Invergordon Shore excursion, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness

The Invergordon Shore excursion offers a private day tour through the stunning Scottish Highlands, tailor-made for small groups of up to four people at a price of $900 per group. This full-day experience takes you from the Invergordon cruise port to iconic historic sites, scenic landscapes, and mythical legends, with an emphasis on comfort and personalized attention. The tour lasts approximately one day, with flexible start times depending on your cruise schedule, making it an excellent choice for those wanting an intimate, in-depth look at this captivating region.

What sets this tour apart is its private format, providing a luxurious ride in an executive vehicle equipped with bottled water, charging points, and C2C cables. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you get a relaxed pace to explore Culloden Battlefield, walk through Clava Cairns, visit Cawdor Castle, and enjoy a photo stop at Loch Ness—with the fun possibility of spotting Nessie. The tour also includes a visit to the 12th-century Old Priory in Beauly and an optional stop at the Singleton Distillery for local whisky tastings, offering a well-rounded experience that combines history, myth, and scenic beauty.

While the tour is rich in highlights, it’s worth noting that admission fees for some sites—like Cawdor Castle and the Culloden Centre—are not included in the price. This allows flexibility based on your interests, whether you want to explore castle grounds or focus solely on outdoor sites. The tour’s small group size and private vehicle make it ideal for travelers seeking a personalized, flexible, and relaxed day out in the Highlands.

Key Points

• Private guided tour for up to four people at $900.
• Visits to Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness, and Beauly.
• Tour duration is approximately one day, with flexible start times.
• Includes transport in an air-conditioned executive vehicle with bottled water and charging points.
• Optional distillery visit at Singleton of Glen Ord with tastings.
• Admission fees for some sites are not included, allowing customization.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at Invergordon Cruise Port for a Scenic Highlands Trip

The tour begins directly from the Invergordon Cruise Port, where the driver awaits with a nameboard. From here, you’ll travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle that is reserved exclusively for your group, ensuring comfort and privacy throughout the day. The journey is designed to be relaxed, with plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands, including views of Loch Ness and the rolling hills of the Aberdeenshire hills.

This setup is ideal for cruise passengers eager to maximize their time ashore with a personalized experience. The meet and greet process is straightforward, and the drop-off is back at the port, making logistics simple and stress-free.

Culloden Battlefield: Walking Through a Pivotal Moment in Scottish History

The Culloden Battlefield is a key highlight of the tour, where a guided walk takes you through the site of the 1746 Jacobite Rising. You’ll see the memorial cairn marking the battlefield, along with Clan stones, including the Outlander Fraser Stone. The guide explains the significance of each location and recounts the story of the battle that changed Scottish history.

A visit to the visitor centre offers an audio-visual presentation—though this incurs an admission fee separate from the tour. The battlefield itself is free to walk, giving you the chance to stand on the ground where the historic forces assembled.

Clava Cairns: Mystical Standing Stones with a Mythical Twist

Next, the tour takes you to the Clava Cairns, a collection of 4000-year-old standing stones with a strong connection to the popular Outlander series. Walking among these ancient stones offers a sense of connection to Scotland’s distant past. Touching the “transporting stone” is believed by some to have a special effect, adding a mystical element to your visit.

This site’s standing stones are a favorite for those interested in history and the fictional stories inspired by the Highland landscape. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, giving enough time to take photos and soak in the atmosphere.

Cawdor Castle: Shakespeare’s Thane and Scottish Landmark

The tour includes a self-guided tour of Cawdor Castle, a castle with roots dating back to the 15th century. Its magnificent gardens and historic architecture make it a popular stop. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior and learn about its connection to William Shakespeare’s “Thane of Cawdor”.

Admission to Cawdor Castle and grounds is not included in the tour price, allowing flexibility for guests who wish to focus on outdoor exploration or spend more time in the gardens. The 1.5-hour visit provides a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery and learn from the castle staff about its history.

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Loch Ness: Legendary Waters and Scenic Photo Stop

The Loch Ness stop allows travelers to take photos and admire the views of Scotland’s most famous loch. The guide may also share stories about Nessie, the legendary monster said to inhabit these waters, with a good chance of seeing the loch’s vast expanse and perhaps catching a glimpse of the legendary creature.

The 30-minute stop provides an opportunity for some memorable photographs and a bit of fun myth-busting. It’s a favorite for photo enthusiasts and those curious about the monster tales.

Beauly Village and the Old Priory: Historic Charm and Picturesque Streets

In the historic village of Beauly, the tour visits the ruins of the 12th-century Old Priory. A short guided walk offers insights into the village’s medieval past and its scenic streets. Depending on timing, there may also be an opportunity to visit the Singleton Distillery at Muir of Ord, where guests can browse local products and enjoy tastings.

The 40-minute stop in Beauly adds a touch of rural charm and offers a chance to stretch your legs before heading back. The Old Priory remains a captivating reminder of the area’s long history.

Whiskey Tasting at Singleton Distillery in Muir of Ord

For those interested in Scottish whisky, the Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery provides a 30-minute visit with tastings and shopping opportunities. Guests can sample local single malt whiskeys and purchase souvenirs, making this stop a flavorful highlight of the day.

Note that this stop is optional and depends on the time available, but it offers a chance to experience a piece of Scotland’s renowned whisky culture.

Return Journey and Final Drop-Off at Invergordon

After a full day exploring historic sites, scenic landscapes, and mythical stories, the tour concludes with a drop-off back at Invergordon Cruise Port. The journey back is comfortable, allowing for reflection on the day’s highlights. The small group and private vehicle ensure a smooth, personalized end to your Scottish Highlands adventure.

Invergordon Shore Excursion: Final Thoughts on the Experience

This private tour in the Highlands offers a personalized way to explore some of Scotland’s most iconic sites—Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle, and Loch Ness—all within a single day. The customizable nature, combined with guided insights and comfortable transport, makes it suitable for travelers seeking a relaxed and intimate experience.

The inclusion of optional stops like the distillery and photos at Beauly adds flexibility and local flavor. However, travelers should plan for additional costs for entrance fees and meals, as these are not included in the tour price.

This tour appeals most to those who want a luxurious, knowledgeable, and flexible way to see the Highlands, especially if you value private transport and a small group setting. It’s a thoughtful way to combine history, legend, and scenery in one memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes, the tour starts and ends at Invergordon Cruise Port, making it convenient for cruise travelers.

What is included in the tour price?
The private guided tour, transport in an executive vehicle, bottled water, and charging points are included. Admission fees for some sites and meals are not included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour follows a set itinerary, but stops like distillery visits are optional depending on time and interest.

How long is each stop?
Stops range from 30 minutes at Loch Ness to 1.5 hours at Cawdor Castle, providing a balanced pace.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What if I want to visit Cawdor Castle?
Admission to Cawdor Castle and grounds is not included but can be purchased separately upon arrival.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and some cash or cards for optional purchases or entrance fees.

How flexible are the start times?
Start times are dependent on cruise schedule and can be checked when booking, with flexibility available.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The private, guided experience with a focus on historic sites and scenic views, plus the chance to enjoy local whisky tastings, makes it a memorable way to explore the Highlands.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby