Meandering through The Highlands of Scotland (North)
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Meandering through The Highlands of Scotland (North)

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(2 reviews)
9h
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

Let's Meander! North, South, East or West.. You choose. We can create a fantastically memorable road trip by exploring the myriad of back roads here in The Highlands and Moray, with the secret highlights they reveal. AND/OR do you have a specific requirement or interest? Shall we head for the distilleries, or see how many golf courses we can find? How many Heilan Coos (Highland cattle) can we see in one day? The places we list below aren’t destinations but opportunities. We can decide during the day! All of these tours are available from Inverness. The North & East tours are also available from Invergordon. NORTH The Black Isle, Cromarty Ferry, Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, Dornoch Firth, Millionaire's View, Dunrobin Castle, Portmahomack, Balblair Distillery and Glenmorangie Distillery

Available options

Meandering through The Highlands of Scotland (North)

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1

Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland.

The Castle, which resembles a French château with its towering conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer. The Castle was used as a naval hospital during the First World War and as a boys’ boarding school from 1965 to 1972.

Dunrobin Castle is on the east coast of the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth, just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch (famous for its cathedral and Royal Dornoch Golf Club).

2

Let's enjoy a wander through this beautiful old town. Great coffee shops and a famous cathedral to explore

3
Stop 3

Fantastic dolphin-spotting opportunity as we drive along the southern shore of The Black Isle enroute to the Cromarty - Nigg ferry

4

Cromarty, poised on the tip of the Black Isle at the mouth of the Cromarty Firth is the Highlands' best preserved historic town.
The obvious appeal of Cromarty is its narrow winding side streets lined with cute little fishermen’s cottages that often have colourful flower displays. It is generally regarded as the best preserved example of an 18th century town in Scotland. There is certainly a lot of tangible history in this town and there are lots of interesting features to be discovered...
Visit the 17th century birthplace of Hugh Miller, stonemason, geologist, author, journalist and editor. His remarkable history is told in this cottage

5

This lovely museum is an outstanding centre for Pictish and Celtic Art. The unique display is focused on 15 carved Pictish stones which all originated in the village, an important centre of early Christianity. The sculptures are amongst the works of Pictish Art that inspired George Bain, the ‘father of modern Celtic design’, most of whose surviving artwork is in the care of the museum. The George Bain Collection has been awarded the status of a Recognised Collection of National Significance by Museums Galleries Scotland, the first in the Highlands. The pride of the permanent display is the magnificent Rosemarkie cross-slab, decorated with enigmatic Pictish symbols and Christian crosses.

6

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse is located at the North West tip of the Tarbat Ness peninsula near the fishing village of Portmahomack, on the east coast of Scotland.
Lovely fairly flat walk out to the point for those who may enjoy getting the wind in their hair

According to Highland folklore the site of the lighthouse was used as a meeting place for witches covens and before that it used to be a Roman Fort.

The lighthouse tower is the third tallest in Scotland after North Ronaldsay and Skerryvore. It has two distinguishing broad red bands.

7

As the quintessential distillery, Balblair sits on a remote and unspoiled hillside overlooking the Dornoch Firth in the North of Scotland. Our whiskies are the embodiment of everything we stand for. We use only the finest ingredients and traditional processes to craft our distinctive, characterful whisky.

Our Highland home sits on an ancient Pictish gathering place; giving it an intriguing, mystical feel. The Picts gathered over 3,000 years ago, and like us, they were watched over by the solitary Clach Biorach standing stone which sits next to the distillery to this day. An iconic carved Z Rod marking bears witness to this rich history and is symbolised on each bottle of Balblair.

What's not included

Dunrobin Castle Adults £14.00 Senior £12.00 Children £9.00 Family £42.00 (2 + 3)
Balblair Distillery; Classic Tour £20 per person
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
Balblair Distillery

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
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3★
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1★
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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
This tour IS available as a Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers at Invergordon Cruise Ship Port

About Inverness

Inverness is a historic city in the Scottish Highlands, known as the capital of the region. It offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with the iconic Loch Ness and the Culloden Battlefield nearby. The city is a gateway to some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes and ancient sites.

Top Attractions

Inverness Castle

A historic castle overlooking the River Ness, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Historical 1-2 hours £5

Loch Ness

A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Nature Half day to full day Free to visit the loch, attractions vary in price

Culloden Battlefield

The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil.

Historical 2-3 hours £14.50

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

A museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of the Highlands.

Museum 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties

A traditional Scottish dish made with haggis (a spiced sheep's offal pudding), mashed turnips (neeps), and mashed potatoes (tatties).

Dinner Contains meat and offal, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup, traditionally made with potatoes, onions, and milk.

Lunch Contains fish, not suitable for those with fish allergies.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Vegetarian-friendly, but contains dairy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Highlands Boat tours on Loch Ness Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling along the River Ness Exploring Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Attending local festivals and events Fishing in the River Ness Skiing and snowboarding in the Cairngorms

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest time of the year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding Highlands.

12°C to 18°C 54°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Inverness is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid using them in isolated areas.
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air
  • Inverness Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train

Inverness Railway Station

By bus

Inverness Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network covers the city and surrounding areas, with frequent services to major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

City Center Ness Islands Leakey

Day trips

Culloden Battlefield
5 km (3 miles) • Half day

The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil. The visitors center offers interactive exhibits and a museum.

Loch Ness
24 km (15 miles) • Full day

A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition offers insights into the loch's history and geology.

Cairngorms National Park
60 km (37 miles) • Full day

The largest national park in the UK, offering a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Inverness Highland Games • May Inverness Christmas Market • December

Pro tips

  • Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the history and culture of the Highlands.
  • Take a boat tour on Loch Ness to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and explore the loch's stunning scenery.
  • Explore the Culloden Battlefield and visitors center to learn about the history of the 1746 Battle of Culloden.
  • Stroll along the River Ness and visit the Ness Islands for a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
  • Sample local whisky and cuisine at one of Inverness's many pubs, restaurants, or whisky bars.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 7
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Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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