The Trossachs Panorama

This excursion reveals the tumultuous history of Scotland, one of its grandest castles and a wooded wonderland that rivals the Highlands for natural beauty.

Depart from the pier and drive west following the Firth of Forth, as it narrows and becomes the winding River Forth. Just outside the city of Stirling, you will see the National Wallace Monument, a memorial built in 1869 in honor of William Wallace, the Scottish hero known as Braveheart. It sits atop Abbey Craig, a prominent hilltop where in 1297 Wallace led the Scots to victory against the encroaching English army.

Upon reaching Stirling, you will behold grand Stirling Castle, a great symbol of Scottish independence and pride, and where Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood. Hugely strategic, the fortress was hotly fought over and changed hands frequently. It overlooks the site of Wallace's victory and revered Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314.

Continuing on, Scotland's glorious natural beauty takes center stage as you drive into the Trossachs, a land of wild glens and sparkling lochs often regarded as the "Highlands in miniature." Once home to the folk hero Rob Roy, Scotland's version of Robin Hood, the Trossachs are majestic, especially the views from Dukes Pass, a gap in the dense Achray Forest. Free time in Aberfoyle follows, affording you a taste of village life.

Afterwards, you will return to the pier passing by the Lake of Menteith, considered the only true lake in Scotland, as the others are lochs.