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Virgin Voyages' guide to Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland

Welcome to Greenock, Scotland: the verdant green gateway to Glasgow – where charming cobblestone streets, storybook architecture, distillery tours, blooming botanical gardens and palatial cathedrals are a mere 40-minutes away.

GLASGOW

A Green Oasis of Culture

Before making your way the 40-minutes from port to Glasgow, don’t hesitate to spend some time in Greenock, a classic Scottish port town with sprawling green hills, an impressive arts center, breathtaking views and mouthwatering restaurants. After making your way along the River Clyde to Scotland’s western Lowlands, you’ll find Glasgow, an eclectic city known as one of the friendliest on Earth.
The awe-inspiring Rock is home to a network of caverns; from the natural-occurring St. Michael’s Caves which are gorgeously illuminated by multicolored lights, to the Great Siege Tunnels and the Gibraltar Nature Preserve where the resident Barbary Macaque apes roam freely.

Surrounding the rock lies a fishing village, six stretches of beach, and a British-esque town complete with bright red phone booths. On the town’s singular street, you’ll find a beautiful cacophony of languages like Andalusian Spanish, British English, and Llanito. But Gibraltar’s incredible combination of culture extends beyond just Spanish and British to include Maltese, Italian, Moor and more — a product of its strategic seaport on the Strait of Gibraltar — resulting in a tiny town with a big personality. 
Shore Excursions

Tartan Treasures & Scottish Sights

Traditional music, magical malts & historical highlands.

Bagpipe Workshop & Whisky Tasting

Begin the day with a whisky presentation and tasting, before joining Louise Marshall, Piper to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, for a bagpipe workshop. She'll explain the history of bagpipes and demonstrate how to play them. Then enjoy a classic fish & chip lunch at Bonnie & Wild, including drinks, and end the day with a coach tour of Edinburgh's Old and New Town.

Glengoyne Distillery Master of Malt

Get ready for an immersive tour of the historic Glengoyne Distillery, nestled in the picturesque Highland. You'll learn all about the whisky-making process, and even have the unique opportunity to craft your own cask strength whisky, blending rare single malts under the guidance of Distillery Ambassadors. At the end of the day, take home your own 200ml bottle of your custom-made whisky.

Stirling Castle

Drive through the old town to arrive at Stirling Castle, where every inch seems drenched in history and interest.​ Stirling is historically and geographically at the heart of the country, set on its rocky outcrop where the Lowlands meet the Highlands.​ Following your visit to the castle, the excursion will return towards the River Clyde, crossing over the fine Erskine Bridge, and traveling alongside the banks of the river towards Greenock.

More Shore Things for your wishlist...

We have even more in our curated catalog.

Glasgow is a truly legendary music destination

In fact, it’s an official UNESCO City of Music!
Shore Excursions

Edinburgh Royal Mile Walking Tour

Walk Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile and see the city's iconic landmarks, including a guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS
At only 2.6 square miles, Gibraltar is a small but mighty seaport stop. The Rock of Gibraltar itself can be explored time and time again for hours (and days) on end — undoubtedly finding something new each time you do. Whether you take the cable car or hike the Mediterranean Steps to see it, the scenic views on the way up are almost as impressive as the Rock itself. But climbing up the Mediterranean Steps is not for the faint of heart — you’ll ascend twice the height of Big Ben, but be rewarded with cliffside views so expansive you can take in Africa on the horizon. 


***Please be aware that all Sailors may be required to show proof of vaccination (a photocopy is acceptable) in Gibraltar, and a photo ID may also be required to return to the ship. Sailors should also bring masks with them as they may be required in some establishments. 

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