Overview
We’ll explore the impact of the Picts on this majestic landscape. Known as ‘Picti’ by the Romans, meaning ‘Painted Ones’ in Latin, these northern tribes constituted the largest kingdom in Dark Age Scotland.
13th century Fortrose Cathedral with a brief stop at Chanonry Point to see if we can spot any dolphins.
Then on to Groam House Museum to learn about their collection of carved Pictish stones from the 8th century AD.
On to Cromarty. An enchanting wee town, perfect for a brief wander and a coffee before boarding the ferry and off to explore the Pictish sites and stones at Nigg, Shandwick and Hilton of Cadboll. Look at for random mermaids!! There’s a great lunch opportunity here before continuing on our journey to meet a Pictish Queen at The Tarbat Discovery Centre, Portmahomack, the epi-centre of the 8th century Pictish monastic estate.
We can take a quick diversion out to see Tarbat Ness lighthouse before taking in our final Pictish stone of the day, the Edderton Cross Slab.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Cromarty - Nigg ferry fare
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
- Lunch
- Groam House Museum; Free of charge, but a donation is requested
- Tarbat Discovery Centre; Adults - £5; Concessions (16-17 years and 65+) – £4.00; under 16 Free
Meeting and Pickup
Your driver/guide will carry a board displaying the lead traveler's name
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Chanonry Point
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Fortrose Cathedral
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Groam House Museum
45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Cromarty
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
- This tour IS available as a Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers at Invergordon Cruise Ship Port
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Pictish Trail?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-422292P13
Traveler Photos
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Calling all foodies!! Come explore the best of the food and drink options available in the Black Isle and Inverness Areas! Travel in style in...
$1,055
Half Day Black Isle Tour
Embark on your own private tour to the Black Isle in half a day at your own pace. This tour is tailored towards guests who...
$518
So you only have Half-of day and don't want the hassle of hiring a car. No problem jump on board and explore the true inspiration...
$110
We'll head south from Inverness over The Slochd Summit from where we see our first view of The Cairngorm Mountains. We continue on to the...
$1,165
Calling all foodies!! Come explore the best of the food and drink options available in the Black Isle and Inverness Areas! Travel in style in...
$1,055
Embark on your own private tour to the Black Isle in half a day at your own pace. This tour is tailored towards guests who...
$518
So you only have Half-of day and don't want the hassle of hiring a car. No problem jump on board and explore the true inspiration...
$110
We'll head south from Inverness over The Slochd Summit from where we see our first view of The Cairngorm Mountains. We continue on to the...
$1,165
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Discover the beauty of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness and enjoy views of Urquhart Castle from the water....
$46
Cruise Loch Ness and explore Urquhart Castle. Operated by D&E Coaches, discover the highlights of Loch Ness on this scenic 3 and a half hour...
$77
Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness, where you will join a cruise to view the ruins of the 13th century, Urquhart...
$51
Discover the mystery surrounding Loch Ness on a 1-hour cruise from Clansman Harbour. Situated only a twenty minutes’ drive from central Inverness, Loch Ness is...
$33
Discover the beauty of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness and enjoy views of Urquhart Castle from the water....
$46
Cruise Loch Ness and explore Urquhart Castle. Operated by D&E Coaches, discover the highlights of Loch Ness on this scenic 3 and a half hour...
$77
Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness, where you will join a cruise to view the ruins of the 13th century, Urquhart...
$51
Discover the mystery surrounding Loch Ness on a 1-hour cruise from Clansman Harbour. Situated only a twenty minutes’ drive from central Inverness, Loch Ness is...
$33
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
- Bottled water.
- Private transportation.
- Cromarty - Nigg ferry fare.
- Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
- Lunch.
- Groam House Museum; Free of charge, but a donation is requested.
- Tarbat Discovery Centre; Adults - £5; Concessions (16-17 years and 65+) – £4.00; under 16 Free.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the The Pictish Trail is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Pictish Trail will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Cromarty - Nigg ferry fare
- Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
- Lunch
- Groam House Museum; Free of charge, but a donation is requested
- Tarbat Discovery Centre; Adults - £5; Concessions (16-17 years and 65+) – £4.00; under 16 Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travel and transportation through our beautiful scenery is included in the total time duration of this tour
- This tour IS available as a Shore Excursion for Cruise Ship Passengers at Invergordon Cruise Ship Port
