Highlights

Cawdor Castle and Gardens - MacBeth connections

Loch Ness - see the beauty of the loch; perhaps get a glimpse of Nessie herself!

Culloden Battlefield - last battle on British soil in 1746

Inverness city - see shops, bars or whisky suppliers

Full description

Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, and Loch Ness (includes some Outlander filming locations) This tour is specially designed for those who love films, fame, legends, and the magic of Scottish history. It is normally taken in a bus, but if you are from a smaller ship or German ship, it is more likely to be taken in a 9-seater minivan. Please ask if it is important to know. We aim to give you a full day of adventure and enjoyment while 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. However, you will have plenty of time to experience every aspect of the Thistle tour.

What's included in the price?

Adult £135, Child £115 Infant up to 2 years old FREE (includes entrance to Cawdor castle and including audio guide).

Tour Timings

The bus departs at 9 AM or 10 AM if the ship docks later. Aim to be with your guide by 8:40 AM. The tour returns at least 1 hour before ship departure. The tour lasts 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 the ship by the time it sails.

What type of vehicle is used for this tour?

This tour will be in a bus (49-seater), 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 the magnificent gardens and a 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.

Culloden Battlefield

Visit Culloden battlefield, free to roam the battlefield or visit the shop and restaurant. This is a prime Outlander site (TV series and book).

Inverness - Castle, shops, and the Highland's oldest bar

Arrive in the Inverness city center, where you can visit Inverness Castle’s new viewing gallery. See right across the city. Visit Flora MacDonald’s statue 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's 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 Urquhart castle too, depending on the day and where we stop.

Includes

What's included in the price?Adult £135, Child £115, Infant up to 2 years old FREE (includes entrance to Cawdor castle and including audio guide).

Tour Timings

The bus departs at 9 AM or 10 AM if the ship docks later. Aim to be with your guide by 8:40 AM. The tour lasts 6-7.5 hours but can be shortened to accommodate ship departure times. We arrive back 1 hour before the ship's sailing.You will definitely be on the ship by the time it sails.

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.

Cawdor Castle

Visit inside and outside Cawdor Castle, including magnificent gardens and a maze.

Culloden Viaduct photos

Culloden Battlefield

Visit Culloden battlefield, free to roam the battlefield or visit the shop and restaurant.

Inverness - Castle, shops, and the Highland's oldest bar

**Loch Ness - Travel beside Loch Ness on the A82

Important information

You may wish to bring a packed lunch as there isn’t much time for eating in a cafe.