Port
Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland, United Kingdom
Activity Level
Moderate
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$169
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 3¾ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Leave the pier at Greenock and journey along the banks of the River Clyde to Ardgowan country estate.
Unlike most other country houses that have changed hands many times, Ardgowan has remained in the possession of one family -- the Shaw Stewarts -- since 1406. Now, it is throwing open its doors to the public for the first time in 600 years, offering visitors a window into a now-lost world. Meet the owner; then, your tour of Ardgowan encompasses not only the house but also Scotland's and the Shaw Stewart family's history. It is a fascinating story that weaves together the fortunes of Robert the Bruce, Princess Pocahontas, Charles I, Emperor Napoleon and Florence Nightingale, among others. Enjoy refreshments here in stately grandeur.
Next, join a fun workshop designed to help you understand Scottish music and dress. Playing the bagpipes is not just all about hot air. No, it is, in fact, a simply enchanting instrument and today you will hear this memorable sound. Then, grab a practice chanter -- the much smaller, simple instrument used when learning to play the bagpipes -- and join in playing a few notes. What could possibly go wrong? Once you've got the hang of it, feel free to strut your stuff in some real tartan wear -- a piper in the making!
After a lot of laughs, fun, and varying degrees of musical achievement, wave farewell to your piper tutor and return to the ship in Greenock.
Notes:
Tour requires approximately 2.5 hours of walking and standing. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces and steps.