PLEASE NOTE: In the 2026 cruise ship season this tour will no longer visit the Nessie Centre. Instead it will go to Outlander’s Clava Cairns, used for the idea of Creag na Dun.
This tour visits Loch Ness and the visitor centre to learn all about Nessie and it goes to tour Urquhart castle. You’ll see Inverness too and highland cows.
Our tour is based on a quality experience from feedback from our customers in 2019. We are a new company who aim to please and our guides will offer you local knowledge and answer all your questions.
Our tour will depart 30 minutes to 1.5 hours after the ship’s arrival.
This tour can be in anything from 8 seaters to 49 seaters depending on numbers.
Duration: 8 hours: 6-8 hours depending on ship departure time.<br/>4 or 8 seater vehicle
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Culloden Battlefield
• Culloden Moor, just outside Inverness, is the site of the Battle of Culloden (16 April 1746), the last pitched battle fought on British soil.
• It marked the end of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart – “Bonnie Prince Charlie” – tried to reclaim the throne for the exiled Stuart dynasty.
• The Jacobite army, made up largely of Highland clansmen, faced the government forces of the Duke of Cumberland.
• The Clava Cairns are a group of Bronze Age burial cairns, about 4,000 years old, located near Culloden Battlefield, just outside Inverness.
• The site includes passage graves, ring cairns, standing stones, and kerb cairns, arranged in a circular pattern.
• Fans of the TV series Outlander will recognise Clava Cairns as the inspiration for the fictional Craigh na Dun, where Claire Randall is transported back in time through the standing stones.
• While Clava Cairns itself doesn’t have a magical “split stone” like in the series, the setting – with its circle of standing stones – feels very similar.
Arrive Inverness city centre where your entrance is included to Inverness Castle’s new viewing gallery. See right across the city. Visit Flora MacDonald’s statue outside the castle and see the shops and cafes in Inverness. Maybe try a local beer in the oldest bar in Inverness, the Gellions, dating back to 1841.
Unfortunately only photos until 2024 as vast he is clouded for complete renovation.
Leave the village Drumnadrochit then back to the ship via wild land 1000 feet up a mountain the dropping down into the village of Beauly, passing by the ancient Priory.
See real life highland coos and alpacas at Robertson’s farm on the outskirts of Beauly
Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle as well as the video centre. Watch a 6 minute historic video with own language subtitles. Wander down to the ruins or browse the shop or cafe.
Pass through the quaint village stopping when you visit the Nessie centre and gin shop
Travel beside Loch Ness for 15 miles, stopping for photos of Nessie (if you’re very lucky).
Structure
• The viaduct is the longest masonry viaduct in Scotland, stretching 1,800 feet (549 metres).
• It is made of red sandstone and consists of 29 graceful arches, each about 50 feet high.
• The viaduct has a sweeping curve, giving it a very elegant appearance across the landscape.
In 2026 walk from the shop along the designated pathway a few hundred yards to the west harbour, cross at the pedestrian crossing to meet the independent tour guides. Thistle guides wear purple/burgundy (females), and carry clipboards saying Thistle Excursions. There may also be Thistle flags.
You do not need to print off a ticket or show us. Once we have confirmed to you, then you are on our list of names and we will tick you off as you arrive. We like to make it simple.
Invergordon is a charming town in the Scottish Highlands, known for its historic castle ruins, picturesque coastline, and as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the north. It offers a blend of maritime heritage, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities.
The ruins of Invergordon Castle offer a glimpse into the town's medieval past. The castle was once a stronghold of the Bishops of Ross.
This small but informative museum showcases the town's maritime and industrial history, including exhibits on the local shipbuilding industry.
The Cromarty Firth is a stunning estuary offering beautiful coastal views, wildlife spotting, and various water activities.
A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, traditionally cooked in a sheep's stomach.
A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions, originating from the nearby town of Cullen.
A traditional Scottish biscuit made from butter, sugar, and flour, often served with tea or coffee.
Summer is the best time to visit Invergordon for pleasant weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring the outdoors and attending local festivals.
British Pound (GBP)
GMT+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
230VV, 50HzHz
Invergordon is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions.
Invergordon Station
Invergordon Bus Station
Buses are the primary mode of public transport, connecting Invergordon to surrounding towns and attractions.
Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps
Car, Bike, Scooter
Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and offers a wealth of historical sites, museums, and shopping.
Cromarty is a charming coastal town known for its historic buildings, scenic views, and dolphin-spotting opportunities.
Price varies by option