Things to do in Invergordon

Our Loch Ness tour from Invergordon promises to enchant, whether you’re a veteran visitor or are travelling to the Highlands for the first time. As soon as you disembark soon as you from your ship at the Invergordon cruise port, around an hour after the ship arrives, you will be met by one of our friendly local guides, who you’ll recognise by their Historic & Scenic Tours placard bearing your Surname. You’ll be escorted to one of our comfortable car/minibuses, where complimentary snacks and bottles of water will be made available for your tour.Visit some of the most historic and cultural sites in the Highlands starting with Beauly Priory, before moving onto the famous and romantic loch ness and then moving onto inverness to see the the saint Andrew's Cathedral and then onto historic Culloden Battlefield and the sacred site of Clava Cairns, home of the famous Outlander “cleft stone”. Finally, to the Singleton Distillery for a tasting before returning to Invergordon Port.

Departing from Invergordon, we head to our first stop, Cawdor Castle. Nestled within beautiful gardens in Nairnshire, this ancestral home of the Campbells dates back to the 15th century. You'll have time to explore the castle and its picturesque surroundings. Next, we leave Nairnshire and travel to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. Here, you'll have over an hour to enjoy lunch and stroll along the banks of the River Ness, with opportunities for great views of Inverness Castle. From Inverness, our shore excursion continues to Loch Ness for a quick photo and refreshment break, giving you a chance to try your luck at spotting Nessie! We then make our way to Beauly, a charming Highland town along the scenic River Beauly. The name Beauly comes from the French term "beau lieu," meaning “beautiful place,” a phrase attributed to Mary Queen of Scots during her visit in 1564. We’ll stop here for photos before heading to our final destination: Glen Ord Distillery. Glen Ord is the only remaining single malt whisky distillery on the Black Isle and is home to Singleton Whisky. Enjoy a tour of the distillery, concluding your Invergordon shore excursion with a tasting of the Singleton of Glen Ord 12-year-old whisky. Finally, we return to Invergordon, where your Inverness, Cawdor Castle & Highland Whisky shore excursion concludes.

Our tour starts at Invergordon Cruise port where you are assured a warm Highland welcome from your tour guide. Our first stop is a visit to Cawdor Castle, which dates back to 1454. Here you can a self-guided audio tour of the castle then explore the wonderful gardens. Our next stop is Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last ever battle on British soil. Your guide will recount the events of this tragic day and bring the history of the field to life. We then go back in time 4000 years to explore the magical Clava Cairns. Your guide will explain the significance of the standing stones and stone burial chambers. Next on the agenda is Loch Ness, home of the legendary monster. We stop at one of the best viewpoints of the Loch, which is also home to Nessie Hunter Steve Feltham. Our final stop of the day is Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands. Depending on the length of tour we will have either a photo stop of 20 mins, or a slightly longer stop to take in a little more of the city.

Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, and Loch Ness (includes some Outlander filming locations) This tour is specially designed for those who love films, fame, legends, and the magic of Scottish history. It is normally taken in a bus, but if you are from a smaller ship or German ship, it is more likely to be taken in a 9-seater minivan. Please ask if it is important to know. We aim to give you a full day of adventure and enjoyment while making you as comfortable as possible. We hope you will return again and again to visit the Scottish Highlands, as this is all but a taster session. However, you will have plenty of time to experience every aspect of the Thistle tour. What's included in the price? Adult £135, Child £115 Infant up to 2 years old FREE (includes entrance to Cawdor castle and including audio guide). Tour Timings The bus departs at 9 AM or 10 AM if the ship docks later. Aim to be with your guide by 8:40 AM. The tour returns at least 1 hour before ship departure. The tour lasts 6-7.5 hours but can be shortened to accommodate ship departure times. It can also leave later if your ship docks after 9. We will have you back in plenty of time for your ship's departure. You will definitely be on the ship by the time it sails. For our cancellation policy, see FAQs https://www.thistleexcursions.co.uk/faqs What type of vehicle is used for this tour? This tour will be in a bus (49-seater), minivan, or car with 4-8 seats. You can email in advance to ask if you wish. The bigger ships usually mean it is in a larger bus. Cawdor Castle Visit inside and outside Cawdor Castle, including the magnificent gardens and a maze. (Entrance is included.) Cawdor Castle was made famous by William Shakespeare’s "MacBeth." This is a medieval, furnished, lived-in castle. 1.5 hours Culloden Viaduct Pass by Culloden viaduct. Built in 1893 for trains, and still used to this day. Great photo opportunity. Culloden Battlefield Visit Culloden battlefield, free to roam the battlefield or visit the shop and restaurant. There is a small entry charge if you wish to go right into the visitor center to relive the battle from 1746. This is a prime Outlander site (TV series and book). Inverness - Castle, shops, and the Highland's oldest bar Arrive in the Inverness city center, where you can visit Inverness Castle’s new viewing gallery. See right across the city. Visit Flora MacDonald’s statue (the Inverness castle is being renovated until the summer, so Flora is hidden) outside the castle and see the shops and cafes in Inverness. Maybe try a local beer in the oldest bar in Inverness, the Gellions, dating back to 1841. The guide will point out Outlander references from Diana Gabaldon's books. Loch Ness Travel beside Loch Ness for 15 miles, stopping for photos of Scotland's reclusive Nessie (if you’re very lucky). Sometimes you may get photos of Urqhart castle too, depending on the day and where we stop.

Discover top Highlands attractions, including Loch Ness and sites featured in the Outlander series, with this private guided tour from Inverness or Invergordon. Visit the local sites with your local guide around the Inverness area, from the famous Loch Ness to Outlander sites Clava Cairns, Culloden and more and learn the history of the Scottish Clans. Try our world award winning local Gin and Whisky. A fun full day of things to see and try all in one day for guests wanting a full taste of the highlands with a short time frame. Local Guide Private Tour Comfortable Air Conditioned Vehicle Customisable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)

Embark on the ultimate day tour from Invergordon or Inverness to Loch Ness, experiencing some of Scotland's most breathtaking, historic, and culturally significant sights. Your adventure begins as you disembark from your cruise ship and meet your local guide at the port of Invergordon. From there, travel to Beauly Priory, an ancient monastery founded around 1230 by monks from Burgundy, France. Despite its ruins, the priory retains an air of reverence and mystery. Next, journey to the famous Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness, a romantic ruin perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the loch, surrounded by waters over 600-feet deep, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster. After exploring the castle, head towards Inverness, the cultural capital of the Highlands, where you'll visit the tranquil Ness Islands and St. Andrew’s Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-style church dating back to 1869. The tour continues to the historic Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising in 1746, and the sacred Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site dating back over 4000 years, known for its connection to the "Outlander" series. Finally, visit Cawdor Castle, a medieval fortress with extensive gardens and grounds, before returning to Inverness and ultimately back to Invergordon. This private tour ensures a personalized experience, with small groups of 4, 6, or 8, providing the best possible adventure in the Highlands.

Discover top Highlands attractions, including Loch Ness and sites featured in the Outlander series, with this guided tour from Invergordon. Visit the local sites with your local guide around the Inverness area, starting with a visit to Cawdor Castle (about 1 hour and the entry is not included) from the famous Loch Ness , Culloden and more and learn the history of the Scottish Clans. Try our world award winning local Gin or Whisky at a local distillery Beauly Priory, located in the picturesque village of Beauly in the Scottish Highlands, offers a glimpse into medieval history. Founded in 1230, this tranquil site features the impressive ruins of an ancient Augustinian priory. Visitors can explore the atmospheric remains, including the stunning east window, and enjoy the surrounding peaceful gardens. The priory’s serene setting, with views of the Beauly Firth, makes it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. We visit Inverness, where time is available to visit the cathedral and also to enjoy a lunchtime snack or lunch – many options available. We then continue our tour to Urquhart Castle, where we spend approximately 1hr- 1hr and 30 minutes. A fun full day of things to see and try all in one day for guests wanting a full taste of the highlands within a short time frame The order of visits may change on the day according to local conditions and weather Official guide Guarantee back to ship on time If your ship does not port, then we offer a 100% refund

Discover some of the most amazing sights, sounds and tastes the highlands has to offer with tours from invergordon cruise port. our local guide will meet you as you disembark from your cruise ship and take you on a scottish highland shore excursion like no other. Go on your own personal highland adventure, taking in the natural beauty of Dornoch and Millionaire’s View points and then Delve into the history of Dunrobin Castle, gardens and grounds, on to loch fleet a sea loch were can see seals if were are lucky and take time for culture and shopping at the famous town of Dornoch. Finally sample one of our well-known exports, the ‘water of life,’ at clynelish distillery, before heading back in good time to re-join your ship.

From Invergordon we will head north over Struie Hill which will afford magnificent views of the hills and glens of the Kyle of Sutherland. Taking in the wonderful Falls of Shin where depending on the time of year the leaping Salmon may make an appearance as they attempt to return to the spawning grounds. Thereafter travel through the townships of Lairg and Rogart as we head to Dunrobin Castle. Time here to absorb the castle and the impressive castle gardens and witness the Falconry display on the shores of the North sea. Thereafter a visit to the Nature reserve at Loch Fleet where the basking seals can be seen taking in the sun when the tide is out. (Seals are not always visible very much dependant on the tide). A trip into the picturesque town of Dornoch with its quaint shopping boutiques and welcoming cafes. Finishing the day of with a wee dram at the choice of Glenmorangie or Balblair Distillery before returning to Invergordon and the ship.

Sit back and relax in the confines of a private tour within executive vehicle solely for your use. Travel through the wonderful scenery on route to a variety of locations that are steeped in history, mythical stories and wonderful scenic views. Opportunity to walk the Culloden Battlefield, crossing the lines of where both the Jacobite and the Government forces assembled on that fateful day. Visit the memorial cairn, Clan stones including the Outlander Fraser Stone. Continue the Outlander theme with a visit to the 4000 yr old standing stones at the Clava Cairns. What affect will touching the "transporting stone" have on you? Opportunity relate to the "Thane of Cawdor" as referred to by William Shakespeare as we visit Cawdor castle and its magnificent gardens (admission fee required) walk within the castle where castle staff can provide further detail in respect of the castle itself. Will you be one who witnesses Nessie making an appearance as we travel alongside Loch Ness dropping down to the shores itself. Thereafter head across the Abrichan hills on route to the picturesque village of Beauly. Visit the ruins of the 12th Century "Old Priory" building. Following a walk in Beauly time dependant there maybe opportunity to visit the Singleton Distillery at Muir of Ord where the distilleries wares are on sale alongside the various tastings that they offer. Thereafter head back towards Invergordon and the cruise liner.