Urquhart Castle, Culloden, Clava Cairns, Loch Ness
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Urquhart Castle, Culloden, Clava Cairns, Loch Ness

Active
(103 reviews)
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness etc

Duration: 8 hours: 6-8 hours depending on ship departure time.<br/>4 or 8 seater vehicle

What's included

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1



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.

2
Stop 2

• 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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

See real life highland coos and alpacas at Robertson’s farm on the outskirts of Beauly

6
Stop 6

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.

7

Pass through the quaint village stopping when you visit the Nessie centre and gin shop

8
Stop 8

Travel beside Loch Ness for 15 miles, stopping for photos of Nessie (if you’re very lucky).

9

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.

What's not included

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
46 reviews
5★
40
4★
3
3★
2
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.8
57 reviews
5★
50
4★
4
3★
2
2★
0
1★
1

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

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.

Important notes

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.

About Invergordon

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.

Top Attractions

Invergordon Castle

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.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Invergordon Museum

This small but informative museum showcases the town's maritime and industrial history, including exhibits on the local shipbuilding industry.

Museum 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Cromarty Firth

The Cromarty Firth is a stunning estuary offering beautiful coastal views, wildlife spotting, and various water activities.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (boat tours may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

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.

Main Dish Not vegetarian or vegan, contains gluten

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions, originating from the nearby town of Cullen.

Soup Contains fish, gluten-free if made without oats

Shortbread

A traditional Scottish biscuit made from butter, sugar, and flour, often served with tea or coffee.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Boat tours Wildlife spotting Scenic walks Dining at local restaurants Visiting cafes Visiting museums Exploring historical sites

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the best time to visit Invergordon for pleasant weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring the outdoors and attending local festivals.

12°C to 18°C 54°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Invergordon is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas
  • • Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in tourist spots
  • • Use reputable taxi services and agree on fares in advance

Getting there

By air
  • Inverness Airport • 30 miles (48 km)
By train

Invergordon Station

By bus

Invergordon Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport, connecting Invergordon to surrounding towns and attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Seafront

Day trips

Inverness
20 miles (32 km) • Half day

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and offers a wealth of historical sites, museums, and shopping.

Cromarty
10 miles (16 km) • Half day

Cromarty is a charming coastal town known for its historic buildings, scenic views, and dolphin-spotting opportunities.

Festivals

Invergordon Highland Games • July Invergordon Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

  • Visit Invergordon Castle at different times of the day for the best photo opportunities
  • Try local seafood dishes, especially those featuring haddock from the Cromarty Firth
  • Explore the town's museums and historical sites to gain a deeper understanding of its maritime heritage
  • Take a boat tour to spot dolphins and other wildlife in the Cromarty Firth
  • Visit during the Highland Games for a lively and festive atmosphere
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-100
1
Childs
Age 6-11
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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