Invergordon Shore Excursion Loch Ness, Distillery and Castles

From$80
7h 30m
Invergordon, United Kingdom

Full description

Your guide will meet you at the port to begin your unforgettable shore excursion in Invergordon. Sit back and relax as you head through the scenic Highlands to the historic Cawdor Castle, famous for its 14th-century charm and links to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Explore the castle’s elegant rooms and gardens at your leisure. Continue on to a traditional whisky distillery for a guided tour. Learn about Scotland’s iconic drink and enjoy sampling a fine dram. Journey next to Loch Ness and the dramatic Urquhart Castle ruins, where breathtaking views await. Time permitting, enjoy a short stop in Inverness, the “Capital of the Highlands,” before returning to port Entrance to the castles is optional and not included in the shore excursion price. A separate link to reserve castle tickets will be sent shortly after you book your tour. As a guide, castle entry costs approximately £14–£16 per person.

Included / Excluded

  • 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

Itinerary

1

Pass by: **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.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

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).

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NO
3

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.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

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.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • After disembarking, follow the guided walk way to the Port exit, about 5 minutes, at the pedestrian crossing , cross over the road, and you will see your guide displaying a sign with YOUR SHORE TIME. Your guide will then escort you to your awaiting coach.

Traveler reviews

3.0
16 reviews
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Not what we paid for

When we arrived at the dock early, no one was there from Your Shore Time, the local tour service. We waited for over an hour in the cold and no one showed up. We went to a different tour company and were told as of that morning Your Shore Time had canceled our tour and booked with them, which was a different tour than what we paid for, WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE THE DISTILLERY WHICH WAS THE REASOB WE SELECTED THIS TOUR. The tour was not good and took us to two small towns and dropped us off when there was nothing open in the morning drop off and nothing to do. All in all a VERY BAD experience. The tour guide was rude and not very helpful.

katherinehE1662WLMay 17, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Nice tour ...

Beautiful tour Unfortunately, the process was changed at short notice without notice, so cawdor Castle was not approached. Castles best booked on site

Philipp_DApr 30, 2026VIATOR

Left us stranded

We were left stranded because all other excursions were booked. Cancelled just hours before with little options.

Bill_SSep 7, 2025VIATOR

Look for another agency that does respect the itinerary

When 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.

Evangelina_GAug 22, 2025VIATOR

Good value for money but ...

Overall, 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.

David_FAug 2, 2025VIATOR

Additional information

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 +++Nieuw Statendam 06 August - Please note due to porting times, this tour will be 6 hours, and will not visit Urquhart castle - but will visit the distillery, Cawdor castle, as well as as Inverness sightseeing . Guests will be back to the ship by 1700 hours++++