Shore Excursion from Greenock: Glasgow, Kelpies & Falkirk Wheel

The Kelpies, a rotating boat lift, medieval Glasgow and a Spitfire in one day

This shore excursion from Greenock visits the Kelpies, the world's largest equine statues, and the Falkirk Wheel, a 115-foot rotating boat lift that transfers vessels between two canals. The tour then moves into Glasgow to explore the 12th-century Cathedral, the Necropolis cemetery modeled on Père-Lachaise, the Doulton Fountain (the largest terracotta fountain in the world), and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, which houses a restored Spitfire from World War II. A multilingual guide leads the route, and you return to your ship or accommodation at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. The Kelpies15m
2. Glasgow Cathedral30m
3. Provand's Lordship15m
4. St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art30m
5. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum30m

Glasgow and Scottish landmarks tour

• Visit the Kelpies statues
• See the Falkirk Wheel boat lift
• Tour Glasgow Cathedral
• Explore Glasgow Necropolis
• Visit Provand's Lordship house
• Visit St Mungo Museum
• See the Doulton Fountain
• View Glasgow Murals and Gilbert Scott building
• Tour Kelvingrove Art Gallery
• Visit Transport Museum

The experience

The day starts outside the port and heads straight to the Kelpies, two colossal horse sculptures that hold the record as the world's largest equine statues. From there, you move to the Falkirk Wheel, an engineering landmark that stands 115 feet tall and rotates to lift boats between the Union Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal: the only rotating boat lift of its kind anywhere. These two stops anchor the morning before the route turns toward Glasgow itself.

Once in the city, the tour centers on the Cathedral Precinct, where Glasgow Cathedral (built in the 1100s and nearly intact since the Protestant Reformation), anchors a cluster of sites. The Necropolis, established in 1831 with around 3,500 tombs and modeled on the famous Paris cemetery, sits adjacent and is included in the tour. Provand's Lordship, built in 1471 and the oldest house in Glasgow, stands nearby, as does the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art (entry included). From there, the route moves west through Glasgow's mural-covered streets toward the West End, passing Glasgow University's Gilbert Scott building (the second-largest Neo-Gothic structure in the UK after Westminster Palace) before arriving at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Built in 1901 in Spanish Baroque style, it holds collections and a restored Spitfire plane from World War II. Time permitting, the tour finishes at the award-winning Transport Museum before returning you to the port or your accommodation.

The tour runs seven hours total, with travel time included in that span. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and two additional languages. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and bottled water and snacks travel with you. Depending on the option you choose at checkout, the Falkirk Wheel boat ride can be added for £17.50 per person. The core tour passes the landmark but does not include the ride itself. Sedan, SUV, minivan and people carrier sizes are available to fit your group.

What’s included

• A multilingual guide (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and two more languages).
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• parking fees.
• entry to the Necropolis and St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art.
• and return transport to your cruise ship or accommodation at the end of the tour.

Options for this experience

4 options

Sedan/SUVUp to 4 per booking · Guide in 6 languages · 08:30Accommodates up to 4 passengers, pickup is included

MinivanUp to 6 per booking · Guide in 6 languages · 08:31Accommodates up to 6 passengers, pickup is included

Standard People CarreirUp to 7 per booking · Guide in 6 languages · 08:32Accommodates up to 7 passengers, pickup is included

Large People CarrierUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · 08:33Accommodates up to 8 passengers, pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 08:31, 08:32 and 08:33

Book up to18h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Punjabi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by E2G Travel

Is this one for you?Choose a sedan or SUV if your group is small and fits comfortably. A minivan or people carrier if you need more space for luggage or have more than four passengers. UK vehicles are smaller than American counterparts, so confirm the size suits your party before checkout. Contact the operator if anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or has mobility needs, as they can arrange appropriate vehicle access.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English, at 08:30, 08:31, 08:32 and 08:33. In Spanish, French, Portuguese, Urdu and Punjabi, at 08:30, 08:31 and 08:32.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly are the Kelpies and why are they on this tour?

The Kelpies are two colossal horse sculptures that hold the world record as the largest equine statues in existence. They stand as a modern public art landmark in Falkirk and are the opening stop on this excursion, giving the tour a distinctive starting point before moving to the Falkirk Wheel and then into Glasgow itself.

Can I ride on the Falkirk Wheel, or do we just see it from outside?

The Falkirk Wheel boat ride is optional and costs £17.50 per person at checkout. The core tour includes a stop at the landmark, but the rotating boat lift experience is an add-on you choose when booking.

Is entry to the Necropolis and St. Mungo Museum included, or do I pay separately?

Entry to both the Necropolis and the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is included in the tour price. The Necropolis is open to explore on your own during the stop, and museum entry is covered as part of the itinerary.

Do we get lunch included, and what about gratuities?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, so plan to eat on your own or bring food. Gratuities for the guide are also not included and are left to your discretion.