Invergordon, on the Cromarty Firth, is the cruise gateway to the Highlands. With a private driver, up to four guests can see Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, add Culloden battlefield, and be back with time to spare. Our full-day Toyota Alphard tour costs £900 flat, including the driver's journey up from Edinburgh the day before.
Part of our Scotland Cruise Shore Excursions
What is the port of Invergordon like?
Invergordon is a small Highland town on the Cromarty Firth, north of Inverness. Many ships berth alongside the quay here, so you usually walk straight off to meet your driver, though arrangements can vary by ship. Inverness is roughly 30 to 40 minutes' drive away, and Loch Ness about an hour. Tell us your ship name and date, and whether you tender or berth; we confirm the meeting point the day before.
What are the best routes from Invergordon?
| Package | About | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle | 5–6 hours | The most popular choice: castle ruins on the loch shore |
| Loch Ness, Urquhart & Culloden | 6–7 hours | The classic combination, adding the 1746 battlefield |
| Cawdor Castle & Culloden | 5–6 hours | Historic castle and gardens plus the battlefield |
| Inverness city | 4–5 hours | River Ness, cathedral, Victorian market |
| Distilleries | 4–5 hours | Glenmorangie and Dalmore are both close to Invergordon |
Drive times are approximate. Tickets are paid separately; many attractions reduce hours outside summer, so check the official sites.
Send your ship name and date and we will plan Loch Ness around your port time.
See cruise transfersHow much does an Invergordon shore excursion cost?
A full day from Invergordon is £900 flat for the whole Toyota Alphard, up to 4 guests, 2027 season. It includes the driver travelling up from Edinburgh the day before, fuel and parking. Attraction tickets are not included. Your final route and price are confirmed in writing.
How does this compare with the cruise line's Loch Ness tour?
A major cruise line's published private-car excursion to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle from Invergordon runs about 4 hours from US$1,300 for up to 2 guests. Our £900 covers a full day for up to 4 guests, with time for Culloden or a distillery. For one or two people a coach excursion will be cheaper. The cruise line's tours have the ship-waits guarantee; ours do not, so we manage timing carefully.
How do you make sure we get back to the ship?
Cruise-line excursions have one real advantage: if their tour runs late, the ship waits. An independent tour does not carry that guarantee, so we manage timing instead. We plan the route around your ship's schedule, keep a time buffer, and return you to the port at least 1 hour before all-aboard time. Please tell us your ship name, date, and whether you tender or berth. Landing points can change with weather, so we confirm the day before.
The A9 and the Loch Ness road are the main variables, so we build in extra margin on the return leg.
Send your ship name and date and we will plan Loch Ness around your port time.
See cruise transfersFrequently asked
How much is a private tour from Invergordon?
£900 flat for a full day, whole vehicle, up to 4 guests, including the driver's travel from Edinburgh the day before.
Can we see Loch Ness and Culloden in one day?
Yes. Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Culloden together take about 6 to 7 hours.
Will the ship wait for us?
No, independent tours have no ship-waits guarantee. We return you to the port at least 1 hour before all-aboard time.