Invergordon Culloden, Cawdor Castle and Clava Cairns Excursion

Description

• Round trip transportation from outside your Invergordon cruise ship pier!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
• Stop at Culloden Battle Field and Clava Cairns medieval site!
• Guided visit at Cawdor Castle and free time!
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy unique sights and the surrounding area near Inverness!
  
  

Step back in time as you take a historic journey through the stunning Highlands of Scotland. You'll have the opportunity to visit 3 iconic historic sites: Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, and Clava Cairns medieval site.

Meet your guide outside your Invergordon cruise port in Invergordon, Scotland, and make your way to the Culloden Battlefield for a 1-hour guided walk. Lasting only 1 hour, the battle ended in a devastating, mortal defeat for the Jacobites. Learn about the events leading up to this historic battle, the last to be fought on British soil, as well as the events following it. In the interactive exhibit, you will also learn about some of the individuals involved and experience the battle for yourself in an immersive film. You will have 30 minutes to browse, purchase a snack, and rest.

Your next stop is the romantic Cawdor Castle for a 1-hour guided walk inside the castle itself. The castle was built in the late 14th century as a private fortress. Built around a 15th-century tower house, the castle is famous for its connection to Shakespeare's Macbeth, although it is never specifically named in the play. However, there is a fascinating legend about its construction around a holly tree that can still be seen in the dungeon. Before leaving this incredible castle, you will have some free time to explore the gardens and capture photos. You will also be treated to a whisky tasting in the stunning gardens. Yes, the spelling is correct as the Scottish spelling is a whisky with no "e".

Your final stop on this historic journey is at Balnuaran of Clava, where you will be able to see the three structures known as the Clava Cairns. Dating back to the Bronze Age, the structures are over 4,000 years old! Here you will see the 3 large, circular burial monuments and what remains of a medieval chapel. No one knows who the tombs were built for. As is the case with other man-made landmarks like Stonehenge, there is a theory that these cairns were used for astrological purposes as the stones align with the rising and setting sun. Some of the giant stones surrounding each of the cairns have cup marks or large indentions suggesting they were reused from another burial location. Clava Cairns is one of the oldest and most preserved sights in Scotland.

After this incredible experience, you will return to your Invergordon cruise port. You are sure to have wonderful stories to share!

What is included?

• Round trip transportation from outside your Invergordon cruise ship pier.
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation.
• English-speaking certified guide.
• Stop at Culloden Battle Field and Clava Cairns.
• Guided visit to Cawdor Castle and free time.
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy unique sights and the surrounding area near Inverness.

Excursion Notes

• Excursion prices shown include all taxes, and fees and are quoted in US dollars.
• We suggest you have cash (Pounds) on hand for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are highly recommended along with sun protection.
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if shore excursion requirements are not met.
• There is a strict cancellation policy. Please read before you book. By booking this excursion, you are agreeing to all terms.

Where we meet

For this Invergordon Excursion, you will meet your local excursion guide outside your Invergordon cruise port. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• The minimum age to participate in this excursion is 8 years old.
• Only adults ages 18 and up will be allowed for the whisky tasting.
• Guests must be able to step in and out of the transportation.
• Guests must be able to walk on paved, gravel, and cobblestone surfaces, some on inclines. There are steps required to enter several of the sites as well as steep curbs in some areas.
• Guests 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.