Dunrobin Castle & Whisky Tasting: Inverness Shore Tour

Pick your route north to castles and distilleries, or south to Loch Ness and Urquhart

This private shore excursion from Inverness runs five to six hours with a live English-speaking guide, flexible timing to match your ship's schedule, and pickup included. Head north to Dunrobin Castle to watch the falconry display in the grounds, walk Loch Fleet to spot seals, and stop in Dornoch for lunch. Then taste whisky at Glenmorangie or Balblair distillery. Or choose the southern route to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Dunrobin Castle and Whisky Tastings

• Meet at 8:30am for introductions
• Travel north towards Dornoch
• Visit Dunrobin Castle and falconry display
• See seals at Loch Fleet and Old Skelbo Castle
• Lunch in Dornoch
• Whisky tasting at Glenmorangie distillery
• Tour and tasting at Balblair distillery

The experience

Dornoch sits at the start of the northern route, a historic Royal Burgh where you'll break for lunch after the morning's castle and loch stops. Before that, Dunrobin Castle opens its grounds to show the falconry display: the birds fly in the beautiful gardens while you watch and photograph. Loch Fleet comes next, where seals bask on the sands and you can frame shots of the 14th-century ruin of Old Skelbo Castle across the water.

The afternoon splits by preference. If whisky appeals, you taste at Glenmorangie distillery, or switch to Balblair or Singleton of Ord if those suit you better. If you'd rather skip the distillery, the guide takes you instead to Milliinaires Viewpoint and Falls of Shin for dramatic scenery and more photo stops. The southern option swaps the castle and distillery for Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and the historic Clava Cairns: a different day built around the same flexibility.

Private transportation and bottled water are included. Entrance fees to attractions are separate. The guide shapes the day around your interests and your ship's return time, meeting you at 8:30am and timing the route so you're back on schedule. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available, and infants can travel in a pram or specialized seat.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
• bottled water.
• live guide commentary in English.
• pickup from your ship or hotel.
• photo stops and refreshment breaks throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 15 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by GrandTours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and shapes the commentary around your interests and the sites you choose, so the pace and focus stay yours. If you want to move at your own speed between stops or skip a distillery for scenery instead, the itinerary bends to fit.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 15 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the falconry display at Dunrobin Castle?

Dunrobin Castle hosts a live falconry display in its grounds where trained birds fly and hunt during the show. You watch and photograph the birds in action as part of the castle visit.

Can I see seals at Loch Fleet?

Yes, seals bask on the sands at Loch Fleet, and the stop gives you time to photograph them and the ruins of Old Skelbo Castle across the water.

What distilleries are available for tasting?

Glenmorangie is the main option, but you can choose Balblair or Singleton of Ord instead if you prefer. If you don't want a distillery visit, the guide takes you to Milliinaires Viewpoint and Falls of Shin instead.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but the tour stops in Dornoch in the afternoon, a historic Royal Burgh where you can eat. The timing and location are flexible based on your preferences.

How does the tour work if my ship is in Inverness?

The guide meets you at 8:30am and builds the route (north to Dunrobin and the distillery, or south to Loch Ness and Urquhart) around your ship's departure time, ensuring you're back on schedule. Pickup from your ship or hotel is included.