* Villa or Apartment Rentals in Scotland
GETTING AROUND
Bus link:
HERETrain link:
HEREScotland Taxis link: HERE
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Passengers that dock at Greenock or Glasgow Port on the Clyde River
have a variety of shore excursions to choose from. Although it is only
one-half mile away, there isn't too much to do or see in Greenock. The
city of Glasgow (1 hour away) or Edinburgh (a 2-hour drive from
Greenock) have many "must see" interesting and historical sights to
visit. However, it would take some pre-planning to connect with city
buses and the rail system to get to these places and back--on your own--on
time! So I would recommend going with your ship's excursion itineraries.
Village of Luss and Loch Lomond
There's also the village of Luss
and Loch Lomond, and other noteworthy excursions in the scenic Scottish
countryside nearby. On the shores of Loch Lomond you can visit Luss.
"Lus"
means plant or herb; the village in spring and summer is a riot of color
from roses and wildflowers. Stroll the village and view the stone cottages,
or walk out onto the pier for a closer look at Loch Lomond.
Only one street, but its settings, and the way the buildings
have been preserved make it an interesting attraction. The homes of Luss were
typical of all Highland homes, whitewashed and thatched. They
had a one-door entrance (that you had to stoop to enter) and two small
windows. The walls were at least two feet thick made of local stone
and slate. They contained open fireplaces and most had cellars.
Loch Lomond has the largest surface area of fresh water in the UK. The Loch is 24 miles long and five miles wide and at its deepest point is some 600 feet deep. On the Loch there are approximately 38 islands, some inhabited, some not.. and there is even a hotel on one. Loch Lomond is the world's most famous Loch and has been much written about, both in song and verse. The area is renowned for its beauty and tranquility and offers picture postcard views.
Inveraray Castle
Inveraray Castle is a remarkable and unique piece of architecture
incorporating Baroque, Palladian and Gothic. This baronial castle, hidden
amid the dark green trees in a remote part of Scotland, appears almost as a
vision from a fairy-tale.
Seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, the original castle
was rebuilt, together with the town in the mid-eighteenth century. The
present Duke of Argyll lives here with his wife Eleanor who is a descendant
of the Cadbury chocolate dynasty.
The castle is open to visitors daily during the summer
season (April - October) but only for afternoons on Sundays. Tearoom,
toilets and gift shop. 16 acres of grounds. Free access to the woodland
walks. Photography is not permitted inside Inveraray
Castle. For prices and opening times of the castle, visit the
official web site: HERE
Travel By Bus: Scottish Citylink provides a regular bus service to Inveraray
from Glasgow: Travel time 1hr 40 minutes
Travel Distances Dalmally Railway Station:
Approx 15 miles
Glasgow
Many cruise ships provide inexpensive shuttles into Glasgow if you want to see Glasgow on your own. Walking the downtown area of Glasgow is interesting. You can take the hop-on, hop-off (HOHO) bus which makes exploring easier.
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands. Glasgow’s elegant streets are lined with some of the finest and most beautifully preserved Victorian buildings; a delightful excursion for anyone interested in architecture, art or museums.
Red sandstone Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Oldest House
Around the city are unique examples of Glasgow’s most
renowned architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh (including the
famous Glasgow School of Art), and of the equally gifted Alexander "Greek"
Thomson
Scottish Medieval Cathedral University of Glasgow
Public Transport: Glasgow is well served by a network of bus companies, light railways and underground railway.
Taxis: Glasgow City Council's licensed taxi owners association cabs (Distinctive Black Cabs displaying TOA pennants) can be hailed from the city's streets, several private car hire companies operate throughout the city (but these must be hired in advance by telephone).
Cruisers arriving on
the eastern side of Scotland by sea sail into the Firth of Forth and land at
South Queensferry or Rosyth,
or more commonly pass into the basin at
Leith (pronounced leeth) harbor,
just three miles from central Edinburgh. Leith's port facilities
underwent a major upgrade in 2001, and its main attraction, the former Royal
Yacht Britannia, is now now permanently moored next to the Ocean
Terminal/Leith Dock, along with a multi-story complex of 60 shops and
numerous restaurants.
Taxis are generally available on the pier.
. 
If you dock at South Queensferry
you will be tendered
ashore to Hawes Pier. Some cruise companies will run a shuttle service from
the pier to Dalmeny station so you can get to Edinburgh - others do not. To
get there on your own:
Taxi: There are likely to be cabs at the dock; fare into
downtown Edinburgh is around GBP19 ($31USD) in a standard cab and about
GBP30 ($49USD) in an 8-seater van. Prices seem to be fixed into town
rather than metered and the ride is about 30-40 minutes.
Train: From the dock it is walkable to Dalmeny train station
(20-30 minutes uphill on 150 steps up to the station) where trains on
Scotrail's Fife Circle take you to downtown Edinburgh for GPB3.10 ($5USD)
in 15-30 minutes. The ticket office is open most mornings till 11:30, or
there is a ticket machine on the platform. Best to buy your ticket before boarding.
Rental Cars: Not recommended. The traffic in Edinburgh is very congested as a major tram construction project is in progress.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
If you dock at Leith, Britannia is berthed alongside the stylish Ocean Terminal shopping center which contains a choice of over 80 different boutiques, high-street shops and restaurants with scenic waterfront views. As the Royal Yacht is only 15 minutes away from Edinburgh city center, it is the perfect addition to any trip.
The Royal Britannia
After 44 years of loyal service, the decommissioned Royal
vessel became too expensive to maintain and now bobs serenely in retirement
at Leith. Christened by Her Majesty the Queen in the year of her coronation,
it was the last in a series of ships used by monarchs on trips abroad. You
will receive a warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre. The
Britannia is open to all visitors where they can view the Royal apartments
and the living quarters for the crew of twelve officers. Collect your
audio handset and step on board. The self-led audio tour
will enable you to enjoy the Yacht's five decks. Starting at the Bridge and
finishing at the Engine Room, you can discover the reality behind life and
work on board.
The Royal Dining Room Queen's Lounge Tea on the Deck
Highlights include the State Dining Room, the Queen's Bedroom and Crew's Quarters. Many of the original furniture and objects are on display including paintings and gifts to the Queen presented from all over the world. You can also treat yourself to tea or luncheon onboard - served on beautiful china - and enjoyed over the years by such eminent guests including Sir Winston Churchill, Rajiv Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Boris Yeltsin, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. Or buy a Royal remembrance gift in the gift shop. Other interesting exhibits onboard include the Queen's Rolls-Royce Phantom V worth over £1 million. Hours vary seasonally, check the website for details. The Adult entrance fee is £10, but you can order your tickets on-line HERE-- or go into the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre and then up to the top floor to buy tickets and start the tour.
