Invergordon: Cawdor Castle, Culloden, and Loch Ness Tour

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.