Thistle Excursion Tours - see the majesty of the Highlands
PLEASE commence booking your 2022 or 2023 tours when you are ready! We look forward to giving you a special Highland welcome.
If you prefer a private special tour just for you or your party please email Maxine on info@thistleexcursions.co.uk
- Fairytale Dunrobin Castle, Millionaire’s view, Dornoch & Glenmorangie Distillery
We have blended the fairy tale Dunrobin Castle, along with the historic town of Dornoch, along with a whisky photo opportunity.
- Dunrobin Castle
visit Dunrobin Castle - one of Britain's longest inhabited houses, dating back to the early 1300s. Marvel at the Falconry display (all included). - Whisky and Chocolate
visit Dornoch and maybe try a taste of whisky or gin at the Whisky Cellar and sample a delicious hot chocolate in Cocoa Mountain. - Historic Dornoch
visit the beautiful shops and cafes in this picturesque village - Glenmorangie Distillery
great photo opportunity at one of Scotland's finest distilleries and go on a tour to have a look around the famous distillery and sample their whiskies in the tasting. Tour included if COVID allows.
- Dunrobin Castle
- Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness & Loch Ness
This tour is specially designed for those who love films, fame, legends and the magic of Scottish history and of course Nessie our Highland monster.
- Outlander
visit Clava Cairns where Claire steps through the stones and the wonder of Culloden rail Viaduct - photo opportunity - Culloden Battlefield
drive by or visit for photos of the Battlefield where Jamie Fraser from Outlander almost lost his life and look around their gift shop. If time allows you can pay to go into the auditorium and witness the battle. - Loch Ness
drive by, photos of Loch Ness in search of the legend herself ‘Nessie’ - Urquhart Castle
visit the castle, seeing where Claire and Jamie saw the monster. - Beauly Priory
visit the ancient Priory featured in Outlander or look around the unique shops.
- Outlander
- Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness and Loch Ness
- Cawdor Castle
Visit inside and outside Cawdor Castle including magnificent gardens and maze. (Entrance is included.) Cawdor Castle was made famous by William Shakespeare’s ‘MacBeth’. - Culloden Viaduct
Pass by Culloden viaduct. Built in 1893 for trains and still used to this day. - City of Inverness and castle
Inverness city and Inverness Castle. You can visit Inverness castle and viewing gallery to see over the city from 2023. (2021-23 the castle is closed for renovations.) You can also take your time to see the shops, cafes or try a drink in Inverness’ oldest bar the Gellions open since 1841. Grab some spectacular photos of the castle beside the River Ness. - Culloden Battlefield
visit Culloden battlefield, free to roam the battlefield or visit shop and restaurant. Small entry charge if you wish to go right into visitor centre to re-live the battle from 1746. - Loch Ness
drive by Loch Ness. Will you be lucky enough to catch a photo of the ever elusive Nessie herself?
- Cawdor Castle
- Secret Loch Ness, Inverness castle & Waterfalls
This tour has been designed for those looking for a true taste of the real Loch Ness.
- Loch Ness
This tour lets you see the unblemished parts of Loch Ness and stroll down to the loch side to dip your toe in the famous Loch and grab a sample to take back of the famous clear Highland water. - The Falls of Foyers
Travel onto Foyers Falls and take amazing photographs of the waterfall that flows into Loch Ness. - Refreshments
- Visit the local cafe for refreshments of scones and tea or coffee. Price of this included in your tour. Photograph pet deer 🦌 at the cafe.
- Urquhart Castle
Photos of Urquhart Castle which is situated on the far side of the Loch - Inverness city and Inverness Castle
Heading onto Inverness you’ll visit Inverness castle viewing gallery to see over the city from 2023. (Castle closed for renovations 2021-23. You can also take your time to see the shops, cafes or try a drink in Inverness’ oldest bar (opened 1841) the Gellions.
- Loch Ness
- Whisky Galore, Black Rock Gorge & Fairytale Castle
A luxury tour designed for film and whiskey fans alike.
- Black Rock Gorge
Visit the geological marvel of Black Rock Gorge in Evanton where Harry Potter’s Goblet of Fire was filmed - Dubrobin Castle
Visit and tour round the amazing fairytale castle built in the style of a French chateau, dating back to the 1300’s - Glenmorangie Distillery
Take photos of this famous distillery on the tour. - Cadboll Stone
Then drive into see the famous Pictish Cadboll stone which dates back to the 8th century. - Balblair Distillery
- Visit and tour this unique single malt Scottish Highland distillery. All on one level. 1.5 hour tour and taste a 10 and 15 year old whisky.
- Black Rock Gorge
- Private Tour - Adventure, Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castle & Waterfalls
Exculsive tour of Loch Ness, seeing some of the less well explored delights of the Highlands.
- Loch Ness - off the beaten track
You get to dip your toe in Loch Ness and take home a sample of the Loch. - Exclusive mountain top views of Loch Ness
You’ll have magnificent views over the whole of Loch Ness and a little Highland village. - Foyers waterfall - overlooking Loch Ness
Travel onto Foyers Falls and wander down the steep path to see the wonder of waterfall that flows into Loch Ness. Take amazing photographs. - Traditional Scottish refreshments & wildlife
After this a little refreshment with yes and homemade scones at Cameron’s cafe where you’ll also see Shetland ponies, red deer and a Highland cows. - Loch Ness & Urqhuart Castle
Leaving there you’ll head back along the Loch side stopping for photos of Urquhart castle which is situated on the far side of the Loch. - Inverness - the city & Inverness Castle
Heading onto Inverness you’ll visit Inverness castle viewing gallery to see over the city.
- Loch Ness - off the beaten track
- Private Tour - Scottish Castles & Loch Ness Tour
Visit at least 5 famous Scottish castles and Loch Ness.
PLEASE NOTE: TO TAKE THIS YOUR TOUR SHIP MUST BE IN PORT FOR AT LEAST 9 HOURS AS THE TOUR NEEDS 7 HOURS. IF YOUR SHIP IS IN PORT FOR LESS WE CAN CUSTOMISE IT IF YOU EMAIL US.
- You will spend an hour visiting the following 3 castles;
- Cawdor Castle
Famous 14th century castle featuring an ancient medieval tower built around the legendary holly tree - Urquhart Castle
One of the most famous and iconic sites in the Scottish Highlands, nestled at the edge of Loch Ness - Inverness Castle
The current castle was built in 1836. Although there have been castles at the site since 1057. - You also have photo opportunities at Castle Stuart (and if time allows Castle Leod - if ship departs after 1900 hours).
- Inverness city
Visit the Highland capital, one of Scotland's cathedral cities. - Loch Ness
Will you be lucky enough to to capture a photo of Scotland's illusive Loch Ness Monster
- Walking/Trekking Tour - Fyrish Monument and Black Rock Gorge
The walk/trek begins at a dedicated car park and heads into the forest. The path gently rises and falls to some stone steps and across a footbridge over a burn. After that, there is a steady climb clear of tree cover revealing stunning views back towards Alness, over the Cromarty Firth and the Black Isle.
The monument is reached a bit further on and is even more impressive close up than when seen from the road below. The structure consists of three central arches and four further flanking pillars.
A light lunch is provided in the middle and is included in the price.
- Duration of total excursion 3.5-4 hours
- Both locations visited in one tour
- Collection and returning of guests to the port included.