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.
Tour vehicle
This tour could be in a 4, 8, 16, 33 or 49 seater vehicle. It is usually in the smaller of these though.
What's included in the price?
Adult £165, Child £120, (includes entrance charge to Distillery and Dunrobin castle).
Tour timings
Depart at 9am or 10am if your ship docks later. Please meet your guide around 840am Tour returns at least 1 hour before ship departure. The tour lasts from 6-8 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. Please do not be concerned as we will have you back on the ship before it sails.
For our cancellation policy see FAQs https://www.thistleexcursions.co.uk/FAQs
Scottish Distillery - Balblair distillery
Visit and tour one Scottish whisky distillery and see how Scotch is made. At the end of the tour, experience the tasting session guided by the experts. This will take up 1-2 hours of your day.
Balblair has recently been modernised. Whichever distillery we visit we know you will enjoy it.
Fairytale Dunrobin Castle
🏰 Dunrobin Castle
Location: Near Golspie, on the east coast of Sutherland, Northern Highlands. Overlooks the Moray Firth.
Heritage: Seat of the Earls of Sutherland, one of Scotland’s oldest clans. The name means “Fort of Robert” (after the 6th Earl in the 14th century).
History:
First recorded as a stronghold in 1401.
Extended over centuries, with the dramatic fairytale towers and spires added in the mid-1800s by Sir Charles Barry (architect of the Houses of Parliament).
Served as a naval hospital in WWI and a boys’ school in the 1960s.
Architecture: Largest house in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. A mix of medieval core, 17th-century extensions, and French château style additions.
Dornoch, Cathedral and The Eagle Bar
🏘️ Dornoch
Location: A picturesque seaside town on the east coast of Sutherland, overlooking the Dornoch Firth.
History:
Dates back to medieval times; once the seat of the Bishop of Caithness.
Famous for its 12th-century cathedral, restored in the 1800s.
Links to witch trials: the last execution for witchcraft in Scotland took place here in 1727.
Modern charm:
Cobbled streets, traditional stone buildings, craft shops, galleries, and cafés.
🦅 The Eagle Hotel / Bar – Briefing
The Eagle is one of Dornoch’s best-known pubs and hotels, right in the heart of town.
Offers hearty pub meals, fresh local produce, and a wide selection of whiskies, beers, and gins.
Known for its lively atmosphere – a social hub for locals and visitors alike.
Often hosts live music, quiz nights, and sports on screen, making it a cosy stop after exploring.
The décor blends a traditional Highland pub feel with modern touches – lots of wood, stone, and a welcoming fire in cooler months.
Book this tour
Prices: Adult - £165, Kids - £120