Urquhart Castle, Culloden, Clava Cairns, Loch Ness
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Invergordon, Scotland
- 6 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Make the most of your time in Scotland by following in the footsteps of your favorite "Outlander" characters. This group shore excursion takes you to Highland landmarks including Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, and Clava Cairns, the inspiration for Craigh na Dun. Even if you're not a fan of the show, enjoy soaking up the scenery and history at Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.
- Enjoy a seamless Scottish Highlands experience on a tour tailored for cruise ship passengers
- Visit such landmarks as the Culloden Battlefield and Urquhart Castle
- Learn about Scottish history and culture from your guide
- Relax with hassle-free pickup from close to the port
What's Included
- Parking Fees
- Snacks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Invergordon ToursKing St, Invergordon IV18 0LL, UK
In 2026 walk from the shop along the designated pathway a few hundred yards to the west harbour, cross at the pedestrian crossing to meet the independent tour guides. Thistle guides wear purple/burgundy (females), and carry clipboards saying Thistle Excursions. There may also be Thistle flags.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Culloden Battlefield
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Clava Cairns
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Inverness
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Loch Ness
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Drumnadrochit
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Urquhart Castle
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
7
Robertson's - The Larder & Highland Cows - Beauly
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
8
Culloden Viaduct
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Beauly Priory (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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 105 reviews
Sabrina_L, Oct 2025
This was our favorite shore excursion on our trip. Our tour guide Niel is someone we will never forget. We got engaged at the Urqhart castle, so at the end of the tour, Niel played a traditional wedding song for us on his bagpipes. We appreciated all of the knowledge he shared with us regarding Scotland. We can just tell he was so proud to be a Scottish citizen. Every element of the tour was well placed, and well worth the money spent. The highland cows were also an amazing highlight of our trip.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
So pleased you got engaged on our your. Niall is extremely talented and carries his bagpipes with him. Lucky couple indeed. Thank you.
Janeen_R, Aug 2025
Our guide, June was just delightful!
Her commentary was detailed and vast.
We so enjoyed our tour! She was a safe driver and the car was clean and comfortable.
We are on a cruise and other passengers were disappointed with the ships tours.
We learned so much and saw so much we will have pleasant memories of June and her tour at Inverness.
Many thanks.
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. We love June too.
Shannon_W, Jul 2025
This was a wonderful tour of the Highlands in Scotland. We started with walking around Inverness, a very cute little city. We then went through the countryside to the Loch Ness Center, which was interesting. Then toured around Urquhart castle and finish the day at a farm with Highland cows. Eleanor was a wonderful tour guide and gave us lots of fun facts about the Highlands. I would recommend.
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.
Marc_D, Jun 2025
Our family had a great experience with Chas. We were able to learn about Loch Ness and Nessie, visit the Urquhart Castle, do a little shopping in Inverness, and meet some “Harry Coos”. I only wish we had more time in port.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Love it. Think it’s hairy coos. x
Becky_D, Oct 2024
This was our favorite part of our trip Mike was a wonderful guide even the breakdown of or ride was a fun experience couldn't have asked for a more beautiful experience
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for this Becky. Glad you enjoyed the tour with Mike.
Pamela_M, Aug 2024
We had a great day! Our tour guide Chaz was so knowledgeable and accommodating. Chaz shared his extensive knowledge of the area and offered some insight that can only come from someone who is from the area. We learned a lot and were completely enamoured. We highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you so much for recommending Chas, our authentic kilt wearing Scotsman.
Sandy_J, Jul 2024
Lorraine was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable and fun to be with! She made Scotland and Outlander very real!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you so much.
Corrinne_P, Jul 2024
Laura was an amazing tour guide! I cannot say enough good things about her. She really made our day wonderful as well as our first cruise port stop and first time ever in Scotland! We truly love Scotland because of her.
We did all stops listed on the itinerary and loved each one.
Highly recommend. I plan to book through this tour company again in the future!
Vicky_W, Jun 2024
David was a fantastic guide and driver! We were able to see all that was on our schedule and then some and his historical knowledge was great. He brought the battle of Culloden to life. The tour went over and above our expectations. We highly recommend this company and David, we’ll done!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We really appreciate the feedback you’ve given us. Our guides love their job and feel very rewarded when you give them a high star score.
Kindest regards
Maxine
gomerscsu88, Jun 2024
The day tour out of the Invergordon port gave a wonderful snapshot of the highlands. We were in a small group of just four in a minivan, but depending on demand, you could be in a larger group. Our guide was engaging, knowledgeable and flexible when I wanted to spend some meaningful time at Culloden.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We really appreciate the feedback you’ve given us. Our guides love their job and feel very rewarded when you give them a high star score.
Kindest regards
Maxine
Dianne_L, Jun 2024
Although Culloden was stated in the title, our guide did not know about this. She was given a different itinerary.
However, when Mo saw our paperwork and what it said we were going to do, she quickly adapted and made sure we went to the sites that we were hoping to see
Mo Gets kudos for the work she did!
The person I communicated with at Viator was less than helpful about the itinerary. She actually became quite defensive and said I booked the wrong trip. Even after I sent her the paperwork that I was given.
However, Mo more than made up for the issues. Thanks Mo!!!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We really appreciate the feedback you’ve given us. Our guides love their job and feel very rewarded when you give them a high star score.
Kindest regards
Maxine
NingLin_H, Jun 2024
What a lovely day with our guide David. He is very knowledgeable and pleasant. What a fantastic experience!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for the review. David is one of our popular guides.
Heidi_F, May 2024
What a lovely day with our guide June. Verry knowledgeable and pleasant. Able to make adjustments on the fly as we were a small group.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for the kind words and nice review.
Deborah_M, May 2024
Our guides were knowledgeable, personable and accommodating.
We were given the time and information to explore the sights.
A stop at a local family farm stand with hairy coos to see up close was a highlight.
Response from Host, May 2024
Glad you enjoyed your day. Thank you so much for the review.
Mark_E, May 2024
Lorraine was Great! We could have had more time in Inverness ,not her fault . Others in the group arrived late.
Response from Host, May 2024
Reviews Trip Advisor
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a lovely review. Our guides appreciate the feedback and so do I. We aim to give you a quality experience. Lorraine is new and very enthusiastic. Thank you.
Maxine
Audrey_A, Oct 2023
Disappointed that we booked a 6-8 person van to limit contact due to immunocompromised traveler and were told upon our arrival that we were now booked on a 45+ bus. We could have booked a private driver for same price at port but due to Viator’s cancellation policy, we could not cancel. The attractions were agreeable and delivered as promised per description of tour. If one has booked a tour for 6-8 people then the company should have courtesy to notify customer in advance of changes.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
You got this wrong. Each your says it might be taken in different vehicles depending on numbers. I understand another passenger pointed this out to you in the booking details on the day!? Disappointed that you weren’t happy
Laurie_S, Oct 2023
What a fantastic experience! The itinerary was better than I could have expected, and our tour guide was so knowledgeable and interesting and involved.... From Culloden to Urquhart Castle to Inverness - it was so scenic and beautiful and interesting. And we could have not lucked out with better weather in September! And seeing so many highland cows and alpacas was an added bonus!! Highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
That’s great. Laurie Thank you for the great review and taking time to do this.
julianne_f, Oct 2023
Very informative and fun! Despite the rain it was a great trip. Loved the tour, guides were great and knowledgeable. Driver was safe!
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Sorry it rained but it happens. Thank you for the 5 stars.
Sheila_W, Oct 2023
I don't know if there's enough space to tell all that I loved about this! Thank you Maxine, Seoris, Lottie, and Michael! I got everything I wanted and more! Lots of time in town, at the battlefield, the castle and Loch Ness! Also, we had the most comfortable, relaxing, and picturesque drive in the hills and there was even a few minutes to see Highland cows! My favorite was the view of Loch Ness from the castle! Unforgettable and amazing! Great job everyone! Many, many thanks! P.S. Did not see Outlander sites because we had to help stranded tourists. I had no desire to see that, anyways, and it felt good to be Good Samaritans to those in need. God bless! ~Sheila W.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Sheila. Lovely review. Thank you for the 5 stars.
Mike_F, Sep 2023
We went with Chas from Thistle tours and he made the day, a wonderful tour guide. we spent the day with Chas from 9 am until 5 PM and toured the Cairns , county side including seeing the highland cattle up close.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Chas is a unique guide with huge amount of knowledge. Thank you for The 5 stars.
Curt_A, Sep 2023
Great tour. Our guide was awesome. The scenery was great. Enjoyed Culloden and Urquhart Castle. Needed more time in Inverness because it was Sunday and many restaurants didnt open until noon. New tip, we parked by the cathedral near the river and on the river walk were food vendors. Enjoyed some lunch on the way back but would have been better to have started there.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hi Curt
We dropped you off in town for closeness. The highlands isn’t the best on Sundays or evenings. The shops and cafes often take it off for a break sadly but I guess they can’t work every day. Glad you enjoyed it. Think you had Emma. She’s a great guide.
Margaret_B, Sep 2023
Derek Okeefe was an excellent tour guide and I will recommend him to anyone interested in a similar tour. Told us more information and anecdotes than that made us laugh and helped to make the tour very memorable.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hi Margaret. Think this was meant for a different company but looks interesting. Nice one Derek!
Heike_S, Sep 2023
The Hole Day … Full of Many Special Memories !
Emma is an excellent guide and driver and a bog „Know-how“ …
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Emma is young and energetic and extremely professional. Great that you’ll have memories forever.
James_E, Sep 2023
Starting with the basic premise that shore excursions require a lot of bus time, this tour provides great stops, scenery and information. Our guide was excellent.
Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such positive feedback. We pack in as much as we can in the time allowed but always have our guests back an hour before the ship departs.
Lisa_H, Sep 2023
Our guide was very knowledgeable, and the weather was fantastic while we were there. Loved this tour!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you for the lovely review.
Gary_M, Sep 2023
We very enjoy the trip. Guide is very knowledgeable. Inverness is very beautiful. We learn a lot on this trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you for the 5 stars. Glad we educated you in highland life.
Lance_S, Sep 2023
We enjoyed the Culloden battle memorial, very interesting information. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about everything we saw snd gave good commentary as we proceeded to each stop
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you Lance for the nice review and 5 stars.
David_D, Aug 2023
Our tour guide was Mo! Her knowledge of history and the sites were limitless! She is a retired teacher and the facts came naturally for her. Our small tour group allowed us to see and experience so much more. Scotland is a beautiful country with a rich heritage and an unbelievable countryside! I can not recommend Mo enough. If we ever make it back, I hope to ask for her tours once again! We visited each site listed on the itinerary, plus more! Thistle Excursions will always be our first choice to book a tour! Thank you!
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Mo knows so much and is passionate. So pleased you had a great day. Thank you for the 5 stars.
Lorena_C, Jul 2023
Rhona and our driver were fantastic! We had a great time, including my 5 yr old. They were very conscientious about making sure we got back to the cruise ship on time while making the most of the time we had.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you for Taking the time to write this for people to read. We do have some retired or insert school teachers as guides. We’re very lucky. Rhona is great with everyone including the younger ones.
mjaxxon66, Jul 2023
Due to mechanical issues our tour was cancelled. We were given the option to take an almost identical tour. This tour went to Cawdor Castle instead. On tour date our guide wasn't able to make the tour due to flooding. We were fortunate to have the owner (Maxine) and her partner. They both did a wonderful job. The only thing I would have wished was to spend another 10-15 minutes in the small town near Loch Ness. I thought the tour was well thought out, the stops were enjoyable. Overall it was a great day.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you for this lovely review. We enjoyed our day with you too and met some lovely Americans. Maxine and Graham
From $219.93
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