Invergordon, Scotland - British Isles & North West Europe Cruises

Discover the mystery of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ affectionately known as ‘Nessie’ and explore the historic town of Inverness.

Drive along the banks of the Cromarty Firth and through Beauly on your way to Drumnadrochit. As you approach the famous Loch Ness you will have great views of the Loch and your chance to spot ‘Nessie’, who was first sighted in the 6th century by St Columba.

Visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition Experience, where you can see a fascinating presentation passing through seven themed areas of a journey from the dawn of time to the third millennium. A highly effective mix of lasers, special effects and digital projection charts the history of the Loch Ness Monster by exploring Scotland’s geological past, its folklore and the various research projects undertaken on the Loch.

On arrival at Inverness, ‘Capital of the Highlands’, around 1½ hours’ free time will be given to enjoy all that the city has to offer, including shops and historic sites, such as the Gothic-style Town House, Inverness Castle and Tolbooth Steeple, as well as the pretty, tree-lined River Ness.

Note: The journey to Loch Ness takes approximately one hour and takes you through beautiful countryside. Approximately one hour is spent at the Exhibition Centre, the area is flat and there is seating throughout the themed areas. Any walking and activities undertaken in Inverness are at guests’ own discretion. Luncheon is not included but can be purchased in Inverness.

Visit a traditional distillery that produces one of Scotland’s best-loved malt whiskies and explore the historic town of Royal Dornoch.

A short drive north takes you to the ancient Royal Burgh of Tain, an attractive small town of grand whisky-coloured sandstone buildings and home to the Glenmorangie Distillery. ‘Glenmorangie’ in Gaelic means ‘glen of tranquillity’, a particularly appropriate description for its calm and scenic location. Enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating distillery that is famous for its highly rated malt whisky which is distributed around the world. During your leisurely visit, see demonstrations of traditional skills, before savouring a glass of this fine whisky.

Following the distillery visit, cross the Dornoch Firth via the low causeway bridge to the enchanting, 12th century town of Royal Dornoch. Surrounded by sand dunes and blessed with an exceptionally sunny climate, it’s a very popular, but select resort. See the Edwardian hotels, a profusion of trees and flowers, miles of sandy beaches, and a championship golf course. The town’s oldest buildings are all clustered around its spacious and beautiful square; stop to admire the impressive medieval Cathedral, the scene for Madonna and Guy Richie’s wedding. Opposite stands the majestic, 16th century Bishop’s Palace, with stepped gables and towers, and next door, the Old Town Jail, now home to a series of enticing galleries and shops.

Note: There are uneven surfaces, open gratings and approximately 35 steps at the distillery. There will be around 45 minutes spent in Royal Dornoch.

An ideal opportunity to discover the historic city of Inverness for those who prefer to explore independently.

A short orientation tour of the Highland City of Inverness will help you get your bearings before setting off on your own. Despite being the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is more like a town and its centre is compact and easily accessible.

Why not spend some time strolling along the tree-lined banks of the River Ness, seeing the majestic Inverness Castle, visiting the museum or browsing the shops, which include several large chain stores and local craft shops.

Note: Guests are advised that this tour is unguided and exclusive of entrance fees. The journey time to Inverness is 45 minutes each way depending on traffic. Maps will be provided. Your coach driver will advise you of the departure time and pick up point for your return transfer to the ship.

A panoramic tour around the eastern Scottish Highlands, renowned as one of the most beautiful areas within the British Isles.

As you follow the banks of the beautiful Cromarty Firth you will take in views of the scenic Black Isle and perhaps catch a glimpse of a seal. Turning inland, take the scenic road through the Ardross Forest, planted with beautiful spruce, larch and pine trees, pausing at the Struie Hill viewpoint with superb views over the Dornoch Firth.

Descending to the firth, follow the picturesque northern side to the enchanting 12th century town of Royal Dornoch. The town’s oldest buildings are all clustered around its spacious and beautiful square. Stop to admire the impressive medieval Cathedral, the scene for Madonna’s rock ‘n’ roll wedding. Opposite stands the majestic, 16th century Bishop’s Palace, with stepped gables and towers, and next door, the Old Town Jail, now home to a series of enticing galleries and shops.

Imagine the smell of malted barley in the air as you pass the Glenmorangie Whisky Distillery and enter the Royal Burgh of Tain, a small thriving town with ancient history and attractive red sandstone architecture. Continue through low-lying fruitful farmland, dotted with relics of the Pictish people that once lived here, to the windswept Easter Ross seaboard where you find the fishing villages of Balintore and Shandwick.

Note: All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with photograph stops at Struie Hill and Royal Dornoch.

Enjoy a scenic exploration of the beautiful ‘Black Isle’, an area of rolling farmland and pretty villages.

Following the Cromarty Firth to the Black Isle, an area which is in fact, a peninsula and not an island, you’ll discover one of the most attractive gems on the east coast. The beautifully preserved 18th century town of Cromarty is full of historic interest, from the 17th century East Church with its extraordinary pews and the fascinating old Courthouse to old-world antique shops, taverns and cafés. After a short guided tour, there will be time to stroll at leisure through the town, perhaps visiting the thatched-roofed Hugh Miller’s Cottage, birthplace of the eminent local geologist and writer.

Continuing on the road above the fabled Fairy Glen, setting of many a local legend, through fertile farmland, dramatic countryside and stately woods, past the village of Rosemarkie, an important centre of Christianity in Pictish times. A stop will be made at Fortrose, a quietly elegant village to photograph the beautiful ruins of the early 13th century Fortrose Cathedral.

Further on, you’ll see the Clootie Well, a Celtic place of Pilgrimage, where colourful rags have been hung on overhanging branches to bring luck and health.

Before returning to the port, a stop will be made at North Kessock, one of the best spots in the UK to view Moray Firth dolphins. From here, you can also see over to Inverness and the impressive Kessock Bridge.

Note: Approximately one hour is spent in Cromarty.

Combine a scenic drive to the northern Highland coast with a visit to the grand chateau style Dunrobin Castle.

A scenic drive north from Invergordon displays the wonderful countryside in this area of Scotland. Crossing the Dornoch Firth you will pass through the fishing village of Golspie, where the Duke of Sutherland’s monument can be seen high on the nearby hill. This tribute is a source of contention in the area, as he is regarded by many locals as responsible for evicting thousands of tenants during the Clearances.

The breathtaking Dunrobin Castle with its fairy tale turrets suddenly becomes visible at the end of a long, tree-lined drive. The impressive building, containing 189 rooms filled with fine furniture, paintings, tapestries and art, is magnificently set in a great park and formal gardens overlooking the sea. The collections make for an interesting visit, as you browse through the bedrooms, nurseries, studies and public rooms. Displays include antique household equipment, ceremonial robes, uniforms, arms and a complete working 19th century fire engine, all of which give a detailed insight into life for the earlier Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.

There will be a partially guided tour of the Castle followed by one hour free time to further explore the Castle or to walk amongst the beautiful gardens in this wonderful setting.

Note: There is up to two hours of walking at the Castle involving some steps.

A relaxing panoramic tour to the beautiful and mysterious area of Loch Ness, one of the most popular locations in Scotland.

Pass the banks of the scenic Cromarty Firth before pausing at the charming village of Beauly on the way to Drumnadrochit. Approaching from a height, look out over the famous Loch Ness, the deepest freshwater loch in the country. Enjoy spectacular views of the Loch, and have your binoculars at the ready to catch a possible glimpse of its elusive monster, ‘Nessie’.

Your leisurely drive will take you through stunning scenery and along the length of the Loch to the Clansman Hotel. The hotel grounds are located on the edge of the Loch. A photograph stop will enable you to capture one of the most picturesque parts of the Loch at close range, before continuing along the panoramic eastern shore of the Loch.

On the return journey to the port, you’ll pass through the historic city of Inverness, with its imposing Castle overlooking the city.

Note: All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach, with photograph stops at Beauly and Loch Ness.