{#
#}
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
/ Vehicle
Select date and participants
1

Your Product

Select participants
Participant (0-120)
Min: 0 Max: 8
You can select a total maximum of: 8
At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

Full-Day Private Tour to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness and Inverness

5 (45)
Beauly, GB
Share

Full-Day Private Tour to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness and Inverness

5 (45)
Beauly, GB
Share
Please wait, fetching options!
Join us on a full-day private tour to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness and Inverness, where adventure awaits! Starting from the Port gate, we'll take you on a breathtaking journey along the stunning shores of the Cromarty Firth, crossing the historic Cromarty bridge to the Black Isle. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to encounter majestic Highland Cattle, a true symbol of the Scottish Highlands. Prepare to be amazed as we arrive at Urquhart Castle, perched on a promontory overlooking the legendary Loch Ness. Marvel at the incredible views and immerse yourself in the captivating history surrounding St Columba and the Loch Ness Monster. Continuing our adventure, we'll explore the enchanting city of Inverness, passing the Hill of the Fairies, Inverness Castle, and the iconic statue of Flora Macdonald. Our tour concludes at the historic Culloden Battlefield, where you'll be transported back in time. With free pick-up and drop-off, private transportation, WiFi on board, and refreshments, this is an unforgettable journey you won't want to miss.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 1 hours - 8 hours
  • Suitable for 1-8 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Visit Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
  • See Highland Cattle on the Black Isle
  • Explore Inverness and its historic sites
  • Visit Beauly Priory, a 13th-century monastery
  • Experience the stunning views of Clava Cairns
  • Private transportation
  • WiFi on board
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Free pick-up & drop-off
  • Entrance Fees to attractions

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the enchanting beauty of Scotland with a full-day private tour to Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, and Inverness. Immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes as you embark on this captivating journey. From the moment you step foot on this tour, you'll be transported back in time, discovering the hidden gems that make Scotland truly magical.

What to expect?

Prepare to be captivated by the majestic Urquhart Castle, perched on a promontory overlooking Loch Ness. Marvel at the stunning views of the legendary Loch, where tales of the infamous Loch Ness Monster have echoed throughout history. Explore the castle ruins and immerse yourself in the stories of the past, imagining what life was like within these ancient walls. As you venture towards Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, you'll pass by the Hill of the Fairies and discover the city's rich heritage. Visit the historic Cathedral and The Old High Church, soaking in the atmosphere of these architectural wonders. You'll also catch a glimpse of Inverness Castle and the iconic statue of Flora Macdonald, a symbol of Scottish resilience and courage. Conclude your journey at Culloden Battlefield, where the echoes of the Jacobite uprising still resonate. Stand on the hallowed ground where history was made, and pay tribute to those who fought bravely for their cause. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, immersing you in Scotland's ancient past and natural wonders.

Who is this for?

This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a truly immersive Scottish experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour caters to all. The captivating stories and breathtaking landscapes will leave you in awe, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the beauty of Scotland's rich cultural heritage.

Why book this?

Embark on this private tour and unlock the secrets of Scotland's past. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll gain unique insights into the history, legends, and folklore that surround each destination. The personalized experience allows you to explore at your own pace, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable journey. The convenience of free pick-up and drop-off, private transportation, and onboard WiFi ensures a seamless and comfortable experience throughout the tour. Stay hydrated with complimentary bottled water and enjoy a snack to keep you energized as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Scotland.

Good to know

Please note that entrance fees to attractions are not included in the tour price, allowing you the flexibility to tailor your experience based on your interests. Cawdor Castle, with its intriguing connections to Macbeth, is a highlight of the tour. Explore the castle, wander through its magnificent gardens, and perhaps even have the chance to meet the Dowager Countess of Cawdor, who still resides within its walls. It is important to note that Cawdor Castle reopens on April 27th, 2024, so plan your visit accordingly.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on this private tour have been enthralled by the beauty and history that Scotland has to offer. They praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories and legends to life, creating an immersive experience. The stunning views of Loch Ness and the mesmerizing ruins of Urquhart Castle leave a lasting impression on visitors. The flexibility and comfort of the private transportation, along with the convenience of onboard WiFi and refreshments, have also been highly appreciated. Overall, travelers have expressed their satisfaction and gratitude for this unforgettable journey through Scotland's captivating landscapes and fascinating history.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Beauly Priory

Beauly Priory was founded in the 13th Century as a Monastery for Valliscaulian order of monks from Dijon in France , Oliver Cromwells forces were responsible for destroying the Priory in the 16th Century. For centuries this was a Burial place for the chiefs of Clan Fraser and Mackenzie and their families. Their is an Outlander connection because it was here that Claire met the Seer.

Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle sits on a promontory jutting out in to Loch Ness and has been fought over many times through the years. The views of Loch Ness from the castle are fantastic and during the visit you can go and explore the ruins of this 1000 year old castle and you can go down to the water side of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled in case Nessie makes an appearance.

Admission Not Included

Culloden Battlefield

The Battle of Culloden in 1746 was the last battle fought on British soil . Visit the Museum and we walk around the main areas of the Battlefield where the heaviest fighting took place , you will see the memorial cairn , the well of the dead and the gravestones of the clans as well as Leanach cottage. This visit is top of the list for Outlander fans.

Admission Not Included

Clava Cairns

We will visit Clava Cairns and you can enter 2 of the 3 Cairns , this 4000 year old Bronze age cemetery is where Diana Gabaldon took inspiration for her outlander series and you will see the Cleft stone and the stone circles around the Cairns.

Inverness Castle

The current Inverness Castle is the 3rd Castle on this site and dates from 1836 , the first Castle was built here in 1057 and stood until 1307 , the Castle was rebuilt in 1548 and was destroyed during the Jacobite uprisings. In the grounds of the Castle you will see the statue of Flora Macdonald who was famous for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape over the sea to Skye.

Leakey's Second-hand Bookshop

One of the oldest streets in Inverness is Church street and the first place we see is Leakeys bookshop , this was a Government Hospital after the battle of Culloden.

Old High St Stephen's Church

Behind Leakeys bookshop stands the Old High Church / St Stephens where the Jacobite prisoners were taken after the Battle of Culloden , you can still see the musket holes in the church wall where the Jacobite prisoners were executed. Looking over the river from the graveyard we will see Balnain House which was also a Government Hospital after Culloden and St Marys Church which has Outlander connections.

Abertarff House

Further up Church street we pass Abertarff House .This is the oldest house in Inverness and was once the town house for the Fraser Chiefs.

Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle re-opens on the 27th April 2024 Cawdor Castle with its Macbeth connections is one of the few castles in the Highland area that has been unaffected by the Jacobite uprisings. Home to the Thanes of Cawdor for centuries , you can tour the castle and visit the magnificent gardens and you meet the Dowager Countess of Cawdor who still lives in the Castle.

Admission Not Included

Reviews

(45)

5 (45)

F1968EWderekr

We spent a wonderful day with Lawrence Maclean as our tour guide through Inverness, Urguardt Castle, Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield , we feed Highland Coos, saw the Clava Cairns & Standing Stones and saw the locks at the Caledonian Canals. As a surprise Lawrence took us to three different burial sites, he had researched before we arrived, where we found ancestors graves and he took us to a sheep dog demonstration by a local farmer. Lawrence went out of his way to accommodate all of our wants and needs, even taking us to shop for legit clan items and purchase food for our early morning train ride. We would highly recommend Lawrence to anyone looking for an inclusive tour of the Highlands and the surrounding areas.

Taylore1126

We booked the “From Inverness to Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden" tour and the local company used was Highlander Private Tours. Our guide was Billy – and he was absolutely amazing! It was just the four of us (my sister, husband, and niece, whom we were visiting on her break from university in St. Andrews). From his pick up at our hotel to our drop off – Billy was so much fun! He listened to our interests and completely catered our tour to ensure we saw everything and a ton of extras! He personally walked with us through Culloden and gave us stories and the history – while 2 of us were Outlander fans and 2 not so much – it didn’t even matter! The Outlander fans were so thrilled with how Billy wove that into our tour, and the 2 who weren’t, were absolutely spellbound by the history. There were some places that weren’t open (Cawdor Castle), and on our journey, we discovered the Beauly Priory was closed due to renovations, but Billy ensured we were not disappointed by taking us to other fascinating sights, including old cemeteries and mausoleums (because I love them and the history he told of the occupants) to visit James Mackenzie Fraser – the gorgeous Highland Cow. Billy went above and beyond for us; once he heard we were driving to the Isle of Skye the next day (without a plan – we were just going to put the Fairy Pools in the GPS and go), while we were getting a wee dram at a distillery, Billy spent his downtime creating a stop-by-stop itinerary for us for the next two days, handwritten on two sides of a large notebook paper. We are so appreciative; without it, we would have missed so much! He even recommended the ferry to us (that we didn’t even know about), and it cut off a good chunk of our driving time and allowed us to check off everything on our “must-see” list! We plan on going back in 2026 for my niece's graduation and will be making it a large family trip – and Billy will be the one I reach out to for all touring for my family. There is no one else I would trust my family to – and I know he will make that trip as memorable as he did this tour for us. Well done, sir – and THANK you so much!

kvondervor

Thank you Billy for an amazing day with my family. Billy catered our tour to the places we wanted to see, plus he add addition stops. His knowledge of the area and the history is incredible. Billy also learned we were heading to Isle of Skye next and created a two day itinerary for us to follow with directions and places to stop! Absolutely went above and beyond! Cannot say enough and high recommend Highland Private Tours! They are the best and plan to use them on our next return!

Z2292LMelizabethp

My family and I had an amazing day touring around with Billy. He personalized the tour to suit the weather and time of the year, which was fantastic. We got to see everything we wanted and more, and learnt so much thanks to Billy. It really was an incredible day! Thanks Billy!

Y9232NWjoannek

Inverness was a stop on our 10-day cruise of the British Isles. We were initially dissapointed when all the cruise-sponsored shore excursions were booked, but this tour ended up being so much better. Our guide, Billie Maclean, was the ultimate professional and gentleman, and he made our day with him in the Scottish Highlands the highlight of our trip. His personal knowledge of the area made our experience so much more intimate than a generic coach tour. At the end of the day, we felt as if a family member had given us a private tour of their area. If we ever get the chance to return to Scotland, we will definitely use Highlander Private Tours again! Five stars!

N3119XZmarissar

We had a great time on this tour! Our tour guide, Kevin, was very knowledgeable, informative and accommodating. He took any requests on places we wanted to see. Because we were on a cruise ship and only had a limited amount of time, we felt that this tour was perfect because we saw all that the area had to offer. Thanks, Kevin, for making this the best day of our cruise! -Your friends from Michigan

Z2120GBpeterg

Our tour with Kevin was excellent. He is well informed and knows his history. He is also personable always with a story and a laugh. He knows how and when to get his tours exactly where they need to be. I highly recommend the tour and Kevin.

D9531YYerikag

William (Bill) Maclean was the best tour guide! My family and I had an exceptional experience at Inverness, Lock Ness, Cowdor Castle, Urquhart Cadtle, Culloden Battle field, etc . Bill’s knowledge of the local history and culture was truly impressive, and he made the entire journey fun and really enjoyable. His passion for their job shone through, and he went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable adventure. I would highly recommend our tour guide to anyone looking for an unforgettable travel experience. Thank you for making my trip so memorable Bill!

HelpingYouTravel

Did this tour when our Viking cruise stopped in Invergordon (The Highlands). Two couples did the tour with Kevin. Highly recommend you do it too. Kevin was funny, knowledgeable, passionate and entertaining. We went to Urquhart Castle (tip - buy your tickets ahead of time on the Castle’s website), Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Caims, and Inverness, the town where Kevin grew up. We got the perspective that only a local could provide. Overall, an amazing day filled with history lessons and lots of laughs. Oh, it was sunny and 70 degrees. Kevin initially said the weather here is like that everyday, but later confessed it happens just 3-5 days a year!

alinav01

We learned so much about Highlands, saw a lot, and had a great time, all that thanks to our guide Lawrence!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-05 16:02