Depart your ship this morning and take a journey back in time.  Your motor coach will take you on a 75-minute drive to Cawdor Castle; the 14th century home of the Thanes of Cawdor, reputedly Macbeth’s castle and the site of the murder of Duncan. Today it is considered to be one of the Highland’s most romantic stately homes with its fine collection of rare tapestries, portraits, and furniture, and outside its lovely gardens and grounds.  You will tour the beautiful rooms of the castle at your leisure with an audio guide that will be provided on entry. In addition, castle stewards will be on hand to answer any of your questions).  Afterwards head to the famous Battlefield of Culloden for a brief stop where your guide will give you a description of the battle and you will have a chance to take photos. This is the site of the last battle to be fought on British soil, namely the bloody Battle of Culloden in 1746 between Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Duke of Cumberland. The desolate fields where the conflict took place have scarcely changed over the past 250 years.  Following your visit return to your ship in time for lunch. 

 

Please note:  Guests with limited mobility and wheelchairs are not recommended for this tour as there are lots of stairs at the castle including spiral stairs which are unavoidable. A boxed lunch can be taken from the ship if need be. This tour is not refundable 3 days prior to the shore excursion date.

 

 

 

Depart Invergordon today for the drive south to the banks of Loch Ness.  On arrival at Dochgarroch Harbour, embark the charming cruise boat for a short voyage on the Loch that will give you the perfect vantage point for photographing the stunning ruins of Urquhart Castle.  On arrival at the Castle’s jetty, disembark the boat for a tour of Urquhart Castle: a critical strategic stronghold in the highlands, positioned on the banks of Loch Ness, which would have been a main route through the Great Glen of the highlands.  Its checkered history came to a dramatic demise in 1692 when the castle was blown up to stop it falling into Jacobite hands. What remains are picturesque and impressive ruins, surrounded on three sides by the cold deep waters of Loch Ness.  An excellent visitor’s center offers exhibits, a film show, shop and restaurant.  Learn of its dramatic history that dates back in written records to the 6th century, but in archaeology and folklore right back to the time of the Pict. Enjoy exploring at your leisure.

 

Please note: Walking at the castle may be a challenge for those with mobility issues but is purely at the discretion of the individual. This tour is not refundable 8 days prior to the shore excursion date.

 

 

 

Want to get to the heart of Scotland’s history and mystery? Then this tour is for you. A fun filled Highland Adventure, the ‘Monster’ of all trips. Head south of Invergordon today and enjoy a picturesque journey through rolling hills and farmland and learn about the history of the area as your guide shares their experiences of life in the Scottish Highlands. First visit the wonderful 14th century Urquhart Castle, magnificently situated right on the edge of the banks of Loch Ness and one of the most photographed scenes in Scotland. Enjoy free time to explore the ruins and views over Loch Ness. Enjoy a 60-minute cruise on the world-famous loch, this is a unique opportunity to look for the evasive Loch Ness Monster, which has baffled some of the world's most notable researchers for decades. The deep lake, ('loch' in Gaelic), has drawn visitors from all over the world in search of the monster. The loch is 23 miles (about 37 kilometres) long, one mile (1.6 kilometres) wide and 755 feet (230 metres) deep. Disembarking your cruise at Dochgarroch Loch, continue by coach and pass through the city of Inverness for a stop at the stunning Kingsmill Hotel to enjoy lunch and a Scottish dram. Then travel the short distance to reach the famous battlefield of Culloden. During a stop here, see wooden plaques detailing the battle, clan graves and the Well of the Dead, where wounded Highlanders were slain as they drank water to revive themselves. The wonderful new visitor center has a fascinating exhibit which includes a 360-degree immersive cinema experience.  Stepping back further in time, discover one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites – the exceptional remains of an ancient cemetery, set on a terrace above the River Nairn. The Clava Cairns are about 4,000 years old and were built to house the dead. The standing stones are a huge draw for Outlander fans as the best example in the area. 

 

Please note: Uneven ground at Urquhart Castle with walking up to an hour at both the Castle and Culloden Visitor’s Centre. Clava Cairns is an outdoor attraction with a mix of soft and uneven ground with lots of stones. All other walking is at the visitor’s discretion. Bring local currency if you wish to purchase anything and wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not refundable 8 days prior to the shore excursion date.

 

 

 

The Hebrides are famed all over the world for their precious, hand woven fabrics. This unique tour will give you the opportunity to experience the traditional craft. At Ardalanish Farm & Mill you will gain an insight into the making of this popular cloth, all the way from sheep to shop. From Tobermory, you will board your coach to the typical southern Mull village of Bunessan. From here, head along a narrow and more deserted route towards the remote and spectacularly scenic Ardalanish Bay.  Here you will visit the Isle of Mull Weavers at Ardalanish Farm. Upon arrival, your group will be divided up into smaller groups (depending on numbers) to enjoy the different areas and outbuildings of the farm. In the course of a guided tour of the mill you can admire the old, traditional, Victorian power looms and see how this wonderful, coarse fabric is woven, inch by inch. Transferring to other parts of the farm, you will enjoy a meet-and-greet with the purveyors of the famed Hebridean wool, the black Hebridean sheep. There is also the chance for a photo-shoot with the small herd of shaggy, but majestic Highland Cattle, a popular postcard motif all across Scotland. Finally, you will be treated to island hospitality of tea/coffee and biscuits, followed by free time to stroll to the nearby beach, enjoy the beautiful island scenery or simply browse in the upscale shop for that special souvenir that can last for generations.

Please note:  This tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues and you will be walking on uneven ground, through a pasture and on footpaths that do not accommodate wheelchairs or mobility scooters. There is likely to be Highland cattle along the walking route. Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing and bring currency/credit cards.

Join your expert local guide who specializes in the wildlife of Mull.  Travelling as part of a small group you will have no set route as the wildlife hotspots are dictated by conditions of the day. Your knowledgeable guide will track down as much wildlife as possible during this tour. Mull’s “Big Three” are the golden eagle, white tailed sea eagle and the otter so your guide will be particularly keen to help you spot these.  You may also see Peregrine falcons and perhaps seals and deer! A lunch snack and afternoon tea will be provided for you during your adventure.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rain gear and your camera. Binoculars will be provided if needed.