Loch Ness. Culloden Battlefield. Glenmorangie Distillery. Dunrobin Castle. Cawdor Castle. Dornoch Cathedral. Beauly Priory. Inverness. Urquhart Castle. Inverness Castle.
Loch Ness. Culloden Battlefield. Glenmorangie Distillery. Dunrobin Castle. Cawdor Castle. Dornoch Cathedral. Beauly Priory. Inverness. Urquhart Castle. Inverness Castle.
Loch Ness. Culloden Battlefield. Glenmorangie Distillery. Dunrobin Castle. Cawdor Castle. Dornoch Cathedral. Beauly Priory. Inverness. Urquhart Castle. Inverness Castle.

Welcome to Thistle Excursions

Thistle Excursions has been created for your pleasure - to provide you with a unique guided tour and experience of the Highlands when your cruise ship docks in Invergordon You are all welcome on our tours. 

We aim to be courteous, kind, understanding, engaging and interesting and our guides will be there to assist you during the day and all your questions. 

We are aware of the departure time of your ship and will have you back in port at least 1 hour before your ship leaves, so please be assured you are in safe hands. 

If you cannot find what you are looking for or your ship is missing from the extensive list, please email us as we do offer BESPOKE OR SPECIAL PRIVATE tours of the Highlands in luxury private 4 seater cars or our 8 seater luxury Eurobus.  Email info@thistleexcursions.co.uk to tell us what you would like to see or ask us for ideas.  We are happy to plan your special tour.

Thistle Excursion Tours - see the majesty of the Highlands

Our 2021 ship list is now on our website - please go ahead and book your tours for the 2021 cruise season.  We look forward to being of service and providing you with a special Highland welcome!

We are in the process of adding cruise ships for 2022 also  

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 or for an extra £10 each payable on the tour have a look around the famous distillery and sample their whiskies in the tasting room. (Please notify us when booking.)
  • 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. 
  • 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? 
  • 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. 
  • 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
      Move onto the famous Glenmorangie Distillery where a full tour and whisky tasting is included in the price you pay.
    • Cadboll Stone
      Then drive into see the famous Pictish Cadboll stone which dates back to the 8th century
  • 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.
  • 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

Exclusive Private Tours of Scottish Highlands

Latest News

Excellent Customer Service

We were booked on a cruise for June 2020 but it was cancelled because of the Corona Virus. Another cruiser on Cruise Critic found this company and we were scheduled to do the Bespoke tour with a group of 8. What a disappointment that none of this got to happen. We actually had to cancel before the c... Full Story...
Tuesday, April 21st 2020

Review on Prompt Refund due to Coronavirus

Fantastic Customer Support We were very excited when we booked Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castle, Photos of Urquhart Castle & Highland Waterfall private shore excursion and then Coronavirus happened. I don't think anyone was expecting this virus to last as long as it's going to. So s... Full Story...
Tuesday, April 21st 2020

Car, MiniBus and Coach Tours - from Invergordon

We will book you onto our coaches and you will leave Invergordon to discover the highlights you have chosen to visit and see in the Scottish Highlands.  We have made it as affordable as possible, as it is important you enjoy it and leave wanting to experience more.  

Most of our bus tours are with English speaking guides, although we can sometimes provide a tailored service for our German cruise passengers. In time we hope to offer you tours in all your own languages.

We are happy to answer any questions before you book - feel free to email us, preferably in English, although we can translate.  We look forward to meeting you soon.

Reserve a Tour…

Thistle Excursions are a bus tour operator which departs from Invergordon. This is the perfect location for visitors on touring cruise ships stopping in the Cromarty Firth at the port of Invergordon. Our Invergordon bus tours are the prefect way for tourists and sightseeers to get a true taste of the Highlands of Scotland. Our bus tours which leave from Invergordon feature some of the best Highland locations; Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, Beauly Priory, Black Rock Gorge, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle, Urqhuart Castle, Carnegie Whisky Cellar and Glenmorangie Distillery. Check out our Highland bus tour destinations page to choose which sights you want to see. Our bus tours have been chosen to allow you to see the most iconic destinations featured in numerous films, TV shows and rich Scottish History. So if you are looking for the perfect sightseeing tour of the Highlands, Thistle Excursions is your tour operator.

We also offer tailormade bus tours of the Highlands from Invergordon.

When booking your tour please choose carefully which castle you wish to visit. Either Cawdor, Urquhart or Dunrobin. You can visit one on your tour but when doing the Cawdor visit you will see Urquhart beside Loch Ness in the background, but you do not visit both.  Time does not allow.