Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castle visit, Culloden, Clava Cairns
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Invergordon, Scotland
- 6 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Maximize your time in the Scottish Highlands on a full-day shore excursion from Invergordon Cruise Port. Hop aboard a comfortable minibus and travel into the picturesque countryside, with stops including Loch Ness, the Inverness Castle Experience, Culloden, and a quaint farm shop with Highland cows. Enjoy plenty of photo ops throughout, plus the chance to pet or feed cute Highland cows. End the day back at the port, ready to continue your cruise.
- Check off plenty of Highland highlights in just one day
- Entry fees are included in the tour price
- Enjoy the peace and privacy of a private vehicle with pickup from close to the port
- Learn all about Scottish history and culture from your guide
What's Included
- Entrance to castle cost is included in your booking price.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Invergordon ToursKing St, Invergordon IV18 0LL, UK
In 2026 the cruise ships will dock at various locations but guests meet us at one point. At the west harbour pedestrian crossing lights on Shore Road. All the independent tour guides wait there so look for our Thistle Guides.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Culloden Battlefield
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Clava Cairns
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Inverness
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
The Inverness Castle Experience
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
5
Loch Ness Region
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Robertson's - The Larder & Highland Cows - Beauly
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Wheelchair travellers difficult
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 33 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 145 reviews
Jason_A, May 2026
Danny did a wonderful job on this tour! I would highly recommend it. Seeing the countryside and hearing about it from Danny was a great experience.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the kind comments.
Noreen_G, Jan 2026
We were surprised about the size of the tour group. It was my family and another couple so the tour was very relaxed. And since it was a small group, we spent more time at each place. Our tour guide, Mike, was awesome! He was funny and anecdotal. He checked on us regularly making sure we were comfortable in the van. It felt like a friend was doing the tour. Our favorite part was the stop at a small beach at Lochness. There were no crowds so we were able to get beautiful photos of the loch. I would highly recommend this tour! It was a perfect blend of small and well known spots in Scotland.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you Noreen for your kind review from a tour you took with us last season in 2025. Hope to see you again one day.
Carroll_L, Sep 2025
Cawdor Castle was really nice. The gardens were especially beautiful to walk around and enjoy. We didn't spend much time at Loch Ness, but there wasn't much to see anyway, no Nessie to be found. The tour guide did a nice job.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
James_N, Sep 2025
Tour was good but I have to say it was OVERPRICED!!! When comparing to other tours we did did with both you and Discover Scotland it was steep. You did include Ticket to Cawdor Castle but overall not worth the cost. More like I would have paid to Princess Cruise lines.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Our tours are far cheaper than the ships and we give you they’ve as long (6-8 hours). Most people comment on our value for money plus we include entry fees.
Amy_V, Sep 2025
Packed full of wonderful experiences! The guide was delightful and so knowledgeable. A full day of memories made!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Maria_M, Sep 2025
Very informative. Tour guide was excellent She was constantly looking to make our experience as best as possible
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
cwjohnson1227, Sep 2025
Guide was awesome and really seemed to care that everyone had a really good tour. Great day! Would recommend
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
cynthian, Sep 2025
It was a great day, I just wished there was more time at Culloden. I think there was more than enough time at the castle that a little time could have been shaved off. We ended up having to que at the castle because so many ships were late and there would have still been more than enough time you shave some time off that and give more time to Culloden. The tour guide was fabulous though!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Vincent_C, Sep 2025
June had a great knowledge of the all the historical aspects of the area as well as current events that were taking place.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Reviews Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Samantha_S, Aug 2025
Well all I have to say is fantastic!!! I had an incident that required me going to the ER and Mo was there 100% to help she is an Angel. A huge hug and thumbs 👍 for her and of course the bus driver Heather was also fantastic👍 and concerned of my wellbeing. before my accident the tour was wonderful. Mo is very knowledgeable, she gave us past,present and pop culture history very well done. I hope I can come back and finish the tour someday and see the highland coos 😁 million thanks to everyone!!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you. We hope you are recovering after your nasty fall xx
Leslie_H, Aug 2025
The tour company, Thistle, was very good at communicating where they would meet for the tour. Scoeris , our guide was very good. The bus, however, had no air conditioning and no windows that could open, So it was a very stuffy, hot situation. The tour had to be modified to get us out for air more often and we went back sooner than expected. I’m sure it would be a nice tour if the bus was properly maintained.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
We did refund people 50% on this tour. Sadly you didn’t mention that. It wasn’t our fault that bus’ Aircon broke that morning as the driver travelled through. We took a huge loss on that tour as we decided it was only right to refund. We did also apologise.
Judith_D, Aug 2025
First rate guide, very knowledgeable. Worked hard to make sure we had a great experience. Excellent comminicator
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Reviews Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Wesley_H, Aug 2025
Overall excellent tour and booking experience. Viator did an excellent job handling communications before, during and after our tour. The company Thistle Tours they contracted with were easy to find near our port. Every single employee was friendly and cordial. We travelled with Mohr and our driver, Doigie. They were both excellent. Mohr did a great job narrating along the tour and keep us on schedule. Minor deviations to our schedule because of traffic, were communicated in advance. Our vehicle had a bathroom which came in handy. I would
Never hesitate to book with Viator again.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Mo is great.
Reviews Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Charles_W, Aug 2025
We visited the best sites in and around Iverness, including the iconic Loch Ness and the beautiful Cawdor Castle and Gardens. Our guide was knowledgeable, energetic, and passionate about her native land. I would highly recommend this tour
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Reviews Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Amanda_B, Aug 2025
We had a fantastic tour. Mo, our tour guide was informative and fun. Our driver, Heather, was also a wonderful driver and expertly navigated us around the highlands. We had kids with us too, and they had a wonderful time.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Jonathan_M, Jul 2025
I would highly recommend this tour. Mo and Heather did an excellent job guiding and driving. I even had the need to locate a store for some medical equipment and they were extremely sympathetic and helpful. They really went above and beyond. They took us to the Culloden battle field first and taught us more historically significant points than we would have ever expected. We saw the castle where Shakespeare based the play Macbeth on, several highland cow farms and some Clydesdale horses. I would highly recommend booking a tour with them again
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Megan_M, Jul 2025
Be prepared for Scottish weather! My husband and I did our research on the weather and area. We came prepared with raincoats, boots, and an umbrella, however our tour guide had ponchos and umbrellas if needed. Our tour guide was Lorraine, she was very nice and knowledgeable of the area. She was very direct on our itinerary and our time allowance. Our cruise had an earlier return time to port and she was very conscientious of that. Despite the weather obscuring certain viewpoints, it was still beautiful. If your time allows, grab lunch at the Cawdor Castle, the food was amazing!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Brett_W, Jul 2025
This was a really good tour and we really enjoyed it. The only downside was that the microphone on the bus wasn't working properly. Our guide did everything she could to overcome this and it wasn't her fault, but I was sad that I didn't get to hear all the great things she had to say. However, it was still an excellent tour and well worth it.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you. The mic was the bus’ fault and they apologised snd it’s now fixed.
Elizabeth_B, Jul 2025
Our tour guide was fabulous. We stopped at several locations and she was very knowledgeable about the entire area. I would highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you. Thank you ElizaBeth.
Patricia_C, Jul 2025
Invergordon was a challenge as a port - no place to wait while waiting for the rest of the group. Our guide did a good job of time management so we could visit Culloden though we could have used more time there & less time at Cawdor castle. We did cover all the highlights though that were in the tour description.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
Most people want longer at Cawdor. Sorry that didn’t work out for you.
So very kind of you to review us anyway.
William_H, Jul 2025
This tour is fantastic!! Our tour guide Mo was just perfect and possessed a fantastic knowledge of Scotland. Each stop was a treat, and her knowledge made each stop educational and fun! Further during the drive to each spot, she shared a variety of information and wonderful stories! The entire tour was the best we booked in the Scottish Isles! We look forward to visiting Scotland again, and we hope to book a tour with Mo again!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you.
Kristenstephan, Jul 2025
Very nice tour that went by quickly. Chas and Dougie were wonderful. Spent a little more time at the battlefield than needed, meaning less time with highland cows. There was zero opportunity to pet or feed the highland cows which we were very much looking forward to doing. Cawdor castle was very nice. Please take note that you must take a shuttle from the cruise port to the pickup point, walking is not allowed. Be sure to take that into consideration when planning to leave the ship. We left at 8:25 AM for a 9:00 AM tour time and arrived at the pickup point at 8:50 AM due to people being late we didn’t leave to walk to our bus until 9:15 AM which meant our tour didn’t technically start until 9:30 AM. Mini coach means about 32 passengers with a bathroom. The seats were quite tight.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a lovely review. Many people don’t bother unless they want to moan so it’s amazing when kind people do this for us.
Our guides work hard for your enjoyment and as a company we try to please you but we know we cannot always please everyone.
Thank you again.
Susan_W, Jun 2025
June, our guide was fun, knowledgeable and a prefect hostess. The van was clean and spacious. I highly recommended this tour,
Response from Host, Jul 2025
We really appreciate your kind review.
Regina_K, Jun 2025
Eleanor was a FABULOUS guide!!! We saw EVERYTHING possible. Including some food-motivated Highland Coos!!! I enjoyed the beautiful Flower Gardens at Cawdor Castle. It was a PERFECT day. The only negative is that they have to work on the audio system in the large van. I heard NONE of what the guide was saying while we were in motion. It was totally not her fault. I was in the 4th single seat from the front and heard NOTHING!!! Have an audio expert figure out what to do about that!!!! Otherwise, a GREAT DAY!!! I SAW NESSIE!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Eleanor is so lovely and Thank you for the 5 stars. Was the Nessie a figment or a stuffed toy LOL ?
I’m investigating the mic as it’s a brand new bus. Bad.
Emily_B, Jun 2025
Overall, this was a very good tour. We got to see some really cool history and beautiful landscapes. Our guide, Seoris (spelling?) was incredibly knowledgeable about not only the history but the country and government itself. We were frustrated initially, because we had to shuttle from our cruise ship and wait for a very long time for group members to arrive, who never did. I would suggest Thistle could try to group people as they get off the shuttle as opposed to pre-grouping to create less frustration. Some of the "drive by" things we were not able to see from our seats on the bus, unfortunately. However, our guide and driver made sure we saw everything and made it back in good time.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Sorry about stragglers. We give clear instructions as you know but some guests just do not hurry! Thank you for the review though. Seoris is very knowledgeable.
Stephanie_P, Jun 2025
Booked this tour thinking we were going to be on a large bus. Instead, we got a private tour for our family so the guide tailored the stops to our wishes. The instructions for meeting point off the ship were perfect. The guide was easy to find.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Stephanie Thank you for the 5 stars. So glad you loved it.
Shawna_D, Jun 2025
10 out of 10 don't recommend this tour. To start off the tour left almost an hour late. This caused the tour to eliminate the one stop we booked this for. So we didn't get to see/pet/feed the highland cows which was the one reason we booked this. We didn't leave any of our stops on time due to some people not following directions and never getting back to bus on time. Other tours will leave you if you do this. Not this one. Everyone else gets to suffer. The tour guide spent 30 minutes looking for 2 passengers after our 1st stop that were never on the bus to begin with. There were minimal 15 min stops that could have been eliminated so we could have made all the important ones. We stopped in town as our last stop which you need a good 2 hours for but only had 40 minutes which included a 10 minute walk back to the bus. Literally pointless stop as no time to do anything and then the bus wasn't even where it was supposed to be for pickup. Once again people were 15 min late back to bus and even though entire bus was yelling for them to leave them because they were going to cause us to miss our ship they continued to wait for them. They got us back to our ship 20 minutes AFTER the all aboard time. Never in my life have I ever had a tour group get us back to the ship late. Luckily we were still able to board only because the ships own excursions were late getting back. Otherwise the ship would have left us stranded in a foreign country sine we booked a private tour. This was an awful and anxiety filled experience and I would never book this again for any reason. We also asked tour guide to call the ship to advise of our late arrival and he refused to make the call.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hello Shawna
You omitted to mention the fact that leaving late was NOT our fault, it was the ship’s. They did not let you off in time and then the port I stated you use shuttle buses to get to your tours. We advise people to get on early shuttles but unfortunately a group of 11 got in a Kate shuttle and did not get to us until 9.45am and we were meant to leave at 9.00am. We left at 10.00am.
Regarding Inverness - this tour only has a 45 minute stop scheduled and you got 40 minutes. The tour isn’t about shopping, it’s about seeing the historic sites.
Then at the Inverness stop half of the group of 11 went missing. Whilst you quite rightly said other tours would leave their passengers stranded we are not one of those companies. Whilst it did delay the tour and you didn’t get to see highland cows, it was deemed more important to get you back to the ship before it sailed (scheduled for 6pm).
The guide, Chas did in fact contact the ship via me (owner). I phoned and made sure that the shuttles would continue running until everyone was in the ship and due to their mix up on making us leave late they understood that many tours were in a similar position. I knew the ship would wait for my guests. I also have a good working relationship with the port and the captain would not leave without the 23 passengers on this particular tour. It’s not worth his job.
We had you dropped off 45 minutes before the ship left. The ship eventually sailed at 6.18pm as I watched it leave. There were many others later back than you.
We did not stress you, we dealt with the stress caused by the port shuttles and the group of 11 who were late then went AWOL.
Imagine we left 2 teens stranded and they couldn’t get back to the ship? We just wouldn’t do that just because it was upsetting you. I can’t believe how you could live with that actually!
I’m very disappointed that you gave us 1 star when you must’ve enjoyed the rest of the tour and and all the places you went to as you did not criticise it. Loch Ness, Cawdor castle, the lesser road to Loch Ness, Culloden battlefield etc. I’m sorry you missed the cows but I can send you photos if you email me directly of Jamie and Morag?
Kind regards
Maxine
Ted_D, Jun 2025
Great tour and guide! Very well organized. Clean comfortable coach with a very knowledgeable guide. We saw lots of sights on a beautiful warm, sunny day!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Reviews Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you. Glad you liked the bus too.
Elaine_M, Jun 2025
Thistle Excursions was a delight
Our tour guide Mo was excellent. Wonderful history, great stories
She really made the day so special for us
The bus driver was super on the narrow roads, but I did not write down his name
Enjoyable!!! One of the best tours of our time in Scotland
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Reviews Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right.
So very kind of you. Mo is amazing.
Angela_F, Jun 2025
Emma was amazing! Great small group tour to see so much in one trip. As a local, Emma gave wonderful background and history that was interesting and engaging. Don’t miss this!!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to give Thistle a great review. It helps the guides feel really appreciated and gives them huge job satisfaction. It also helps the company know we’re getting it right. Emma is very professional and very local :)
So very kind of you.
From $257.22
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castle visit, Culloden, Clava Cairns
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