From Inverness to Loch Ness , Cawdor Castle , Culloden and more

Explore the Highlands in Comfort and Style

This private tour from Inverness offers an intimate way to experience some of Scotland’s most iconic sights. For $618.18 per group (up to 4), travelers enjoy a personalized 8-hour journey led by expert guides, with pickup and drop-off included. The tour is perfect for those seeking flexibility, comfort, and a tailored itinerary that avoids crowded bus groups. With an average booking time of 72 days in advance, it’s a popular choice for those eager to explore the Highlands at a relaxed pace.

Onboard, snacks and bottled water are provided, adding to the convenience. While the tour covers several key locations in a day, it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and want to see Scotland’s highlights without the rush of larger group tours.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience for up to four people
• 8-hour tour covering Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden, and more
• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off included in Inverness
• Snacks and bottled water provided onboard
• Reopens Cawdor Castle scheduled for April 2024
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 22 reviews

Starting in Inverness with Convenient Pickup

The tour begins with pickup in Inverness, ensuring a smooth start to your day. This private experience means you don’t share the vehicle with strangers, allowing your group to set the pace and focus on the sights that interest you most. The guide leads you through an expertly planned route, balancing iconic attractions with insightful commentary.

The flexibility of the private setup means your group can customize parts of the day, making for a comfortable and personalized adventure. And since the tour is mobile-ticket based, you can just relax and enjoy the ride from the moment you’re picked up.

Visiting Loch Ness and the Wellington Lay-by

Your first stop is Loch Ness, famous for its mysterious monster sightings and stunning scenery. The 23-mile-long loch offers plenty of chances to gaze across its waters. At the Wellington lay-by, travelers learn about the Wellington Bomber ditching in 1939, whose remains were recovered in 1985 and now reside at Brooklands Museum in Surrey.

While at Loch Ness, you’re encouraged to keep an eye out for Nessie, as reports of sightings continue annually—11 in 2017 and 13 in 2018. This stop combines scenic beauty with a touch of local legend, making it a highlight of the day.

Exploring Urquhart Castle’s Dramatic Ruins

Continuing through Drumnadrochit, the tour visits Urquhart Castle, perched atop a rocky promontory with sweeping views over Loch Ness. The 800-year-old castle has a turbulent past, with a history marked by battles and power struggles.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours here to walk among the ruins and visit the visitor centre. It’s a favorite stop for its dramatic setting and historical intrigue, though the castle’s admission fee is not included in the tour.

Visiting Beauly Priory and the Oldest Elm Tree

Next, the tour heads to Beauly, home to Beauly Priory, although it’s temporarily closed due to recent high winds. From the outside, you can see the priory’s gate, offering a glimpse into its history since its founding in the 13th century for Valliscaulian monks.

In the grounds of Beauly, you’ll find the Beauly Elm Tree, an 800-year-old tree that is the oldest elm in Europe. Although the priory itself is closed, the visit still provides a peaceful moment to appreciate centuries-old history and nature.

Cawdor Castle’s Grounds and Gardens Await in April 2024

Cawdor Castle is a key highlight, though it reopens on April 27, 2024. Since it has been home to the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370, the grounds and gardens are set to impress once accessible again. Surrounded by the Cawdor Big Wood, the castle’s setting offers picturesque views of one of Europe’s finest woodland areas.

While the castle’s admission is not included, the exterior and surrounding landscape make for a memorable stop. The visit typically lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving ample time for photos and a stroll through the lush grounds.

Discovering the Ancient Clava Cairns

Heading back towards Inverness, the tour visits the Clava Cairns, an archaeological site dating back 4,000 years. These prehistoric burial monuments include various ancient tombs and a medieval chapel remains.

This stop takes approximately 40 minutes and is free to explore. The site’s mystical atmosphere is enhanced by its connection to the Outlander series, inspiring scenes like Creag Na Dun and the Cleft Stone.

Reflecting at Culloden Battlefield

Less than a mile from the Clava Cairns lies Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil in April 1746. Here, the Jacobite Rising concluded with a brutal defeat, changing Highland life forever.

A walk around the battlefield takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You’ll see the memorial cairn and clan burial stones, with the visitor centre providing further context. This moving stop is essential for understanding Scottish history.

Passing Inverness Castle and Flora Macdonald Statue

On the way back to Inverness, the tour passes the impressive Inverness Castle. In the castle grounds, a statue commemorates Flora Macdonald, known for her role in helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after Culloden. Although the castle itself is not part of the stop, the view offers cultural insight into Highland history.

Visiting Inverness Cathedral, the Most Northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK

The tour concludes with a brief visit to Inverness Cathedral, completed in 1866. As the northernmost Anglican cathedral in Britain, it offers a peaceful moment for photos and appreciation of its architecture. The visit lasts around 15 minutes and is free of charge.

Practical Logistics and Tour Benefits

This private tour is designed for ease, with hassle-free pickup and drop-off in Inverness. The 8-hour schedule balances sightseeing with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Snacks and bottled water are included, adding comfort throughout the day.

The tour’s moderate physical demand suits most travelers, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at sites like Urquhart Castle and Culloden. The private format ensures your group can focus on the sights that interest you most, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups seeking a personal Highland experience.

When and How to Book

The tour is generally booked 72 days in advance and can be canceled up to 24 hours before with a full refund. Since Cawdor Castle reopens in April 2024, booking early ensures you’ll visit once it’s accessible again, adding to the appeal of this well-rounded Highland adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Highlander Private Tour

This private, flexible tour from Inverness delivers a comprehensive glimpse of the Highlands’ most famous sites in one day. The expert guides are praised for their local knowledge and engaging storytelling, making each stop informative and interesting.

While the Cawdor Castle visit is limited until its reopening in April 2024, the remaining stops—including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden—offer unforgettable scenery and historical insights. The personalized experience, combined with onboard snacks and the convenience of pickup, makes this tour a practical choice for those who prefer comfort over crowds.

This tour suits travelers who value a well-paced, intimate exploration of Scotland’s highlights, especially those keen on history, scenery, and Scottish legends. For a full day of discovery with expert guidance, this private Highland tour ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
Yes, the moderate physical activity involved makes it suitable for most ages, but travelers should be comfortable with walking at sites like Urquhart Castle and Culloden.

How many people can participate?
This tour is designed for groups of up to 4 people, making it ideal for small families or friends seeking a private experience.

Can I customize the itinerary?
As a private tour, you can discuss preferences with the guide, allowing flexibility within the scheduled stops.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the private vehicle, expert guide, snacks, and bottled water. Entrance fees for specific sites like Cawdor Castle are not included.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

When does Cawdor Castle reopen?
It reopens on April 27, 2024, so plan accordingly if visiting before that date.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not provided, but snacks and water are available onboard.

How long is the tour at each stop?
Stops typically range from 40 minutes at Clava Cairns to 1 hour 30 minutes at Culloden and Urquhart Castle.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The description mentions moderate physical fitness, so travelers with mobility issues should inquire further about specific accessibility options.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is recommended at least 72 days in advance via the provider’s platform, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.