From Inverness to Loch Ness , Cawdor Castle , Culloden and more

Inverness, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (30 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

  • inclusion
    Private transportation
    Private transportation
  • inclusion
    Bottled water
    Bottled water
  • inclusion
    Snacks
    Snacks
  • inclusion
    Other
    Free pick-up & drop-off

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
B&B HOTEL Inverness
Beaufort Hotel
Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Columba Hotel
Corriegarth Hotel
Craigmonie Hotel Inverness By Compass Hospitality
Crown Court Hotel & Bar
Cuchullin Lodge
Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Inverness, an IHG Hotel
Kingsmills Hotel
Leonardo Hotel
MacDougall Clansman Hotel
Mercure Inverness Hotel
Ness Walk
North Kessock Hotel
Premier Inn Inverness Centre (Millburn Rd) Hotel
Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness
Premier Inn Inverness East hotel
Premier Inn Inverness West Hotel
Redcliffe Hotel
River Ness Hotel, a Member of Radisson Individuals
Rocpool Reserve
The Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
The Heathmount Hotel
The Highlander B & B
The Royal Highland Hotel
Travelodge Inverness
Travelodge Inverness City Centre Hotel
Travelodge Inverness Fairways
We pick up from anywhere in Inverness and return you to your accommodation on completion of the tour.

What to expect

1

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is 23 miles long and at its widest point it is just 1.5 miles wide. Nessie was first seen by St. Columba in 564 AD. Every year people are reporting sightings - in 2017 there were 11 sightings, and in 2018 there were 13 sightings. Keep your eyes peeled as we journey around the loch. Our first stop is at the Wellington lay-by where on the 31st December 1939 a Wellington Bomber from RAF Lossiemouth was forced to ditch after suffering engine failure. The remains of the bomber were recovered in 1985 and it has been fully restored and is now in Brooklands Museum in Weybridge in Surrey.

Duration 40 minutes
2
Urquhart Castle

Carrying on through Drumnadrochit we come to Urquhart Castle sitting on a rocky promontory with fantastic views over Loch Ness. This 800 year old castle has had a turbulent and bloody history. Explore the ruins and visitor centre.

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3
Beauly Priory

Beauly Priory is currently closed due to recent high winds causing masonry to fall , we do not know when it will reopen. We will still visit Beauly where you can see The Priory from the gate. Leaving Urquhart Castle, we head back to Drumnadrochit and take the Culnakirk Hill Road towards Beauly and our next stop, the Beauly Priory. The priory was founded in the 13th century for monks of the Valliscaulian order. In the grounds of the priory you will find the Beauly Elm Tree, this tree is 800 years old and is the oldest elm tree in Europe.

Duration 40 minutes
4
Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle re-opens on the 27th April 2024 Cawdor Castle, has been home to the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370. The castle is set in stunning grounds and gardens and is surrounded by the magnificent Cawdor Big Wood, one of the finest woodland areas in Europe.

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5
Clava Cairns

We head back towards Inverness to the Clava Cairns. The Clava Cairns are 4000 years old and the area is an ancient cemetery. The sites contain a range of prehistoric burial monuments and the remains of a medieval chapel. The Clava Cairns provided inspiration for Creag Na Dun in the Outlander series and the Cleft Stone can be found here.

Duration 40 minutes
6
Culloden Battlefield

Less than a mile from Clava Cairns is Culloden Battlefield where on the 16th April 1746 the last battle on British soil was fought and the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal end. In less than one hour, 1600 men were slain, 1500 of them Jacobites. This was to change the way of life in the Highlands forever. Walk round the battlefield and see the memorial cairn and the clan burial stones, and visit the visitor centre.

Duration 90 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
7
Inverness Castle Experience

We pass by Inverness Castle where you will see in the grounds of the castle a statue of Flora Macdonald who was famous for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden.

8
Inverness Cathedral

Inverness Cathedral is the most northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK. The Cathedral was commissioned by Bishop Eden and was completed in 1866.

Duration 15 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Alcohol is not served to underaged
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Highlander Private Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try local haggis at a nearby pub.
  • icon
    Visit the Loch Ness Centre for insights.
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    Cawdor Castle gardens are stunning in spring.
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    Bring a camera for breathtaking views.
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    Check out the nearby village of Drumnadrochit.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Welcome to the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland, where picturesque landscapes and legendary tales come together to create an unforgettable journey. Allow us to introduce you to our private and personalized tour, "From Inverness to Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden, and more." As locals who have spent our entire lives in this magnificent region, we pride ourselves on showcasing the most captivating and photogenic spots, ensuring an unparalleled experience.

What to expect?

Embark on a 480-minute adventure filled with captivating stories, intriguing history, and awe-inspiring beauty. Our tour begins with the enigmatic Loch Ness, a place synonymous with legends and mysteries. Keep your eyes peeled as we venture around the loch, sharing tales of Nessie sightings and the fascinating history surrounding this renowned waterway. Next, we'll explore the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched on a rocky promontory with panoramic views of Loch Ness. Dive deep into its 800-year old history, replete with turbulent tales of battles and resilience. Continuing our journey, we'll head to Beauly Priory, a medieval monastery nestled amidst captivating landscapes. Here, you'll discover the Beauly Elm Tree, an awe-inspiring testament to longevity, having stood for a remarkable 800 years. Prepare to be enchanted as we enter the fairytale-like grounds of Cawdor Castle, a majestic home that has been nestled within the Cawdor Big Wood since 1370. Marvel at its stunning gardens and immerse yourself in the history that echoes within its walls. As the tour progresses, we'll visit the Clava Cairns, an ancient cemetery shrouded in mystery and surrounded by prehistoric burial monuments. This ethereal site provided inspiration for the renowned Outlander series, adding an enchanting layer to this already captivating experience. Our next stop takes us to Culloden Battlefield, where the final Jacobite Rising met its brutal end. Walk in the footsteps of history, witness the memorial cairn and clan burial stones, and allow the significance of this historic battleground to resonate within you. On our journey back to Inverness, we'll pass by Inverness Castle, catching a glimpse of the majestic Flora Macdonald statue, paying tribute to her bravery and role in helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape. Finally, we'll visit the most northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK, Inverness Cathedral, where awe-inspiring architecture and serene surroundings inspire a sense of peace and reflection.

Who is this for?

Our tour is designed for adventure-seeking souls, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're a curious traveler yearning to unravel the tales of Loch Ness, an architecture aficionado seeking grand castles, or a history buff eager to immerse yourself in the stories of battles and clans, this tour is tailored to cater to all. We welcome individuals, couples, families, and friends, as this journey promises to captivate hearts and create lasting memories for everyone.

Why book this?

Book this extraordinary tour to savor an unparalleled adventure through the mystical and awe-inspiring Highlands of Scotland. Our experienced local guides, armed with extensive knowledge and a heartfelt passion for their homeland, will ensure a truly immersive experience. Uncover the secrets of Loch Ness, explore ancient ruins, wander through stunning woodlands, and relive the historic clashes that shaped these lands. By the journey's end, you'll have not only witnessed Scotland's grandeur but also developed a deep appreciation for its rich history and enchanting landscapes.

Good to know

Prepare for a full day of exploration and discovery, spanning approximately 8 hours. Comfortable attire and sturdy footwear are essential, as we'll be traversing varied terrains and historic sites. Remember to bring your camera along, as numerous picture-perfect moments await you at every turn. Our tour is designed to indulge your curiosity and create an immersive experience, ensuring that each step of the journey enthralls and leaves you with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on this tour have been left in awe of the Highlands' breathtaking beauty and the captivating stories shared by our knowledgeable guides. Visitors have described it as an extraordinary and immersive experience, praising the personalized approach, attention to detail, and passion exuded by our guides. Guests have marveled at the stunning landscapes and iconic sites, while also gaining a deeper understanding of Scotland's rich history and cultural heritage. Many have deemed it a must-do tour when visiting the region, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the Highlands and leaving them yearning to return and explore more.

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