Scottish Whisky and Ancient Scottish Castle with Loch Ness (plus Outlander connections)

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 £135 Child £90. (includes entrance charge to Urquhart castle and Glen Ord distillery.) 

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

Inverness - photo opportunities and brief visit

Tour around the sights - Inverness, Castle and historic places including Outlander links whilst remaining in your vehicle.  the guide will provide information on the city sights. Of time allows depending on your ship's arrival and departure times we will allow 30-45 minutes drop off in Inverness city for the shops and photos.

Loch Ness

Travel beside Loch Ness for 15 miles, stopping for photos of Nessie (if you’re very lucky). 

Urquhart Castle

Visit the ruins of Urquhart castle as well as the video centre. Watch a 6 minute historic video with own language subtitles. Wander down to the ruins or browse the shop or cafe.  You'll be here about 1.5 hours mostly.

Beauly and Highland Coos

Leave the village Drumnadrochit then back to the ship via wild land 1000 feet up a mountain the dropping down into the village of Beauly, passing by the ancient Priory. and if time calling into Robertson's farm to see the hairy Highland cows - Katie Morag and Jamie.  This may not be possible on 5pm ship departures.

Outlander TV hotspots

Outlander fans will not be disappointed as our tour guides point out all the filming locations of the popular series based on the book by Diana Gabaldon. 

Scottish Distillery - Glen Ord or Balblair distillery (one only)

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.

Glen Ord is the home of the Singleton and similar to Balblair has recently been modernised. Whichever distillery we visit we know you will enjoy it.