Best Excursions & Day Trips From Glasgow

Glasgow is a top city to visit in Scotland as it’s home to so many fantastic experiences such as the National Theatre of Scotland, the Scottish Ballet and numerous art galleries and museums.

However, it’s also the place to be in Scotland if you’re looking for an ideal place to base yourself during your trip to Scotland. Being a port city, it has easy access to numerous islands such as the Isle of Iona, Isle of Mull and Isle of Skye.

It’s also in close proximity to the Scottish Highlands and many of Scotland’s most famous lochs and castles, making it a great place to take a day tour from.

In this guide, you’ll find our top recommendations of the best day trips from Glasgow to places such as Loch Ness, Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye. All the tours are recommended based on their affordability, itinerary and customer ratings.

1.From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands Tour

From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands Tour

Overview

Experience the very best of the Scottish Highlands on this tour from Glasgow city. You’ll explore the more mystical side to Scotland, including Cairngorms National Park, the world-famous Loch Ness as well as Glencoe and Fort Augustus. This tour is ideal for those wanting to escape the city life and experience more of Scotland’s natural beauty.

Highlights

  • See famous Scottish sights such as Fort Augustus, Glencoe, Loch Ness and more!
  • Enjoy a smaller group tour, making it more personal
  • Learn more about the Scottish Highlands

Includes

  • Driver and tour guide
  • Transport in air-conditioned van
  • Small group tour

2.The Ultimate Whisky Experience from Glasgow

The Ultimate Whisky Experience from Glasgow

Overview

Embark on the ultimate whisky experience tour from Glasgow and sample some of the finest Scottish whiskies in the world. You’ll visit two distilleries on this tour; Tullibardine and Deanston, and you’ll learn all about how the whisky is produced at each site. This is definitely a must-do tour from Glasgow for whisky lovers!

Highlights

  • Visit two distilleries in one tour
  • See a historic distillery that dates all the way back to the 15th century
  • Explore numerous Scottish sights along the drive from Glasgow to the whisky distilleries

Includes

  • Live commentary while driving
  • Tour guide and driver

Duration: 9 hours

Rating: 4/5

3.Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow

Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow

Overview

Pay a visit to northwest Scotland’s top sights on this day trip from Glasgow to Oban and the West Highlands. You’ll pay a visit to Trossachs National Park, Kilchurn Castle and you’ll also wander around the lovely villages of Luss and Inveraray.

Highlights

  • Explore the natural, rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands
  • Sample some delicious seafood in the coastal town of Oban
  • Learn more about the history behind the Clan rivalry
  • Explore many lochs, castles and Highlands towns as you travel from East to West Scotland for the day

Includes

  • Professional tour guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport for the day

Duration: 9 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

4.Orkney, Ullapool & The Northern Highlands - 5 Day Tour from Glasgow

Orkney, Ullapool & The Northern Highlands - 5 Day Tour from Glasgow

Overview

Leave the bustling city of Glasgow behind for 5 days as you head off on an incredible experience into the Northern Highlands of Scotland. On this epic tour, you’ll explore various parts of the North Coast 500, Orkney, Ullapool and much more. It’s a great chance to see some of Scotland’s most impressive castles, lochs and local villages.

Highlights

  • Visit Ullapool, Orkney and many other Highlands villages
  • Experience 5 days in the Northern Highlands
  • See some amazing wildlife as part of your trip

Includes

  • Choice of B&B, hotel or hostel depending on your budget
  • Driver and guide

Duration: 5 days

Rating: 5

5.Outlander Day Tour from Glasgow

Outlander Day Tour from Glasgow

Overview

Fans of the hit Scottish TV show “Outlander” will thoroughly love this day tour from Glasgow, where you’ll be given the chance to see the top filming locations from the show. You’ll visit places such as Castle Leoch, Crainsmuir, Lallybroch and much more! It’s the perfect day trip from Glasgow as you can see everything in just one day!

Highlights

  • See the top filming locations from “Outlander”
  • Experience 1740s Scotland as you travel back in time to various locations
  • See Fort William, Crainsmuir and Castle Leoch

Includes

  • Pickup from Glasgow
  • Driver and tour guide

Duration: 8 to 10 hours

Rating: 5

6.From Glasgow: Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky Tour

From Glasgow: Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Whisky Tour

Overview

On this amazing tour departing from Glasgow, you’ll enjoy a small group tour through the epic Scottish Highlands. You’ll visit the former home of Mary Queen of Scots (Stirling Castle), as well as Doune Castle and Trossachs National Park. You will also be taken on an optional whisky tour of Glengoyne Distillery if you chose the option as part of your tour.

Highlights

  • Travel from Glasgow to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond for the day
  • Choose to visit Glengoyne Distillery and sample some of the finest Scottish Whisky
  • Pay attention to your impressive surroundings as you drive through the Highlands

Includes

  • Small group tour for a better experience
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned van
  • Driver and tour guide

Duration: 9 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

7.Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

Overview

On this incredible day tour from Glasgow, you will enjoy learning and experiencing the very best of Scotland’s natural beauty. From visiting various lochs, castles and villages, to learning more about the remarkable history of the Highlands, this tour is a great choice if you want to experience more of Scotland’s nature.

Highlights

  • Escape the busy city of Glasgow and head into the Highlands for the day
  • Visit Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Kilchurn Castle, Castle Stalker and more
  • Experience the more natural side of Scotland

Includes

  • Small group tour
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Tour guide
  • Driver for the whole day

Duration: 10 hours

Rating: 5

8.Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle from Glasgow

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle from Glasgow

Overview

Enjoy a fun-filled day of adventure from Glasgow as you experience places such as Stirling Castle and The Trossachs on this day tour. You’ll head up into the Scottish Highlands and explore many towns, lochs and castles while you’re there. Explore the quaint village of Luss, travel through the Trossachs National Park and wander around Stirling Castle, learning more about its enigmatic history.

Highlights

  • Discover more of Scotland’s vibrant history and past on this tour
  • Travel through the National Park
  • Visit numerous castles and enjoy wandering through little Highlands villages

Includes

  • Transport for the whole day
  • Driver
  • Tour guide

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

Rating: 5

9.The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience from Glasgow

The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience from Glasgow

Overview

This tour allows you to step back in time and experience life as if it were the 1740s in Scotland with an epic tour of the top filming locations in the “Outlander” TV series. You’ll get to explore Culross, Doune Castle, Mercat Cross and much more. If you’re familiar with the show, then you’ll love this tour as it’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time with Claire and the rest of the cast of “Outlander”!

Highlights

  • Full day tour of the best locations of the “Outlander” TV series
  • See various castles and parks as you travel through the Highlands from Glasgow
  • Learn more about behind the scenes of filming the show from your tour guide

Includes

  • Fuel charges
  • Driver and guide

Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes

Rating: 5

10.3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Glasgow

3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Glasgow

Overview

Leave the city lights of Glasgow behind for a few days as you embark on an incredible adventure to the Isle of Skye and the Highlands. You’ll have a jam-packed few days exploring places such as Culloden Battlefield, Urquhart Castle, Fort William Distillery and much more! This tour is a great way to get a taste of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye and it’ll leave you loving Scotland even more!

Highlights

  • Visit Portree, Loch Long, Eilean Donan Island, Cuillin Mountains and more
  • Learn all about the Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the Highlands and the impressive Isle of Skye landscape

Includes

  • Breakfast for two days
  • Driver and tour guide
  • 2 nights accommodation

Duration: 3 days

Rating: 4.5/5

11.3-Day Isle of Arran Adventure Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

3-Day Isle of Arran Adventure Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

Overview

Embark on an epic 3-day adventure to the Isle of Arran as you leave the city of Glasgow behind for a few days. While on this tour, you’ll wander through the most beautiful Scottish villages and see the sights of Culzean Castle, Kintyre Peninsula and Inveraray village.

Highlights

  • Visit top Highlands sights, castles and villages
  • Explore Burns Country and experience life on the beautiful Isle of Arran
  • Travel to the Kintyre Peninsula and take in all the stunning scenery around you

Includes

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • 2 days breakfast
  • Ferry transfers to and from the Isle of Arran

Duration: 3 days

Rating: 4.5/5

12.3-Day Isle of Mull and Iona Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

3-Day Isle of Mull and Iona Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

Overview

Visit the Isle of Mull and Isle of Iona on this small day tour from Glasgow. Along the way you’ll visit top attractions such as Fingal’s Cave, Tobermory Town, Aros Park and Loch Lomond. You will also have the chance to sample delicious seafood, learn more about infamous Scottish legends and explore the natural beauty of these islands.

Highlights

  • Enjoy spending time in nature and sampling the best seafood that the Scottish coast has to offer
  • Visit top historic sites on the way to Isle of Mull and Iona
  • Small group tour makes it more personal and enjoyable

Includes

  • 2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast
  • Driver and tour guide
  • Round-trip ferry to the Isle of Mull

Duration: 3 days

Rating: 5

13.Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & The North West Highlands - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow

Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & The North West Highlands - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow

Overview

Spend two incredible days exploring Eilean Donan and the North West Highlands as you venture into epic rugged landscapes and see the most beautiful natural landmarks. Take a trip to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Doune Castle and see top filming locations for various films and TV shows as you make your way through the Highlands.

Highlights

  • See filming locations from hit films such as Harry Potter, Monty Python and Skyfall
  • Visit the Eilean Donan Castle as an added extra
  • Spend two full days exploring the North West Highlands and take pictures of your trip to remember forever!

Includes

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Driver and tour guide
  • Live commentary as you travel through the Highlands

14.Glasgow (Greenock) Shore Excursion: Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Highlands

Glasgow (Greenock) Shore Excursion: Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Highlands

Overview

Experience the charming villages of Loch Lomond and Aberfoyle, just a short distance away from the busy city of Glasgow on this day trip. You’ll explore the coronation place of Mary, Queen of Scots, see the impressive Stirling Castle and learn all about the history of the remarkable Trossachs National Park.

Highlights

  • Visit Aberfoyle, Loch Lomond and Trossachs
  • See the most famous sites in Scottish history
  • Learn all about the architecture and stories behind numerous castles in the area

Includes

  • Pickup and drop off
  • Excursion guarantee
  • Driver in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tour guide

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

15.Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

Overview

Get swept away with the beauty of the Ayrshire Coast as you leave Glasgow behind for a day of exploring quaint fishing villages, castles and woodlands. Explore the famous Robert Burns’ hometown of Alloway, admire the indescribable views from the coast and learn all about the history of Culzean Castle.

Highlights

  • Wander around Culzean Country Park and Gardens
  • Take plenty of pictures of the Scottish countryside
  • Learn more about the stories of Robert Burns

Includes

  • Small group tour for a better experience
  • Driver and tour guide

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

16.Loch Lomond & Whisky Distillery Half Day Tour from Glasgow

Loch Lomond & Whisky Distillery Half Day Tour from Glasgow

Overview

If you’re visiting Glasgow for just a short time but you still want to experience nearby excursions, then this half day tour to Loch Lomond and Glengoyne Whisky Distillery is the perfect option for you. You’ll be treated to a short tour of the distillery where you’ll get to sample some of the very best Scottish whisky and you’ll also travel along the side of the Clyde River to reach Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond. This tour is ideal if you want to have a taste of Scottish culture from Glasgow.

Highlights

  • Take a tour of Loch Lomond and Trossachs
  • Sample some of the finest whisky at Glengoyne Distillery
  • Enjoy a small group tour for a better and more enjoyable experience

Includes

  • Commentary from your tour guide as you drive through the beautiful Scottish countryside
  • Transportation in a mini coach from Glasgow

Duration: 5 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

17.Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, Oban and Inveraray Day Trip from Glasgow

Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, Oban and Inveraray Day Trip from Glasgow

Overview

This action-packed day tour from Glasgow takes you into the very heart of the Highlands so you can experience the very best sights and attractions that it has to offer. You’ll enjoy the peaceful views of the beautiful Loch Lomond and Loch Awe, as well as exploring the seaside town of Oban and learning more about the history of Kilchurn Castle. This tour is fantastic if you want to enjoy some of Scotland’s natural landscapes, while still learning a thing or two about the history behind the sights.

Highlights

  • Visit many places during the day tour including Loch Awe, Oban, Loch Lomond, Luss and more
  • Enjoy the views over numerous lochs and castles
  • Visit Inveraray and see the seat of the Campbell Clan

Includes

  • Professional tour guide
  • Transport for the whole day

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

Rating: 4/5

18.From Glasgow: Rosslyn and Edinburgh tour

From Glasgow: Rosslyn and Edinburgh tour

Overview

Take a full day trip from Glasgow to Edinburgh and experience the very best of the Scottish capital in just a few hours. You’ll see the Rosslyn Chapel and wander around Edinburgh’s Old Town where you’ll get the chance to pick up some trinkets and souvenirs to take home with you. You will also visit the famous Edinburgh Castle which is even more impressive in real life than it is in photos!

Highlights

  • See the filming location of Rosslyn Chapel used in the “Da Vinci Code” film
  • Wander around the Old Town and feel like you’re in a Harry Potter movie
  • Gaze up at Edinburgh Castle and take plenty of pictures of the history fort

Includes

  • Tour guide and driver

Duration: 10 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

19.Guided Celtic Park Stadium Tour

Guided Celtic Park Stadium Tour

Overview

On this short tour from Glasgow, you will visit the Celtic Park Stadium, home to the Celtic Football Club. Football fans will love seeing the dugout, visiting the players’ changing rooms and learning all about the secrets and stories of the players of Glasgow’s most popular team.

Highlights

  • Learn about the club’s most famous players
  • See the changing rooms, pitch, dugout and tunnel
  • Fully guided tour with guide on hand to answer any of your questions

Includes

  • Local tour guide

Duration: 1 hour

Rating: 5

20.Private 'Outlander' Filming Locations Tour from Glasgow

Private 'Outlander' Filming Locations Tour from Glasgow

Overview

This private day tour from Glasgow takes you on an epic journey to discover the top filming locations for the hit TV show “Outlander”. The private element of the tour makes it more personal so you can enjoy visiting the locations in your own time. You will pay a visit to Deanston Distillery, Inverness, Doune Castle and Blackness Castle, plus many more places that were used in scenes in “Outlander”.

Highlights

  • Visit Doune Castle, which was also used in Game of Thrones
  • Enjoy lunch at Deanston Distillery and sample some whisky while you’re there
  • Visit top Scottish landmarks such as Midhope Castle and Blackness Castle

Includes

  • Hotel transfers
  • Tour guide and driver

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 5

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