - This picturesque place is where the Lowlands meet the Highlands.
Loch Lomond - One of Scotland’s largest lochs. Admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family.
Loch Lomond Cruise - The ultimate way to learn about the legends of this iconic loch is from the water on this optional one-hour cruise.
Your journey
Envision gory battles thrashing against the grand walls of Stirling Castle.
Follow in the footsteps of the outlaw Rob Roy who hid amongst the hills of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
And explore Loch Lomond, a body of water that’s attracted poets, warriors, and travellers for hundreds of years.
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to admire beautiful scenery and learn about the heroes, tragedies, and landscapes that defined Scottish history.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station Pick Up, Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station (Stance between 23 to 32), Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW
18:00 - Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station Drop Off, Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- If you're planning to visit Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, it may be cheaper if you buy a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass.
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
- Transport on a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Attraction entry tickets
Itinerary
Your route north to Stirling follows in the footsteps of the ancient invading armies. This land was the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and was under attack during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
As you approach Stirling, you spot the magnificent castle*. Perched on the high volcanic rock, this stronghold is known as the ‘Key to Scotland’, and it’s witnessed battles that were turning points in Scottish history. You can learn about its past and discover the secrets of the royal court when you visit.
From Stirling, you travel into the Highlands to an area known as the Trossachs National Park. This land is full of shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops, and forest-filled glens. And it used to be a perfect place for outlaws like Rob Roy to hide. Hear the tale of this fascinating folk hero and enjoy the magnificent nature all around you before you stop for lunch in picturesque Aberfoyle.
After lunch you continue the journey through the national park to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Framed by majestic mountains and adorned with over 30 islands, this stunning loch’s been celebrated in songs and poems for centuries. Join an optional hour-long cruise here to admire the loch from a different angle and enjoy the stories of the local wildlife, folklore, and history.
Back on dry land, cast the last glance at the loch and the national park before you start your return journey to Glasgow, where you arrive in the early evening.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Sweeney's Cruises Loch Lomond
- Stirling Castle
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.