OVERVIEW

Tour two futuristic buildings that epitomize Glasgow’s urban renewal with an architectural historian that will elaborate on their unusual designs and construction challenges. The zig-zagging, zinc-clad roof of the Riverside Museum resembles waves, which symbolize the city’s dynamic relationship with shipbuilding and the River Clyde. That innovative, z-shaped roof design enables the interior to be free of intrusive columns that would visually separate the transportation exhibits. Construction was no easy task, as the guide will explain in detail. The Glasgow Science Museum is another marvel of engineering on the River Clyde, especially its airfoil-shaped tower, which is the world’s only building capable of rotating 360°. You will discover how it was designed with shock absorbers and huge concentric bearings at the base and how the engineers overcame the unforeseen issues that arose after the tower’s construction. While browsing this remarkable building, the highly knowledgeable guide will describe how the site on reclaimed ground complicated the construction.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain insight into the designs of two ultra-modern buildings from an architectural historian guide.
• Marvel at the radically different design of the Riverside Museum, especially its z-shaped roof.
• Discover how architects resolved the design issues of the fully rotating Glasgow Tower.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This is an excursion with contrasting scenery as you travel from the banks of the River Clyde to catch glimpses of glens, mountains, and lochs. Cross the impressive Erskine Bridge, with views of the city of Glasgow in the distance and travel through rural areas that make up the outer districts of the metropolis. Soon Loch Lomond, known as the ‘Queen of Scottish Lakes’, comes into view. You’ll stop at the pretty village of Luss, and stroll through the village to the water’s edge, or browse in the well-stocked gift shops. From Luss, the magical loch is your constant companion as you journey further northwards passing through the villages of Tarbet and Arrochar.

Your route then takes you to the summit viewpoint of ‘Rest and Be Thankful’, a name which speaks for itself. Here there will be a photo stop and a chance for you to enjoy the panoramic views. Descending now, you’ll see more contrasting views as you now journey along the upper reaches of Loch Fyne and through the Argyll Park to travel alongside the relatively small Loch Eck. You’ll then travel around the head of Holy Loch and into Hunter’s Quay and the terminal of Western Ferries. The 20-minute crossing of the Firth of Clyde will bring you to the Clyde-side town of Gourock. From here you’ll follow the coastal road returning to Greenock.

For lovers of fine Scotch whisky, a visit to Scotland would not be complete without visiting a distillery that produces fine malt whiskey.

Travel to the Glengoyne distillery (or equivalent), which has been working continuously for over 150 years. Its traditional methods have been handed down from generation to generation to produce a distinctive malt whisky, enjoyed by a growing number of connoisseurs. The essence of its flavor has been preserved for decades by using air dried barley, rather than barley dried. The result is a more subtle, complex whisky in which all of the delicate flavors, freely express themselves.

An expert guide will introduce you to the natural elements and the time-honored tradition. You’ll learn all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting, to distilling and maturing. See the gleaming copper stills, casks of American oak, operating equipment and methods used in the various stages of processing fine malt whisky. Following a tour of the distillery, you'll be treated to a sampling of a `wee dram`. You’ll also have some time to browse in the shop which sells a wide variety of whiskies and gifts.