We aim to give you a full day of adventure and enjoyment, making you as comfortable as possible. We hope you will return again and again to visit the Scottish Highlands, as this is all but a taster session, although you will have plenty of time to experience every aspect of the Thistle tour.
What's included in the price?
Adult £119, Child £90, Infant up to 2 years old FREE (includes entrance to Cawdor castle and including audio guide).
Tour Timings
Bus departs at 9am or 10am if ship docks later. Aim to be with your guide by 8.40am. Tour returns at least 1 hour before ship departure. The tour lasts from 6-7.5 hours but can be shortened to accommodate ship departure times. It can also leave later if your ship docks after 9.
We will have you back in plenty of time for your ship's departure. You will definitely be on ship by the time it sails.
For our cancellation policy see FAQs https://www.thistleexcursions.co.uk/faqs
What type of vehicle is used for this tour?
This tour will be in a bus (49 seater) or a minivan or car with 4-8 seats. You can email in advance to ask if you wish. The bigger ships usually mean it is in a larger bus.
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’. This is a medieval furnished lived in castle. 1.5 hours
Culloden Viaduct
Pass by Culloden viaduct. Built in 1893 for trains and still used to this day. Great photo opportunity.
Clava Cairns
When it is possible to traverse the weak bridge we will pay a brief visit to Clava Cairns (the inspiration for Diana Gabaldon's Outlander story). Sometimes the bridge is being worked on so it is not possible to cross. We only know on the day. If we take the tour in a 9 seater we can usually visit but if in a bus it is not as easy.
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. This is a prime Outlander site (tv series and book).
Inverness - Castle, shops and the Highland's oldest bar
Arrive Inverness city centre where you could visit Inverness Castle’s new viewing gallery. See right across the city. Visit Flora MacDonald’s statue (Inverness casle is being renovated from 2022-2024 so Flora is hidden) outside the castle and see the shops and cafes in Inverness. Maybe try a local beer in the oldest bar in Inverness, the Gellions, dating back to 1841. The guide will point out Outlander references from Diana Gabaldon books.
Loch Ness
Travel beside Loch Ness for 15 miles, stopping for photos of Scotland's reclusive Nessie (if you’re very lucky). Sometimes you may get photos of Urqhart castle too, depending on the day and where we stop.
Book this tour
Prices: Adult - £119, Kids - £90