Adventures by Disney {Scotland: Inverness – Monsters & Dark Waters}

Today was a day of folklore and ancient mystery where we spent our time learning all about monsters and dark waters at Loch Ness by day and handling birds of prey by night!

Adventures by Disney Scotland
Day 1: Edinburgh – Failte!
Day 2: Edinburgh – Wrapped Up in Edinburgh
Day 3: Kelso – The Royal Treatment
Day 4: Inverness & The Highlands – History of the Highlands
Day 5: Inverness – Monsters & Dark Waters
Day 6: Inverness – Alba gu brath
Day 7: Inverness – Caledonian Escapades
Day 8: Inverness – Turas Math Dhut!

Loch Ness Exhibition Centre

We took our motor coach to Loch Ness and had time on our own to explore the exhibition center, with its artful presentation of both facts and lore about the loch. I went in very skeptical, but left thinking there is probably a yet to be named species of some sort of eel that has been living and breeding in the Loch for over a thousand years. The Scots are extremely passionate about Nessie and have been so practical in presenting facts and letting visitors make their own decision. Do you think Nessie really exists?

Boating Across Loch Ness with Urquhart Castle Photo Op

Next we set sail on a deep scan cruise on Loch Ness aboard a research vessel. Hearing how people have devoted their life’s work to research Nessie did sway me from skeptic to believing something is definitely down there. I didn’t spend my time solely searching the depths of the lock to see what may lurk beneath, although I did give a valiant effort. I also couldn’t help but soak in the splendor of the surrounding Scottish landscape and the majestic Urquhart Castle. Scotland is truly beautiful.

Private Lunch at the Loch Ness Café

Come afternoon, we took a break from our Nessie-hunt to enjoy lunch in the cozy Loch Ness Café. We had the supreme treat of a lunch presentation by Mr. Loch Ness himself.

Canoeing at Loch Ness

Adventures by Disney itineraries always offer the perfect mix of activities. Next, we took a journey across the River Oich and along the Caledonian Canal to the shore of Loch Ness to meet our canoe guides. Once settled into our canoes, we paddled out on the southern end of the iconic Loch Ness. We enjoyed an array of interesting sites, including Fort Augustus Abbey, the old paddle steamer pier, a crannog site (an ancient dwelling on the loch that dates back from 3,000 – 5,000 years ago) and the engineering masterpiece that is Thomas Telford’s Caldonian Canal. You can bet on the fact that I kept my eyes wide open for possible Nessie sightings! :-)

For Guests that do not want to participate in the canoeing activity, an alternative guided walk activity was available!

Falconry Experience

Our early evening was set aside for falconry – a centuries-old sport that is truly an art form. Expert falconers will showed us the finesse, subtlety and skill that is required, and taught us so much about these graceful and elegant birds of prey. It was an extremely casual gathering where we were about to group around our hosts and each move about as we wished. A very cool, hands-on falconry experience like I haven’t had before.

Dinner and Evening On Your Own in Inverness

We made the walk into Inverness and had dinner at MacGregor’s Pub. It was a lively and spirited night resplendent with cold cider, hearty comfort food and live music. We loved it so much that we ended up buying the shirt. (for my guy) :-)

All About Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney are expertly planned and guided group tours visiting over 40 destinations across 7 continents.  You can visit the world’s most iconic locations with Disney as your guide and your storyteller, and enjoy experiences, activities, dining and adventures in a way that only Disney can do.  This is not a theme park tour with Mickey Mouse and popcorn buckets.  These are trips around the world where you experience the service and VIP treatment that Disney is known for. 

Now Booking through 2024! Here are just a few of the destinations you can visit with Disney:

• AFRICA – Egypt & South Africa
• ASIA PACIFIC – Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia
• CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA – Costa Rica, Galápagos Islands, Peru
• EUROPE – British Isles, Poland / Austria / Czech Republic, England and France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Scotland, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal, Sicily (NEW!), Spain
• NORTH AMERICA – Alaska, Canadian Rockies, Disneyland® Resort and Southern California, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona / Utah, New England

There are so many ways to follow along on our trip and see why I am so passionate about Adventures by Disney!

• What Makes AbD SO Special – blog post here
• Private AbD Facebook Group – join me here
• Dixie Travels Business Page on Facebook – like it here
• Dixie Travels Instagram – follow here
• My Germany AbD Trip Report – read on here
• My Montana & Wyoming AbD Trip Report – read on here
• My New England AbD Trip Report – read on here
• My Italy & Switzerland AbD Trip Report – read on here
• My Scotland Adult Exclusive AbD Trip Report – read on here

If you’re ready to learn more, I’d LOVE to talk your ear off about YOUR adventure! :-) My job is to handle all of the details so you can enjoy the anticipation of your trip without the stress and time commitment of “figuring everything out”.  I am one of very few travel advisors that personally travels with Adventures by Disney – having taken FIVE different trips in just 6 years – and can guide you every step of the way.  On top of that, family vacations are expensive and my experience and attention to detail make it possible to get the most out of your vacation dollars.  Best of all, booking through me does not cost one cent more than doing it on your own. 

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