The Trossachs Panoramic
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Port
South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$89.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Begin your tour of one of Scotland's most beautiful areas with a drive that follows the south side of the Firth of Forth, and en route, you'll view the towering Wallace Monument. Completed in 1869 after eight years of construction, the 220-foot-tall Wallace Monument sits prominently on the Abbey Craig, two miles north of Stirling. It was from this hilltop in 1297 that William Wallace watched the English army cross Stirling Bridge. He led the Scots into the battle of the same name and to a stunning victory that was a major setback for the English.
Head to Stirling -- a city whose historic quarter feels like a step back in time with its steep, cobblestone streets. Stirling Castle, traditionally of huge strategic importance, comes into view. It is set high atop a rocky promontory. Perhaps not surprisingly, local lore once held that whoever controlled the Castle at Stirling controlled all of Scotland.
Relax for a brief coach tour through the Old Town, then drive on through the Trossachs -- an area boasting a magnificent diversity of scenery with dramatic peaks and mysterious forest-covered slopes. This area of wild glens and sparkling lochs between Callander and Aberfoyle is often regarded as the 'Highlands in miniature' and was immortalized by Scott's poem, Lady of the Lake. At its heart, you'll see the forested slopes of Ben Venue rising above the still waters of Loch Achray. Pass through Achray Forest and drive over Dukes Pass with panoramic views of the surrounding tree-clad mountains and distant lochs. This is also Rob Roy country, named for the famous 17th-century Clan MacGregor outlaw and folk hero who roamed these parts.
You'll stop in Aberfoyle, gateway to the Trossachs and a base for adventurers engaging in outdoor pursuits. Return to the ship via The Lake of Menteith -- this is Scotland's only lake, as all the others are lochs.