How to Plan Your Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Private Day Tour in Glasgow

When visiting Glasgow, taking a day tour to the Scottish Highlands should be on your itinerary. A visit to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle is an excellent choice for natural beauty and storytelling history lovers. In this guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process of planning your Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Private Day Tour departing from Glasgow.

1. Research the Tour

The first step in planning the tour is to research it. The tour gives you a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands and discover the fascinating history of Urquhart Castle. With an experienced guide, you’ll have access to all the information and stories that come with this iconic region.

2. Check Availability and Pricing

The Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Private Day Tour is available throughout the year. However, it’s essential to check the availability of the tour on the day you plan to take the tour. You can do this using the online booking form, which will also give you the exact pricing for your selected day.

3. Book in Advance

This tour departs from Glasgow, and it’s essential to book in advance to secure your spot. You can easily book online through the tour operator’s official website or using the provided booking link: book the tour here. Booking early allows you to plan your day and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the action.

4. Choose Your Pick-up Location

Before the tour day, you’ll receive confirmation from the tour operator, which will include your pick-up location. The private tour offers flexible pick-up locations within Glasgow, which is an excellent opportunity to explore the city before or after the tour.

5. What to Expect on the Tour

The Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Private Day Tour departs from Glasgow around 8:00 AM and takes approximately 12 hours. The tour itinerary includes:

Scenic Drive through Trossachs National Park

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the Trossachs National Park. The park is famous for its remarkable landscapes with charming villages dotted throughout the countryside. On this part of the tour, you will have the chance to spot glorious lochs and take in the breathtaking sceneries that Scotland has to offer.

Visit Legendary Loch Ness

The tour continues to Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most significant natural attractions, known worldwide for its legendary monster. Surrounded by deep forests and towering mountains, the loch is an excellent destination to spot Nessie or take a boat trip on the tranquil waters.

Explore Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle, the next stop, is a historic fortress that’s over 1000 years old. It sits on the edge of the loch, offering spectacular views, and is rich in storytelling history. The castle was a strategic stronghold during medieval times, and you will learn about its turbulent history, including the devastating siege of 1692.

Relax in Fort Augustus

The tour continues to Fort Augustus, a picturesque village located at the southern tip of Loch Ness. The village is an excellent location for a relaxed lunch, a stroll along the canal, or souvenir shopping.

6. What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes transportation with an experienced driver-guide and admission fees to Urquhart Castle. You’ll have ample free time to explore the attractions and enjoy the scenic stops along the way. It’s important to be prepared for the tour day. Consider bringing comfortable clothes and shoes, a raincoat, and a camera to capture the magnificent sceneries.

7. Book Your Tour Now

The Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Private Day Tour departing from Glasgow is an incredible experience for natural beauty and history lovers. With flexible pick-up locations, an experienced guide, and ample free time, you can’t go wrong with this tour to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Plan your tour in advance, book online, and get ready for an unforgettable Scottish experience.

FAQ About Glasgow

1. Where is Glasgow?

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and is located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland. The city sits on the banks of the River Clyde and is approximately 37 miles (60km) west of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.

2. What is the population of Glasgow?

The population of Glasgow is around 600,000 people, making it the fourth largest city in the United Kingdom. The greater Glasgow area has a population of around 1.2 million people.

3. What is the weather like in Glasgow?

The weather in Glasgow can be quite variable, with mild summers and cool winters. The average temperature in the summer months (June to August) is around 18°C (64°F), while in the winter months (December to February), the average temperature is around 5°C (41°F). The city is known for being quite rainy, with an average of 170 rainy days per year.

4. What are some famous landmarks in Glasgow?

Glasgow is home to a number of famous landmarks, including:

• The Glasgow Cathedral
• The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
• The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• The Glasgow Science Centre
• The Glasgow Necropolis
• The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens

5. What is the transportation like in Glasgow?

Glasgow has a number of transportation options, including buses, taxis, and trains. The city also has a subway system that runs throughout the city center. The subway is known as the “Clockwork Orange” due to the color of its trains, with a round trip taking around 24 minutes.

6. What are some popular events and festivals in Glasgow?

Glasgow is home to a number of popular events and festivals throughout the year, including:

• The Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March)
• The Glasgow International Jazz Festival (June)
• The World Pipe Band Championships (August)
• The Glasgow International Festival of Visual Arts (October)

7. What are some popular areas for shopping in Glasgow?

Glasgow is known for its excellent shopping options, with a number of popular areas for shopping, including:

• Buchanan Street
• Princes Square
• Argyle Street
• Sauchiehall Street
• The West End

8. What are some popular museums and galleries in Glasgow?

Glasgow is home to a number of great museums and galleries, including:

• The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
• The Gallery of Modern Art
• The St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
• The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

9. What are some popular areas for nightlife in Glasgow?

Glasgow has a lively nightlife scene, with a number of popular areas for going out, including:

• Merchant City
• West End
• City Centre
• Finnieston

10. What are some popular attractions for families in Glasgow?

Glasgow has a number of great attractions for families, including:

• The Glasgow Science Centre
• The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel
• The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
• Glasgow Zoopark
• The Tall Ship at Riverside

11. What are some popular areas for outdoor activities in Glasgow?

Glasgow has a number of great outdoor areas and parks to explore, including:

• The Glasgow Botanic Gardens
• The Pollok Country Park
• The Kelvingrove Park
• The Queen’s Park
• The Linn Park

12. What are some famous foods in Glasgow?

Glasgow has a number of famous foods, including:

• Haggis, neeps and tatties
• Cullen skink (a type of soup)
• Cranachan (a dessert made with raspberries and oatmeal)
• Square sausage
• Irn-Bru (a popular Scottish soft drink)

13. What is the Glasgow music scene like?

Glasgow has a vibrant music scene, with a number of famous musicians and bands hailing from the city. Glasgow is known for its indie rock scene, with bands like Franz Ferdinand, Primal Scream, and Belle and Sebastian all calling the city home. Glasgow is also home to the famous Barrowland Ballroom, a music venue that has hosted a number of famous acts over the years.

14. What are some famous schools and universities in Glasgow?

Glasgow is home to a number of famous schools and universities, including:

• The University of Glasgow
• The University of Strathclyde
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• The Glasgow School of Art
• The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

15. What are some popular sports teams in Glasgow?

Glasgow is home to a number of popular sports teams, including:

• Celtic Football Club
• Rangers Football Club
• Glasgow Warriors Rugby Club

Book Your Tour Now

Glasgow is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty to see and do. From its famous landmarks and museums to its lively nightlife and fantastic shopping options, Glasgow has something for everyone. Whether you’re a student looking to study at one of its famous universities, a sports fan looking to catch a game, or a family looking for fun activities to do together, Glasgow has plenty to offer.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Glasgow

Glasgow is a vibrant city that has a rich history and culture. If you are planning to visit Glasgow as a tourist, there are plenty of things to see and do. Here is a step-by-step guide to make the most of your time in Glasgow.

1. Explore the City Centre

The city centre is the heart of Glasgow and it’s where you’ll find the majority of Glasgow attractions. Start your exploration by wandering around the main shopping streets, such as Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street. You will find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Next, visit George Square, which is the main public square in Glasgow. It’s surrounded by impressive Victorian architecture and houses the Glasgow City Chambers, the headquarters of the city council. You can take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and architecture.

2. Visit the Museums and Art Galleries

Glasgow has a wealth of museums and art galleries, and many of them are free to visit. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Glasgow. It has 22 themed galleries that showcase a range of art, artifacts, and natural history. The Riverside Museum is another popular destination. It’s a transport museum that showcases Glasgow’s industrial heritage, and has over 3,000 objects on display. You can hop aboard old steam engines or trams and see how Glasgow’s transport evolved throughout the years. The Gallery of Modern Art is also worth a visit. It’s housed in a beautiful neoclassical building in the city centre and has a collection of art dating from the 18th century to the present day.

3. Explore the West End

The West End of Glasgow is a trendy and vibrant area with many cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to two world-class universities, the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. Make sure to visit the Botanic Gardens, a large green space in the West End that has a variety of plant species from around the world. It’s a peaceful escape from the city buzz. The Kelvingrove Park is another great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It has plenty of space to have a picnic or a stroll and is surrounded by historic buildings.

4. Discover the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

The Glasgow Cathedral is a beautiful medieval building that dates back to the 12th century. It’s one of the few medieval buildings that remained intact after the Reformation. The cathedral has a long history and is surrounded by a historic graveyard. Next to the cathedral is the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery that has a collection of elaborate gravestones and monuments. It’s a hilltop location with great views over the city.

5. Enjoy the Glasgow Nightlife

Finally, Glasgow is famous for its vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, or simply a quiet drink, you’ll find it in Glasgow. The most popular nightlife area is the West End, where you can find everything from stylish cocktail bars to traditional pubs. For the best views, visit one of the rooftop bars like the The Salon, from where you can have a scenic view over Glasgow.

Book Your Tour Now

Glasgow is a city that has a lot to offer its visitors. From its rich history, its museums and art galleries, to its trendy restaurants and bars. Follow this step-by-step guide and you will be able to make the most of your time in Glasgow. And don’t forget to try the haggis!