Dunrobin Castle & the Hidden Gems of Easter Ross
1 day tour
Savour the elegance of Dunrobin Castle and the rich flavour of whisky as you discover the south stretch of the famous North Coast 500.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Dunrobin Castle - 189 rooms, stunning gardens, and falconry; this castle is called the Jewel in the Crown of the Highlands.
Dornoch- Stroll through this small historic town and enjoy its stunning scenery.
Glen Ord Distillery* - Learn about the ‘water of life' at the home of Singleton, where the welcome is as warm as the whisky.
Beauly - The beauty of this small village stunned Mary Queen of Scots and gave it its name.
Your journey
Is it a French château? Is it a naval hospital? Is it a falcon breeding ground?
No, it’s Dunrobin Castle.
This elegant structure contrasts the rough and rocky natural Highland surroundings. Its 189 rooms are full of luxuries, legends, and controversy.
Join this tour and explore this unique wonder of the Highlands, sample one of the finest regional whiskies in Scotland, and delve into the history of the southern stretch of the North Coast 500.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 09:00 (tour departs at 09:15) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
17:45 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
*If your tour departs after 1st April 2024, your tour return time will be 18:00.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
- Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
- Distilleries may be substituted*
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
*Please note that if your tour departs after 1st April 2024, the tour will not be visiting Glen Ord Distillery. Instead you will be taken on a short coastal walk.
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Attraction entry tickets
Itinerary
This morning, you travel from the ‘Capital of the Highlands and across the Black Isle to Dunrobin Castle.
The lush gardens are inspired by the Palace of Versailles; the 189 rooms boast museums, ancient wardrobes, and clan artefacts; and the architecture looks beautiful from every angle. You have plenty of time to roam the grounds and soak up the history of this optional attraction.
Your lunch stop is in Dornoch. This famous Highland town is popular with golfers and is the home of an impressive cathedral.
You journey further south to Glen Ord distillery*. Here, you have a chance to sample Singleton single malt whisky and see how these traditional distillers turn water into Scotland’s national drink.
On your way back to Inverness, you stop at Beauly Priory to take a few photos of the monastic site and stretch your legs.
You arrive in Inverness in the early evening.
*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
*Please note that if your tour departs after 1st April 2024, the tour will not be visiting Glen Ord Distillery. Instead you will be taken on a short coastal walk.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Glen Ord Distillery
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
This attraction is only available for pre-booking until the 31st March 2024.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. While there are ongoing coronavirus restrictions throughout the UK and Ireland, itineraries are more likely to change than usual as opening hours and capacities at many visitor attractions are reduced and subject to change. Your driver-guide will keep you up to up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .