INVERGORDON, SCOTLAND

Our tour takes in the historic Highland Capital of Inverness and one of Scotland’s most enchanting and romantic medieval castles – Cawdor.

Our tour takes in the historic Highland Capital of Inverness and one of Scotland’s most enchanting and romantic medieval castles – Cawdor. Travelling south from Invergordon we follow the banks of the Cromarty Firth, then enter Inverness for a brief city tour that takes in some of the more historic sites, such as the Gothic style Town House and Tolbooth Steeple, as well as the pretty, tree lined River Ness. We will then have some free time in the town. We rejoin our coach and continue inland, never far from the Moray Firth known for its dolphins. We will reach the conservation village of Cawdor and the impressive Cawdor Castle. A truly beautiful residence, it is romantically furnished and surrounded by exceptionally pretty gardens. The approach is by a drawbridge and the Castle, dating back to 1372, is still in the hands of the Cawdor family after six centuries. It is a traditional Castle in style and holds all the aura of Scotland’s medieval past. After seeing the Castle, there is time to walk through the beautiful gardens. Soft fruits, flowers, vegetables and orchards mingle closely together to form the North Garden. There is also the Paradise Garden, Knot Garden and Thistle Garden, as well as an orchard planted with old Scottish fruit trees. The wild garden on the bank of Cawdor Burn (stream) leads into Cawdor Forest. From Cawdor we shall have a drive of approximately one hour to return to our awaiting ship at Invergordon.

Unfortunately, due to the many steps at the Castle and the paved gardens, this tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. A free flow system operates in the Castle – our guide will introduce the Castle before we walk around the rooms on our own. Our guide will be on hand to answer questions we might have, and there is information in each room. There are toilet facilities and a souvenir shop at the Castle. The walking in the gardens is during free time, and is therefore at our own discretion.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES