We have a full day and a half in Glasgow before joining our 13-day Best of Scotland tour, and we'd like to go somewhere not included on our itinerary. Would it be doable to travel without a car to see the Isle of Skye? If not, does anyone have recommendations of other islands or coastal towns to visit? We are already gong to Mull, Iona and Staffa. We do enjoy hiking, scenic views and history. Any suggestions welcome!
Posted by
Chicago
1246 posts
Skye seems a bit far to expect to get much out of a 1-day tour.
But, there are multiple tour companies that will take you to various places.
I guess it depends on what your RS tour will take you to.
A couple:
Posted by
New England
815 posts
Having happily spent the better part of a week in Glasgow this past January, I’d say explore Glasgow! On the RS tour it looks like you have one full day in Glasgow: walking tour of the city in the morning, a quick visit to the cathedral, then a free afternoon where they suggest the West End. A logical choice for that afternoon is the Kelvingrove Museum in the West End. World class. I can also recommend Mother India’s cafe just across the street for a meal.
If you have any interest in Art Nouveau design, besides seeing the Mackintosh exhibits at the Kelvingrove, consider having tea or a meal at the Mackintosh at the Willow tea room in central Glasgow on pedestrianized Sauchiehall St. We thought the food and tea were excellent. The National Trust museum and gift shop next door gave a very interesting tour of the whole building in which the tea room is located.
Abiut 10 minutes’ walk from there is the Tenement House museum (also National Trust). A real gem — a veritable time capsule of middle-class Glaswegian life from 100 years ago.
The Royal Concert Hall Glasgow is a beautiful facility where we attended several Celtic Connections performances— maybe they will have some other performances on the calendar while you are in town.
We really loved Glasgow. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy!!
Posted by
New England
815 posts
Oh, and this thread might be of interest to you: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/glasgow-things-to-do
Posted by
Chicagoland
1980 posts
Stay in Glasgow, get over your jet lag while enjoying the city.
If you're up for a day trip, Rabbie's Tours offers small group tours.
Culzean Castle & Robbert Burns Tour takes you to the Ayrshire coast, a beautiful about an hour from Glasgow.
Posted by
London
2345 posts
Skye is too far to do in a day trip imho, even if Rabbie's does offer it. Easily 10 hours in travel there and back. The Ayrshire coast or Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are easier to do in a day from Glasgow.
Posted by
Paris
11294 posts
What GerryM said.