Private Fairytale Experience from Inverness or Invergordon

Travel at your own pace, enjoy plenty of photo stops, and immerse yourself in Highland life with your very own Highlander Guide in a kilt. Fancy wearing a kilt or arisaid yourself? Just let us know. Cruise guests can relax knowing we’ll ensure an on-time return to port. Available from April to October, explore Dunrobin Castle, its grand rooms & gardens, enjoy the spectacular falconry show. Continue to the seaside town of Dornoch, with time to wander its charming streets & shops. Depending on time and availability, we may also include stops at Golspie, Glenmorangie Distillery, the Clootie Well or Chanonry Point, creating a varied day of castles, coast, culture and Highland scenery. This is a private tour for 1–7 guests. Solo travellers are welcome (2-guest minimum charge), with savings from 3 guests and the best value when all 7 seats are booked. Weather, opening hours or road conditions may affect our itinerary. We’ll offer a worthwhile alternative whenever possible.

1. 1

   Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

   3 hours

   Further north stands a romantic, fairytale-like castle and the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. As we pass through the gates, Dunrobin Castle comes into view, its soaring turrets and towers rising majestically ahead. The closer we get, the more imposing it becomes, creating the feeling of arriving at a grand Highland estate from another era. Step inside to discover grand rooms filled with history and splendour, then wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds, with terraces stretching towards the sea. Be sure to catch the spectacular falconry display, where magnificent birds take to the skies against the stunning backdrop of the castle.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   We’ll drive past the remains of Skelbo Castle, perched across the water with views over Loch Fleet. Keep an eye on the shoreline and sandbanks, where seals can often be spotted lounging in the distance. It’s a peaceful little stretch of the journey, with the ruins, loch and surrounding Highland landscape creating a lovely photo opportunity along the way. If we’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the seals basking in the sun or resting on the sand.

3. 3

   Dornoch

   2.5 hours

   Visit the quaint medieval town of Dornoch and explore at your own pace. Wander its historic streets, browse independent shops, and hunt for rare finds in the local charity shops. Pop into Milk & Honey for coffee or something sweet, or visit The Jail for stylish Scottish gifts and souvenirs. There are also welcoming cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine, including fresh seafood and our favourite Surf & Turf. At the heart of town stands the magnificent 800-year-old Dornoch Cathedral, founded in the 13th century by St Gilbert of Dornoch as the seat of the Diocese of Caithness. Inside, see its historic organ, installed in 1893 with the support of Andrew Carnegie and the first of its kind in Sutherland. With its links to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland and a dramatic history including a clan feud and fire in 1570, the cathedral remains steeped in Highland history.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   A small stone with a dark and tragic story. Dornoch’s Witch’s Stone is associated with Janet Horne, an elderly local woman accused of witchcraft during a time when fear and superstition could have devastating consequences. She was tried and executed in Dornoch in 1727, becoming widely recognised as the last person judicially executed for witchcraft in Scotland. The unassuming stone marks the place traditionally associated with her death and offers a haunting reminder of the persecution faced by those accused of witchcraft. Today, it stands quietly among the houses of Dornoch, preserving the memory of one of the darkest chapters in Scotland’s history.

5. 5

   Dornoch Beach

   30 min

   Take a breath of fresh sea air at beautiful Dornoch Beach, a wide stretch of golden sand along the shores of the Dornoch Firth. With its open skies, sweeping coastal views and peaceful atmosphere, it is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The beach looks out towards the North Sea, with the surrounding Highlands creating a beautiful backdrop. Just beside the beach sits the world-famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club, making this a memorable glimpse of Scotland’s northern coastline. Enjoy a stroll along the sand, take in the views and breathe in that crisp Highland air—but perhaps leave the swimming to the seals unless you fancy an exceptionally cold dip!

6. 6

   Glenmorangie Distillery

   1.5 hours

   We’ll then visit the world-famous Glenmorangie Distillery, nestled in the beautiful “Valley of Tranquillity” beside the Dornoch Firth. With more than 175 years of whisky-making heritage, Glenmorangie is renowned for its elegant, fruity and delicate spirit, crafted using the tallest stills in Scotland. Take your time to wander around the beautiful grounds, soak up the peaceful Highland setting and explore the distillery at your own pace. You can also enjoy a whisky tasting in their cosy bar, choosing from their selection of distinctive single malts. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or simply curious to try a dram, this is a relaxed opportunity to experience one of Scotland’s most celebrated whisky names.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We want every guest to have a safe, enjoyable and relaxed experience. By booking with us, you confirm that you have read and accepted the guidelines below.
• 1. This is a private tour accommodating 1–7 guests. Solo travellers are welcome, with the minimum charge equivalent to 2 guests.
• 2. A tour reminder will be sent a few days before your tour via the contact details provided.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.