INVERGORDON, SCOTLAND

This tour will take us to Scotland’s most famous loch – Loch Ness (world renowned for its mythical monster) – the Highland Capital City of Inverness and two of the country’s most romantic medieval castles (one a ruined fort, the other a fully furnished residence).

This tour will take us to Scotland’s most famous loch – Loch Ness (world renowned for its mythical monster) – the Highland Capital City of Inverness and two of the country’s most romantic medieval castles (one a ruined fort, the other a fully furnished residence). Travelling southwest from Invergordon we follow the banks of the Cromarty Firth, then drive via Muir of Ord and Beauly (‘beautiful place’), with its atmospheric ruined abbey, before travelling down a steep hill towards the stupendous Loch Ness. It is Britain’s deepest freshwater loch, whose murky depths conjure up such lurid tales and sightings of weird creatures, including its most famous legendary inhabitant – the Loch Ness Monster. We shall have a stop at 14th century Urquhart Castle, situated in a magnificent setting right by the loch’s edge. It is one of the most photographed scenes in Scotland. From here we shall travel to Inverness, Capital of the Highlands, and a 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 then stop for lunch at a local hotel. Continuing inland, never far from the Moray Firth known for its dolphins, we reach Culloden Battlefield. It is an eerie, windswept moorland and site of the last battle on British soil, when the Jacobites were finally subdued, marking a turning point in Scottish history. We have a photo stop here. 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. We shall have approximately an hour and a half to see the castle and the grounds, before we return to Invergordon and our awaiting ship.

This tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. The terrain at Urquhart Castle and Culloden is grassy and uneven, at Cawdor Castle there are many steps and the gardens are paved. 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 Castles. The walking in the gardens is during free time, and is therefore at our own discretion. Lunch will typically be a three course meal with tea or coffee and one glass of beer or wine or a soft drink. For reference, the tour buses may not have air conditioning or toilets.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES