Shore excursions program for below cruises

A short drive north will take you to through the village of Tain and on to the distillery at Glenmorangie, which aptly translates as glen of tranquillity from Gaelic. The distillery has been producing its highly rated malt whiskies since the 19^th century and has long been a global brand with sales all over the world. The fine art of distilling has been passed down through generations of local families that have made up the dedicated workforce. A guided tour will acquaint you with every step of the distillation process, at the end of which you can even try a dram. The next leg of the tour takes you across the Dornoch Firth to the 12^th-century town of Royal Dornoch. Surrounded by sand dunes and blessed with an exceptionally sunny climate, this popular resort boasts solid Edwardian hotels, a profusion of trees and flowers, miles of sandy beaches and a championship golf course. The town’s oldest buildings, including an impressive cathedral, flank the spacious town square. You will then return to your ship at Invergordon.

Take a trip to Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most popular destinations and the site of an abiding modern monster mystery. After leaving Invergordon, a comfortable coach will take you along the Cromarty Firth, a North Sea inlet, for a first brief stop at Beauly en route to the village of Drumnadrochit, whose elevated position affords spectacular views of Loch Ness, the UK’s largest body of freshwater by volume. But the loch’s greatest claim to fame is its alleged star resident: the Loch Ness Monster, aka Nessie. Thought by some to be one of a small group of otherwise extinct plesiosaurs, Nessie has fuelled the imagination of countless explorers ever since the story broke in the early 1930s. Have your zoom-lens camera ready for a shot of the elusive creature – you’d make history if your photo proved Nessie’s existence. The route then continues along the main road flanking the loch, with more stunning scenery before you reach the loch-side Clansman Hotel – about as close as you can get to the water without needing a boat. As one of the prettiest spots Loch Ness has to offer, this is the perfect place to take some more photos before you return to Invergordon.

The port of Invergordon is situated only a short distance from the pretty city of Inverness, which dates back to the 6^th century A.D. and is regarded as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. A 45-minute coach drive will first take you through the stunning Scottish landscape – green, craggy, untamed – to reach Inverness. While still on the coach, your visit kicks off with a brief and unguided city tour to let you get your bearings, after which a map of the city will be your guide. You will then have enough time to explore the lovely city at your own pace, do some souvenir shopping or relax in one of the many cafés. Among the main attractions of this vibrant university town are the mid-19^th-century Inverness Castle at the end of the pedestrian zone, the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery with a fine collection of Pictish stones, wildlife dioramas and historical weaponry, as well as the Old High St. Stephen’s Church, a late-19^th-century building constructed in Gothic style. Or take a scenic walk along the River Ness to the so-called Ness Islands or follow the towpath of the Caledonian Canal, both within easy reach of the city centre. The tour will then come to a close with your return drive to the port and your ship.