Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

This tour offers a captivating exploration of Scotland’s iconic Highlands. Visitors will journey through the region’s rich history, from the grand Cawdor Castle to the poignant Culloden Battlefield. Along the way, they’ll encounter the picturesque town of Inverness and the legendary Loch Ness. Whether you’re a fan of Outlander or simply seeking to learn about the Highlands’ stunning landscapes and captivating stories, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. With convenient meeting points and a seamless return to your cruise ship, it’s an ideal way to maximize your time and uncover the essence of this enchanting corner of Scotland.

Key Points

• This action-packed bus tour through the Scottish Highlands showcases iconic destinations like Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Loch Ness.
• The tour includes entry to Cawdor Castle, known for its rich history and beautiful gardens, providing a hassle-free experience for travelers.
• The tour is designed for cruise ship passengers, with a convenient meeting point at Invergordon, just 2-5 minutes from the cruise ship pier.
• The tour covers a variety of highlights, allowing travelers with limited time to maximize their sightseeing in the Scottish Highlands.
• The tour is stroller accessible and caters to various travelers with specific needs, though it is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

This action-packed bus tour whisks visitors through the Scottish Highlands, showcasing a slew of iconic destinations. With 186 glowing reviews, the tour starts from Invergordon and covers must-see highlights like Cawdor Castle, Culloden, Loch Ness, Inverness, and Beauly Priory.

It’s an ideal option for travelers with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing. Designed with cruise ship passengers in mind, the tour includes Cawdor Castle entry fees and ends back at the convenient meeting point.

While some guests felt the pace was a bit rushed, the tour overall provides a great overview of the Scottish Highlands’ top attractions.

Inclusions

The tour booking price includes entry to Cawdor Castle, allowing visitors to explore this historic landmark at their leisure. Cawdor Castle is known for its rich history and beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s past.

However, one notable exclusion from the tour is Inverness Castle, which is currently closed for refurbishment. While this is disappointing for those hoping to visit the castle, the tour still manages to pack in a variety of other highlights, from the Culloden Battlefield to the picturesque Loch Ness.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour meeting point is located at 37 Shore Rd, Invergordon IV18 0EH, UK.

Travelers docking at the Invergordon pier can disembark their cruise ship and walk 2-5 minutes to reach the designated meeting spot.

Once there, you will meet with the tour guide and begin their journey through the Scottish Highlands.

The tour will end back at the same meeting point, allowing travelers to easily return to their cruise ship.

The meeting and pickup logistics are designed to be convenient for Invergordon cruise ship passengers, ensuring a seamless start and end to the action-packed bus tour.

Tour Logistics

Although the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible and allows service animals. Plus, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation, and infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. The tour has a maximum capacity of 53 travelers per group.

Tour Logistics	Details
Accessibility	Stroller accessible, Service animals allowed
Transportation	Near public transportation, Infant seats available
Group Size	Maximum of 53 travelers per tour
Other	Not wheelchair accessible

The tour’s logistics cater to a variety of travelers, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for those with specific needs, while also maintaining a manageable group size for a personalized tour.

Cawdor Castle

According to the tour overview, entrance to Cawdor Castle is included in the booking price, allowing visitors a chance to explore this historic Scottish landmark.

Cawdor Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle that dates back to the 14th century. Situated near Inverness, the castle is known for its beautiful gardens and its connections to Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Visitors can wander through the castle’s ornate halls, admire the impressive architecture, and learn about the property’s rich history. The tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience this iconic Scottish attraction without the hassle of arranging separate admission.

With Cawdor Castle included, travelers can make the most of their limited time in the Highlands.

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield, the historic site of the 1746 Jacobite rising, figures prominently on the tour, affording visitors a chance to enjoy Scotland’s turbulent past.

While the tour doesn’t provide extensive narration or context, it allows guests to explore the battlefield independently and reflect on the events that unfolded there.

Some highlights include:

• Seeing the memorial cairn and monuments that honor the fallen Jacobite and government soldiers
• Walking the ground where the fierce battle took place and imagining the chaos and intensity of the conflict
• Visiting the Visitor Centre to learn more about the Jacobite cause and the devastating defeat at Culloden.

Despite some feedback that more context would be beneficial, the tour provides a meaningful opportunity to connect with this pivotal moment in Scottish history.

Inverness and Beauly Priory

The tour next takes visitors to the historic city of Inverness, the cultural hub of the Scottish Highlands. Here, they can marvel at the imposing Inverness Castle, which is currently undergoing renovations and unavailable for entry.

From Inverness, the tour proceeds to the serene Beauly Priory, a medieval ecclesiastical site known for its well-preserved architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

Founded in the 13th century, the priory’s striking stone structures and peaceful gardens offer a glimpse into Scotland’s rich religious history.

Though the tour’s pace leaves little time for in-depth exploration, visitors can appreciate the architectural and historical significance of these iconic Highland landmarks before continuing on to the next destination.

Guest Feedback

Travelers frequently felt the tour was rushed and could have benefited from more narration and context, especially at Culloden Battlefield. Some guests considered certain stops, like the Shetland cows, unnecessary.

Despite these critiques, the tour overall provided a good overview of the Scottish Highlands highlights, though it could have been improved:

• Travelers wished for more detailed explanations and historical context, particularly at significant sites like Culloden Battlefield.

• Some felt the inclusion of certain stops, such as the Shetland cows, detracted from the main attractions.

• While the tour covered many top sights, some travelers believed the pace could have been adjusted to allow more time at each location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code. Visitors are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the Scottish Highlands.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policy on outside food and beverages.

Is There Storage Space on the Bus for Luggage?

The tour bus has limited storage space for luggage. Passengers are advised to bring only small, handheld items that can be stored under their seats or in the overhead racks. Large suitcases and bags may not fit on the bus.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Day?

Participants can generally leave the tour group at any point during the day, but should inform the guide beforehand. Leaving the group may impact the tour’s schedule and activities, so guests are advised to plan accordingly.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Stop on the Tour?

The tour aims to cover multiple highlights, so time allocated for each stop is limited. Typically, 30-60 minutes are spent at each location, though this can vary depending on the site and overall tour schedule.

Recap

This Highlands tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s iconic landmarks.

Travelers can explore the historic Cawdor Castle, visit the poignant Culloden Battlefield, and discover the charming city of Inverness.

With convenient pickup and drop-off, the tour provides an efficient way to maximize sightseeing for those with limited time, making it an ideal choice for cruise ship passengers seeking to capture the essence of the Scottish Highlands.