Muir of Ord is a small but vibrant hub for travelers seeking authentic Scottish experiences, especially for those interested in whisky, history, and stunning scenery. With its location in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Muir of Ord offers a variety of tours that showcase the region’s rich traditions and natural beauty. We’re particularly fond of experiences like The Singleton Craft and Cocktail Experience for its hands-on approach to whisky and cocktails, and the Invergordon Shore Excursion for its comprehensive journey through Highland highlights. These tours stand out because they combine local craftsmanship, history, and scenic wonders in ways that feel personal and memorable.
If you’re trying to decide which tour best suits your interests, this guide will walk you through six of the top options. Whether you’re a whisky lover, a history enthusiast, or an Outlander fan, you’ll find something to match your travel style here.
1. Near Inverness: The Singleton Craft and Cocktail Experience
At number 1, we have The Singleton Craft and Cocktail Experience—a 75-minute session that combines whisky tasting with a mini cocktail masterclass. Visiting The Singleton Distillery is a fantastic way to understand the art of whisky-making, especially their signature “Slow Craft” process, which emphasizes patience and craftsmanship. What makes this tour special is how it offers insight into the maturation process, with tastings of The Singleton neat and two expertly crafted cocktails.
The experience is interactive, with a focus on teaching you how to craft your own cocktails at home, making it more than just a tasting. Afterward, you can browse the store and bar for your favorite dram or curated cocktail. Priced at just $32 per person, it’s an excellent choice for those wanting a quick, engaging, and authentic Highland whisky experience. Reviewers love its “informative yet fun” style and praise the friendly staff. This tour is ideal for whisky novices and aficionados alike who want a taste of Highland distilling without a long day trip.
Bottom line: A lively, educational, and affordable introduction to Highland whisky and cocktails—perfect for a short but memorable Highland stop.
2. Invergordon Shore excursion, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness
At number 2, this private, full-day Highlands adventure offers a mix of history, stunning scenery, and a touch of the mystical Loch Ness. Starting from Invergordon Cruise Port, your guide will take you to celebrated sites like Culloden Battlefield, where the final Jacobite uprising was fought, and the Clava Cairns, famous for Outlander fans as the site of Craigh na Dun.
What makes this tour stand out is its carefully curated itinerary—visiting Cawdor Castle, exploring the Old Priory ruins in Beauly, and ending with a scenic drive along Loch Ness, where a chance to spot Nessie adds an element of fun. The reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, with one noting, “Gavin made the history come alive.” The tour’s well-paced stops and stunning views make it perfect for history buffs and scenery lovers. The $900 group rate offers great value for a personalized experience that hits all the high points in one day.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, scenic journey through the Highlands packed with history and myth, suited for those who want depth and variety in a day.
3. Inverness: Highland Flavours & Traditions Tour
Number 3 on our list offers a family-friendly glimpse into Highland culture and produce. For around $484, up to 7 people can enjoy a 4-hour tour that visits a working farm or croft, tasting local produce and meeting artisans. The trip includes visits to craft shops and a scenic drive through the Highland landscape, making it a relaxed and intimate way to experience local life.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on local flavors, from tasting Highland cheeses and meats to exploring how traditional life persists. The itinerary includes stops at Beauly and the Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery for those interested in whisky, but the emphasis is on the authentic rural experience. Perfect for families or those seeking a more laid-back, cultural day out.
Bottom line: A gentle, local-focused tour ideal for families or travelers wanting to connect with Highland traditions and taste regional specialties.
$484 per group up to 7
4. Inverness: Whisky Tour with Tasting and Production Tour
At number 4, this 8-hour whisky tour offers a deep dive into Highland whisky production. Visiting lesser-known distilleries, this experience includes a production tour and two tastings, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how some of Scotland’s finest whiskies are made.
What makes this stand out is its focus on smaller distilleries, which often produce more unique and limited-edition expressions. The guide shares insights into the tallest stills in Scotland and the whisky-making process, making it perfect for serious enthusiasts. The reviews commend the personalized experience, with one noting, “Jamie was an excellent guide, very flexible and informative.” The full-day format allows for a comprehensive immersion in Highland whisky culture, with lunch at Dornoch Cathedral.
Bottom line: A perfect choice for whisky lovers wanting an in-depth, intimate look at craft distilling beyond the tourist traps.
$481 per person
5. Loch Ness Tour: Trip to Loch Ness, Outlander Sites & More
Number 5 is a full-day private tour from Inverness or Invergordon that combines iconic sights like Loch Ness and the Outlander filming locations, including Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle. For $673 per group, up to four people, you get a rich mix of history, scenery, and popular culture.
The tour’s strength lies in its detailed itinerary—visiting Urquhart Castle, exploring Culloden Battlefield, and enjoying scenic drives through the Highland landscape. The stops at Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle appeal to fans of Outlander or anyone interested in Scottish folklore. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and well-structured day, with one stating, “This tour covers everything I wanted and more.” It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive Highland experience in one day.
Bottom line: Ideal for Outlander fans and history enthusiasts wanting a guided, all-in-one Highland tour with a personal touch.
$673 per group up to 4
6. Near Inverness: The Singleton Whisky Tour From Malt to Cask
Number 6, The Singleton Whisky Tour From Malt to Cask, offers a more intimate and detailed look at whisky production in just 2.5 hours. Visiting The Singleton Distillery, you’ll explore the bonded warehouse, sample rare expressions, and learn about the malt-to-cask process with your guide.
This tour’s highlight is the ability to draw your own cask samples—a rare opportunity for whisky fans. For $336 per person, it offers good value for a more focused, quality experience. The tour’s reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guides and the chance to taste unique whiskies you won’t find elsewhere. It is well-suited for those with a keen interest in the technical aspects of distilling or looking for a shorter, yet rich, whisky experience.
Bottom line: A great pick for whisky connoisseurs who want a hands-on look at cask aging and sampling rare Scotch expressions.
$336 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Muir of Ord
When selecting a tour, consider your main interests, budget, and how much time you want to dedicate. If whisky is your passion, the Whisky Tours or Craft and Cocktail Experience will satisfy your curiosity and taste buds. For history and scenery lovers, the Invergordon Shore Excursion offers a full-day immersion, while Outlander fans should consider the Loch Ness Tour for its blend of scenic sites and TV-inspired locations.
If you’re traveling with family or prefer a slower pace, the Highland Flavours & Traditions provides a relaxed look at local life and tastes. Budget-conscious travelers might opt for the Singleton Craft and Cocktail Experience, which offers a compact but rich whisky experience.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred times and ensure availability. Think about how much time you want to spend and how deep you want to go—short tastings or full-day adventures—there’s a tour in Muir of Ord for every curiosity.
To sum it up, Muir of Ord offers a range of tours that appeal to diverse interests—from whisky and history to local traditions and Outlander sites. The craft whisky lovers will find the Singleton Whisky Tour and Craft and Cocktail Experience especially rewarding. Meanwhile, travelers seeking a comprehensive Highland day trip should consider the Invergordon Shore Excursion or the Loch Ness Outlander Tour. Whatever your preference, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences in Scotland’s heartland.