1 day tour
Highland Shore Excursion
From
£75.00
Tour Summary
The Highland Shore Excursion
One day tour
Sample the delights of the Highlands in a single day, starting with a trip back in time to medieval Cawdor Castle. Enjoy free time in Inverness and admire its many landmarks. Keep your eye peeled during our stop at Loch Ness – just in case! Soak up the atmosphere in stunning Beauly before sampling the finest malt during a guided tour of Glen Ord Distillery.
Cawdor Castle - explore this charming castle, home to the Cawdor family for over 600 years
Inverness - discover the history of the Highland “Capital” during a panoramic tour, then enjoy free time for lunch
Loch Ness - stop by the banks of the loch for some “monster-spotting.”
Beauly - view the ancient priory and see why the monks called this town “Beau Lieu” - beautiful place
Glen Ord Distillery - learn the traditional methods used to create Scotland’s national drink and enjoy a wee dram!
Nature - during the tour, look out for local wildlife, including seals, oystercatchers, herons and red kites
Movie locations - The BFG, The Land That Time Forgot and Highlander
Full Tour Itinerary
After being welcomed ashore in Invergordon, we head south, hugging the shore of the Cromarty Firth until our adventure sees us head westwards through the Scottish Highlands.
Peaceful pines and rolling hills lead us to the conservation village of Cawdor and the delightful Cawdor Castle. Here, we stop while you learn more about its 700-year history and fascinating links to Macbeth. The lush gardens also provide plenty of opportunity to explore.
We leave Nairnshire behind and head for Clava Cairns, a fascinating Bronze Age burial site offering a glimpse into life over 4,000 years ago. Next, our Invergordon shore excursion takes us to Dores Beach on the banks of Loch Ness.
No visit would be complete without a search for its most famous resident, so we’ll ensure there’s plenty of time for photos, just in case Nessie is feeling friendly.
A break for lunch is next, and where better than the capital of the Highlands – Inverness. Food is not the only thing on the menu, as we enjoy a panoramic tour of city landmarks, including the Tollbooth Steeple, with its three brass bells, and Inverness Castle, which dates back to the 12th century.
Later, after driving through atmospheric Glen Convinth, enjoy a stroll around Beauly, which literally means ‘beautiful place’, before our final stop at Glen Ord Distillery. Here you’ll enjoy a guided tour and a dram of Scotland’s national drink – so you can toast the day before heading back to Invergordon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Shore Excursion Tour?
From the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands to the vibrant character of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, every moment ashore in Scotland offers the chance to craft your own unforgettable story. Explore iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh or Stirling Castle, experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, and ponder the enduring mystery of Loch Ness.
Each tour is thoughtfully planned to match your ship’s itinerary, ensuring your guide is ready to welcome you ashore and that you return to port in plenty of time for the sail-away.
Your excursion will be led by a knowledgeable local guide or driver‑guide, who will provide engaging and informative commentary in English throughout the day.
As with all our tours, these shore excursions include well‑timed stops and free time at key points of interest. Tickets for featured attractions can be purchased on the day of your tour.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
To give you complete choice, admission fees are not included in the tour price.
The tour itinerary has been designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
The links above provide more information about these attractions. Tickets can be purchased on the day of your tour.
We recommend bringing sufficient cash to pay for your tickets.
What dates/ships will this tour operate for?
The shore excursion has been carefully designed to meet the docking time of these cruise ships calling at Invergordon.
|
24 April 2026 |
Majestic Princess |
Invergordon |
|
06 May 2026 |
Majestic Princess |
Invergordon |
|
30 May 2026 |
Majestic Princess |
Invergordon |
|
06 June 2026 |
Majestic Princess |
Invergordon |
|
17 July 2026 |
Majestic Princess |
Invergordon |
|
29 July 2026 |
Majestic Princess |
Invergordon |
|
22 August 2026 |
Majestic Princess |
Invergordon |
|
15 September 2026 |
Majestic Princess |
Invergordon |
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.
Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.
Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
What should I bring with me?
As we like to give you as much time off the coach as possible with the opportunity for walks, we recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, wear comfortable walking shoes and take sun-block or a hat for sunny days.
Don't forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you'll encounter on your tour!
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