Falkirk Wheel & Stirling on Your Own

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Begin your full-day, moderately active adventure at your pier where you will board a motorcoach. Then sit back and relax as you traverse the scenic Scottish landscape en route to one of the engineering marvels of the 21st century - The Falkirk Wheel!

Inaugurated in 2002 by Queen Elizabeth II, this massive wheel, which resembles a giant screw, is the world's only rotating boat lift, lifting or lowering canal boats between two waterways. A century ago, eleven locks connected Glasgow's Clyde Canal with Edinburgh's Union Canal. The locks spanned the 79-foot difference in elevation between the canals. Today, this impressive wheel accomplishes the job simply, in one slow turn.

For a firsthand opportunity to see exactly how the wheel works, disembark your motorcoach and board a canal boat. Then, sail across an aqueduct and watch in wonder as your boat is lifted into space from one waterway and gently lowered to another.
Following your exhilarating experience, enjoy some free time for photo opportunities of this amazing wheel or to browse the small gift shop for souvenirs. Then reboard your motorcoach and set out for your next destination.

Step back in time as you arrive in Stirling, one of Scotland's oldest towns. Set amongst rocky crags and the winding River Forth, this charming town, which is the gateway to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, is known as Scotland's crossroads between the Highlands and Lowlands.

Disembark your motorcoach at a designated rendezvous close to Stirling's center and then set out for two hours of free time to explore on your own! Take time to peruse the town's many quaint shops or enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the local pubs. Fish 'n' Chips anyone?

During your free time you may also choose to tour the historic and majestic Stirling Castle on your own, one of Scotland's largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally. Constructed between 1490 and 1600, the castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag which is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Stirling was besieged sixteen times during its long and bloody history, and several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned there, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543.

Following your scintillating day of discovering both the old and the new of Scotland, re-board your motorcoach at a predetermined location for your scenic drive back to your pier and your Princess at Greenock.

Special Notes:

Bring local currency or credit cards for entrance fees or to make additional purchases. Lunch and entrance to Stirling Castle is on your own.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions. Bring a hat and a light waterproof jacket.

Child Price:

12 years & under only