Invergordon or Inverness: Castles & Country Life Private Tour, Invergordon

About this activity

This private shore excursion is designed for cruise ship passengers arriving into the port of Invergordon, offering a relaxed Highland experience around ships timings. Travel in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with a local guide on a private tour for up to 7 guests.

Visit Davochfin Farm, a working Highland farm near Dornoch, where you can meet the family and gain genuine insight into rural life in the north of Scotland. Enjoy time in **Dornoch** for lunch, shopping or a gentle wander, then take in the coastal scenery of **Loch Fleet**, where seals and wildlife may be seen.

Your day also includes Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland’s most impressive stately homes, known for its fairytale turrets, elegant gardens and dramatic coastal setting. Depending on timing, we may also include Falls of Shin or Millionaire’s View at Struie Hill.

With local expertise, flexible pacing and guaranteed return to port, this is a premium, stress-free way to experience castles, coast and Highland country life.

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At a glance

Duration: 7–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Macaulay Luxury Travel

What is included

Included

Included: Booster seat: Various children seats available
Included: Private transportation
Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: Bottled water
Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Scottish Inspired Snacks such as Teacakes or Shortbread

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Davochfin Farm, Dornoch

1 h 30 min Admission included

Davochfin Farm is a family-run working farm in the Scottish Highlands offering a genuine, behind the scenes farm experience. On this 1.5 hour guided tour, guests are welcomed onto the farm to meet the family and learn how daily life operates in a real Highland farming environment. Hear first hand stories about managing livestock, maintaining the land, and the challenges and rewards of farming in this rugged landscape.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the animals, explore key areas of the farm, and engage directly with the people who live and work there. The experience is informal, personal, and informative, providing an authentic insight into rural Highland life. Featured on BBC’s This Farming Life, Davochfin offers a rare opportunity to step beyond the usual tourist experience and connect with the traditions, people, and practices that help shape the Highlands today.
Dornoch

2 hours

Dornoch is a charming and historic seaside town in the northern Scottish Highlands, known for its beautiful sandy beach, welcoming atmosphere, and rich heritage. With its attractive stone buildings and peaceful streets, it offers the perfect place to relax and explore at your own pace. Visitors can enjoy a variety of lunch options in local cafés, restaurants, and hotels, ranging from light bites to traditional Highland cuisine. The town is also a great spot for shopping, with independent boutiques and craft shops, including opportunities to purchase unique local tartan.

Points of interest include the fascinating Historylinks Museum, the impressive Dornoch Cathedral, and the world-renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club, regarded as one of the finest courses in the world. For those who prefer fresh air and scenery, the long sandy beach offers beautiful coastal views and a chance for a peaceful stroll.
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

1 h 30 min Admission included

Dunrobin Castle is one of the most iconic and picturesque castles in the Scottish Highlands, set dramatically on the east coast overlooking the North Sea. With its striking spires and fairytale appearance, the castle offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s aristocratic history and Highland heritage. Visitors can explore a range of beautifully furnished rooms inside the castle, each reflecting the grandeur and lifestyle of the Sutherland family who have called it home for centuries.

The experience also includes access to the castle’s formal gardens, inspired by classic French design, where visitors can stroll and enjoy views across the grounds and coastline. A small on-site museum provides additional insight into the castle’s history and collections. One of the highlights of a visit is the falconry display held in the gardens, where birds of prey are flown in a natural setting, offering an engaging and memorable outdoor experience.
Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve

15 min

Loch Fleet is a scenic coastal inlet in the Scottish Highlands, known for its rich wildlife and beautiful natural surroundings. On this tour, it is typically experienced as a drive-by location with the opportunity for a short photo stop, allowing guests to take in the views across the loch and surrounding landscape.

The area is a designated nature reserve and is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, which can often be seen resting on the sandbanks at low tide. The calm waters, tidal estuary, and open skies make it a peaceful and picturesque setting, offering a brief but memorable glimpse of Highland coastal scenery and its natural inhabitants.
Falls of Shin

30 min

Falls of Shin is a scenic waterfall located in the northern Highlands, best known for its natural beauty and seasonal salmon viewing opportunities. On this tour, it is included as a 30 minute photo stop, giving guests time to enjoy the peaceful woodland surroundings and take in the sights and sounds of the falls.

During certain times of the year, visitors may be lucky enough to see Atlantic salmon attempting to leap upstream, a remarkable natural spectacle. The area features well maintained paths, viewing platforms, and a visitor area, making it an accessible and enjoyable stop to stretch your legs and experience a quieter side of the Highlands.
Stop 6

Passing by

Struie Hill Viewpoint, often referred to as the “Millionaire’s View,” is a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Dornoch Firth and the sweeping landscapes of Sutherland. On this tour, it is typically a short stop, giving guests time to step out and take in the expansive Highland scenery and capture photographs.

From this elevated vantage point, you can enjoy wide-reaching views across rolling hills, coastal waters, and remote countryside, showcasing the dramatic and unspoiled beauty of the northern Highlands. It is a peaceful and memorable location that offers a perfect opportunity to pause, take photos, and appreciate the scale and tranquillity of the surrounding landscape.
Scottish Highlands

Passing by

Scenic drive through the Scottish highlands en route to your destinations

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

For cruise passengers arriving at Invergordon, follow the pedestrian route towards the town. Exit the terminal, cross at the pedestrian crossing, and your guide will be waiting opposite at King Street. Tours return one hour before your ship’s departure. We will be holding a board with your name.

End point

For cruise passengers arriving at Invergordon, follow the pedestrian route towards the town. Exit the terminal, cross at the pedestrian crossing, and your guide will be waiting opposite at King Street. Tours return one hour before your ship’s departure. We will be holding a board with your name.

Pickup points

Beinn Mhor Lodge
The Highland Hotel By Compass Hospitality
Ben Wyvis Hotel
Delny Highland Lodges
Black Isle Pods and Chalet
The King’s Highway
Strathpeffer Hotel
Mackay's Spa Lodge Hotel
OYO Mackay's Travel Lodge Hotel
Rossmount Guest House
Ac Hotel Inverness

and 71 more pickup points

For cruise passengers arriving at Invergordon Port, follow the pedestrian route towards the town after disembarking. Exit the terminal, cross at the pedestrian crossing, and your guide will be waiting opposite at King Street. Tours return at least one hour before your ship’s departure.