Classic Highland Shore Tour from Invergordon

Upon arrival at the Port of Invergordon will be warmly welcomed by your kilt-clad WOW Scotland guide, who will accompany you to our executive 32-seater mini-coach.  After taking your seats you will be able to relax as your highly experienced guide takes the reins, and your long-awaited day in the Scottish Highlands begins.

As we journey along the shores of the Cromarty Firth keep your eye out for seals, oystercatchers and herons as your guide enthrals you with stories of the area’s fascinating history including: Why the US Navy used a local distillery as their HQ during the First World War; and the mutiny which brought the British economy to its knees.  As we drive south over the Kessock Bridge,  which opened in 1982 and transformed road travel in the Highlands, you will get great views over the compact Highland Capital of Inverness.

After one hour we will arrive at Cawdor Castle.  We have a wonderful relationship with the superb team here and, as such, have been able to secure the much-coveted first booking slot of the day for our guests (they even open early for us if required, to fit in with your docking times).  As we arrive at the castle bright and early, this enables you to enjoy the ambiance without the crowds.

You will be presented with an audio guide (available in 10 languages) which provides an interesting and entertaining overview of each room of the castle.  From the 16th Century Drawing Room with its splendid fireplace and portrait gallery, to the bedroom showcasing Flemish tapestries from the 17th Century, all of the magnificent rooms feature fine art and antique furniture, and every object has a story behind it.  This is no more so than in, “The Thorn Tree Room”, where you hear the story of the legendary tree which the castle was built around back in 1372 and which, remarkably, still exists there today!

After you have completed the audio tour we would recommend heading outside to the immaculate gardens: The Flower Garden is a formal garden designed in the 18th Century and featuring lavender borders and yew tree hedges;  The Walled Garden features exotic plants, a maze, a Knot Garden and a hidden Paradise Garden; The Wild Garden is a hidden delight which leads into 750 acres of woods and trails.  There is also a coffee shop, featuring home-baked scones and cakes, and three gift shops, one of which sells a wonderful selection of classic Scottish souvenirs unique to the castle.

Admission to the castle is £12.50 (£7.50 for children) if booked and paid with us in advance.

This will be your opportunity to pick up a packed/box lunch, with the castle offering a lunch deal exclusively for WOW guests.  Further information, including a menu and prices, can be found under the FAQs tab above.

We spend around 90 minutes at Cawdor Castle.

The wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands are one of the region’s biggest draws, yet they are often missed on day tour itineraries, which focus only on key historical sights.

The next part of our tour aims to give you a taste of the countryside on the 30 minute drive to Culloden Battlefield. As we navigate the winding lanes on this route your guide will tell you all about the wonderful countryside, and the flora and fauna that thrive here.

The Battle of Culloden took place on 16th April 1746 and was the final chapter of the Jacobite Uprising, as well as being one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Your guide will bring the poignant landscape to life as he enthralls you with a historical account of the bloody battle where, in less than an hour, over 1600 men were brutally slain (1500 of these being Jacobites).   The story of the subsequent escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie is fascinating and the repercussions of these events, such as the resulting demise of the Gaelic language and clan culture in the Highlands, can still be felt today.

For Outlander fans, this location is a huge draw, as the Jacobite cause and the Battle of Culloden play a central role in this hugely popular book and TV series.

At Culloden Battlefield your guide will provide a 30 minute walking tour of the site.  On most tours there will also be an opportunity to explore by yourself, buy a coffee to-go and/or visit the gift shop, as we will spend one hour here.  (Please note that there is not enough time to visit the museum, unless you choose not to tour the site with your WOW guide.)

Clava Cairns is an exceptionally well-preserved group of prehistoric burial cairns which were built around 4000 years ago. This Bronze Age cemetery has a whole range of interesting historical structures to explore such as passage graves, ring cairns, a kerb cairn and standing stones.  For Outlander fans, this is a must-see stop. When Diana Gabaldon visited here after writing the first book she couldn’t believe there was a split standing stone so close to Culloden Battlefield.  Consequently, this is now viewed by many as the spiritual home of the fictional, ‘Craig na Dun’.

Your knowledgeable tour guide will provide a fascinating and detailed insight into the significance of the various ancient stone structures.

We will spend approximately 25 minutes here

Regularly ranked among the UK’s most scenic spots, Dores Beach is known for its sweeping views and peaceful atmosphere. Its wide shingle shoreline invites you to pause and soak in the grandeur of the surrounding landscape—perfect for capturing striking photos or simply enjoying the fresh Highland air. If time allows and the pub is open (typically Thursday to Sunday), you might enjoy a coffee, dram of whisky, or local beer at the loch-side inn.

Dores is also home to one of the loch’s most dedicated residents—Steve Feltham, the famed Nessie hunter who has watched these waters from his van since 1991. You might even spot him selling his handmade Nessie figurines by the shore. With around 30 minutes here, you’ll have just enough time to savour the legendary atmosphere and soak in one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.

Though Inverness is one of Europe’s fastest-growing small cities, it retains a laid-back, intimate feel that makes it easy to explore at your own pace. History lovers can take in views from Inverness Castle and visit the statue of Flora MacDonald, a Jacobite heroine forever linked to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s daring escape. The city centre showcases impressive Victorian architecture, including the Gothic-style Town House and the historic Mercat Cross, which stands atop the protective “Clach na Cuidden” stone.

There’s also time to browse the city’s shops—whether you’re drawn to traditional Highland goods like tartan and wool, the atmospheric Victorian Market, or well-known brands at the Eastgate Centre. For a touch of nature, the nearby Ness Islands offer a peaceful setting to unwind beside the flowing river. With around 90 minutes to take it all in (60 minutes on tours of less than 8 hours duration), Inverness delivers a rich blend of history, culture, and Highland hospitality.

If we see any Highland Cows along the way, we will do our best to stop and let you say hello.  We can’t guarantee to see them, but we will certainly do our best!

After a wonderful day exploring the historical, cultural and natural highlights of the Scottish Highlands we will return to Invergordon via the Black Isle peninsula and its traditional villages.  We will arrive back at the port in plenty of time for your ship’s departure (we generally aim to return you to port at least 1 1/4 hours prior to the ship’s scheduled departure time).

We are confident that you will return to your cruise ship with memories to last a lifetime, and having fallen in love with the place we feel so lucky to call home.