Tastes of the Highlands Tour from Invergordon or Inverness

This private culinary adventure promises an indulgent peek into some of the Highlands’ best food and drink offerings, all within a day of exploring. From boutique breweries to historic markets and Malt whisky distilleries, it’s a feast for those who love authentic flavors and local craftsmanship.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the luxury transport in a Mercedes Viano with extras like onboard fridge and leather seats makes the journey comfortable and stylish. Second, the customized approach means the tour can be tailored to your preferences, including any dietary requirements or allergies. Third, Emma, the guide, offers engaging commentary and fun stories, elevating the experience beyond just tasting.

A potential consideration? The price point of $756.95 for up to three people might seem steep at first glance, but the inclusion of private transportation, multiple exclusive stops, and tastings offers solid value for a curated day. This tour is perfect for foodies or whisky lovers seeking a personalized, premium experience in the Highlands. If you’re after authentic local flavors and a slice of Highland charm, this is likely to hit the mark.

Good To Know

• Luxury transportation ensures comfort and style during your day trip.
• Tailored experience with expert commentary from guide Emma.
• Diverse stops include breweries, markets, and distilleries for a well-rounded taste of Highland produce.
• Tastings and samples are included, offering a genuine sampling of Scotland’s best drinks and snacks.
• Flexible for dietary needs—just notify in advance.
• Private tour means a more intimate and personalized adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Tastes of the Highlands Tour

An overview of the experience

This 6 to 8-hour private tour from Invergordon or Inverness is designed for those eager to explore the Highlands through its food and drink scene. It offers a balanced mix of visits to renowned breweries, distilleries, and local markets, all with the comfort of private transportation in a luxury Mercedes Viano.

The tour is a well-curated day, combining scenic drives with tasting opportunities — a perfect way to explore Highland culinary culture without the hustle of large group tours. Emma, your host, not only drives but shares interesting stories and tips, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

Transportation and comfort

Traveling in a Mercedes Viano means you’re treated to a smooth, quiet ride with leather seats and air conditioning. The onboard fridge ensures your bottled water and snacks stay cool, adding to the comfort on longer stretches. The private nature of this tour is key; you won’t be stuck with strangers, allowing for a more relaxed, customizable experience.

Cost analysis and value

While the upfront cost of $756.95 might seem high for just a few hours, it covers the private vehicle, all tastings, and exclusive access to the stops. The price includes admission to places like the Black Isle Brewery, Victorian Market, Great Glen Distillery, Robertson’s Farm Shop, and the Singleton Distillery.

Given the number of stops and personalized approach, this tour offers value for money—especially if you’re traveling as a small group or couple who appreciate a curated experience. You also won’t need to worry about taxis or public transport, which can be unreliable or time-consuming in rural Scotland.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Black Isle Brewery

Your day begins with a visit to the Black Isle Brewery, renowned for its local craft beers. Set in a peaceful spot on the Black Isle, this brewery offers a quick tour where you’ll learn about their brewing process and sample some of their best ales. The change of scenery from urban to rural Scotland makes this stop special, and the admission is included, so no extra fuss.

What travelers say: “We loved the way the guide explained the brewing process with passion and humor. The setting was just gorgeous.”

Victorian Market

Next, you’ll explore Inverness’s Victorian Market, dating back to 1870. This historic market is a foodie’s paradise, featuring boutique shops, a vibrant food court, and specialty outlets like a whisky shop and a chocolatier. Expect to browse an array of Scottish produce, candies, and treats, with many tasting options.

Tip: Since the market is large, allocate enough time to stroll and indulge — the tour includes about two hours here, perfect for sampling or picking up souvenirs.

Review insight: “The market felt like stepping back in time, with so many delicious smells and sights all around.”

The Great Glen Gin Distillery

Traveling towards Loch Ness, you’ll visit Great Glen Distillery, Scotland’s smallest craft gin producer. Here, the scenic surroundings mirror the craftsmanship—small, passionate, and high quality. You’ll see their batch still Jacqueline and sample some of their gin, which sources water directly from Loch Ness.

What travelers find: A highlight is the tasting session, which allows you to appreciate the subtle differences in each gin expression.

Robertson’s Farm Shop in Beauly

A visit to Robertson’s Farm Shop offers a taste of local produce—cheeses, strawberries, cakes, and more. It’s also a chance to meet Highland Cows and Alpacas, adding a farm-fresh feel to the day. The shop’s offerings are perfect for snacking or taking home a Highland treat.

Review insight: “The staff were friendly, and the farm animals made it extra special for my kids.”

The Singleton Glen Ord Distillery

The final stop is at The Singleton of Glen Ord, where you’ll explore the slow craft whisky-making process. The tour emphasizes craftsmanship, ending with tastings of three unique malt expressions. This is a key highlight for whisky aficionados wanting an intimate look at Highland distilling.

What’s special: The guide’s explanations about why their methods produce such a superior malt make this a memorable experience.

Practical Information and Tips

• Duration: Expect 6 to 8 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop.
• Price: $756.95 for the whole private experience, including tastings and transportation.
• Start point: 37 Shore Rd, Invergordon, UK at 9:00 am.
• End point: Same as the start, making logistics simple.
• Dietary needs: Let Emma know beforehand to tailor the tour.
• Booking: Most travelers book about 188 days in advance, so plan ahead if you’re keen.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks
• Alcohol tastings
• Private transportation in a luxury vehicle
• Admission to all stops

What’s not included

• Lunch: You’ll have time to explore the Victorian Market’s many options, but meals are on your own.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food and drink enthusiasts who want a personalized, relaxed way to explore Highland flavors. It’s great for couples, small groups, or those celebrating a special occasion. If you’re interested in Scottish whisky, craft gin, or local produce, this tour offers a well-rounded taste that’s hard to beat.

It’s also perfect for those who prefer a comfortable, private setting over crowded group excursions, with the flexibility to customize the day according to your preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Tastes of the Highlands tour offers an engaging, taste-focused adventure through some of Scotland’s finest food and drink destinations. The combination of luxury transport, expert guidance, and carefully selected stops ensures you experience Highland hospitality at its best.

While the price might seem high, it reflects the personalized service, exclusive access, and memorable tastings included. For travelers wanting to combine scenic drives with authentic culinary experiences, this tour hits all the right notes.

In essence, it’s a wonderful choice for gastronomy lovers eager to discover the Highlands beyond the usual sights—delivering both indulgence and insight in a relaxed, private setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with allergies?
Yes, just inform the guide in advance so they can tailor the experience to your dietary needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day.

What is the size of the group?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is fully private and tailored to your needs — discuss your preferences with Emma, and she’ll do her best to accommodate.

Are tastings included?
Yes, all tastings at breweries and distilleries are included in the tour price.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 30 minutes at Robertson’s Farm Shop to two hours at Victorian Market, allowing enough time to explore and indulge.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A luxury Mercedes Viano equipped with air conditioning, leather seats, and an onboard fridge for bottled water and snacks.

Is lunch included?
No, but you’ll have plenty of options at Victorian Market, and you can choose where and what to eat on your own.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book around 188 days in advance, but early booking is recommended to secure your preferred date.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The price is fixed for up to three people, making it ideal for small groups or couples.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund, providing peace of mind.

To sum it up, the Tastes of the Highlands Tour offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, local flavor, and luxurious comfort. Perfect for those who want to savor Scotland’s culinary treasures in an intimate, guided setting, it’s a day designed for indulgence and discovery. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur, a foodie, or simply love exploring new regions in style, this experience will leave a lasting impression.