Inverness: Full-Day Guided Tour with Highland Castle

Key Points

• Private, guided full-day tour from Inverness for up to 3 guests at $807.
• Visit iconic sites: Cawdor Castle or Fort George, Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, and Urquhart Castle.
• Explore Beauly village and the 13th-century priory.
• Includes a whisky tasting at Glen Ord Distillery and meets Highland Cows at Robertsons Farm.
• Duration of approximately 8 hours with flexible options and custom requests.
• Group size limited to 3, making for a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Best of the Scottish Highlands in One Day

This full-day guided tour offers an intimate journey through the Highlands from Inverness, perfect for small groups or private travelers seeking a personalized experience. At $807 per group (up to 3 people), the tour combines historic castles, ancient monuments, and scenic landscapes, all led by an experienced guide named Cath. The tour includes visits to Cawdor Castle or Fort George, a landmark choice for history lovers, along with stops at Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old burial site featured in Outlander.

The 8-hour itinerary is designed to balance sightseeing with comfortable pacing. The tour’s flexibility allows for custom requests, making it suitable for travelers with specific interests or needs. This tour suits those eager to explore the Highlands with a knowledgeable guide, enjoying fewer crowds and a more tailored experience.

Exploring Highland Castles: Cawdor or Fort George

The tour starts by visiting either Cawdor Castle, an 18th-century stronghold famous for its gardens and ties to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, or Fort George, a remarkable 18th-century fortress overlooking the Moray Firth. Both sites include guided tours lasting about 1.5 hours, revealing their histories, architecture, and significance in Scottish military history.

Choosing between the two depends on your interests: Cawdor Castle offers a fairy-tale feel and gardens, while Fort George impresses with its military strength and panoramic views. If you have specific preferences, the guide is available for custom requests.

Walking Tour of Clava Cairns: 4,000 Years of History

Next, the tour visits Clava Cairns, a neolithic burial ground dating back 4,000 years, with a guided tour lasting approximately 30 minutes. This site is notable for its well-preserved chambered tombs and standing stones, and it gained popularity through the Outlander series.

The guide leads you through this ancient monument, explaining its archaeological features and legends. Visitors often find this site evocative and intriguing due to its age and connection to Scottish history.

The Battle of Culloden: Scotland’s Last Pitched Battlefield

A walk through the Culloden Battlefield, lasting about 1.5 hours, offers insight into the final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising. The guided tour covers the battlefield’s layout, the causes of the battle, and its devastating consequences.

This site marks a pivotal moment in Scottish history, ending the Jacobite era. The guide helps visitors understand the battle’s significance and the landscape’s somber atmosphere.

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Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Photo Stop

Following Culloden, the tour drives along Loch Ness, with a dedicated 1-hour sightseeing stop. Visitors enjoy a photo opportunity of Urquhart Castle, a ruins-rich site on the loch’s edge, famous for its connection to the legendary monster, Nessie.

The scenic views of the loch and castle provide ideal photo moments, and the guide offers background on Nessie’s lore. This stop combines natural beauty with historical intrigue.

Visiting Beauly Village and 13th-Century Priory

Next, the journey includes a visit to Beauly, a charming Highland village, and the 13th-century priory, where some clan burials are located. This one-hour stop allows for a relaxed walk through the village streets, with opportunities to appreciate its historic architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

The priory’s architecture and history add depth to the experience, especially for those interested in medieval Scotland and clan heritage.

Highland Cows and Glen Ord Whisky Distillery

A highlight of the tour is meeting the Highland Cows at Robertsons Farm, a fun and authentic encounter with Scotland’s iconic livestock. Later, the tour stops at the Glen Ord whisky distillery for a 30-minute visit.

While whisky tasting is not included, the visit offers insights into whisky production and the chance to learn about Scotland’s renowned distilling traditions. The farm visit provides a relaxed, rural flavor, contrasting with the historical sites.

Scenic Drives and Customizable Stops

Throughout the day, the private Jeep/SUV allows for a flexible pace, with 15-minute drives between major stops and additional time for photo opportunities. The route takes you through Glen Urquhart and other rugged landscapes, emphasizing the natural beauty of the Highlands.

Guests can request additional stops or adjustments, making this tour particularly adaptable for personal interests or time constraints.

Practical Details and Inclusive Features

This private, guided tour includes water and snacks, making the day comfortable and convenient. The pickup options from Inverness or Invergordon ensure easy access, and the group size is limited to 3, fostering a more personal experience.

The tour is suitable for travelers comfortable with walking and standing during site visits, but it’s not recommended for children under 12 years. The guide speaks English, and cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour

This tour excels for those who value a private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide. The mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural stops makes it ideal for history buffs, scenery lovers, or whisky enthusiasts. Its limited group size ensures intimacy and flexibility, distinguishing it from larger bus tours.

However, travelers seeking a more casual or self-guided experience may find the pace somewhat structured, and the $807 price reflects the exclusivity and private nature of the tour.

Inverness: Highland Heritage in One Day

As a comprehensive Highlands experience, this tour provides a well-rounded itinerary that balances historic landmarks like Cawdor Castle and Culloden, with natural wonders such as Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The inclusion of a farm visit and distillery tour offers authentic Scottish touches.

While the day is packed, the flexible structure and private guide help keep it comfortable. It’s a strong choice for small groups or couples wanting to explore Scotland’s stories and landscapes without the hassle of planning individual visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 12 years due to the walking and site visits involved.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the guide is available for custom requests. You can contact Cath directly to discuss specific interests or alternative sites.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers visits to Cawdor Castle or Fort George, Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, Beauly Priory, Highland Cows, and Glen Ord Distillery, along with a qualified guide, water, and snacks.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour, so travelers should plan to bring their own or purchase food during stops.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, with flexible start times available based on availability.

What transportation is used?
The tour takes place in a Jeep or SUV, providing comfort and easy access to scenic routes and rugged terrain.

Where does the tour pick up and drop off?
Guests are picked up and dropped off at locations in Inverness or Invergordon, making logistics straightforward.

Can I join this tour if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at several sites, so it may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.

What languages are available?
The live guide speaks English, and no other languages are specified.

This Inverness: Full-Day Guided Tour with Highland Castle offers a focused, small-group exploration of Scotland’s iconic sights, blending history, scenery, and culture in an engaging way. Its personalized approach makes it ideal for those seeking an intimate Highland adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby