Scottish Whisky & Fairytale Dunrobin Castle
Scottish Whisky & Fairytale Dunrobin Castle
Scottish Whisky & Fairytale Dunrobin Castle

Scottish Whisky and Fairytale Dunrobin Castle

This tour is specially designed for those who have a love of or want to get to know Scottish whisky, but also like the Scottish culture and castles, as well as the beautiful scenery  


 

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 £159, Child £120, (includes entrance charge to Distillery and whisky tasting and tour plus entry to 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

Millionaire’s View to Begin

Your adventure starts high above the Dornoch Firth at Struie Hill, where sweeping views known as the “Millionaire’s View” set the scene for an unforgettable day. The perfect photo stop to capture the wild beauty of the Highlands.

Raise a Glass at Balblair Distillery

Next, step into history at Balblair Distillery in Edderton, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries dating back to 1790. Discover the secrets of whisky-making, breathe in the aroma of the casks, and enjoy a dram of smooth Highland malt – a true taste of tradition.

Discover the Charm of Dornoch

Stroll through the picture-perfect seaside town of Dornoch, with its cobbled streets, artisan shops, and welcoming Highland character. Pop into the Dornoch Bookshop, a treasure trove for readers, brimming with Scottish history and stories to take home.

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.

Step Back in Time at Dornoch Cathedral

Marvel at the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral, its ancient stone walls and stained glass steeped in legend. A peaceful sanctuary that has stood the test of time, beautifully restored by the Duke of Sutherland.

Highland Hospitality at The Eagle Hotel and Bar  

Pause and refresh at the Eagle Hotel in Dornoch, where hearty Scottish fare and warm hospitality await. Whether it’s a traditional meal, a local ale, or a whisky flight, this is Highland comfort at its best.

A Fairytale Castle - Dunrobin, Golspie

The highlight of the day – the enchanting Dunrobin Castle & Gardens. With its fairy-tale turrets, grand interiors, and spectacular formal gardens inspired by Versailles, this is the Highlands at their most regal. Explore opulent rooms, discover the powerful history of Clan Sutherland, and stroll through manicured grounds overlooking the Moray Firth.

Loch Fleet Nature Reserve

End your journey with a peaceful stop at Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve, a haven for seals basking on sandbanks and rare birds soaring above. A reminder of the untamed natural wonders that make the Highlands so special.

✨ This tour blends majestic castles, smooth whiskies, charming towns, and wild landscapes into a single unforgettable Highland experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book this tour

Prices: Adult - £159, Kids - £120

DateVesselTime
03 October 2025AidaSol10:30Details
10 October 2025Artania09:00Details
17 October 2025AidaSol10:00Details
18 October 2025AidaSol09:00Details
30 October 2025Ambience09:00Details
06 April 2026AIDAmar09:00Details
13 April 2026Ambience09:00Details
23 April 2026CFC Renaissance09:00Details
24 April 2026Majestic Princess08:30Details
29 April 2026AidaLuna09:00Details
04 May 2026Nieuw Statendam09:00Details
06 May 2026Majestic Princess08:30Details
13 May 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
16 May 2026Mein schiff 209:00Details
18 May 2026MSC Preziosa09:00Details
19 May 2026Celebrity Eclipse09:00Details
20 May 2026Norwegian Sky09:00Details
21 May 2026Costa Favalosa09:00Details
22 May 2026MSC Preziosa09:00Details
26 May 2026Mein Schiff 209:00Details
27 May 2026Aidasol09:00Details
28 May 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
30 May 2026Majestic Princess08:30Details
31 May 2026Norwegian Sky09:00Details
31 May 2026AidaLuna09:00Details
03 June 2026Star Pride08:30Details
04 June 2026Aidasol09:00Details
07 June 2026Mein Schiff 209:00Details
09 June 2026Ms Rotterdam09:00Details
11 June 2026Seabourne Ovation09:00Details
12 June 2026Queen Anne09:00Details
12 June 2026Norwegian Sky09:00Details
13 June 2026MSC Preziosa09:00Details
16 June 2026AidaSol09:00Details
18 June 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
19 June 2026Seven Seas Grandeur09:00Details
21 June 2026Norwegian Sky09:00Details
23 June 2026Ambience09:00Details
24 June 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
27 June 2026Mein Schiff 309:00Details
29 June 2026AIDAsol09:00Details
01 July 2026Mein Schiff 209:00Details
03 July 2026Norwegian Sky09:00Details
07 July 2026Oceania Sirena09:00Details
08 July 2026MSC Preziosa09:00Details
09 July 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
11 July 2026Mein Schiff 209:00Details
12 July 2026Norwegian Sky09:00Details
12 July 2026MS Europa09:00Details
13 July 2026Celebrity Eclipse09:00Details
14 July 2026MS Rotterdam09:00Details
15 July 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
15 July 2026Britannia09:00Details
16 July 2026AIDABella09:00Details
17 July 2026Majestic Princess08:30Details
20 July 2026Costa Favalosa09:00Details
24 July 2026Azamara Quest09:00Details
27 July 2026Fred Olsen Borealis09:00Details
29 July 2026Majestic Princess08:30Details
30 July 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
31 July 2026Azamara Quest09:00Details
02 August 2026Norwegian Sky09:00Details
03 August 2026Star Legend09:00Details
04 August 2026Majestic Princess08:30Details
05 August 2026Oceania Marina09:00Details
06 August 2026Mein Schiff 309:00Details
07 August 2026MSC Preziosa09:00Details
12 August 2026Celebrity Eclipse09:00Details
12 August 2026Norwegian Sky09:00Details
15 August 2026Seven Seas Voyager09:00Details
16 August 2026Mein Schiff 309:00Details
18 August 2026MS Nieuw Statendam09:00Details
20 August 2026AidaLuna09:00Details
22 August 2026Majestic Princess08:30Details
24 August 2026Mein Schiff 209:00Details
25 August 2026MSC Preziosa09:00Details
26 August 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
26 August 2026MS Nieuw Statendam09:00Details
28 August 2026Mein Schiff 209:00Details
01 September 2026Valiant Lady09:00Details
04 September 2026Seven Seas Mariner09:00Details
07 September 2026Mein Schiff 209:00Details
09 September 2026Oceania Marina09:00Details
10 September 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
11 September 2026MSC Preziosa09:00Details
12 September 2026Spirit of Adventure09:00Details
15 September 2026Majestic Princess08:30Details
16 September 2026Norwegian Star09:00Details
24 September 2026Costa Favalosa09:00Details
29 September 2026Hanseatic Spirit09:00Details
05 October 2026AidaSol09:00Details
14 October 2026AidaSol09:00Details
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