Invergordon Shore Excursion Loch Ness, Distillery and Castles

Experience the Scottish Highlands at Your Pace

This Invergordon shore excursion costs $95.80 per person and lasts about 7 hours and 30 minutes. Designed for cruise travelers, it offers visits to Cawdor Castle, a traditional whisky distillery, and iconic sights around Loch Ness. The tour includes comfortable transportation, a local guide, and a pick-up from the cruise port, making it straightforward for those wanting a comprehensive Highlands adventure.

While the tour covers many highlights, it’s important to note that entrance fees for castles are not included in the price. These fees are roughly £14-£16 per site and can be reserved separately. The tour’s strength lies in its blending of history, whisky, and scenic views, though the reviews suggest that timing and guide availability can sometimes affect the overall experience.

Key Points

• Cost: $95.80 per person for a half-day Highlands tour
• Duration: Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes
• Main stops: Cawdor Castle, Ben Nevis Distillery, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness
• Highlights: Scenic drives, castle exteriors and gardens, whisky sampling, Loch Ness views
• Considerations: Optional castle entrance fees, guide availability can vary, timing may be tight

Invergordon as a Gateway to the Highlands

The tour begins at the Invergordon cruise port, located at Oilfield Support Base, Shore Rd. From here, travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle operated by a local guide. The small group size, limited to 32 travelers, ensures a comfortable journey with personalized attention. The pickup is coordinated directly from the cruise ship, making the start smooth and hassle-free.

The town of Invergordon itself is known for its maritime history and offers a charming entry point into the Scottish Highlands. The tour then moves out of the port towards the scenic landscapes that characterize this region.

Visiting Cawdor Castle: Macbeth’s Connection and Gardens

The first major stop is Cawdor Castle, located near Nairn. Built in the 14th century, it is famous for its links to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and its beautifully maintained gardens. The castle is known for its elegant rooms and picturesque setting, offering a glimpse into medieval Scotland.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the exterior and gardens at their leisure; however, the admission ticket is not included in the tour price. The cost for entry is around £14. The one-hour stop provides enough time for photos and a brief walk through the castle grounds, but a longer visit would require a separate ticket.

Whisky Tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery

Next is a visit to the Ben Nevis Distillery in Fort William, founded in 1825, making it one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries. Located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, it offers a guided tour that explains the whisky-making process.

The tour includes an opportunity for sampling a fine dram, which whisky enthusiasts often find enjoyable. Like the castles, admission is not included in the main price, and the entry fee is approximately £14. The one-hour visit emphasizes understanding Scotland’s iconic drink and enjoying a tasting session.

Scenic Drive-by of Loch Ness

After the distillery, the tour proceeds to Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. The drive-by lasts about 20 minutes, offering stunning views of this legendary loch. Travelers do not stop for a cruise on Loch Ness as part of this trip; instead, the focus is on the scenic outlooks and the mystique of Nessie.

This quick drive-by provides a taste of Loch Ness’s vastness and beauty, setting the scene for the next stop at Urquhart Castle.

Exploring Urquhart Castle Ruins on Loch Ness

At Urquhart Castle, visitors have 45 minutes to walk around the imposing medieval ruins on the banks of Loch Ness. The castle has a history of importance in Scotland’s past, once serving as a fortress that played a key role in medieval conflicts.

While admission fees are not included, roughly £14 is needed for entry if visitors wish to explore the interior. The castle exterior and views over Loch Ness are accessible without extra charge. The short stop allows for photos and wandering the ruins, though more time would offer a deeper experience.

Brief Tour of Inverness and Inverness Cathedral

The final stops are Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and the Inverness Cathedral. The scenic drive through Inverness takes about 20 minutes, offering a quick glimpse of the town’s charming streets and vibrant atmosphere.

The cathedral visit lasts around 30 minutes, giving travelers a chance to appreciate its impressive architecture and peaceful setting. Both the drive and cathedral visit are free of charge. The tour then concludes with a return in the air-conditioned vehicle to the cruise port.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour includes a mobile ticket, and travelers should be prepared for a moderate physical level due to walking around castles and uneven terrain. The meeting point is clearly designated at the Invergordon cruise port, with guide identification provided.

It’s worth noting that castle entry is optional and involves an additional cost. Bookings for the castle tickets can be made separately via a provided link. Timing may be tight, especially if visiting castles or enjoying more extensive exploration, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Special Notice for Nieuw Statendam Guests

On August 6, for guests aboard the Nieuw Statendam, the tour duration is reduced to 6 hours due to porting times. The Urquhart Castle visit is omitted in this case, focusing on Cawdor Castle, the distillery, and Inverness sightseeing. Guests will return to the ship by 5:00 pm.

Overall Value and Experience

This shore excursion offers a well-rounded introduction to Scotland’s Highlands, combining history, scenic views, and whisky tasting. Many praise the comfortable coach and the knowledgeable guides, though some reviews indicate that timing issues and guide availability can occasionally affect the experience.

The cost covers most key sites, but additional entrance fees are extra. The small group size and local transportation help maintain a pleasant pace, especially for those interested in a comprehensive Highlands overview within a limited timeframe.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits those wanting a mix of castles, whisky, and Loch Ness without the need for long hikes or strenuous activities. It’s ideal for cruise passengers seeking a structured, guided day that highlights Scotland’s most iconic sights. History buffs, whisky lovers, and scenic drive fans will find it particularly satisfying, provided they are comfortable with optional extra costs and timed stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The air-conditioned vehicle, local guide, and pick-up from the cruise port are included. Entrance fees to castles and distilleries are not included but can be booked separately.

How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is about 7 hours and 30 minutes, but it may be shorter on specific dates, such as August 6, when it is 6 hours.

Are there any optional extras I should budget for?
Yes, castle entry fees (about £14-£16) are not included. These can be purchased separately after booking.

What stops are included in the tour?
Stops include Cawdor Castle, a whisky distillery, a drive-by of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle ruins, and a quick Inverness sightseeing drive, plus a visit to Inverness Cathedral.

Is the tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Yes, a moderate physical level is recommended due to walking around castles and uneven terrain.

Can I visit inside the castles?
Yes, but entrance is optional and involves an additional fee. The exterior and gardens can be appreciated without extra cost.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the weather prevents the tour from happening.

How do I reserve castle tickets?
A separate link will be provided after booking to reserve castle tickets in advance.

What if the guide is unavailable?
In case of guide absence, Emma, a local driver, steps in to lead the tour, as noted in recent reviews.

Is this tour good value for money?
Most find the price reasonable given the number of stops and experiences, though some feel entrance fees should be included for better value.

This Invergordon Shore Excursion offers a practical, scenic, and cultural taste of the Highlands, making it a worthwhile choice for cruise travelers wanting a structured day filled with Scottish castle visits, whisky, and Loch Ness views.