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Scottish Whisky & Ancient Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness from port

4.5 (24)
4.5 (24)
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Experience the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands on this unforgettable tour of Scottish Whisky & Ancient Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Scotland as you visit the majestic Dunrobin Castle, witness an amazing falconry display, and explore the beautifully furnished castle itself. Discover the picturesque Dornoch Cathedral, browse through unique shops and bookstores, and capture breathtaking photos of the Black Rock Gorge. Indulge in a whisky tasting experience at Balblair Distillery, where you can savor the flavors of a 10 and 15-year-old malt. Stop at the popular photographic spot, Millionaire's View, and drop by the Glenmorangie Distillery for a quick tour or photo opportunity. Explore the charming village of Dornoch, with its fascinating history and wide array of activities and shops. This all-inclusive tour offers an incredible adventure through stunning landscapes and historic sites, all at an affordable price. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to discover the essence of Scotland. Book your spot now!

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 6 hours - 8 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Visit Dunrobin Castle and witness an amazing falconry display
  • Explore Dornoch Cathedral, famous for Madonna's wedding blessing
  • Browse through a beautiful shop with hundreds of books
  • Take photos at the archaeological fault and the Black Rock Gorge, known for filming Harry Potter scenes
  • Enjoy a tour and whisky tastings at Balblair Distillery
  • All fees and taxes
  • Lunch

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Scottish Highlands with the Scottish Whisky & Ancient Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness tour. This handcrafted experience has been tailored based on feedback from travelers like you, ensuring that it encompasses all your desires and requests. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Scotland as you explore ancient castles, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned distilleries. With our knowledgeable guides and inclusive perks like free water and rainmacs, we guarantee a quality experience that exceeds your expectations.

What to expect?

During this thrilling 6 to 8-hour adventure, you can anticipate visiting Dunrobin Castle, a majestic fortress with 189 rooms, and immerse yourself in its fascinating history. Witness a captivating falconry display in the castle gardens and explore the furnished interiors that showcase the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry and Sir Robert Lorimer. Discover Dornoch Cathedral, famous for blessing Madonna's wedding to Guy Ritchie, and browse through the village's charming shops and cafes. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Black Rock Gorge, a filming location for Harry Potter, and capture stunning photos of the surrounding landscape. Savor the flavors of Scotland as you tour the renowned Balblair and Glenmorangie Distilleries, indulging in whisky tastings and immersing yourself in the craftsmanship behind these fine spirits. Conclude your journey in the quaint village of Dornoch, where you can explore its rich history, unique shops, and vibrant atmosphere.

Who is this for?

This tour is designed for adventurous explorers and whisky enthusiasts who seek to unearth the hidden gems of Scotland. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates a good dram of whisky, this experience offers something for everyone. Our tour aims to be inclusive, welcoming visitors of all ages and backgrounds. So gather your friends, family, or fellow travelers and embark on a journey that will leave you with lifelong memories.

Why book this?

Uncover the allure of the Scottish Highlands and delve into a world of captivating history, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite whiskies. This tour goes beyond your typical sightseeing experience by offering unique highlights like falconry displays, historic castles, and awe-inspiring filming locations. With our carefully selected stops and immersive activities, you'll gain a deep appreciation for the rich culture and natural beauty of Scotland. Our guides, who possess expert knowledge and a passion for the Highlands, will provide valuable insights and answer all your burning questions. The inclusion of Dunrobin Castle entrance and the opportunity to tour renowned distilleries like Balblair and Glenmorangie make this tour exceptional value for money. Trust us to curate an experience that showcases the best of Scotland, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

Good to know

Entrance to the distillery tour requires visitors to be 18 years or older, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable experience for all participants. Our tours typically depart 30 minutes to 1.5 hours after the arrival of your ship and ensure timely return at least 1 hour before ship departure. For exact tour departure and return times, please refer to our website. We offer convenient meeting points at Invergordon pier or our booking office on High Street. Feel free to book in advance via PayPal on our website to secure your spot. Remember to bring your camera and an adventurous spirit, as Scotland unveils its hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on the Scottish Whisky & Ancient Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness tour have raved about the unforgettable experiences they encountered. They were captivated by the splendor of Dunrobin Castle and its beautiful gardens, as well as the spellbinding falconry display. Guests praised the knowledgeable guides who provided valuable insights and answered all their questions. The whisky tastings at Balblair and Glenmorangie Distilleries were described as a delightful immersion into Scotland's whisky-making heritage. The tour's well-planned itinerary, inclusive perks, and exceptional value for money impressed travelers, ensuring a memorable and enriching adventure. Don't just take our word for it, listen to fellow explorers who have embarked on this extraordinary journey and experienced Scotland's wonders firsthand.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's large castles and has 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. The castle is in a magnificent setting with amazing gardens. On your visit you will witness an amazing falconry display in the delightful castle gardens. These birds of prey will delight you. Then visit the castle museum before touring the furnished castle itself. The Castle, which resembles a French chateâu with its towering conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament, and Scotland’s own Sir Robert Lorimer.

Admission Included

Dornoch Cathedral

Dornoch cathedral made famous by the wedding blessing of Madonna to Guy Ritchie.

Jail Dornoch

A beautiful shop, well worth seeing.

The Dornoch Bookshop

Browse through hundreds of books.

Black Rock Gorge

Visit the archaeological fault, see the waters gushing down the mountain toward the sea. Take photos on the wooden hand-made bridge overlooking the Black Rock Gorge and see where the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter scenes were filmed.

Balblair Distillery

This lovely expansive single malt distillery is set in a lovely village near Edderton. Tour takes 1.5 hours followed by two whisky tastings - a 10 and 15 year old malt.

Admission Included

Struie Hill

Stop at the popular photographic spot called Millionaire’s View in your journey.

Glenmorangie Distillery

Drop into the car park and shop or stop to take photos or tour depending on distillery chosen. So 15 or 90 minutes

Admission Not Included

Dornoch

Browse at your leisure around all the activities in Dornoch village, some are listed above. There are shops, cafes, bars, history trails, museum, Cocoa Mountain cafe, Eagle tavern, Castle Inn, the Jail giftshop, bookshop, famous Cathedral where Madonna married Guy Ritchie, history information about the last witch to be hanged, charity shops, ice cream shops and amazing antique shop. Depending when your ship leaves tugs could be 30-60 minutes

Clynelish Distillery

If Clynelish distillery is chosen by us for the tour it will last 1.5 hours otherwise we won’t see it.

Admission Included

Reviews

(24)

4.5 (24)

Helga_M

Our guide Mo was very attentive to our needs and went out of her way to show us and tell us as much as possible. There were only four of us on the tour so it felt much like a private tour! …An extra bonus for us was that the other couple who attended the tour had an even more memorable experience—he proposed to her at Urquhart Castle, and hired a bagpiper to make the event even more special! Mo & Thistle staff coordinated this event very nicely, and we felt lucky to be a part of the special day!

MaryE642

We had a wonderful day with Emma Macaulay and Thistle Excursions on our trip to Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness with stops for Scotch tasting and to visit the Highland cows and a local farm. I highly recommend this tour.

Marianne_B

Our tour was amazing. We did so much in so little time and never felt rushed. I highly recommend. Tour guide was amazing

Karen_F

Our tour guide June from Thistle tours did an amazing job hosting our small group. Like other reviews, this is a “choose your own adventure” itinerary based on your groups needs and the time you have available. For example, we couldn’t fit in the black rock gorge trip because our cruise ran late to dock and our group prioritized whiskey tasting. Additionally, you don’t have time for all the whiskey distilleries on the list so don’t plan on hitting every single one. It’s just not possible to fit it all in one day.

Debra_W

Whiskey Galore was not, only went to one distillery and the Whiskey lovers on the trip were disappointed, tour guide hijacked tour and we saw places not on our wish list or listed on itinerary.

James_B

Where to start! I had booked this tour several months before arriving at Invergordon. It was supposed to be a semi private (i.e. maximum of 8 people) tour that went to different distilleries and include Harry Potter's Rock Gorge and Dunrobin Castle/Falcons. When I showed up for the tour we were to board on a bus with 32 persons and turned out to be a different tour with only 1 distillery visit at Ord plus Dunrobin Castle and Falcons. No Harry Potter Rock Gorge, no other distilleries. There had been no previous indication that the tour I had booked (and paid for) was not being provided. Maxine did give us a 15% refund but I have been left with a very sour taste and distrust of Thistle Excursions. Don't get me wrong, the distillery tour at Ord was excellent and Dunrobin Castle was worth the visit (although we could have used more time there). I had specifically booked a small tour to avoid an impersonal large group tour and the tedious time spent on a large bus.

Tracey_C

June is an excellent tour guide. This was a fantastic tour. With the small group, we were able to have a more personalized experience.

Journey50834704175

Took the tour in a 6-seater minibus which made the experiences much more personal for all of us. Rhona, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable about the area, its history and culture. She made frequent stops at photo opportunities and points of interested beyond just the highlights of the tour. One example was a lunch stop at a local village bakery where we purchased a very tasty lunch made to order on fresh baked rolls! The whisky tour was very impressive even though I myself am not a whiskey drinker. The castle and grounds are very impressive and the falconry display was well worth seeing. The weather made the trip to the gorge questionable, so the group decided to opt for a longer shopping period instead. All in all, an excellent experience. We would love to return to this area again for an extended visit someday.

18KayC

The tour was excellent and our guide was super informative and kind - and a good driver!! Everything went smoothly - the only thing is be prepared for all kinds of weather

Peter_L

It appears that we were put into Tour 1 rather than Tour 4 that we booked which skipped the seaboard villages and the Black Gorges (lower price too). We were told by the manager that those two places were not in the itinerary of our booked tour. In the end we did go to the Black Gorge, but not the seaboard villages.
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2024-06-01 20:28