Invergordon Port Loch Ness Tour: Private Highlands day trip

Walk 4,000-year-old burial chambers and castle ruins on a private Highlands route

A private tour departing Invergordon port at 8:30am takes up to six passengers through the Scottish Highlands, stopping at Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness, Beauly Priory and Glen Ord Distillery. The tour includes private transportation and a sit-down whisky tasting at the distillery. Admission fees to attractions are separate. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Clava Cairns15m
2. Culloden Battlefield30m
3. Urquhart Castle1h · entry included
4. Glen Ord Distillery25m · entry included

Invergordon to Loch Ness tour

• Visit Clava Cairns burial chambers
• Explore Culloden Battlefield
• Stop for views and gin tasting
• Tour Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness
• Visit Beauly Priory ruins
• Meet Highland cows and shop
• Optional Glen Ord Distillery tasting

The experience

The tour leaves Invergordon at 8:30am in a private vehicle, so you travel with only your group. No strangers on the coach. Your first stop is Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old burial chamber complex with the famous Outlander stone. From there you head to Culloden Battlefield, where you can walk the open field where the 1746 battle unfolded and changed Scotland's course. The visitor centre has its own entry fee if you want to go inside. The route includes one or two stops on the way to Urquhart Castle for views and the option of a gin tasting before you reach the loch.

Urquhart Castle sits on the shore of Loch Ness, and you have time to explore its ruins and learn the history of both the castle and the Loch Ness monster legend. On the return, you stop at Beauly Priory to see the old stone ruins and the tomb of Kenneth Mackenzie inside. Mary Queen of Scots visited this priory regularly. You also meet the highland cows at a farm and have a chance to browse the farm shop for gifts.

The day ends at Glen Ord Distillery with a sit-down whisky tasting included in the tour price. It is optional, so you can skip it if you prefer, but you have the chance to try and buy some of the famous single malts. The whole tour runs seven hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a vehicle for up to six passengers.
• pickup from Invergordon port at 8:30am.
• a sit-down whisky tasting at Glen Ord Distillery (optional).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Highland Discovery Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you're docking at Invergordon and want to visit multiple Highlands sites (castle, battlefield, burial chambers, distillery) without splitting your group across shared transport.

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Top questions

What is Clava Cairns and why is it the first stop on this tour?

Clava Cairns is a 4,000-year-old burial chamber complex in the Highlands, famous for the Outlander stone. It is the first stop because it sits on the route heading south from Invergordon toward Loch Ness.

Can I visit Urquhart Castle and see Loch Ness on the same day?

Yes. Urquhart Castle stands on the shore of Loch Ness, so you explore the castle ruins and have views of the loch during the same stop on the tour.

Is the whisky tasting at Glen Ord Distillery mandatory?

The sit-down tasting is included in the tour but optional, so you can choose to skip it. You still have the chance to browse and buy single malts from the distillery shop.

How many people can fit in the vehicle, and is it shared with other groups?

The vehicle carries up to six passengers comfortably, and the tour is private. It is just your group, no other travelers on the day.

What time does the tour leave Invergordon, and how long does it run?

The tour departs at 8:30am from Invergordon port and runs for seven hours, ending at Glen Ord Distillery in the late afternoon.

Do admission fees to the castles and battlefields come with the tour?

No. Private transportation is included, but admission fees to Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield visitor centre and other attractions are separate and paid on the day.