Invergordon is a fantastic spot for travelers eager to explore the Scottish Highlands. Its port serves as a hub for diverse tours that showcase the region’s stunning landscapes, castles, and rich history. What makes Invergordon particularly appealing for tour lovers is its accessibility—many excursions pick you up right from the cruise dock, saving you the hassle of arranging transport. For example, a full-day private tour to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness offers a seamless way to see iconic sights with personalized attention and plenty of photo opportunities. We especially like how this tour combines castles, lochs, and cityscapes, making it perfect for those wanting a little bit of everything in one day.
If you’re after a more relaxed, luxurious experience, the Invergordon: Luxury Relaxed South Shore Excursion balances scenic drives with visits to historic sites and a whisky tasting. For those interested in local art, the Hidden History Walking Tour provides a short but engaging peek into Invergordon’s maritime and artistic heritage. Whether you’re after castles, whisky, or local culture, Invergordon offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests and activity levels.
1. Full-Day Private Tour to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness and Inverness
At number 1, this full-day private tour makes exploring Scotland’s highlights easy and comfortable. Starting with pick-up from Invergordon’s port, the tour takes you through a carefully curated route including Beauly Priory, Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, and Inverness Castle. This is a flexible and personalized experience, perfect for travelers who want an intimate look at the Highlands without the stress of self-driving.
The tour’s highlights include exploring the ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched on a promontory with incredible views of Loch Ness, and stopping at Loch Ness itself—maybe even catching a glimpse of Nessie! The vehicle offers Wi-Fi, so you can share your photos in real-time. Reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and flexibility—one mentions how their driver, Billy, was “very informative and easy to understand,” offering insights into local history and lore.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive nature and the convenience of door-to-door service. It’s ideal for those who want a hassle-free, yet thorough day exploring some of Scotland’s most famous sights. The cost per group is $812.69, which is reasonable considering it covers four people and includes private transportation, guide, and entrance fees.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a personalized, all-in-one day trip with top photo stops and a friendly guide.
2. North Highland Tour Dunrobin Castle & More From Invergordon Port
Number 2 on our list is the North Highland Tour, which takes you beyond Loch Ness to explore the stunning scenery and castles of the north. Starting with a pickup from the port, the trip includes stops at Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch, and scenic viewpoints like the Alness village and Dornoch Firth. The highlight is undoubtedly Dunrobin Castle, with its fairy-tale turrets and expansive gardens, and the guide’s commentary helps bring the history to life.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of history, nature, and wildlife. One reviewer mentions how guide Roy tailored the day to their interests, including a stop at the Falls of Shin to watch salmon leap upstream. The tour typically lasts around 7 to 8 hours, with a small group size of up to four people, making it intimate and flexible.
The value lies in the combination of scenic areas and cultural sites, with a guide who is both informative and personable. The price is $795.13 per group, which includes transportation, guide, and entry to Dunrobin Castle. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate a good story and want to see the Highlands’ natural beauty firsthand.
Bottom Line: Excellent for small groups wanting tailored, scenic, and cultural experiences in the north Highlands.
3. Invergordon: Luxury Relaxed South Shore Excursion
Number 3 offers a luxury, relaxed approach to seeing the Highlands. This 7.5-hour tour includes visits to Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness, and even a whisky tasting at Glenord Distillery. The tour focuses on comfort, scenery, and culture, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer crowds.
Highlights include the Culloden Battlefield—a poignant site—and the Clava Cairns, an ancient stone circle complex. The guide shares stories and insights about Scottish history, while the scenic drive along Loch Ness provides plenty of photo opportunities. The whisky tasting adds a flavorful touch to the day, perfect for spirits enthusiasts.
While there are only four reviews, all praise the tour for its ease and quality. The tour’s flexibility allows for a mix of sightseeing and relaxation, making it suitable for those who want to avoid rushing. The price isn’t listed, but the focus is on an exclusive, tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking comfort, scenic drives, and a taste of Scottish whisky—all in a relaxed setting.
4. Invergordon: Hidden History Walking Tour With a Guide
Number 4 is a short but insightful walking tour of Invergordon itself. For just $24 per person, you get a 1.5-hour stroll through town, discovering its murals, naval connections, and artistic heritage. It’s an excellent way to understand Invergordon’s development from a small village to a bustling port.
The guide points out murals and shares stories about the town’s connection to World’s Strongest Men and its whisky industry. Visiting the Natal Memorial Gardens reveals more about the naval history, and the walk offers a glimpse into local life and culture. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s knowledge and engaging storytelling, making this tour a hit for those interested in local art and history.
This tour is best suited for travelers with limited time or those who want a quick, engaging overview of Invergordon’s history. It’s an affordable, accessible way to get a taste of local culture.
Bottom Line: Great for history and art lovers wanting a quick, guided introduction to Invergordon.
5. From Invergordon: Private Northern Highlands Shore Excursion
Number 5 offers a fully customizable private tour of the Northern Highlands. With a flexible itinerary, you can include stops at Dunrobin Castle, the Clynelish Distillery, and the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to craft their ideal day out and avoid a rigid schedule.
Guests appreciate the ability to tailor the experience, with one reviewer mentioning how the guide accommodated their interest in the Falls of Shin and other scenic spots. The guide, Lewis, wears a kilt and provides personal insights into Scottish culture, enhancing the tour’s authenticity. The tour lasts about 7 hours and is a good option for those who prefer a private, tailored experience.
Pricing isn’t listed, but the value comes from the personal attention and the ability to focus on specific interests. It’s best suited for travelers who want to explore the Highlands at their own pace and have particular sights in mind.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a flexible, private highlands tour with personalized options.
6. Invergordon Shore Tour: Loch Ness, Distillery and Castles
Number 6 offers an 8-hour guided tour covering Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, and a distillery visit, making it a comprehensive Highland experience. This tour is the most structured, with scheduled stops at Urquhart Castle, Inverness, and Cawdor Castle.
The itinerary is packed with highlights: the ruins of Urquhart Castle, panoramic views of Loch Ness, and a drive through Scottish countryside. Visitors also get a tasting at a whisky distillery and a visit to Cawdor Castle—famous for Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” connection. It’s a busy day, perfect for travelers wanting a full overview of the region’s highlights.
While some reviews note the tour’s popularity can lead to crowded moments, most appreciate the comprehensive itinerary and professional guide. It’s best suited for those who want a full day of sightseeing with minimal planning.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a structured, all-in-one Highland tour from port to port.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to dedicate. If you prefer a personalized experience with flexibility and privacy, the full-day private tour or the private Highland tour are excellent. For those seeking a mix of scenery, castles, and whisky, the luxury South Shore excursion provides a relaxed, high-end experience. Budget-conscious travelers or those interested in local art and history may prefer the walking tour.
Think about your physical activity level—some tours involve walking, while others are driven and relaxed. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak cruise season, as popular tours fill quickly. If you want to explore the Highlands in depth, consider combining options or customizing your own adventure.
Invergordon offers a rich variety of tours that cater to different tastes—whether you want a full adventure in castles and lochs, a leisurely whisky tasting, or a short cultural walk. For a memorable trip, pick the tour that best fits your style and interests, and book early to secure your spot. Scotland’s stunning landscapes and historic sites wait just a tour away.