Accompany Sir Ludo Shaw Stewart around his extraordinary country estate Ardgowan House and enjoy a stirring bagpipe performance and high tea. Once a solitary watch tower, the estate has evolved into an 18th-century private residence so extraordinary that it has been called “Scotland’s Downton Abbey.” Ludo, as he prefers to be called, will take you around his estate, showing you his favorite rooms and regaling you with stories of the property’s unparalleled history. He will then host a high tea for you in one of the estate’s 76 rooms, each one handsomely decorated with period furnishings. During tea, Ludo will describe the importance of bagpipes to the Scottish culture, although the musical instrument originated elsewhere. You will also be treated to an exclusive bagpipe workshop and performance. As the haunting melodies fill the room, you will feel as if you were transported into the distant past, a time when Ardgowan House first lorded over the countryside.

Greenock lies on the southern shore of the River Clyde, which has long been the lifeblood of the area, for over 200 years the famous Clyde-built ships began their voyages out to sea. Your excursion will follow the line of the river and then into the center of Glasgow. The skyline is a mixture of architectural gems, encompassing the magnificent 12th century cathedral, the stunning Victorian cityscape and revolutionary Art Nouveau. Upon arrival into the city center, your tour guide will point out the major attractions and principal buildings, including George Square and Cathedral Square, where a stop will be made to admire the cathedral from the outside.

Beyond the cathedral, you’ll see the Necropolis – a unique, graveyard, covered with the elaborate tombs of rich industrialists and merchants. You’ll continue your stroll to see Glasgow’s oldest house dating back to 1471. In contrast, stands the modern St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art - representing the world’s major religious faiths. The coach will stop for you to take photographs of the pinnacled Gothic buildings of the second oldest university in Scotland and then continue to Greenock.

OVERVIEW

The best way to appreciate the historical past of Edinburgh is to explore the Royal Mile on foot. This famous thoroughfare stretches from the high hillside setting of Edinburgh Castle for approximately one mile downhill to the palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s really a continuation of four streets joined together – the Castle Hill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street and the Canongate. As you start the walk, Edinburgh Castle looms above you. You pass Gladstone’s Land, Lady Stair’s House, and St. Giles Cathedral, and stand adjacent to Parliament Square, where the buildings now house the Law Courts of Scotland. You’ll then have approximately 2 hours to enjoy the city as you desire. Your return transfer by train to the ship departs from the same place as your drop-off. A tour escort will be traveling with you to and from the ship to answer any questions you may have about sightseeing, dining or shopping. At the designated time, rejoin the train for the return journey to the port.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

History and beauty come together in the city of Edinburgh. Arrive at Princes Street, with its array of fine stores on one side, and the beautifully laid-out formal gardens on the other. Visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle, home of Scottish Kings and Queens for centuries, perched on its rocky site 445 feet above the city. See the 15th-century Old Royal Palace which houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the apartment in which Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI of Scotland who also became James I of England. This castle has witnessed many tense moments in its thousand-year history. You’ll then have approximately 1.5 hours to enjoy the city as you please. Your return transfer to the ship by train departs from the same place as your drop-off. A tour escort will be traveling with you to and from the ship to answer any questions you may have about sightseeing, dining or shopping. At the designated time, rejoin the train for the return journey to the port.

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.

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, famous for its industrial past and for its resurrection as a modern cultural capital. It’s the home town of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the site of some magnificent 19th century architecture and a city with some of the best museums and galleries in Britain. A private coach transfer service into Glasgow will enable you to spend the day at leisure, for individual sightseeing, shopping, or museum visits. Upon arrival into the city, a knowledgeable escort will greet your coach and point out the main areas of interest, and you are then free to enjoy Glasgow, returning to the same point to connect with your return transfer at the time indicated by your escort.

Scotland is a land of castles, mighty fortresses on rocky heights. In the great halls, great men discussed affairs of state against backdrops of regal splendor. Noble men and tyrants, kings and queens, lords and commoners all made their entrances and exits and now only the stones remain to speak of centuries of drama. Stirling, situated on one of the many loops of the River Forth beckons to you from whichever way you approach. It rises abruptly from the flat plains; a fortress-crowned rock with a grey town clinging to its steep sides - a colorful but blood-stained history book. Because of its strategic position, guarding the route north, this was a fortress town since earliest times; bitterly fought over, bravely defended. The castle has appropriately been called the 'Key to Scotland'.

As a result its possession has been the focus of contention for many centuries, with battles like Bannockburn being fought in its shadow. You’ll drive through the old town to arrive at the castle where every inch seems drenched in history and interest. The present castle dates mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries when it was a principal royal residence. James III was born here in 1451, James V spent his childhood here, and the infant Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here on 9 September 1543. Work in the 16th century largely shaped the structure as it survives today. Discover the main features of the central turreted gatehouse with its flanking towers and curtain wall, the Great Hall, the Palace. This is one of the earliest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Then enjoy the splendid panoramic views from the battlements.