Invergordon Cruise Excursion PRIVATE Tour

Invergordon Cruise Excursion PRIVATE Tour: An Exclusive Highlands Adventure

This private tour from Invergordon Cruise Port offers a personalized journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic and lesser-seen spots in the Highlands. Priced at $880.40 per group (up to 7 people), it provides a flexible itinerary that can be tailored to suit your interests, making it ideal for small groups seeking an intimate experience. Lasting approximately 6 to 8 hours, this tour combines history, scenery, and local flavors, with many stops designed to showcase both famous landmarks and hidden gems off the typical tourist trail.

What sets this private excursion apart is the ability to customize your day, guided by knowledgeable locals who bring a personal touch to each location. From prehistoric sites to distilleries, and Loch Ness cruises to scenic woodland walks, the options allow for a rich, varied exploration of the Highlands. While entry fees for some attractions like Culloden Battlefield and the Singleton Distillery are extra, the tour provides comfortable private transport, bottled water, and WiFi, ensuring a practical and enjoyable experience. This tour is best suited for those who cherish flexibility and a deeper connection with Scotland’s scenic and historical landscape.

Key Points

• Exclusive private tour for groups of up to 7, priced at $880.40
• Duration of 6 to 8 hours, with flexible itinerary options
• Stops include prehistoric sites, battlefield, distillery, Loch Ness cruise, and woodland walk
• Guides are knowledgeable, with reviews highlighting their personal touch and expertise
• Entry fees for some attractions like Culloden Battlefield and Singleton Distillery are not included
• Tour begins at Invergordon Cruise Port at 9:00 am, with WiFi and bottled water provided

Starting Point at Invergordon Cruise Port

The tour departs directly from Invergordon Cruise Port, specifically at the Oilfield Support Base on Shore Rd. The private vehicle is air-conditioned and equipped with WiFi, making the journey comfortable and connected. The 9:00 am start allows ample time to explore multiple sites over the course of the day, with the tour concluding back at the same meeting point.

Customizable Itinerary: Choose Your Highland Highlights

This tour’s greatest strength is its customization. While the itinerary includes a suggested selection, guides are happy to discuss preferences and design a day that matches your interests. The options range from prehistoric burial sites like Clava Cairns to historically significant battlegrounds like Culloden, or scenic walks through Reelig Glen. This flexibility ensures a personalized experience that aligns with your curiosity and pace.

Exploring Clava Cairns: Prehistoric Scotland

First, the tour visits Clava Cairns, a well-preserved prehistoric burial site featuring standing stones and cairns. This 30-minute stop is free of charge and offers insight into Scotland’s ancient past. The site’s atmospheric stone circles and burial chambers provide a quiet, contemplative moment in the early part of the day.

Culloden Battlefield: Interactive History

Next, the tour takes you to Culloden Battlefield, where an interactive visitor centre and a battlefield tour bring the 1746 clash to life. The site’s significance in Scottish history is palpable, and visitors can learn about the Jacobite uprising. Entry fees are not included, costing approximately £13 per person, which can be paid on-site if desired.

Lunch at An Talla Restaurant and Caledonian Canal Walk

For lunch, the tour pauses at An Talla Restaurant at Dochgarroch Lock, where a relaxing hour is spent enjoying local cuisine. The restaurant offers views of the Caledonian Canal, and visitors may see Highland Cows up close. After eating, a walk along the canal provides a scenic break and a chance to stretch the legs.

Whisky and Gin: Distillery Visits

The highlight for many is the visit to the Singleton Distillery, re-launched in July 2022 with a modern look and new tour options. The 30-minute visit introduces Scotland’s renowned whisky craftsmanship; however, tour fees are extra (around £20 per person). Later, the Great Glen Distillery offers a taste of small-batch gin, crafted amidst the natural landscape, with a free stop for those interested in Scottish spirits.

Inverness: The Gateway to the Highlands

The tour provides a 30-minute free time in Inverness, often called the “Gateway to the Highlands.” This allows for brief explorations of Inverness Castle, the Victorian Market, or a stroll along River Ness. It’s an excellent opportunity for quick shopping or sightseeing before heading to other scenic stops.

Reelig Glen Highland Walk: Ancient Forests

A scenic 45-minute walk through Reelig Glen showcases the natural beauty of the Highlands. The gorge features a mix of conifer and broadleaved trees, with some Douglas Fir trees soaring over 170 feet. The most notable is Dùghall Mòr, a Douglas Fir over 200 feet tall, once the tallest tree in Britain. This peaceful walk appeals to nature lovers and those seeking fresh air.

Loch Ness Cruise with Jacobite Cruises

One of the tour’s signature experiences is the Loch Ness cruise with Jacobite Cruises. The 1-hour boat ride offers stunning views of the loch’s castles, monuments, and scenery, with a chance—albeit slim—to spot Nessie. The cruise is not included in the price but adds a memorable element to the day.

Urquhart Castle: Historic Ruins by Loch Ness

Disembarking at Urquhart Castle, visitors explore over 1,000 years of history at one of Loch Ness’s most famous landmarks. The castle’s dramatic setting on the loch’s shore makes it a picturesque and historically rich stop. Entry fees are not included and are payable on site if you wish to explore further.

Sample Local Spirits at Great Glen Distillery

The tour concludes with a visit to Great Glen Distillery, Scotland’s smallest craft distillery. Known for its earthy gin inspired by the wild landscape, this 30-minute stop is free and offers a taste of local craftsmanship.

Practical Details and Booking

This private tour features Bottled water, WiFi, and air-conditioned transport throughout the day. The tour can accommodate most travelers, including service animals, and begins sharply at 9:00 am. Booking is recommended 173 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind for planning.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour suits small groups seeking a personalized Scottish Highlands experience. Its mix of historic sites, scenic walks, distillery visits, and Loch Ness makes it ideal for travelers interested in history, nature, and local culture. The flexibility allows for a tailored day, but those expecting a rigid schedule or fixed itinerary should be aware that stops and timings can vary.

Final Thoughts on the Invergordon Private Tour

This customizable excursion offers a well-rounded look at the Highlands, with highlights like Culloden, Loch Ness, and Reelig Glen balanced with the flexibility to include other attractions. The presence of knowledgeable guides, praised for their personal approach and expertise, enriches each stop. The private nature of the trip ensures a comfortable and intimate experience, especially suited for small groups or families aiming for a personalized adventure.

However, keep in mind that entry fees for some attractions are not included, and the tour requires good weather for outdoor stops. Its cost reflects the exclusivity and flexibility, making it a worthwhile investment for those who value a tailored day with local insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but the physical demands are minimal, and outdoor scenic walks are optional.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. Guides are happy to discuss preferences and tailor stops to your interests.

Are meal options available during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a leisurely lunch at An Talla Restaurant at Dochgarroch Lock, with views of the Caledonian Canal.

Are entry fees included?
No, fees for Culloden Battlefield and Singleton Distillery are not included but can be paid on-site.

What’s the duration of the Loch Ness cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour, offering scenic views and a chance to see Nessie.

Is WiFi available during the tour?
Yes, WiFi is provided on the private vehicle, along with bottled water.

How early should I book this tour?
Bookings are typically made around 173 days in advance, due to its popularity.

What makes this tour different from other Highland excursions?
Its private, customizable nature and small group size provide a more personal and flexible experience.

What are the start and end times?
The tour begins at 9:00 am at Invergordon Cruise Port and returns to the same location at the end of the day.

Is this tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Most stops are outdoors and require minimal walking; however, specific accessibility details are not provided.

This private Invergordon tour promises a tailored, insightful exploration of Scotland’s Highland treasures, combining history, nature, and local craftsmanship in one memorable day.