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

A full-day private exploration of Scotland’s iconic sights, this tour from Invergordon offers a comprehensive glance at the Highlands and Loch Ness for $812.69 per group of up to 4. Spanning approximately 7 to 8 hours, the experience includes private transportation with Wi-Fi, complimentary bottled water and snacks, and free pick-up and drop-off. The guide’s local expertise shines through, making it a smooth and informative journey without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings.

This tour is especially suited for those eager to see several highlights in a single day, with careful pacing and plenty of photo stops. While the itinerary covers a lot, expect some stops—like Beauly Priory and Cawdor Castle—to vary in availability based on weather and operational hours. This trip offers a well-rounded, personalized day in Scotland, ideal for travelers who value comfort, storytelling, and flexibility.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide
• Includes pickup and drop-off at Invergordon port
• Visit major sites like Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Inverness, and Culloden Battlefield
• Wi-Fi on board for staying connected during the journey
• Flexible timing and stops based on your interests
• Tour duration approximately 7 to 8 hours

Departure from Invergordon for a Scotland Highlights Day

This private tour departs directly from the Cromarty Firth Port Authority in Invergordon, making it a convenient option for cruise ship passengers. The vehicle accommodates up to 4 people, offering a comfortable, climate-controlled ride with Wi-Fi to share photos or stay connected.

The tour’s flexibility allows for a tailored experience, with the guide adjusting stops and pace based on your interests. The full-day format means you can see multiple must-see sites without rushing, and the early booking window of about 104 days in advance suggests high demand from travelers eager to explore this scenic region.

Exploring Beauly Priory from a Distance

The tour begins with a visit to Beauly Priory, a 13th-century monastery founded by monks from Dijon, France. Although the priory is currently closed due to recent high winds causing masonry damage, the tour still includes a viewing of the site from the gate, offering a glimpse into its historical significance. As a burial site for Clan Fraser and Mackenzie chiefs, Beauly Priory also has connections to the Outlander series, notably where Claire meets the Seer.

While limited to an exterior view, this stop provides a meaningful introduction to Highland history and the ruins’ commanding countryside backdrop. The visit lasts about an hour, and admission is free, making it an easy, no-cost addition to the day’s itinerary.

Visiting Urquhart Castle with Loch Ness Views

One of the tour’s key highlights is Urquhart Castle, perched on a promontory overlooking Loch Ness. The castle dates back roughly 1000 years and has a history filled with battles over control of the loch. Visitors have the opportunity to walk through the ruins, explore the historic structures, and enjoy breathtaking views of Loch Ness, known worldwide for its legendary monster.

While the admission fee to Urquhart Castle isn’t included, the ruins and water-side setting are well worth the 1 hour 20 minutes spent here. The castle’s position offers excellent photo opportunities, and there’s always a chance to spot Nessie in the water. The visit includes scenic water views and an engaging history lesson from the guide.

Culloden Battlefield and Its Historic Significance

The Battle of Culloden, fought in 1746, marks the last pitched battle on British soil. The tour includes a walk through the main battlefield areas, where the guide explains the events and consequences of this pivotal confrontation. Sites visited include the memorial cairn, Well of the Dead, and the gravestones of clans, along with a visit to Leanach Cottage.

This stop is a favorite among history enthusiasts and fans of the Outlander series, thanks to its authentic setting and storytelling. The one-hour visit doesn’t include the museum admission fee but provides a thoughtful overview of the battle’s significance in Scottish history.

Entering the Bronze Age at Clava Cairns

The Clava Cairns are an impressive 4,000-year-old Bronze Age cemetery. Visitors can walk among stone circles and enter two of the three Cairns, which are believed to have inspired the settings of Outlander. The site features notable features like the Cleft stone and surrounding stone circles, providing a sense of ancient ritual and craftsmanship.

This brief 40-minute stop offers a visual and tactile connection to Scotland’s prehistoric past, with free admission. It’s a peaceful, evocative site that enriches the tour with its sense of timelessness.

Inverness Castle and Local Statues

The tour includes a quick stop at Inverness Castle, built in 1836 on the site of earlier fortresses dating back to 1057. While visitors can’t tour the castle interior, the grounds provide scenic views and the chance to see the statue of Flora Macdonald, famed for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape during the Jacobite uprisings.

Inverness Castle is a symbol of Highland resilience, and the stop lasts about 10 minutes, giving enough time for photos and some local history tidbits from the guide.

Discovering Inverness on Foot

The tour includes a guided walk through central Inverness, visiting Leakey’s Second-hand Bookshop, one of the oldest streets in the city, and the Old High Church / St Stephens. The church is historically significant, with visible musket holes from the 1746 Jacobite executions. Nearby landmarks include Balnain House, once a Government Hospital after Culloden, and St Mary’s Church, which has its own Outlander links.

These 10-minute stops provide insight into Inverness’s layers of history, from medieval times to the Jacobite era, and allow visitors to appreciate the city’s architectural character.

Visiting Abertarff House and Cawdor Castle (Reopening in 2024)

Passing Abertarff House, the oldest house in Inverness, offers a glimpse of 16th-century Highland life. It was once the Fraser Chiefs’ town house and now stands as a preserved historic building.

Cawdor Castle, renowned for its Macbeth connection, is scheduled to reopen on April 27, 2024. When available, visitors can tour the castle and its gardens, and meet the Dowager Countess of Cawdor, who still resides there. The 1 hour 30 minutes allocated for this stop allows for a thorough visit, although access depends on reopening dates.

Practical Details and Customer Experience

The tour includes bottled water and snacks to keep everyone refreshed, and the vehicle features Wi-Fi to share moments or catch up on messages. The private nature of the trip means the schedule is flexible and tailored to your interests, with only your group participating.

The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as some sites involve walking or standing. Since entrance fees to attractions are not included, visitors should budget accordingly if they wish to explore specific sites in depth.

What Sets This Tour Apart

We like how the tour combines historic sites, scenic vistas, and cultural landmarks in one day, with a focus on personalized storytelling by guides like Billy, Johnny, Lawrence, and Kevin. The Wi-Fi-enabled vehicle enhances the experience, making it easy to stay connected.

Customers consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, noting how they share local insights and adapt to guest interests. The flexibility and attention to detail mean this tour can cater to different preferences, whether focusing on history, scenery, or folklore.

Full-Day Highland Highlights with a Local Touch

This private tour from Invergordon offers a rich, hassle-free way to explore the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness. Its carefully curated stops provide a balance of history, legend, and natural beauty, all delivered with a personal touch from experienced guides.

While some sites like Cawdor Castle depend on seasonal reopening, the overall experience remains highly recommended for those seeking an immersive, comfortable day in Scotland’s iconic landscapes. The combination of scenic spots, historical sites, and local stories makes it an appealing choice for travelers wanting a deeper connection to the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and snacks. Entrance fees to attractions are not covered.

How long does the tour last?
The duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours, allowing ample time at each stop and some flexibility.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from Cromarty Firth Port Authority in Invergordon.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
Since this is a private tour, guides are happy to adapt stops or pacing based on your interests and schedule.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
Yes, but participants should have moderate fitness, as some sites involve walking or standing.

What if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is typically made around 104 days in advance, reflecting high demand.

Are there any special considerations for Cawdor Castle?
Cawdor Castle reopens on April 27, 2024, so availability depends on reopening dates.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Highlander Private Tours.

Can the tour accommodate larger groups?
No, the maximum group size is 4 people for this private experience.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Major highlights include Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Inverness Castle, and local historical sites.