GRAND TOUR

CELTIC were yesterday crowned champions again — after their stadium tour was named the best family- friendly day out in the world.

The stadium show-round beat the likes of a desert safari in Dubai and zip-lining in Hawaii.

Holiday ratings experts TripAdvisor today revealed its Best Travel Experiences for 2024 – all based on traveller reviews.

And the stadium show-round scooped top spot, over the likes of a desert safari in Dubai and zip-lining in Hawaii.

The Parkhead tour, at the home ground of Celtic in Glasgow’s east end, offers visitors the chance to ‘experience the magic’ and ‘soak up the history’ on a one-hour walk-round with an experienced guide.

They hear about the history of the club, formed in 1888, and learn about Celtic’s heritage and culture.

With more than 1,900 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, travellers gush about the experience saying highlights include the access to usually off-limits parts of the stadium and finding out lesser-known trivia about the team.

On the site, one review said: “After our very warm welcome to Celtic park we were treated to a fascinating tour of the stadium. Eric was our guide and he was so informative, personable, kind and attentive.

“His passion for Celtic football club was so nice and his friendly banter was superb. The stadium was incredible and I’d definitely return. 100 per cent recommended.”

Meanwhile, another said: “From arrival the welcome by all at the club was warm and friendly and it seemed that they really welcomed me to their club (I am a Villa fan). Having the welcome area in a bar was great. Place just buzzed.

“Tour guide Alan was exceptional, passionate about the club, knew so much history about the club, and also football in general, and Celtic players, managers who have come from or gone elsewhere.”

A Celtic spokesperson said: “We are delighted that our visitor experience has been recognised in this way. This level of recognition is testament to the knowledge and passion of our guides who tell the Celtic story so brilliantly, bringing to life the club’s rich history.

“The Tour gives visitors a real insight into the Club’s wonderful history, allowing guests to see the country’s biggest club stadium, trophies of the past such as the European Cup and of course the domestic trophies which we are so pleased to have once again delivered to our fans.

“Thousands of visitors from right across the globe enjoy the Tour experience each year and we are delighted that this has become so successful and so popular.”

A TripAdvisor spokesman said: “Analysing TripAdvisor review data from millions of travellers across the globe, this is a definite guide to the very best travel experiences for 2024.”