Full-Day CULLODEN, LOCH NESS + MORE from Inverness [Private]

Discover Scotland’s Highlands with a Private Day Tour from Inverness

This full-day private tour offers an immersive journey through Scotland’s most iconic sights, including Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Urquhart Castle, and the Clava Cairns. With a price of $420.62 per person and an approximate duration of 6 to 8 hours, the tour balances sightseeing with enough flexibility to enjoy each stop fully. The guide, a genuine Highlander in a kilt, brings a lively and informed perspective, making history and landscapes come alive.

The tour departs from Inverness and is designed for small groups, usually booked 120 days in advance. It includes pickup and drop-off within Inverness or enroute, and features an array of stops that highlight Highland castles, ancient Cairns, and local wildlife. While the tour is packed with highlights, it offers enough time at each location for a relaxed experience, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but a desire for a comprehensive Scottish adventure.

Key Points

• Private, small-group experience led by a Highlander guide in a luxury vehicle
• Includes visits to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns
• Optional visits to a distillery or Highland farm animals
• Highlights Scottish history, legends, and scenery with engaging storytelling
• Cost: $420.62 per person, with admission to Urquhart Castle included
• Tour duration: 6 to 8 hours, with flexible timings for each stop

Starting Point: Convenient Inverness Pickup and Drop-Off

This tour begins at St. Marys Roman Catholic Church, Huntly St, Inverness, where guests are met for a timely pickup. The pick-up service helps streamline your day, allowing for a smooth start without the stress of navigating unfamiliar routes. After the day’s adventures, the tour concludes back at the same location, making it easy to plan your day around the trip.

The vehicle used is luxurious and sanitized, designed for comfort and visibility, ensuring guests can relax and enjoy the scenic ride. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join and service animals permitted.

Exploring Loch Ness and Searching for Nessie

Your journey includes a 45-minute stop in the Loch Ness region, giving ample opportunity to snap photos of the stunning 23-mile-long Loch Ness. This stop is your chance to see the legendary home of Nessie, a creature with sightings dating back to 565 AD. The scenic spots around Loch Ness are perfect for taking in the views and perhaps trying to spot the famous monster.

While no specific boat cruise is included, the stop offers a chance to enjoy breathtaking scenery and learn about the legend of Nessie from your guide. It’s an ideal introduction to the loch’s mysterious appeal without the need for additional tickets or activities.

Exploring Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

The visit to Urquhart Castle is a key highlight, with admission included in the tour price. These medieval ruins, located on the shores of Loch Ness, date back to as early as the time of St. Columba as a Pictish fort. The site also played a role in Robert the Bruce’s struggles for independence and has appeared in modern media, like the Outlander TV show.

Guests have plenty of time—around 1 hour and 10 minutes—to explore the castle ruins at their own pace. From the battlements, the views across Loch Ness are impressive, making it a perfect spot for photos and soaking in the atmosphere of Highland history.

Visiting The Singleton Distillery for Whisky Tasting

A highlight for many is the visit to The Singleton Distillery, where whisky production is explained, and tasting options are available. The distillery produces 12, 15, and 18-year-old single malts, with some bottles exclusive to the Southeast Asian market or available only at the distillery itself.

Guests can opt for a guided tour of the distillery grounds or choose to wander at their leisure, enjoying the scenic surroundings. The tasting bar offers a cozy setting to sample the distinct flavors of Highland whisky, although tasting experiences are not included in the standard tour price.

Highland Cows and the Charm of Robertson’s Farm Shop in Beauly

The tour includes a 30-minute stop at Robertson’s Farm Shop in Beauly, where visitors can meet Highland cows, affectionately called “Hairy Heilan Coos,” and other farm animals. This stop provides a fun, hands-on experience and a chance to purchase local produce and souvenirs.

The farm shop is a great spot for those interested in Scottish farm life, and the friendly atmosphere captures the warmth of Highland hospitality. It’s a lighthearted break in the day that adds a personal touch, especially for animal lovers.

Strolling Through Beauly’s Historic Charm

Next, the tour brings guests to the picturesque town of Beauly, where a 1-hour and 5-minute stop offers time to explore local cafes, shops, and the Beauly Priory. The town’s quaint streets and historic sites make for a relaxing walk, and the Priory’s ruins are especially appealing to Outlander fans.

Enjoy a casual lunch or a quick snack in one of Beauly’s cozy eateries. This town provides a lovely snapshot of Highland life and architecture, balanced with opportunities for souvenir shopping.

Culloden Battlefield and the Highland History Expert

A 30-minute drive takes you to the historic Culloden Moor, where your guide—who has worked at Culloden for many years—leads a 1 hour and 50 minutes exploration of this significant site. The battlefield is a poignant reminder of the Jacobite uprising of 1746, and your guide shares detailed insights into clan life, the battle’s events, and the impact on Highland culture.

Standing on the moor, you gain a vivid understanding of the battle’s significance, with the guide’s personal experience adding depth. Many visitors find this stop particularly moving and educational, thanks to the rich storytelling.

Culloden Visitor Center and Museum Visit

Adjacent to the battlefield, the Culloden Visitor Centre offers an optional 35-minute visit to the museum, where exhibits provide further context and artifacts. Entrance fees are not included in the main tour price, so this stop is for those eager to deepen their understanding. It’s a quieter way to reflect on the battle’s history and see original relics and displays.

Mystical Clava Cairns and Ancient Highland Culture

The tour concludes with a 50-minute stop at the Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old prehistoric site. The well-preserved burial cairns and standing stones evoke a sense of mystery and tranquility. Your guide explains the history of the people who built these structures and their significance.

The peaceful setting is perfect for strolling and appreciating ancient Highland culture. Visitors may also recognize it from Outlander, adding a pop culture connection to the ancient site.

The Flexibility and Personal Touch of the Private Tour

One of the tour’s strongest features is its private nature, allowing for a relaxed pace and the option to customize stops. Guests frequently comment on the knowledgeable and personable guide, who makes history engaging with stories, humor, and local insights.

The flexible timing at each stop means you can spend more or less time according to your interests. Plus, the small group size ensures personalized attention and a comfortable experience that larger tours often can’t match.

Summary: Is This Tour Right for You?

This full-day private tour suits those seeking a comprehensive Highland experience without the rush of large group excursions. Its focus on iconic sights like Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns offers a well-rounded taste of Scottish history, legends, and scenery.

The guide’s engaging storytelling and the opportunity to explore sites at your own pace make it especially appealing for history buffs, animal lovers, and those wanting a personalized experience. The cost of $420.62 per person reflects the private, all-inclusive nature of the tour, with several stops offering the chance to sample whisky or enjoy local food.

While some optional visits—like the Culloden museum or whisky tastings—are not included in the price, the overall value is high given the range of locations and the flexibility offered. Suitable for most travelers, this tour promises a memorable day in the Highlands led by a passionate Highlander.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes admission fees to Urquhart Castle, pickup and drop-off within Inverness, a knowledgeable Highland guide in a kilt, and transportation in a luxury vehicle.

Can I customize the stops during the tour?
Yes, as a private tour, you have flexibility to spend more or less time at each location, and your guide can tailor the experience to your interests.

Are whisky tastings part of the tour?
Whisky tastings are not included in the standard tour price but are available at the distillery for an additional fee if you choose to participate.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, The Singleton Distillery, Robertson’s Farm Shop, Beauly, Culloden Moor, Culloden Visitor Center (optional), and Clava Cairns.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, and the private nature allows for pacing adjustments. Service animals are permitted, and the tour is accessible to most.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are usually made 120 days in advance. You can contact Aye Tours Scotland via their provided phone or email for reservations.