Experience the Scottish Highlands from Invergordon in comfort and style with a private 8-hour tour for up to three guests. Led by knowledgeable guides like Roger, this customizable adventure promises visits to Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch Firth, Falls of Shin, and a choice of distilleries or castles. The tour costs around $1,035.47 per group, making it a more personal, flexible alternative to crowded bus excursions. It includes WiFi, bottled water, and private transportation, with the option to add extra hours or visit different locations depending on your interests.
What we love most is the personalized nature of this tour—your guide will discuss your preferences beforehand, ensuring you see what matters most to you. Plus, the combination of historic sites and scenic views offers a well-rounded experience, from castles steeped in history to stunning natural landscapes. The flexibility to customize your day is another key point, especially if you’re craving a more relaxed pace or want to add visits like Loch Ness or Urquhart Castle.
One consideration is that admission fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget for entry tickets to sites like Dunrobin Castle. Also, while the tour is perfect for those with mobility and stamina, some stops like the Big Burn Walk are not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate history, scenic beauty, and personalized service. Whether you’re on a cruise, exploring multiple days in Scotland, or just want to escape the crowds, this private tour offers a tailored, memorable way to experience the Highlands.
Key Points
- Highly personalized: Your guide will discuss your interests beforehand.
- Flexible itinerary: Add hours or switch locations on the day.
- Historic and scenic: Visit castles, ruins, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
- Comfort and convenience: Private transport with WiFi and bottled water.
- Cost: Around $1,035 for up to 3 guests, excluding entrance fees.
- Duration: Around 8 hours, perfect for a full but relaxed day.
Exploring the Highlights of the Highland Tour from Invergordon
When you step off your cruise ship in Invergordon, this private tour from Scotland’s Highland Tours offers a fantastic way to explore the rugged beauty and deep history of the Scottish Highlands. For around $1,035 for a group of up to three, you’ll spend roughly 8 hours with your own driver/guide, who will help craft an itinerary suited specifically to your interests. The tour includes convenient pickup, WiFi, and bottled water, making it a comfortable way to see some of the most iconic sites in the Highlands.
What makes this tour special is the ability to customize your day. Before setting off, your guide will discuss your preferences, whether that’s exploring castles, visiting distilleries, or soaking in the natural scenery. If you wish, you can extend your time at specific stops or alter your route—something that’s often not possible with standard bus excursions. This flexibility is especially attractive for travelers who want to avoid the cookie-cutter experience and instead enjoy a more intimate journey.
Two features we particularly appreciate are the inclusion of Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, where you can admire the impressive architecture and perhaps catch a falconry display, and the Glenmorangie Distillery visit, offering a taste of Scotland’s world-renowned whisky-making. The stops at Dornoch Firth and Falls of Shin provide scenic opportunities and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Highlands, with salmon leaping during certain months and stunning coastal views.
A possible drawback is that admission fees to sites like Dunrobin Castle are not included, so you should budget additionally for entry tickets. Also, some stops, like the Big Burn Walk, are not accessible for everyone with mobility issues, so if you have physical limitations, it’s worth discussing this with your guide beforehand.
This tour is ideal for history buffs, scenery lovers, and those wanting a flexible, personal Highland experience. If you’re on a cruise or visiting Scotland for multiple days, this private tour allows you to maximize your time and tailor the experience according to your preferences.
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In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
Our journey begins at Dunrobin Castle, the seat of the Earls of Sutherland, which looks like a fairy-tale fortress perched on the coast. The castle’s distinctive turrets and expansive gardens are a highlight. While admission isn’t included, many guests enjoy exploring the impressive interiors and walking through the well-kept gardens. If you visit during falconry display days, you might be treated to a demonstration of hawks soaring above—an exhilarating sight that adds a theatrical touch to your visit.
Dornoch Firth Viewpoint
Next, your guide will stop at the Dornoch Firth Viewpoint. This is a short stop, but the scenery is breathtaking. Known locally as the “Million Dollar View,” the spot offers sweeping coastal vistas where land meets sea, and the horizon stretches endlessly. It’s perfect for quick photos and soaking in the fresh Highland air.
Falls of Shin
A favorite among nature lovers, the Falls of Shin are famous for their salmon leap, visible from October to November. Even outside those months, the waterfalls are dramatic, and the surrounding woodland is peaceful. There’s a cozy cafe here where you can grab coffee and perhaps pick up a souvenir from the gift shop. It’s a relaxed stop that combines natural beauty with a touch of local life.
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Carn Liath Broch
History buffs will enjoy a quick visit to the Carn Liath Broch, an example of Iron Age architecture. This ancient stone structure offers a glimpse into early Scottish life and is a good spot for those curious about Scotland’s prehistoric past.
Dornoch Cathedral & Beach
The Dornoch Cathedral, where Madonna famously married, combines impressive architecture with a sense of local history. After the visit, you might want to stroll along Dornoch Beach, where golden sands stretch out, and the Atlantic breeze is invigorating. This stop gives you a mix of cultural history and seaside serenity.
Glenmorangie Distillery
No Highland tour would be complete without a whisky experience. At the Glenmorangie Distillery, you’ll learn about the craft of whisky-making and perhaps sample some of the finest Scottish malts. The visit lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes and is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who enjoy a good dram or want to understand Scotch whisky better.
Beauly Priory & Big Burn Walk
The ruins of Beauly Priory give insight into medieval monastic life, with substantial stonework and peaceful surroundings. Nearby, the Big Burn Walk offers a short woodland trek—perfect for nature lovers, though it’s not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
Optional: Cawdor Castle or Inverness Excursion
Depending on your interests, your guide might suggest an alternative route towards Inverness, stopping at Loch Ness or Urquhart Castle. This flexibility allows you to tailor your Highland experience further, whether you’re more drawn to castles, lakes, or ancient sites like Clava Cairns.
Practical Aspects and What You Should Know
The tour operates from Invergordon Port with a start time of 9:00 am. It’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility. The cost of approximately $1,035 is for the entire group, making it a good value when shared among three travelers, especially considering the private transportation and WiFi on board.
The 8-hour duration makes for a full day—enough to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed. Since admission fees aren’t included, you’ll want to bring some cash or cards for entrance tickets. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but be aware that some stops like the Big Burn Walk are not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This private Highland adventure is perfect if you’re seeking a tailored, flexible experience that balances scenic beauty with cultural and historical insights. It’s ideal for cruise passengers who want to maximize their time ashore without the crowds, or for visitors staying in Scotland who want a personalized day out. Travel families or small groups who enjoy customizing their itinerary will appreciate the ability to focus on sites that interest them most.
Those looking for authentic Highland scenery, historic castles, and whisky tasting will find this tour hits the mark. The guide’s willingness to discuss options and extend or modify the route ensures a memorable, stress-free day that fits your mood and pace.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to see and enjoy multiple sites without feeling rushed.
Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup from Invergordon Port is included, making the start effortless.
Can I add extra hours or visit different locations?
Absolutely. The guide will discuss your preferences before departure, and you can add hours or swap stops as desired.
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included. You should plan to pay separately for sites like Dunrobin Castle or Cawdor Castle.
What is the group size?
This is a private tour for up to 3 travelers, which helps ensure a personal experience.
Is WiFi available onboard?
Yes, WiFi is provided on the vehicle, so you can stay connected or share photos during the day.
Are children and families suitable for this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but stops like the Big Burn Walk may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
What should I bring?
Bring cash or cards for admission fees, a camera, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor stops.
What if I want to visit Loch Ness instead?
Your guide can discuss this option, and you may be able to include Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, or other sites in your custom itinerary.
Is this tour good for repeat visitors?
Yes, many guests, especially those who enjoyed it the first time, choose to book multiple trips with the same guide, like the reviewer who did two trips with Roger.
To sum it up, this private tour from Invergordon offers a well-balanced, flexible way to explore the Highlands. Its focus on authentic sites, scenic viewpoints, and the ability to customize makes it ideal for travelers who want a personal touch. Whether you’re passionate about history, scenery, or whisky, this experience provides a memorable, tailored Highland adventure that captures the spirit of Scotland in a relaxed, comfortable setting.