Location: Glasgow
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Things to do in Glasgow, Scotland: The Best Private Tours
As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is famed for its culture, shopping and people. Spend your day exploring a wide range of fascinating free museums and galleries, enjoying the UK’s best shopping outside of London, and taking advantage of tips from friendly local people on the city’s hidden gems — then choose from 130+ weekly musical events for a special night out. Glasgow is also the perfect base for exploring more of Scotland, with great connections to the Highlands and the islands.
Restaurants in Glasgow
1. Glasgow Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Get to know the city through the eyes of a passionate local. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it up to the local for an insightful introduction to the city. Make travel about the people you meet not just the places you see. With our walking tours, you’ll skip the mundane historical tours and discover the city through a local’s eyes. Experience a tour that will transform the way you travel to make it as much about the people you meet, as it is the places you see. Our local guides (Lokafyers) are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and perspective. Since Lokafyers are not professional guides and tour occasionally, they provide an experience that’s authentic and personal, like a friend showing you around their city. By the end of the tour, you'll feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay.
Inclusions: Local guide ("Lokafyer", Customized private walking tour
Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips and gratuities (optional), Optional activity costs, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions (It’s a walking tour, car transportation isn’t included)
2. The Outlander Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 - 8 People)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour is a must for every fan of the hit TV show Outlander and is a bucket list-moment to get to visit the sets of your favourite show. Relive the books, walk in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire, and explore ancient castles and little villages that have not been changed since the 16th century. Meet the friendly locals and enjoy homemade cuisine from a family run tearoom in Falkland. A massive fan of the hit TV show, your tour guide for the day has actually appeared in Season 3 & 4 of Outlander so has lots of inside knowledge. We look forward to sharing this experience with you and giving you a day you will never forget. Haste Ye Back!
Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, driver/guide, Dram of whisky, Private tour
Exclusions: Visitor attractions, Lunch
Reviewed By terryw717
We had a holiday booked with another tour company that was to take us to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow. Through research we wanted to to see a bit more of Scotland whist we were there after that tour finished (we are from down south) and more than just Skye. We found Alba Experiences through Trip Adviser and were impressed with the previous reviews and also the tour and it’s description. This was “The Braveheart Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People) Sunday 13th September 2020” Then with just two weeks to our original tour, the other company cancelled the holiday leaving us with just that one day tour with Alba Experiences. We had already our own flights booked plus the hotels for before and after it. As we were so impressed with Alba Experiences and how they communicated with us, we asked about them combining two tours that would have been for the same dates as the original and giving us one day for free time before the Braveheart Tour. This was the “Discover Inveraray And The Scottish Countryside” a tour from Glasgow to Oban and then the “Experience the Isle of Skye” a four day tour of Skye. Very bespoke for our needs. Luck was on our side and a bespoke tour was booked. Alba Experiences also recommended Hotels that we should book and additionally that if we wanted to eat out at night that we should also book them in advance as they were known to be booking fast. This proved invaluable. Day one (7th Sept) of the tour we met James McInlay, our tour guide and driver, and were so impressed with the cleanliness of his tour bus and the fact that he was ready well before our set meeting time, in fact every day James would be waiting for us with the tour bus clean again for the next days adventures. The following might sound like a list, but we packed so much in and I’m not sure if I am limited with this review. It was not a list, but a perfect guided tour of the areas we went to with history lessons and areas pointed out that we would surely missed if trying to do this ourselves. James delivered through professionalism and passion for his country and its history and beauty something more than we could have ever imagined. Our disappointment with the original tour by the other company being cancelled soon faded away and proved to be our win. Back to day one, we traveled from Bishopton towards Oban, taking in the beautiful town of Luss and it’s Parish Church where the only outdoor Viking Hogback stone is, Inveraray Castle and Jail, an area of ancient (4500 years old) rock art, the Nether Largie Standing Stones from 3200 years ago and the Kilmartin Grave Slabs. All this in one day. Day two (8th Sept) started with a visit to McCraigs Tower, then on to Castle Stalker, Glenfinan Monument and Viaduct (Harry Potter recent fame), Eilean Castle and Carbost Bridge. Day three (9th Sep) we went to the Kilted Rock, the area known as the Quiraing (possibly my favourite), Flora MacDonalds grave, Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle and back to our Hotel in Portree. Day four (10th Sept), Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle (you simply must go there), Fairy Pools (take hiking boots as it can sometimes get a bit wet but worth it). Day five (11th Sept), Carbost Bridge again with even better views, Urquart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, Invermoriston Bridge, Fort Augustus, Three Sisters Mountain range and back to Bishopton for the end of our bespoke tour. We were to have a Seaplane adventure the next day with another company, alas the weather had other ideas and it got understandably cancelled. Then on the 13th Sept we started the original tour we booked with Alba Experineces, to visit the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, ending with a stop at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre on the site of the decisive Bannockburn Battle. Alas, the visitor centre was closed and James had already made alternative arrangements and we visited Doune Castle (Monty Python fame), Rob Roy’s grave and the Falls of Falloch. These were so impressive from the rains over the previous days. James quickly got to know our likes and made slight adaptations to the tour, we were able to linger longer where we wanted, he found our passion for local food and took us to wonderful eateries. With out any doubt, we will return to see more, for there is more, and there is only one company that we would choose, Alba Experiences. I can not rate them high enough. I am limited to just 10 pictures, through James’s guidance with his professional photography skills I took many.
3. Outlander Luxury Private Day Tour with Scottish Driver
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
See the sights that inspired the story of ‘Outlander’ and tour the places where the series was filmed. This private tour caters to you, keeping your comfort in mind at all times as you are chauffeured from your hotel or the cruise ship port in a luxury vehicle. Visit the sets that stood in for Mrs. Baird’s B and B, Castle Leoch, the village of Cransemuir, Wentworth Prison and Fort William. Your guide will share stories of Scotland as you travel. • See the Scottish spots you love from the Outlander TV Show • Door to Door Luxury Service from any Edinburgh Location • Private Tour for you with the services of a Local Scottish Driver Your day is planned to cover the sights and attractions from the Outlander TV Show at your pace, with no waiting for other passengers. With so many places to visit our sightseeing excursion allows you to sit back and relax in luxury taking in the stunning scenery and if you want to stop you can. Just remember this is Your Day Your Way!
Inclusions: Bottled Water, Cruise Ship Pickup and Drop-Off, Door to Door Service, Services & Stories of a Scottish Chauffeur, Wi-Fi Access
Exclusions: Entrance Fees to Visitor Attractions, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)
Reviewed By Vic_Polly011
Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip
4. The Braveheart Tour - Private Tour with Guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour is unique as it's very informal and luxurious. How long travellers want to spend at each attraction is up to them. The vehicle is also a very comfortable Mercedes Benz Viano with privacy glass free bottled water and DVD player in the back. The vehicle can carry up to seven passengers in complete comfort.
Inclusions: Bottled water, DVD player.
Exclusions: Admission Tickets
Reviewed By RMSScotland
John was punctual, friendly and professional. An excellent service and great value. He was flexible and accommodating due to flight delay on our return journey. Would highly recommended and will use again in future.
5. Private Glasgow Ghost Tour: City Center Exploration Game
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 19 reviews
Embark on a quest around Glasgow by solving clues that will take you to the most haunted places in the city, all with the help of your smartphone. Unlock new stories as you discover on your own Merchant City, George Square, the Lighthouse, and more. + Discover the most haunted streets, villas, and squares in the city + Find out the horror stories of the people who used to live there + Solve clues on your phone while you visit the haunted Glasgow You are invited to discover the captive souls, the spirits and the mysterious skeletons of Glasgow with an interactive city exploration app. Each clue will lead you from one place to another, giving you exact directions, so you won’t need a map, a GPS or a guide. When you solve it and guess the answer, the secret story of that place is unlocked. Start and stop whenever you want. Along the way, you’ll find horror stories that will give you the chills. Dare you go on this tour?
Inclusions: Full flexibility: start at any hour, take a break at any time and resume later, This tour is always available to book. We are open 24/7, every day of the week., This is the safest tour you can book: it is private, no human contact, you will avoid crowds., Play offline: you DON'T NEED an internet connection to play this city game
Exclusions: A physical tour guide
6. Half-Day Private Glasgow Must-Sees Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 71 reviews
Enjoy our best-selling walking tour with a private guide. Discover the world famous Glasgow sights in one day and get a real feeling of the city! You'll see learn about about the city's most famous landmarks, hear stories about its history and development, and find out lots of interesting and fun facts. We'll go at your pace, and you'll have chance to have a drink and a snack along the way.
Inclusions: Complimentary Tea or Coffee during scheduled break, Professional guide, Hotel Meet & Greet (City Centre - within a walk to George Sq only), Private walking tour, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Gratuities, Meet / drop-off from locations outside of City Centre (within a walk from George Sq)
Reviewed By tsadler510
We were only in Glasgow for a day and half and our 5 hour tour with Elsa really covered it all! Elsa is so knowledgeable and has all of her history down pat- it’s really impressive. The tour was a good pace, taking the time to look at things and learn a lot about Glasgow and Scottish history. Highlights included George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, the necropolis, a lovely little cafe by the cathedral and a tour of the “smug” murals across the city center.
7. Guided Tour of the Original Willow Tearooms Building and Breakfast for £10
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 10 reviews
The famous Tea Rooms first opened in 1903 and are of huge importance to Glasgow’s architectural and cultural heritage and are the only surviving Tea Rooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for local entrepreneur and patron Miss Kate Cranston. The building has undergone an extensive restoration in order to bring it back to its former glory, to reopen it to the public and create a sustainable future. Mackintosh at the Willow operates as a social enterprise creating training, learning, employment and other opportunities and support for young people and communities. We’ve worked with The Prince’s Trust and Dumfries House who have recruited and provided training for young people and we’ve created employment, skills development and further training opportunities for them at Mackintosh at the Willow.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Choice of a roll with one filling or a pastry and a tea or a coffee! t's and c's apply.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By M6302QUrosem
Fabulous experience for our first outing from Lanarkshire since lockdown . Being led upstairs the room unfolds as the door opens. It is entirely stunningly beautiful. Although, for a change, it was sunny outside in Glasgow and the Spring sunshine may have added depth, colour and may have increased the lustre of the room than in the driech Winter days. The history of the building, in particular, the history of the Salon de Luxe was a pleasure to hear and imagine. There was so much we didn't know about,such as, the links to feminism in Glasgow and Scotland. We know there are hard working staff throughout the restaurants in the backroom who make the experience seem so seamless and a big thanks to them all. Megan, our Hostess, was: Obviously experienced, Friendly, KInd, Polite, Discreet, Informative, Knowledgeable Enthusiastic about her subject, and as a bonus she is able to engage in contact with the people and is very entertaining as well! She is a definate asset to your company. Thank you Megan. You and your colleagues made my day. Rose.
8. Mary Queen of Scots Luxury Private Tour with Scottish Driver
Follow the journey of our beloved and treasured Queen, your Mary Queen of Scots Private Excursion is a fantastic way to explore many of the locations connected to Mary during her time in Scotland. With the Mary Queen of Scots film this is an ideal time to explore the story first hand. On this Excursion, you get a chance to explore some of the below locations • Linlithgow Palace • Stirling Castle • Falkland Palace • Lochleven Castle • Craigmillar Castle So indulge in the story of our Queen on your own luxury excursion. No waiting for other passengers remember you call the shots this is Your Day, Your Way! With Door to Door service from Glasgow along with complimentary Bottled Water and Wi-Fi Access you truly are getting that First Class experience the Scottish Way. Some Attractions are not open all year round and are subject to closure, we will always advise if this is the case on booking and offer alternatives.
Inclusions: Private Excursion (1 to 6 Passengers), Door to Door Service, Cruise Ship Pickup and Drop-Off, Services & Stories of a Scottish Chauffeur, Wi-Fi Access, Bottled Water
Exclusions: Entrance Fee to Visitor Attractions, Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)
Reviewed By Vic_Polly011
Where to start? After a year of planning our itinerary with Nick of Aura Journeys, we put it into play with 8 days of touring with William. William is professional, but he knows how to have fun with you after he sizes you up. His humor was like spending a week with your best friend from college. Subtle, but pointed, we traded barbs and laughed away the week. No worries about spending a week with a stranger when your guide is William! His knowledge of the area was deep but if he didn't have an answer to your question, he'd look it up and have it for you quickly. He soon got to know what we liked and what we didn't, from meal times and toilet stops, to type of food and sightseeing preferences. We had daily itineraries but we would often adjust based on our own energy level or suggestions from William. Nothing was ever a problem for William. We went to several places William had never been to and he thanked US for taking him there. We ended as good friends and hated to leave him at the end of our journey. Highlights: * Always arrived early with a clean van and lots of water * Very safe driver * Served as photographer when asked - we finally have trip pictures with both of us * Flexible and accommodating * Knowledgeable - great suggestions for restaurants, activities, places to visit and places to skip * He did all the work and let us be tourists rather than trying to drive and read guidebooks while we flew past sights. Worth every penny on this 50th wedding anniversary trip
9. The Braveheart Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People)
Follow in the footsteps of two of Scotland’s most famous heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. These warriors fought during the 13th and 14th centuries during the battles of Scotland’s wars of Independence. Climb the steps of the National Wallace Monument to view the famous Wallace sword and scale the walls of Stirling Castle, which provided the backdrop to two of Scotland’s most famous battles. We will also learn how the battles took place by visiting the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor centre.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide, Hotel Pick up and drop off, Private tour, Dram of whisky, Snacks
Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance fee for visitor attractions.
Reviewed By terryw717
We had a holiday booked with another tour company that was to take us to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow. Through research we wanted to to see a bit more of Scotland whist we were there after that tour finished (we are from down south) and more than just Skye. We found Alba Experiences through Trip Adviser and were impressed with the previous reviews and also the tour and it’s description. This was “The Braveheart Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People) Sunday 13th September 2020” Then with just two weeks to our original tour, the other company cancelled the holiday leaving us with just that one day tour with Alba Experiences. We had already our own flights booked plus the hotels for before and after it. As we were so impressed with Alba Experiences and how they communicated with us, we asked about them combining two tours that would have been for the same dates as the original and giving us one day for free time before the Braveheart Tour. This was the “Discover Inveraray And The Scottish Countryside” a tour from Glasgow to Oban and then the “Experience the Isle of Skye” a four day tour of Skye. Very bespoke for our needs. Luck was on our side and a bespoke tour was booked. Alba Experiences also recommended Hotels that we should book and additionally that if we wanted to eat out at night that we should also book them in advance as they were known to be booking fast. This proved invaluable. Day one (7th Sept) of the tour we met James McInlay, our tour guide and driver, and were so impressed with the cleanliness of his tour bus and the fact that he was ready well before our set meeting time, in fact every day James would be waiting for us with the tour bus clean again for the next days adventures. The following might sound like a list, but we packed so much in and I’m not sure if I am limited with this review. It was not a list, but a perfect guided tour of the areas we went to with history lessons and areas pointed out that we would surely missed if trying to do this ourselves. James delivered through professionalism and passion for his country and its history and beauty something more than we could have ever imagined. Our disappointment with the original tour by the other company being cancelled soon faded away and proved to be our win. Back to day one, we traveled from Bishopton towards Oban, taking in the beautiful town of Luss and it’s Parish Church where the only outdoor Viking Hogback stone is, Inveraray Castle and Jail, an area of ancient (4500 years old) rock art, the Nether Largie Standing Stones from 3200 years ago and the Kilmartin Grave Slabs. All this in one day. Day two (8th Sept) started with a visit to McCraigs Tower, then on to Castle Stalker, Glenfinan Monument and Viaduct (Harry Potter recent fame), Eilean Castle and Carbost Bridge. Day three (9th Sep) we went to the Kilted Rock, the area known as the Quiraing (possibly my favourite), Flora MacDonalds grave, Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle and back to our Hotel in Portree. Day four (10th Sept), Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle (you simply must go there), Fairy Pools (take hiking boots as it can sometimes get a bit wet but worth it). Day five (11th Sept), Carbost Bridge again with even better views, Urquart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, Invermoriston Bridge, Fort Augustus, Three Sisters Mountain range and back to Bishopton for the end of our bespoke tour. We were to have a Seaplane adventure the next day with another company, alas the weather had other ideas and it got understandably cancelled. Then on the 13th Sept we started the original tour we booked with Alba Experineces, to visit the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, ending with a stop at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre on the site of the decisive Bannockburn Battle. Alas, the visitor centre was closed and James had already made alternative arrangements and we visited Doune Castle (Monty Python fame), Rob Roy’s grave and the Falls of Falloch. These were so impressive from the rains over the previous days. James quickly got to know our likes and made slight adaptations to the tour, we were able to linger longer where we wanted, he found our passion for local food and took us to wonderful eateries. With out any doubt, we will return to see more, for there is more, and there is only one company that we would choose, Alba Experiences. I can not rate them high enough. I am limited to just 10 pictures, through James’s guidance with his professional photography skills I took many.
10. The Highlander Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 - 8 People)
The Scottish Highlands are without doubt some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Come with us today as we travel through the gorgeous Glencoe valley and listen to legendary Scottish tales. An experience packed with history and beauty, this tour is perfect for those travelers that are short on time and want to see as much of Scotland as possible.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Snacks, Dram of whisky, Hotel pick up and drop off, Driver/guide
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By terryw717
We had a holiday booked with another tour company that was to take us to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow. Through research we wanted to to see a bit more of Scotland whist we were there after that tour finished (we are from down south) and more than just Skye. We found Alba Experiences through Trip Adviser and were impressed with the previous reviews and also the tour and it’s description. This was “The Braveheart Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People) Sunday 13th September 2020” Then with just two weeks to our original tour, the other company cancelled the holiday leaving us with just that one day tour with Alba Experiences. We had already our own flights booked plus the hotels for before and after it. As we were so impressed with Alba Experiences and how they communicated with us, we asked about them combining two tours that would have been for the same dates as the original and giving us one day for free time before the Braveheart Tour. This was the “Discover Inveraray And The Scottish Countryside” a tour from Glasgow to Oban and then the “Experience the Isle of Skye” a four day tour of Skye. Very bespoke for our needs. Luck was on our side and a bespoke tour was booked. Alba Experiences also recommended Hotels that we should book and additionally that if we wanted to eat out at night that we should also book them in advance as they were known to be booking fast. This proved invaluable. Day one (7th Sept) of the tour we met James McInlay, our tour guide and driver, and were so impressed with the cleanliness of his tour bus and the fact that he was ready well before our set meeting time, in fact every day James would be waiting for us with the tour bus clean again for the next days adventures. The following might sound like a list, but we packed so much in and I’m not sure if I am limited with this review. It was not a list, but a perfect guided tour of the areas we went to with history lessons and areas pointed out that we would surely missed if trying to do this ourselves. James delivered through professionalism and passion for his country and its history and beauty something more than we could have ever imagined. Our disappointment with the original tour by the other company being cancelled soon faded away and proved to be our win. Back to day one, we traveled from Bishopton towards Oban, taking in the beautiful town of Luss and it’s Parish Church where the only outdoor Viking Hogback stone is, Inveraray Castle and Jail, an area of ancient (4500 years old) rock art, the Nether Largie Standing Stones from 3200 years ago and the Kilmartin Grave Slabs. All this in one day. Day two (8th Sept) started with a visit to McCraigs Tower, then on to Castle Stalker, Glenfinan Monument and Viaduct (Harry Potter recent fame), Eilean Castle and Carbost Bridge. Day three (9th Sep) we went to the Kilted Rock, the area known as the Quiraing (possibly my favourite), Flora MacDonalds grave, Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle and back to our Hotel in Portree. Day four (10th Sept), Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle (you simply must go there), Fairy Pools (take hiking boots as it can sometimes get a bit wet but worth it). Day five (11th Sept), Carbost Bridge again with even better views, Urquart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, Invermoriston Bridge, Fort Augustus, Three Sisters Mountain range and back to Bishopton for the end of our bespoke tour. We were to have a Seaplane adventure the next day with another company, alas the weather had other ideas and it got understandably cancelled. Then on the 13th Sept we started the original tour we booked with Alba Experineces, to visit the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, ending with a stop at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre on the site of the decisive Bannockburn Battle. Alas, the visitor centre was closed and James had already made alternative arrangements and we visited Doune Castle (Monty Python fame), Rob Roy’s grave and the Falls of Falloch. These were so impressive from the rains over the previous days. James quickly got to know our likes and made slight adaptations to the tour, we were able to linger longer where we wanted, he found our passion for local food and took us to wonderful eateries. With out any doubt, we will return to see more, for there is more, and there is only one company that we would choose, Alba Experiences. I can not rate them high enough. I am limited to just 10 pictures, through James’s guidance with his professional photography skills I took many.
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