Loch Ness Tour: Trip to Loch Ness, Outlander Sites & More

Discover the Scottish Highlands with a Private Guided Tour

This 8-hour private tour from Inverness or Invergordon offers an immersive experience of the Scottish Highlands, priced at $673 per group up to 4 people. Designed for those seeking a comprehensive day trip, it includes visits to Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns, which features the famous Craigh na Dun standing stones from the Outlander series. The tour is led by a local guide in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, making it ideal for travelers wanting an exclusive, personalized Highland adventure.

While the tour offers a packed itinerary of iconic sights in just one day, the private group format ensures flexibility and intimacy, making it suitable for families, couples, or small groups. The inclusion of snacks, water, and umbrella’s adds convenience, though castle admissions and lunch are not included. This tour combines scenic sightseeing with cultural and historical highlights, perfect for those wanting a full Highland experience in a short time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private Guided Tour: Exclusively for your party, providing personalized attention.
• Comprehensive Highland Highlights: Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and Urquhart Castle.
• Duration: 8 hours, with pick-up options from Inverness or Invergordon.
• Cost: $673 for up to 4 people, including snacks, water, and transport.
• Customisable Experience: While within reason, the tour can be tailored slightly to your preferences.
• Included & Not Included: The tour includes a local guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and snacks, but castle admission fees and lunch are extra.

From Inverness or Invergordon to the Highlands Landmarks

The tour starts with convenient pick-up options in Inverness or Invergordon, with a friendly meet outside Inverness Town Hall or just outside the port exit gate of Invergordon if arriving by cruise. The private vehicle then takes you comfortably around the scenic Highlands, making multiple stops at key sites.

This flexibility allows the guide to customize the timing slightly based on your interests, yet each stop remains focused on the most iconic locations. The small group size ensures a more relaxed pace and the chance to ask questions or explore at your own speed.

Visiting Cawdor Castle: A Glimpse into Scottish Nobility

The journey includes a guided 1-hour tour of Cawdor Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress still inhabited today. This site is famous for its connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and offers a glimpse into Scottish noble life. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior, gardens, and grounds, gaining insight into Scotland’s history and architecture.

The guided tour provides context and stories from the castle’s long history, making it more than just a sightseeing stop. The admission fee of £12-£15 is not included but is worth budgeting for if you want to go inside.

Exploring the Clava Cairns and Outlander Connection

The Clava Cairns offer a guided 30-minute visit to the ancient standing stones and burial sites. This site is famous for its Craigh na Dun stones from the Outlander series, drawing fans of the show and series alike. The guide explains the history of the cairns and their significance, providing a sense of the prehistoric landscape and its connection to Scottish lore.

The short visit allows for photos and appreciation of these impressive megalithic structures, without feeling rushed, giving visitors a taste of Scotland’s ancient past.

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Learning the History at Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield stop lasts about 45 minutes, where a guided tour delves into the final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising. The guide discusses the battle’s significance, the clan conflicts, and how this event shaped Scottish history.

Visitors can walk across the battlefield, view the memorial stones, and absorb the weight of this pivotal moment. This site remains one of the most poignant historical locations in Scotland, offering both educational insights and emotional impact.

Scenic Drive and Sightseeing in Inverness

A brief 20-minute scenic drive through Inverness offers a chance to see the city’s highlights or relax between stops. The guide shares local stories and points out notable sights, providing context for the day’s sightseeing.

This segment helps pace the itinerary and ensures a smooth transition between locations while giving a brief overview of Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands.

Visiting Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Nessie’s Home

The 45-minute stop at Loch Ness features sightseeing and photo opportunities. Travelers can enjoy views across the world-famous lake, searching for signs of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Next, a walk of about 45 minutes takes visitors to Urquhart Castle, an iconic ruin perched on the lake’s edge. The guide leads you through the castle’s history and architecture before free time to explore the grounds at your own pace. The castle’s scenic location makes it a favorite photo spot and a highlight of the tour.

Additional Inclusions and Practical Tips

The tour’s price includes snacks, water, and a local guide, making the experience more comfortable. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a pleasant journey, and umbrellas are provided in case of rain—a wise inclusion in Scottish weather.

While the experience is customisable within reason, it’s important to plan for extra costs like castle admission fees (£12-£15) and lunch, which are not included. The pickup locations make it easy to start from your accommodation or cruise ship, and the full-day schedule keeps the pace lively but manageable.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This private Highland adventure combines classic sights with a personal touch, led by a local guide who shares insights and stories. The short time frame makes it a great option for visitors with limited days in the area, providing a comprehensive taste of the Highlands’ history, scenery, and legends.

The customisable nature of the tour and inclusion of local gin and whisky tastings (though not included in the price) add a flavor of Scottish culture that’s hard to find on standard group excursions.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour suits small groups or families looking for a personalized experience with flexible timing and in-depth storytelling. It’s ideal for travelers interested in history, Outlander fans, and those wanting to see Loch Ness and historic sites without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings.

The private format ensures a quiet, tailored day out, perfect for those who appreciate comfort and exclusivity. Keep in mind, castle admission fees and lunch are extra, so budget accordingly for a fully rounded experience.

Summary of the Highland Private Tour

This 8-hour private tour delivers an intimate, in-depth exploration of the Scottish Highlands, combining legendary sights like Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the Culloden Battlefield with culturally rich stops at Cawdor Castle and Clava Cairns. The local guide’s storytelling enriches each stop, connecting history and legend in an engaging way.

While the price of $673 might seem high for some, the private group format and full itinerary offer a tailored experience that’s both convenient and memorable. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a full Highland day with a personal touch, especially if time is limited but quality matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a local guide, private vehicle, snacks, water, and umbrellas.

Are castle admissions included?
No, castle admission fees (£12-£15) are not included and must be paid separately if you wish to enter.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, the tour is customisable within reason, allowing some flexibility based on your interests or timing.

What are the pick-up options?
Pickup is available from Inverness or Invergordon, with specific meeting points outside Inverness Town Hall or Port Exit Gate for cruise arrivals.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from 30 minutes at Clava Cairns, 45 minutes at Culloden and Urquhart Castle, to 1 hour at Cawdor Castle.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring or purchase food separately.

What should I bring on this tour?
A raincoat is recommended due to Scottish weather, along with comfortable walking shoes and camera gear.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for babies under 1 year, but older children and families can enjoy the stops and stories.

What languages are available for the guide?
The tour is conducted in English.

How do I reserve this tour?
You can reserve and pay later, as the booking is flexible and allows you to keep your travel plans open.

This Loch Ness Tour from Highland Guided Tours offers a well-rounded, private Highland experience with a mix of natural beauty, history, and Scottish legends—all in one engaging day.

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