Edinburgh Shore Excursion: Culross, Stirling Castle & Kelpies

See the very best of Scotland in one unforgettable day! Travel from your Edinburgh cruise port through the beautiful Scottish Lowlands BusyBus style, visiting the charming historic village of Culross, magnificent Stirling Castle, the remarkable Falkirk Wheel and Scotland's iconic Kelpies. Enjoy a relaxed day of sightseeing with your experienced local driver-guide, who will bring Scotland to life with fascinating stories, local knowledge and plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Whether you're visiting Scotland for the first time or simply want to make the most of your day ashore, this is a fantastic way to experience castles, historic villages, Scottish countryside and iconic landmarks all in one excursion. Your tour is planned around your cruise schedule, with a guaranteed return to your ship at least one hour before departure.

1. 1

   Culross

   30 min

   Our first stop is Culross, where you’ll step into a perfectly preserved 17th-century Scottish village, its cobbled streets and ochre-washed houses looking like something straight out of a period drama. Once a bustling port on the Firth of Forth, Culross boasts a remarkable collection of historic buildings, some dating as far back as the 12th century. As you wander its cobbled streets and admire the ochre-coloured houses. Enjoy 30 minutes to soak up the atmosphere, capture stunning photographs, and experience the character and culture of an authentic traditional Scottish village.

2. 2

   Tullibardine Distillery

   45 min

   We’ll travel through the picturesque Scottish countryside, passing near the world-famous Gleneagles Golf Club, before arriving at the Tullibardine Distillery. If you choose, you can join the optional 45-minute “Classic Tour” (entry not included, please pre-book tickets) to discover the whisky-making process and enjoy a dram or two of their finest single malt. If you’d prefer not to take the tour, you can relax in the distillery café, browse the well-stocked shop for gifts and local delicacies, or simply take in the scenic surroundings before we continue our journey.

3. 3

   Stirling

   1.3 hours

   Our journey continues to the historic city of Stirling, gateway to the Trossachs and framed by dramatic, forest-clad hills. Here you can choose to explore the magnificent Stirling Castle (admission not included), once a favoured residence of the Stuart kings and the coronation site of Mary, Queen of Scots. Wander its grand halls, sweeping ramparts, and atmospheric courtyards, imagining the power and intrigue that once filled these walls. If you prefer not to enter, you’re welcome to stroll around the castle’s impressive exterior and enjoy the stunning views from the esplanade. Take in the panoramic scenery of the surrounding countryside and don’t miss the striking Wallace Monument proudly standing on a nearby hilltop—a tribute to Scotland’s legendary freedom fighter, immortalised in Braveheart.

4. 4

   Falkirk

   30 min

   Continuing south towards Falkirk, your narrated adventure brings you to an engineering marvel that blends modern innovation with historic transport. At the Falkirk Wheel, you’ll witness the world’s only rotating boat lift, which gracefully raises canal boats 79 feet between two canals. Take in the impressive design and watch this incredible feat of engineering in action

5. 5

   The Kelpies & The Helix

   30 min

   After visiting the Falkirk Wheel, we’ll take a short trip east to the striking and iconic statues known as The Kelpies. These towering horse-head sculptures stand as a powerful tribute to Scotland’s working horses and industrial heritage. You’re welcome to explore the visitor centre, learn about the history and symbolism behind the Kelpies, and capture stunning photos that will keep the memory of your visit alive for years to come.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Pushchairs, wheelchairs and luggage must be communicated to and approved by our company in advance
• Please note that the tour’s timings are designed exclusively with your cruise schedule in mind. If you dock late, do not panic - we will be there waiting for you and we will adjust timings accordingly to make sure everything runs smoothly. If you dock early, we will depart at the scheduled ticket time above. We will ALWAYS ensure you are back at least one hour before your ship departs.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.