Invergordon Shore Excursions: Private Tours by Inverness Chauffeur Hire
A comfortable, chauffeur-driven day built around your cruise schedule, with port collection, private touring in the Highlands and a planned return to your ship.
Planning a day ashore from your cruise ship should feel exciting, not stressful. Our private Invergordon shore excursions are designed for cruise passengers who want comfort, flexibility and a more personal Highland experience.
Make your day ashore feel effortless
Planning a day ashore from your cruise ship should feel exciting, not stressful. Inverness Chauffeur Hire offers private Invergordon shore excursions designed specifically for cruise passengers who dock at Invergordon.
Our service collects your party at the port, explores the Scottish Highlands in comfort and returns you to the ship on time. We operate a fleet of Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Vito Tourer, S-Class and V-Class vehicles, suitable for couples, families and small groups up to eight passengers.
Unlike large coach tours, your day is yours: flexible, relaxed and tailored to what you want to see. Two set routes make planning simple, and additional options are available on request.
A better way to explore from Invergordon
Travel privately with your own chauffeur, enjoy a more relaxed pace and make the most of your limited time ashore.
Designed for cruise timings
We plan the day around your ship’s schedule so you return to port well before departure.
Comfort and privacy
Travel in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with your own chauffeur-guide and no shared coach.
Fixed group price
Up to eight passengers travel together for £450 per vehicle, with no per-person supplement.
Two curated routes
Choose between Loch Ness and historic Highland landmarks or Dunrobin Castle and north coast scenery.
Experienced local driver
Your chauffeur knows the roads, viewpoints and route timing needed for a smooth and enjoyable day.
Choose the route that suits your cruise day
Each route lasts eight hours, stays private to your group and is carefully planned to make the most of your time in the Highlands.
Loch Ness, Inverness & Historic Highlands Route
Ideal for guests who want to experience Scotland’s most famous loch, atmospheric historic sites, castles and classic Highland scenery.
- Highland cows and Beauly Priory
- Singleton Distillery and Loch Ness
- Urquhart Castle and Inverness
- Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns
- Cawdor Castle and return to ship
Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch & North Highlands Route
Perfect for guests who prefer coastal villages, whisky heritage, castle gardens, scenic viewpoints and a more north Highland feel.
- Glenmorangie Distillery near Tain
- Dornoch and Embo Beach
- Dunrobin Castle and gardens
- Bonar Bridge and Falls of Shin
- Millionaire’s View and return to ship
| Tour option | Duration & passengers | Price | Highlights | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loch Ness, Inverness & Historic Highlands Route | 8 hours, up to 8 passengers | £450 per vehicle | Highland cows, Beauly Priory, Singleton Distillery, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle. | Ideal for those who want to see Scotland’s most famous loch, historic battlefields and castles without straying far from port. |
| Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch & North Highlands Route | 8 hours, up to 8 passengers | £450 per vehicle | Glenmorangie Distillery, Dornoch, Embo Beach, Dunrobin Castle, Bonar Bridge, Falls of Shin, Millionaire’s View and return to ship. | Perfect for guests who prefer coastal villages, whisky heritage and panoramic Highland scenery. |
Tour 1
Loch Ness, Inverness & Historic Highlands Route
A calm Highland route built around castles, lochs, ancient sites and scenic countryside.
Your chauffeur will meet you at Invergordon and head west through farmland, passing by fields where Highland cows graze. In Beauly, you can wander through the medieval Beauly Priory before continuing to the Singleton Distillery for an optional dram. Tasting fees are not included.
Next, follow the Caledonian Canal towards legendary Loch Ness, 23 miles of deep, dark water associated with myths of Nessie. At Urquhart Castle, you can explore ruined battlements and enjoy one of the best viewpoints over the loch.
The return journey brings you into Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where there is time to stroll along the River Ness or stop for a light lunch.
In the afternoon, we visit the historic Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil, and the mysterious Bronze Age standing stones at Clava Cairns. We also stop at Cawdor Castle, a lived-in estate linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. After exploring the gardens and tapestry-lined rooms, your chauffeur will ensure you return to your ship well ahead of departure.
Who should choose this route?
This tour is for passengers who want to experience Scotland’s most iconic loch, explore atmospheric battlefields and priory ruins, and enjoy a taste of whisky heritage. Families, couples and Outlander fans will appreciate the mix of history, scenery and gentle walking.
Tour 2
Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch & North Highlands Route
A north-facing route with coastal villages, castle views, whisky heritage, waterfalls and wide Highland landscapes.
After greeting you at the port, your chauffeur takes you across the Cromarty Firth and onto a road with long views over the countryside. The first stop is the Glenmorangie Distillery near Tain, where you can learn how single malts are crafted. Tasting is available at extra cost.
We continue to the seaside town of Dornoch, known for its cobbled streets and medieval Dornoch Cathedral. You can browse local shops or pause at the beach. Nearby, Embo Beach offers a breezy walk and the chance to enjoy the coastline.
The highlight is Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale-like palace with turrets and manicured gardens inspired by Versailles. After exploring the rooms and watching the daily falconry display, the route crosses the Bonar Bridge and climbs to the Falls of Shin, where timing may allow you to watch salmon leap upstream.
A stop at the elevated Millionaire’s View provides sweeping panoramas over the Dornoch Firth. We then return you to Invergordon by mid-afternoon with memories of the north Highlands.
Who should choose this route?
This tour is ideal for passengers who enjoy coastal scenery, village life and stately homes. Whisky enthusiasts can combine the distillery visit with later stops at Falls of Shin and Millionaire’s View. The route keeps travel distances moderate while showcasing the rich variety of the north Highlands.
We can also tailor the day around your interests
Guests sometimes wish to customise the itinerary. These options can be discussed when you enquire.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Subject to distance and cruise timings, we may be able to arrange a shore excursion to this iconic railway landmark on separate request.
Whisky-focused routes
If your group prefers more distillery time, let us know. We can discuss route adjustments depending on your ship’s schedule and preferred stops.
Golf transfers
Transfers to Royal Dornoch Golf Club or Castle Stuart Golf Links can be arranged for golfers wishing to play during their port call.
Travel the Highlands in a private Mercedes vehicle
Your journey is completed in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Vito Tourer, S-Class or V-Class, selected according to group size and availability. All vehicles are well-maintained, air-conditioned and comfortable for touring the Highlands.
We can accommodate up to eight passengers per vehicle, making this ideal for couples, families and small groups who want comfort without compromising on privacy.
Ideal for cruise guests who want a more personal Highland day
Cruise passengers docking at Invergordon
Make the most of your day ashore with a route planned around your port schedule.
Couples and families
Enjoy privacy, comfort and a more relaxed pace without joining a crowded coach tour.
Friends and small groups
Travel together in one vehicle with one fixed group price instead of paying per person.
Guests who value flexibility
Pause for photos, refreshments or extra time at stops where possible during the day.
Visitors with limited mobility
A chauffeur-driven vehicle makes the day more convenient and easier to manage.
First-time visitors to Scotland
Enjoy a clear, organised itinerary with a local driver who knows the area well.
Send us a few details and we will do the rest
Share your cruise details
Tell us your cruise ship name, arrival date and expected docking time.
Tell us your group size
Let us know how many passengers are travelling, up to eight per vehicle.
Choose your route
Select Loch Ness and Historic Highlands or Dunrobin Castle and North Highlands.
Add any special interests
Whisky distilleries, golf transfers or other requests can be mentioned in your enquiry.
Receive confirmation
We confirm availability, allocate the vehicle and provide the next steps for booking.
Ready to plan your private Invergordon shore excursion?
Send us your cruise details and preferred route. We will confirm availability, assign the right vehicle and help you plan a smooth Highland day.
- Cruise ship name and date of arrival at Invergordon
- Expected docking time, if known
- Group size, up to eight passengers
- Preferred route: Loch Ness or Dunrobin Castle
- Any special interests such as whisky, Glenfinnan Viaduct or golf transfers
Send Your Shore Excursion Enquiry
Complete the form below and mention your cruise date, ship name and preferred route.
Private Invergordon shore excursion FAQs
Do you offer private Invergordon shore excursions?
Yes. Our service is dedicated to private tours for cruise passengers docking at Invergordon. Each tour is exclusive to your group and includes a chauffeur-guide.
How long are the tours and how many passengers can travel?
Both tour options last eight hours and accommodate up to eight passengers. We do not combine groups, and the price covers your entire party.
What is the price of a private shore excursion?
Each tour costs £450 per vehicle. The price is the same whether you travel with two people or eight. Entry fees, meals and tasting fees at distilleries are not included.
Can we visit Loch Ness from Invergordon cruise port?
Yes. The Loch Ness, Inverness & Historic Highlands Route includes Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, along with Inverness, Culloden and Cawdor Castle.
Can we visit Dunrobin Castle from Invergordon cruise port?
Yes. The Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch & North Highlands Route includes Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch, Embo Beach, Falls of Shin, Millionaire’s View and other north-coast highlights.
Do you offer whisky tours from Invergordon cruise port?
We include a distillery stop on each route. If you want a more whisky-focused day, mention it in your enquiry and we can discuss suitable options.
Can you arrange a Glenfinnan Viaduct shore excursion from Invergordon?
It may be possible depending on your ship’s schedule. The Viaduct is further west and requires additional travel time, so please contact us early to discuss feasibility.
Do you provide golf transfers from Invergordon cruise port?
Yes. We can organise transport to courses like Royal Dornoch or Castle Stuart for passengers looking to play a round during their port call.
Is this a private tour or a shared coach tour?
Our tours are private. You will not share the vehicle with other passengers, which means a more relaxed, flexible and personal day out.
Will we return to the ship on time?
Yes. We plan each tour around your ship’s schedule and include a comfortable return buffer so that you are back at port well before departure.
What should we include in our enquiry?
Please include your cruise ship name, arrival date, expected docking time, group size, preferred route and any special interests. This helps us confirm availability and tailor the day to you.
Enjoy a relaxed private Highland tour from Invergordon cruise port
Whether you choose the loch-side history of Loch Ness and Inverness or the coastal charm of Dunrobin Castle and the North Highlands, you will travel in comfort and return to your ship with unforgettable memories.