OVERVIEW

The highlands of Scotland offer unparalleled scenic beauty, ancient landscapes and fascinating history – with superb castles, magnificent mountains and enchanting lochs. This tour offers you the opportunity to experience the best of the highlands in a day. Travel alongside the Cromarty Firth and reach the splendid Cawdor Castle, dating from the 14th century. Originally the fortress home of the Thanes of Cawdor, nowadays the castle feels like a living home, rather than a museum. You’ll learn of its rich history as you walk through rooms filled with exquisite furnishings and family keepsakes. Drive through Inverness, the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, sitting astride the tranquil River Ness. Get acquainted with this bustling town on your way to lunch. Head towards Loch Ness, made famous by the fables of Nessie. You’ll travel through the village of Drumnadrochit and on to visit Urquhart Castle, built both as a fortress and as a residence on the shores of the famous loch. Today, a jagged keep rises from crumbling walls against a lovely backdrop of loch and hills beyond. Enjoy the lovely scenery of the Scottish glens, as you continue towards Beauly, noted for its salmon river. Highland Hills form the backdrop on the last part of your journey.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through ancient landscapes of rolling hills, enchanting lochs, and majestic glens
• Drive alongside the scenic Cromarty Firth with views of mountains and rivers
• Highland hills and glens create a picture-perfect backdrop throughout the journey

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Ride a vintage train through the majestic Highlands and see indigenous Scottish animals and many exotic species in a wildlife park. You will embark the heritage train at Broomhill Station and travel through open moorland, native forests and along the meandering River Spey. The towering Cairngorms will be ever-present and quite the sight as this mountain range is among the highest in Great Britain. Upon disembarking in Aviemore, you will enjoy free time to explore this charming town in the corner of Cairngorms National Park. Besides its scenic beauty, Aviemore is known for its boutique shops and friendly pubs. In the nearby Highland Wildlife Park, you will see some of animals that inhabit the Highlands, including the Scottish wildcat, an elusive forest predator that is rarely seen in the wild. The park is also home to an array of non-native species such as Bukhara deer, Japanese macaques and Himalayan monals, the national bird of Nepal.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through the gorgeous Highlands on a steam-powered heritage train.
• Explore the quaint town of Aviemore on your own and at your own pace
• Behold indigenous Scottish animals up-close in the Highland Wildlife Park.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

A bit of history, scenic beauty and time for shopping are combined on this leisurely tour. You’ll learn history when you visit Culloden Moor Visitor Centre, where the Culloden historic battle of April 1746 is graphically described in a beautifully scripted and narrated audio visual. During your drive across Culloden Moor, you’ll see the wooden plaques explaining the clans’ battles and how they progressed. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of this area as you travel through the Highlands. You’ll see Beauly, a small typical Highland town and Loch Ness. It is impossible to drive alongside the lake without trying to spot ‘Nessie’, the legendary monster. You’ll stop at one of the lookout points along the lake with the hope to catch that ten million to one shot of ‘Nessie’. Drive across the Kessock Bridge which spans the Beauly Firth waterway, then across Black Isle to return alongside the Cromarty Firth to Invergordon. As for shopping, there are plenty of opportunities during the day. Stop at Drumnadrochit, a small village nestled on the banks of Loch Ness, where you can pick up that special souvenir of ‘Nessie’. And you’ll enjoy free time in Inverness after a panoramic drive to acquaint you with the ‘Capital of the Highlands’. You’ll find a wide variety of specialty shops where you’ll find anything and everything to complete your shopping experience. Lunch will be served at one of Inverness’ delightful hotels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through picturesque Highland countryside.
• Visit a charming Highland town.
• Enjoy views of the legendary lake and stop at a lookout point to try spotting "Nessie".

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Cruise along the shores of legendary Loch Ness, a spectacularly beautiful freshwater lake that a notoriously shy sea creature is said to inhabit. After a wonderfully scenic drive south to Dochgarroch Lock, you will board the boat and head out into the lengthy loch, which holds more water than any other lake in Great Britain. There have been sightings of a long-necked plesiosaur-like creature lurking in its depths for centuries, but the search for “Nessie” didn’t reach a fever pitch until a somewhat blurry picture of the monster was taken in 1933. The search for the famed Loch Ness monster continues today, so keep your camera ready. Even if you don’t spot anything unusual breaching the water’s surface, there will be plenty of extraordinary sights along the way. The loch’s coastline is quintessentially Scottish and the ruins of Urquhart Castle – one of the country’s largest medieval fortifications – blanket one of the headlands.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the natural beauty while cruising Loch Ness, a long and narrow freshwater lake.
• Hear tales of the famed Loch Ness monster that supposedly inhabits the deep, dark waters.
• Pass the ruins of Urquhart Castle, a massive medieval fortification perched on a headland.
• Travel through the gorgeous Scottish countryside on the way to and from Loch Ness.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

You can't visit Scotland without trying to find Nessie at Loch Ness or visiting one of its many castles. This tour introduces you to beautiful Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the vibrant city of Inverness. Your scenic drive takes you through the village of Drumnadrochit and on to Urquhart Castle for a visit. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, it was built both as a fortress and as a residence. The tower house and the visitor center’s veranda offer splendid views of the loch. No lake is more famous than Loch Ness, thanks to its legendary resident – Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Although its possible existence is still a matter speculation, you might be lucky enough to see it. Travel alongside Loch Ness and into Inverness for a brief orientation drive. Cross the modern and elegant Kessock Bridge which spans the Beauty Firth, and links the Northern and Southern Highlands and then across Black Isle to return alongside Cromarty Firth.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Loch Ness, famous for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, Nessie.
• Visit Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s largest castles, offering fortress and residential history.
• Enjoy spectacular views of Loch Ness from the castle’s tower house and visitor center veranda.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Grab your kilt and join us for a scenic excursion to the battlefield of Culloden Moor and an inside visit to enchanting Cawdor Castle. Your journey south from Invergordon follows the banks of the Cromarty Firth, crosses pastoral fields and woodlands, and skirts dolphin-filled Moray Firth enroute to the eerie, windswept site of the last battle fought on British soil. It was 1746 and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebelling Jacobites famously lost at Culloden, ending their bid to reinstate a Stuart to the throne. A few miles further on is splendid Cawdor Castle, considered the most romantic in the Highlands. Cawdor has been home to the same family for 600 years, and it shows. Crossing an authentic drawbridge, you’ll tour the castle’s classic interior of low doorways, winding stairways, and windows set deep in massive walls. Despite all the stone, the sumptuous atmosphere is so warm and personal you’ll get a vivid sense of what life has been like here ever since medieval times. The beautiful surrounding gardens add even more romance to the visit. Fruit orchards, flowers and veg grow in profusion along with theme plantings of all types. You’ll have some time to roam and be beguiled here.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stand in the moorland where the Battle of Culloden took place 250 years ago, and Scotland’s history changed forever.
• Visit Cawdor Castle, a medieval landmark considered the Highlands’ most romantic ancestral home.
• Tour an interior that’s classic “castle,” yet sumptuously furnished for an undeniably warm, lived-in feel.
• See rooms lined with family portraits, fabulous tapestries, even a fully-operational Old Kitchen.
• Outside, stroll Cawdor’s grounds – a wonderland of themed gardens and wooded paths.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

The Earldom of Sutherland is one of the seven ancient earldoms of Scotland and the Sutherlands were one of the most powerful families in Britain who at one time, were the largest landowners in Western Europe. It is against this great historical background you visit Dunrobin Castle. Standing amidst lush, formal gardens that overlook the sea, this white stone chateau contrasts sharply with the usual dark stone Scottish castles. The original keep is still at its heart and your tour of the castle gives you an illuminating impression of the development of architectural styles over the centuries. Seeing the state rooms, bedrooms and nurseries gives you an interesting insight into the lifestyle of the Dukes of Sutherland in Victorian times. The furniture, pictures – including some Canalettos – family heirlooms, and objects d’art have been carefully displayed in their original settings, creating a true reflection of Dunrobin Castle as a family home and not simply as an historical exhibit. You’ll also visit the Dunrobin Castle gardens, equally as grand as the castle, and modeled after those at Versailles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• An elegant white-stone chateau, distinct from typical dark Scottish castles, Set amidst lush formal gardens with sweeping views of the sea.
• Explore Victorian-era state rooms, bedrooms, nurseries.
• A perfect blend of nature, design, and historical grandeur

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Embark on a scenic journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands as you discover the heritage and craft of traditional whisky making. Departing from Invergordon, enjoy a relaxing drive through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, lochs, and ancient glens en route to one of the region’s renowned distilleries. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by expert guides who will walk you through the time-honoured distillation process – from mashing and fermentation to the copper stills and oak cask maturation. Learn about the unique characteristics that define Highland single malts and the art behind their smooth, complex flavour. The tour concludes with a guided tasting session, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a selection of whiskies and perhaps discover a new favourite. There will also be time to browse the distillery shop for exclusive bottlings and locally crafted souvenirs before returning to Invergordon. This immersive tour offers the perfect blend of Highland charm, scenic beauty, and world-class whisky – a must-do for enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach across the Highlands to visit a site dear to every Scottish whisky-drinker’s heart.
• Spend awhile at the admiring the exhibits at the Visitor Center or shopping the tempting wares at the distillery store.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

This transfer is the ideal solution for independent-minded travelers who prefer to explore destinations at their own pace and discretion. From your ship in Invergordon, board a comfortable motor coach for a scenic journey to the center of Inverness, Capital of the Highlands. There’s much to see and do in this historic town along the River Ness with its thriving cultural, crafts and dining scene. And you’ll have about three hours of free time to discover whatever strikes your fancy here. While this is a self-guided experience, your coach escort will be happy to answer any questions you may have about how to make the best of your time here. Then, you’re on your own. At a prearranged hour and location, you’ll need to be back to rejoin the coach for the return drive to the pier. Plan this step wisely: those who run late for pickup must make their own way back to the ship, at their own expense.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Express your independence and keen traveler instincts by creating your own half-day in Inverness.
• Travel by coach across the Highlands countryside to a convenient spot in the center of town.
• Before striking out on your own for about 4.5 hours, make use of your coach escort’s local knowledge to plan out your itinerary. Or just wander and let it happen naturally.
• Make sure to be back at the prearranged time and place for the coach return to Invergordon.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.