loch Ness, Clava Cairns, Culloden, COO,S, DRAMS & Outlander sites

Explore Inverness and the Highlands with a Personal Touch

This private tour from Inverness costs $171.45 per person and lasts approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes. It offers an intimate experience with pickup from your hotel or airport, ensuring a hassle-free start. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 34 reviews and recommended by 100% of participants, it clearly provides a memorable way to see some of Scotland’s most iconic sites.

Designed for those with limited time, this tour covers a broad range of highlights in the Highlands. It balances the must-see sights like Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield with fascinating stops at Clava Cairns and Outlander filming locations, making it ideal for history lovers, Outlander fans, or anyone wanting a taste of Scotland’s natural beauty and culture.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience tailored to your group
• Six hours and 45 minutes of guided sightseeing around Inverness
• Visit Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and Outlander sites
• Includes free pickup, snacks, bottled water, and live commentary
• Optional gin and whisky tastings at local distilleries (additional cost)
• Highly rated with consistently positive reviews praising guides and scenery

The Tour Starts at Inverness and Highlights St. Andrews Cathedral

The tour begins in Inverness, with a drive past the St. Andrews Cathedral, an elegant Gothic-style church dating back to 1869. This Anglican Cathedral is the most northerly in the UK and features stunning stained glass windows and intricate stonework. Its proximity to the city center makes it a convenient first stop, setting a tone of architectural beauty and history.

Just a five-minute drive from the cathedral, the tour visits the Ness Islands. This series of small islands connected by charming footbridges offers scenic views of the River Ness and lush greenery, perfect for photos and a relaxing walk amid nature.

Discover the Significance of the River Ness and Its Legends

The River Ness flows from Loch Ness through Inverness, giving the city its name—Inbhir Nis, meaning “Mouth of the River Ness”. Many visitors find the river captivating, not just for its scenery but also for its legends, notably the story that the first claimed sighting of the Loch Ness monster occurred here, when Saint Columba supposedly banished a water beast.

The river’s attractive banks are lined with historic buildings, making it a prominent feature of Inverness and a scenic backdrop throughout the tour.

Touch the Waters of Loch Ness and Explore Drumnadrochit

From the Ness Islands, the journey proceeds toward Loch Ness, famous worldwide for its mysterious monster. The tour provides multiple vantage points for stunning views of the loch and opportunities for photos. Visitors can even touch the waters of Loch Ness at designated spots, adding a tactile memory to the experience.

The quaint village of Drumnadrochit is included in the itinerary, offering a chance for shopping and gin tasting at the local Great Glen Distillery. This small artisan distillery balances herbal notes of Scottish heather with subtle tartness of Red Sorrel and hints of pine and Frankincense, providing a taste of Scotland’s craft spirit scene.

Sampling Scotland’s Spirits at Great Glen and Singleton Distilleries

The tour includes free tasting at Great Glen Distillery, where visitors learn about the complex flavors in their craft gin. The distillery emphasizes local ingredients and small-scale production, making it a favorite among fans of Scottish spirits.

Next, the visit to The Singleton Distillery offers a deeper dive into Scotland’s whisky heritage. With free time to explore, visitors can appreciate the grain-to-glass process, and there’s an option to purchase additional tastings for about £15.

Exploring Beauly Priory and Its Rustic Charm

The next stop is Beauly Priory, a ruined medieval monastery that exudes history and serenity. Wander through the stone walls and imagine the monastic life that once thrived here, all set within a picturesque forested area. It’s a site that offers both historical insights and a peaceful atmosphere.

Just a 10-minute drive away, Robertson’s Farm Shop presents an opportunity to see Highland Cows, goats, and Alpacas. The farm shop is packed with local gifts, treats, and fresh produce, making it a delightful stop for family fun and souvenirs.

Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns: Deep Scottish History

The Culloden Battlefield features prominently in Scottish history, marking the site of the 1631 Battle of Culloden. The visitor center hosts artifacts, re-enactments, and talks by local historians, bringing the fierce conflict to life. The battlefield’s landscape remains largely unchanged and offers powerful vistas.

Close by, the Clava Cairns are over 4000 years old, representing a Bronze Age burial site. Set amid a forested landscape, the site includes ancient burial mounds, standing stones, and ruins of a medieval chapel. Its eerie atmosphere has inspired the Outlander series, notably the standing stones used as the fictional Craigh na Dun.

Visit Outlander Sites and Immerse in Scottish Legend

Apart from Clava Cairns, the tour touches on Outlander filming locations and sites that inspired the series. These historic and mythic sites connect visitors to Scotland’s storytelling tradition, blending history with fiction in a compelling way.

Practical Logistics and Personalization

The private nature of this tour means it is exclusively for your party, providing flexibility in stop durations and itinerary adjustments. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, and live commentary from guides enriches the experience with local stories and insights.

While the core stops are included at no extra cost, optional distillery tastings at Glen Ord can be added for about £15, giving a deeper taste of Scotland’s spirits. The tour remains suitable for most travelers and offers group discounts.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this tour stand out is its customized approach, with guides like Jim, Mike, and Lewis praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility. Many reviews highlight guides’ personalities and their ability to tailor stops to interests, making each experience feel personal.

The scenic stops of Loch Ness and Culloden provide powerful historical and natural sights, while the distillery visits add a flavorful touch. The inclusion of Outlander sites caters especially to fans of the series, adding a layer of cultural depth.

Final Thoughts on the Inverness Highlands Tour

This 6 hr 45 min private tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of the Scottish Highlands’ natural beauty, history, and culture. Its affordable price point and high reviews reflect its value and quality, especially given the personalized service.

Ideal for those with limited time who want to maximize sightseeing without the hassle of public transport or self-driving, this tour suits history enthusiasts, Outlander fans, and families alike. The flexibility, knowledgeable guides, and scenic variety make it a well-rounded introduction to the region.

While some may want to extend their visit for more distillery tastings or deeper exploration, this tour provides a memorable foundation for understanding Scotland’s heritage and landscape in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your Inverness hotel or the airport.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $171.45 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes.

Are distillery tastings included?
Tastings are free at Great Glen Distillery, but other tastings at Glen Ord are additional, starting from £15.

Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, exclusive to your party, providing personalized attention.

What are the main stops?
Main stops include Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Beauly Priory, and distillery visits.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the private nature allows some flexibility to tailor stops and timing.

Is the tour suitable for all physical abilities?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to consider walking involved at sites like Clava Cairns and Culloden.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be done through the provider, Historic and Scenic Tours Inverness, with contact details available in the source.