The Invergordon Highlands Tour offers a captivating journey through Scotland’s stunning landscapes, culminating at the historic Cawdor Castle. This guided excursion doesn’t just showcase the region’s natural beauty – it also delves into the rich heritage that has shaped this remarkable land. From the legendary tales of Macbeth to the poignant history of Culloden Battlefield, each stop on the tour promises to leave a lasting impression on travelers. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to uncover the secrets that lie behind the castle’s ancient walls.
Key Points
- This guided tour of the Scottish Highlands includes a visit to the historic Cawdor Castle, with a guided tour and self-guided audio exploration.
- The tour also features a walkthrough of the Culloden Battlefield, a site of significant historical importance in shaping Scottish history.
- Visitors can explore the ancient Clava Cairns, a series of well-preserved Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones, with a guided tour.
- The tour provides 45 minutes of free time to explore the capital city of the Highlands, Inverness, allowing visitors to visit the cathedral and stroll along the River Ness.
- The scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands is a highlight of the tour, offering breathtaking views of the region’s natural beauty.
Highlights of the Invergordon Highlands Tour
The tour offers a captivating exploration of the Scottish Highlands, beginning with a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside.
At Cawdor Castle, guests enjoy a guided tour and self-guided audio exploration of the historic grounds and gardens.
Guests enjoy a guided tour and self-guided audio exploration of the historic grounds and gardens at Cawdor Castle.
Next, they visit Culloden Battlefield for a guided walkthrough of this pivotal site.
The mysterious Clava Cairns, ancient standing stones and burial chambers, provide a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
After a photo stop at Loch Ness, the tour concludes with free time to explore Inverness, the Highlands’ charming capital city.
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Exploring Cawdor Castle
At the heart of the tour lies the exploration of Cawdor Castle, a magnificent 14th-century fortress steeped in history and legend. Guests embark on a guided tour through the castle’s opulent interiors, marveling at its beautifully preserved rooms and learning about its connection to Macbeth. After the guided tour, visitors can enjoy a self-guided audio tour to delve deeper into the castle’s past. The expansive gardens offer a serene respite, allowing guests to wander through the meticulously manicured grounds.
| Feature | Details |
| — | — |
| Guided Tour | Explore the castle’s opulent interiors |
| Self-Guided Audio Tour | Uncover the castle’s rich history |
| Gardens | Wander through the serene, manicured grounds |
The Cawdor Castle experience is a highlight of the Invergordon Highlands tour, transporting visitors back in time and immersing them in the grandeur of Scotland’s past.
Discovering Culloden Battlefield
Next, the tour takes visitors to the historic Culloden Battlefield, the site of a pivotal battle that forever shaped the course of Scottish history.
The guided tour offers a vivid recounting of the events that unfolded on that fateful day in 1746.
Visitors can:
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Walk the grounds and imagine the chaos of the clash between the Jacobite forces and the British army.
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Learn about the significant impact of the battle, which led to the suppression of Highland culture and traditions.
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Gain a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of this hallowed site.
Visiting Clava Cairns
After exploring the historic Culloden Battlefield, the tour continues to the ancient site of Clava Cairns.
Nestled in a picturesque Highland landscape, the Clava Cairns are a series of well-preserved Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones dating back over 4,000 years.
Visitors can join a guided tour to learn about the significance of these mysterious monuments and their ritualistic purpose.
The site’s tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity to walk among the towering stones make it a highlight of the tour.
With just 25 minutes allotted, guests can enjoy this sacred prehistoric landscape.
More Great Tours NearbyScenic Views of Loch Ness
After exploring the ancient Clava Cairns, the tour takes guests to the iconic Loch Ness.
The coach offers a scenic drive along the loch’s shoreline, providing breathtaking views of the vast, deep waters and the surrounding rugged landscape.
Guests are given time to:
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Take photos of the legendary Loch Ness and the picturesque Highland scenery.
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Stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh, crisp air.
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Learn about the history and folklore surrounding the mythical Loch Ness Monster from the knowledgeable tour guide.
Ample time is provided to take in the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of this renowned Scottish landmark.
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Exploring Inverness
The tour then heads to Inverness, the capital city of the Scottish Highlands.
Visitors enjoy 45 minutes of free time to explore the sights and shops of this vibrant city. They can stroll along the banks of the River Ness, admire the striking 19th-century cathedral, or visit the lively High Street for local souvenirs.
With a compact city center, Inverness is easy to navigate on foot, allowing guests to make the most of their time.
The tour provides an opportunity to experience the unique character and culture of the Highlands’ principal town before the return drive to Invergordon.
Tour Guide and Customer Experiences
Although the tour is self-guided at certain attractions, the live guide provides an engaging and informative experience throughout.
The guide’s deep knowledge of the region’s history and culture enhances the tour, bringing the destinations to life. Customers consistently praise the guide’s storytelling abilities, noting:
The guide’s deep expertise and captivating storytelling bring the destinations to life, creating an enriching and personalized experience for all participants.
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The guide’s ability to bring historical events and landmarks to life through vivid descriptions and anecdotes.
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The guide’s responsiveness to questions, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience for all participants.
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The guide’s efficient management of the tour’s logistics, enabling smooth transitions between activities and locations.
Inclusions and Important Information
This tour includes admission to Cawdor Castle as well as all gratuities. However, no food is served during the tour, though Cawdor Castle offers a special takeaway menu for customers. It’s important to note that this tour is only available for larger ships docking at the main pier (Service Base) in Invergordon.
| Service | Included | Not Included |
| — | — | — |
| Admission | Cawdor Castle | – |
| Gratuities | ✓ | – |
| Food | – | ✓ |
| Tour Availability | Larger ships at Service Base | Smaller ships |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Covid-19 Safety Measures Implemented on the Tour?
The tour provider implements COVID-19 safety measures, including requiring face masks, providing hand sanitizer, and limiting group sizes. Guests are encouraged to maintain social distancing throughout the tour.
Can I Request a Different Pickup Location From the Cruise Port?
While the tour typically starts from the cruise port, you can request an alternative pickup location. However, this may incur an additional fee and should be arranged with the tour provider in advance.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add More Stops?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration or add more stops. However, customers can customize their experience by booking private tours or arranging additional activities separately before or after the scheduled tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not provide any meals, but visitors are free to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the stops and breaks.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or children. The price is a flat rate of $204.14 per person, regardless of age. Customers should expect to pay the full price for each participant.
The Sum Up
The Invergordon Highlands Tour offers a captivating journey through Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, immersing visitors in the rich history and legends of the region. From the grand Cawdor Castle to the poignant Culloden Battlefield, the tour provides a well-rounded experience that showcases the best of the Scottish Highlands. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this guided excursion is an opportunity to discover the enchanting wonders of this remarkable destination.
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