Invergordon Shore Excursion: Inverness, Castle & Whisky Tasting

Medieval castle, Loch Ness views, Highland capital and a distillery tasting in one day

This eight-hour shore excursion from Invergordon combines four stops across the Scottish Highlands: Cawdor Castle and its gardens, a photo break at Dores Beach on Loch Ness, over an hour in Inverness to explore the town and riverside, and a tour of Glen Ord Distillery ending with a tasting of Singleton 12-year-old single malt. A driver-guide provides live commentary throughout, and port pickup and drop-off are included. Children from age four are welcome, and the tour operates in all weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Cawdor Castle and Gardens1h 15m
2. Glen Ord Distillery1h

Highlands tour with castle and whisky

• Depart Invergordon to Cawdor Castle
• Explore Cawdor Castle and gardens
• Visit Dores Beach for photos
• Spend time in Inverness city
• Tour Glen Ord Distillery
• Taste Singleton 12-year whisky

The experience

Eight hours gives you time to move through the Highlands without rushing. You depart Invergordon with a driver-guide who provides live commentary as you travel, so the journey itself becomes part of the day. The route threads through Nairnshire to Cawdor Castle, a 15th-century seat of the Campbells set in formal gardens. You explore both the castle and its grounds at your own pace.

From there, the tour moves to Dores Beach on the shores of Loch Ness for a break and a chance to look for the famous resident. Inverness comes next, and you get over an hour in the capital of the Highlands to walk along the River Ness, visit Inverness Castle, or find lunch. The final stop is Glen Ord Distillery on the Black Isle, the only single malt distillery remaining in the region and home to Singleton Whisky. You tour the distillery and finish with a tasting of the Singleton of Glen Ord 12-year-old.

Port pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport to the meeting point. The tour runs in all weather, and children from age four can join if accompanied by an adult. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if a companion assists with boarding and disembarkation.

What’s included

• Driver-guide with live commentary throughout the journey.
• port pickup and drop-off from your cruise ship.
• entry to Cawdor Castle and its gardens.
• a tour of Glen Ord Distillery.
• a tasting of Singleton 12-year-old single malt whisky.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 8 Apr 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (17 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (4 to 16 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 53

Live guideEnglish

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Timberbush Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your ship docks at Invergordon and you want a guided route that covers castle, loch views, town, and distillery in one day. The driver handles navigation so you can focus on the Highlands rather than planning stops.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 16 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

How much time do I actually get to spend at each stop?

Cawdor Castle and its gardens are yours to explore without a set duration, so you move through at your own pace. Dores Beach is a shorter photo and refreshment break. Inverness gets over an hour, enough to walk the riverside and find lunch. Glen Ord Distillery includes a guided tour of the facility followed by the whisky tasting.

What exactly happens at Glen Ord Distillery?

Glen Ord Distillery offers a tour of the facility itself, then concludes with a tasting of Singleton of Glen Ord 12-year-old single malt whisky. The distillery is the only single malt producer on the Black Isle.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes the driver-guide, port pickup and drop-off, and live commentary during travel. Attraction tickets, food and drinks, and gratuities are not included, so budget for lunch in Inverness and any purchases at the distillery or castle gift shops.

What should I wear, and does the tour run if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for Scottish Highlands weather: layers and waterproof jackets are advisable. The itinerary doesn't change based on weather.