Duration: approx. 7 hours

Retail is detail, they say, and the details of this shopping trip to a cut-price outlet centre are sure to have you beaming. After leaving the port of IJmuiden by coach, a roughly 1-hour drive will take you to the Batavia Stad complex in Lelystad, a town situated on the shores of the Markermeer and IJsselmeer. Constructed in faux-historical style, complete with “old” city gates, the purpose-built Batavia Stad “shopping village” provides an appealing, car- and dog-free setting in which to shop till you drop – and save money at the same time. With more than 100 top brand outlets offering discounts of between 30% and 70% on regular retail prices, you really can’t go wrong. The old-world appeal of Batavia Stad is added to by the friendly shopkeepers and various eateries, one of which could be the perfect spot to have some lunch (not included in the price of the tour). You, your tired feet and all of your bargain buys will then be taken back to the port in the comfort of a modern coach.

Travelling south from Invergordon, the tour first takes you along the banks of the beautiful Cromarty Firth before reaching Inverness, known as the “capital of the highlands”. A very brief sightseeing bus city tour then follows, with calls at the Gothic-style Town House and Tolbooth Steeple, as well as the pretty, tree-flanked River Ness. You will also have time to explore Inverness on your own. Remaining close to the Moray Firth, which is famed for its dolphins, the tour heads further inland to the village of Cawdor, seat of the eponymous Cawdor Castle. This beautiful traditional medieval castle and residence is closely associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Dating back to 1372, the castle is still in the hands of the Cawdor family. After the visit, you will have time to roam through the beautiful gardens: the larger North Garden with its soft fruits, flowers, vegetables and orchards just as the smaller Paradise, Knot and Thistle Gardens, and an orchard planted with old Scottish fruit trees. The uncultivated garden on the banks of Cawdor Burn (Gaelic for stream) leads into Cawdor Forest. The tour concludes with your return to the ship.

Satisfy your inner Nessie hunter on this half-day tour to what is arguably the most famous of Scotland’s lakes: Loch Ness. Heading south-west from Invergordon, you will travel along the banks of the beautiful Cromarty Firth via Muir of Ord and pass the ruins of the abbey at Beauly (French for beautiful place) before reaching the wonderful Loch Ness. As Britain’s largest inland body of freshwater, the loch’s murky depths have spawned many lurid tales and sightings of weird creatures, including its most famous legendary inhabitant – Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. You can find out all about the loch’s geology, history and Nessie mythology during a boat trip on the water. Make sure to have cameras at the ready for any monster sightings and to capture the dramatic mountains surrounding the loch. The next leg of the tour is a visit to Inverness, the “capital of the highlands”, for a brief sightseeing bus city tour, followed by a chance to explore at our own pace. The town is full of historic sites, such as the Gothic-style Town House and Tolbooth Steeple, and there are lovely walks alongside the pretty, tree-flanked River Ness.