Invergordon Shore Excursion Loch Ness, Distillery and Castles
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Your guide will meet you at the port, and your Invergordon shore excursion begins. Relax in your vehicle as you drive through the tranquil port city toward historic Cawdor Castle. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle impresses with its fairytale architecture and gardens and is famously linked to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Continue to a traditional whisky distillery, where you’ll learn about Scotland’s national drink and enjoy a tasting (note: under-18s may not participate). Next, travel through the scenic Highlands to the legendary Loch Ness. Enjoy a photo stop on its picturesque shore and keep your camera ready for the best views. If time allows, visit Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands,” for some leisure or a quick snack. After an unforgettable day exploring Scotland’s beauty and heritage, return comfortably to Invergordon and your cruise port.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
After dis-embarking take the shuttle bus for a short ride to the 1ST STOP - West Harbour - Shore Street. Your guide will meet you displaying a sign with ‘YOUR SHORE TIME’ and will direct you to your awaiting coach
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Invergordon
**Invergordon** is a charming port town located on the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands. Known for its rich maritime history, it serves as a gateway to the surrounding natural beauty of the Highlands. The town is famous for its murals, which depict local history and culture, and offers a range of activities, from scenic walks along the coast to visits to nearby castles and distilleries. Invergordon is also a popular stop for cruise ships, providing visitors with a peaceful and picturesque introduction to the Highlands' rugged landscapes.
Cawdor Castle
Your guide will meet you at the port, and your Invergordon shore excursion begins. Relax in your vehicle as you drive through the tranquil port city toward historic Cawdor Castle. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle impresses with its fairytale architecture and gardens and is famously linked to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Continue to a traditional whisky distillery, where you’ll learn about Scotland’s national drink and enjoy a tasting (note: under-18s may not participate).
What‘s Included
Pick up from your Cruise Ship
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local Guide
Snacks
Optional entrance fee to Cawdor Castle approx £14
Optional entry to Urquhart castle approx £14
Options
EngliSh Guide
German Guide
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Left us stranded
Bill S,,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00We were left stranded because all other excursions were booked. Cancelled just hours before with little options.
Look for another agency that does respect the itinerary
Evangelina G,,Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00When I bought the tour, I bought it because we were going to Inverness. The tour didn't arrive; the guide had a different itinerary than the one I had. I feel really bad for not following the itinerary they sell.
Good value for money but ...
David F,,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Overall, good value for money but ... Firstly, Ian & Emma were great. The coach however was not. The speakers for the first four rows were not working, so any commentary could not be heard. The lack of information detracted greatly from the overall experience. Also, we were in a seat that faced backwards over a table, so even if we were able to hear any commentary, we wuld not be able to see what was being spoken about until it was too late! And as for the table itself, a great idea but it vibrated horribly and things were sliding off as a result everywhere!! Would have rated higher if we had had a forward facing seat and, more importantly, been able to hear the/any commentary. An appropriate refund for this would be welcomed as service not provided as advertised.
A nice trip
ALBERTO P,,Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour was good overall. The only drawback, in my opinion, was the time spent exploring the whisky factory.
Greatest tour
Heidrun M,,Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great tour, we learned so much about this part of the Highlands. The visit of the whisky distillery was so interesting (and tasty), the castles beautiful. The bus was so comfortable! The guide Ian and the driver Emma were so nice and friendly! Absolutely recommend!
Great excursion!
alansherrill,,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ian, our guide and Emma, our driver, did an outstanding job. The coach was very comfortable and the itinerary was a good one. The tour got started a bit late, as there was a discrepancy with the start time, but we got everything in and it did not feel rushed. Ian was a wealth of information. It was a great way to see and enjoy the Scottish countryside.
I feel cheated
Kevin S,,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00This was the worst excursion I have taken in 20 years of cruising. We started off by having multiple participants being given different start times. We were told 8:00 am. Other guests were told 9:00 am. So we stood around and waited for an hour. After the full group was gathered, we got to walk 1/2 a mile to where the bus was parked, nowhere near to the cruise ship. Upon entering the bus, we were told by our tour director that she was just filling in and was normally a driver. We began our drive to the scotch distillery and were treated to an hour of inane information. Mostly she just pointed out common everday locations like dog parks, sporting good stores, auto dealerships and bowling alleys. Occasionally she would point out churches and other building that looked historical, but provided no further information. She provided no history of the area or any buildings we saw. The tour of the distillery was the one redeeming stop. And it is the only reason this review is 2 stars. Our other 2 stops were Cawdor Castle and Urquhart Castle. We were told that we would need to pay additional ticket fees to enter each of the buildings. Because we had limited time, we opted to not purchase these entrance tickets in advance. But when we arrived at both locations, it became evident that we could not even see the outside of the castles without paying the entrance fees. If the entrance to the grounds is essential to a sightseeing tour, why are those prices not included in the booking cost? Do yourself a favor and book with another Viator partner.
Great trip, good use of time
Rosa W,,Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fortunately, we have a very comfortable and luxurious coach with only 28 people. We have a table between sets of seats, and almost every couple or family has their own sets of seats and tables. The bus has a toilet, too. The only drawback is that the microphone volume is very low We can barely hear the guide talking. The Whiskey tour and two castles are wonderful. We had a good time. But if you want to see them all, there will be no time for lunch. Be sure to bring your own lunch and eat on the bus.
Too much to fit into one...
Jennifer E,,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Too much to fit into one day. Entrance fees to castles should be included in cost, OR, option for those guests not wanting to go into castles (and not pay for entrance) to be dropped in nearby town with agreed pick up time and location.
Pleasant day trip
Alexandra H,,Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It was known that the locksmiths and castles charge an extra entrance fee, but you could not even enter the outdoor facilities without an entrance ticket or even at the ruins/ Loch Ness a toilet.
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