Classic Highland Shore Tour from Invergordon

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. 

On arrival, you’ll be given an audio guide (available in 10 languages) which shares the fascinating stories behind each of the castle’s grand rooms. Highlights include the 16th-century Drawing Room, complete with an ornate fireplace and portrait gallery, and a bedroom adorned with richly coloured 17th-century Flemish tapestries. Each space is filled with exquisite antiques and fine art, all with a tale to tell. The most iconic story of all is found in the Thorn Tree Room, where a real tree – said to have determined the castle’s location back in 1372 – still grows proudly in place. After exploring the interior, guests are encouraged to stroll through the estate’s immaculate gardens. The formal Flower Garden, designed in the 18th century, is lined with lavender and clipped yew hedges, while the Walled Garden enchants with exotic plants, a Knot Garden, maze, and a secluded Paradise Garden. Nature lovers will enjoy the Wild Garden, which opens into 750 acres of woodland trails. There’s also time to relax at the castle’s café, famed for its home-baked scones and cakes, and to browse three charming gift shops, including one offering exclusive Cawdor souvenirs.

We spend around 90 minutes at Cawdor Castle, which is also your opportunity to pick up a packed/box lunch – a special offer available only for WOW guests. Full details can be found in the FAQs at the foot of the page.

While many tours focus solely on headline attractions, this part of the journey is all about connecting with the raw beauty of the Highlands. Over the next 20 minutes, as we travel towards Culloden Battlefield, your guide will share stories of the land, as well as local wildlife, native flora and traditional farming life. You’ll pass rolling fields often dotted with distinctive Aberdeen Angus cattle and, if you’re lucky, catch sight of majestic Clydesdale horses grazing near the hedgerows.

As we wind our way through this quiet corner of the Highlands, keep an eye out for the impressive Culloden Viaduct – a magnificent Victorian railway bridge that stretches across the landscape with 29 graceful arches. It’s a scenic, soul-soothing interlude that reveals a more tranquil, authentic side of Highland life.

On 16th April 1746, Culloden became the site of the final, brutal battle of the Jacobite Uprising. In under an hour, over 1,600 men were killed—most of them Jacobite Highlanders—bringing a tragic end to the hopes of Bonnie Prince Charlie and marking a turning point in Scottish history. As you walk the battlefield with your guide, the story of that day comes vividly to life—from the chaotic charge across the boggy moor to the heartbreak of defeat. You’ll also hear how the aftermath of the battle led to the suppression of Highland culture, including the banning of tartan, the decline of Gaelic, and the dismantling of the clan system.

For fans of Outlander, this is a powerful and meaningful stop, as the Jacobite cause and the Battle of Culloden are central themes in the series. Your visit includes a 30-minute guided walking tour, with time afterwards to explore at your own pace, browse the gift shop, or grab a takeaway coffee. Our visit typically lasts 75 minutes, allowing you to absorb the powerful atmosphere of this deeply historic site.

Dating back over 4,000 years, Clava Cairns is one of the most evocative prehistoric sites in Scotland. Here, you’ll discover a fascinating array of ancient structures, including passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairns, and tall standing stones. The site’s alignment with the midwinter sun hints at its ceremonial significance and the deep astronomical knowledge of its builders. Your guide will walk you through the history and meaning behind these remarkable monuments, offering insight into Bronze Age burial practices and beliefs.

For fans of Outlander Clava Cairns holds special significance. After writing her first book, author Diana Gabaldon visited the site and was stunned to find a split standing stone near Culloden Battlefield—so similar to the fictional Craigh na Dun that many now view Clava Cairns as its real-world inspiration. Whether you come for the history, or the connection to time-travelling legend, Clava Cairns is sure to leave a lasting impression.

We will spend around 30 minutes at Clava Cairns.

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’re lucky enough to spot any Highland Cows along our route, we’ll make every effort to pause for a photo and a closer look at these gentle, long-haired locals. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, rest assured we’ll keep our eyes peeled throughout the day.

As our journey draws to a close, we make our way back to Invergordon via the scenic Black Isle, passing through its peaceful villages and rolling farmland. We’ll return you to port with plenty of time before your ship’s departure—typically at least 1 hour and 15 minutes in advance. After a day rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, we hope you’ll leave with a camera full of memories and a new-found love for this unforgettable corner of Scotland.