Invergordon, Stromness, and Edinburgh sights to see

[Ladybugdm]

Two of us are on the Windsurf cruise with a stop July 22 in Stromness 8-5, Invergordon July 23 9-5 and arriving to Edinburgh at 5pm on July 24 and disembarking the next morning. We like to see things at a brisk pace and not waste time waiting around for large tour groups to visit gift shops. No mobility challenges, and we aren't interested in golf or distilleries. Planning on getting the Explorer pass to save time waiting in lines.

 

At Invergordon we are potentially interested in Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Dunrobin Castle with the falconry demonstrations at 11:30 and 2pm. Is it possible to do all of these with the time we have available, and, if so, how? Or is there some other must see there?

 

For Stromness we were thinking of Skara Brae and Skaill house. Thoughts on this and how best to go about it or other cool places to visit there?

 

We will have two full days in Edinburgh after we disembark and are staying at the Sheraton on miracle mile, so it should be easy to see Edinburgh castle and the other miracle mile sites. Also thinking of going to Royal Yacht Brittania and out to see Stirling Castle and possibly Wallace Monument. Suggested game plan for dividing up our time over those 2 days? Appreciate any suggestions.

[Travel Plan]

Hello Ladybugdm

 

Staying at the Sheraton in Edinburgh you'll certainly be very central. It would not be far to walk from the hotel to the Castle for anyone who is reasonably fit. Alternativey it's possible to buy a 'day ticket' for use on the buses to get around town. Currently it costs £3.50 You buy a ticket from the driver on the first bus you go on and then use it throughout the day as often as you like on any bus. It's necessary to have the exact fare as the driver is not able to give change.

Based on what you plan for your visit. I would aim for 1 day in the city centre. Start at the Castle there is so much to see you could easily spend a day there but at your brisk pace carrying on with a walk down the Royal Mile towards the Palace of Holyrood House could be interesting with perhaps a stop in one of the pubs on the Royal Mile for lunch? If you are still in the mood for more history then Hoyrood Palace is also facinating. Or maybe a walk around Holyrood Park is more to your liking by this stage. It's a lovely green space with a small loch and some steep hills but worth a climb for some fabulous views over the city and out to the coast. (If the Queen is in residence then the palace would be closed - obviously)

 

The second day I'd plan to take the bus to Ocean Terminal first thing for your visit to the Royal Yacht Afterwards returning to the city centre and to the railway station to catch a train for Stirling.There are ticket machines in the station where you can buy tickets so no long queues are necessary. Or you could just stay in Edinburgh there is still much to see and do. Whatever you decide I hope you have a wonderful time.