Recently Viewed
Inverness Private Tour: Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Exploration
4.9
19 Ratings
Scottish Highlands
We offer exclusive, customized tours. Having been residents here throughout our lives, we understand the Highlands from a local’s perspective. Over the years, we’ve led tourists to the most breathtaking, picturesque locations in the Highlands. This land we regard as home is a source of pride for us and we can’t wait to let you experience it.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Loch Ness - Loch Ness stretches for 23 miles and is 1.5 miles wide at its broadest point. The first sighting of Nessie was by St. Columba in 564 AD. Sightings continue to be reported annually, with 11 in 2017 and 13 in 2018. Keep a lookout as we explore the loch.
Our first stop is the Wellington lay-by, where on December 31, 1939, a Wellington Bomber from RAF Lossiemouth had to make an emergency landing due to engine failure. The bomber’s remains were recovered in 1985, fully restored, and are now displayed at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey.
- Urquhart Castle - Continuing through Drumnadrochit, we arrive at Urquhart Castle, perched on a rocky promontory with stunning views of Loch Ness. This 800-year-old castle has a tumultuous and bloody history. Explore the ruins and the visitor center.
- Beauly Priory - Beauly Priory is currently closed due to recent high winds causing masonry to fall. The reopening date is unknown. However, we will still visit Beauly, where you can view The Priory from the gate.
Leaving Urquhart Castle, we return to Drumnadrochit and take the Culnakirk Hill Road towards Beauly and our next stop, Beauly Priory. Founded in the 13th century for monks of the Valliscaulian order, the priory grounds feature the Beauly Elm Tree, which is 800 years old and the oldest elm tree in Europe.
- Cawdor Castle - Cawdor Castle reopens on April 27, 2024. Since 1370, Cawdor Castle has been home to the Thanes of Cawdor. The castle is set in beautiful grounds and gardens, surrounded by the magnificent Cawdor Big Wood, one of Europe’s finest woodland areas.
- Clava Cairns - We head back towards Inverness to visit the Clava Cairns, a 4000-year-old ancient cemetery. The site includes various prehistoric burial monuments and the remains of a medieval chapel.
The Clava Cairns inspired Creag Na Dun in the Outlander series, and the Cleft Stone can be found here.
- Culloden Battlefield - Less than a mile from Clava Cairns is Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle on British soil was fought on April 16, 1746, marking the end of the final Jacobite Rising. In less than an hour, 1600 men were killed, 1500 of them Jacobites, forever changing Highland life.
Walk around the battlefield to see the memorial cairn and clan burial stones, and visit the visitor center.
- Inverness Castle - We pass by Inverness Castle, where you can see a statue of Flora Macdonald, famous for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden, in the castle grounds.
- Inverness Cathedral - Inverness Cathedral is the northernmost Anglican Cathedral in the UK. Commissioned by Bishop Eden, it was completed in 1866.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Complimentary bottled water
- Tasty snacks included
- Convenient free pick-up & drop-off service
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Alcoholic Beverages
Additional Information
- Alcohol is not served to underaged
Location
Loch Ness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(19 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jessicabw7761xo
Jun 17, 2024
Day tour while in Port - My huband and I booked a day tour with Larry while in port on a cruise. Larry was well aware that I am a big fan of the show 'Outlander,' and that I love animals.
Larry took us to many Outlander inspired sites and explained the history behind each of these sites. I also really appreciated the enthusiasm he conveyed towards his country and their history.
If my husband and I made a unique request, Larry was sure to do everything he could to make it happen!
I feel like he helped us make the absolute most of our time while visiting and I can't wait to return someday.
Thanks so much, Larry!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosselarsen
Jun 10, 2024
Absolutely the best tour of Inverness and Lock Ness - Most excellent all day tour. Our tour guide did an excellent job in his time management. Couldn't believe how much we saw and did, all on a one day tour off the cruise ship. Had us back right on time to the boat. Super knowledgeable and friendly. Rolled with our ever change request for shopping for the ladies. Thanks for the best tour on our cruise. Signed the Park Sister's, Utah, USA.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emily_t
Mar 9, 2024
A must Do - and Ask for Billy!! - We booked the “From Inverness to Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden, and more through Viator, and they used the local company Highlander Private Tours. Our guide was Billy – and he was absolutely amazing! It was just the four of us (my sister, husband, and niece, whom we were visiting on her break from university in St. Andrews). From his pick up at our hotel to our drop off – Billy was so much fun! He listened to our interests and completely catered our tour to ensure we saw everything and a ton of extras! He personally walked with us through Culloden and gave us stories and the history – while 2 of us were Outlander fans and 2 not so much – it didn’t even matter! The Outlander fans were so thrilled with how Billy wove that into our tour, and the 2 who weren’t, were absolutely spellbound by the history. There were some places that weren’t open (Cawdor Castle), and on our journey, we discovered the Beauly Priory was closed due to renovations, but Billy ensured we were not disappointed by taking us to other fascinating sights, including old cemeteries and mausoleums (because I love them and the history he told of the occupants) to visit James Mackenzie Fraser – the gorgeous Highland Cow. Billy went above and beyond for us; once he heard we were driving to the Isle of Skye the next day (without a plan – we were just going to put the Fairy Pools in the GPS and go), while we were getting a wee dram at a distillery, Billy spent his downtime creating a stop-by-stop itinerary for us for the next two days, handwritten on two sides of a large notebook paper. We are so appreciative; without it, we would have missed so much! He even recommended the ferry to us (that we didn’t even know about), and it cut off a good chunk of our driving time and allowed us to check off everything on our “must-see” list!
We plan on going back in 2026 for my niece's graduation and will be making it a large family trip – and Billy will be the one I reach out to for all touring for my family. There is no one else I would trust my family to – and I know he will make that trip as memorable as he did this tour for us. Well done, sir – and THANK you so much!
Review provided by Viator
Colleenr944
Sep 1, 2023
Excellent Tour and Guide - Awesome tour with a great guide. Larry picked us up and returned use to the cruise port. We covered nearly all of the highlands. The van for transportation was clean and comfortable. Larry curated the tour to our needs and what we wanted to cover. He provided us with refreshments. Thanks Larry for the warm Scottish welcome.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pared55
Sep 1, 2023
Great time on Lochness with Lawerence - Lawrence picked us up from the cruise dock to start our day. He tailored our trip to what we were interested in and made sure to tell us the history and sights along the way. Gave us plenty of time at each location and allowing us to view highlights at our leisure. We really enjoyed his knowledge and company for the full day tour. I highly recommend using him for your Scotland tour needs
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stepheninwseattle
Aug 30, 2023
Lawrence and the Highlands - Lawrence picked us up at our AirBN and we were off on our journey. He provided an overview of what we would see and shared a number of facts and stories throughout the day.
Lawrence was a fan tree attic guide. He provided water and shared great suggestions for restaurants, pubs with Trad & and whisky tours. We had a great day of learning more about the history of Lock Ness and the Scottish Highlands.
We had a group of five and we were very comfortable his amazing van. It was clean and provided a great ride.
If you plan to visit Inverness, and you should! Schedule this tour with Lawrence, you will have an amazing day. We have also taken a couple of other tours with Lawrence and they were exceptional as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jade0008
Aug 30, 2023
Top Tour and Tour Guide - I had the most amazing experience with our Scottish tour guide Lawrence! We were planning this trip for two years and we cannot be happier with the choice of this tour. His knowledge of the history and culture was truly impressive, and he shared it all with such enthusiasm. We loved his boisterous laugh and it was like traveling with a long lost family member who was an expert in Scottish culture. He also had water and Scottish snacks and crisps at the ready and was very considerate for my mother and her interest in learning about her Fraser roots. From the stunning landscapes to the hidden gems, every moment was captivating. Their storytelling made the trip unforgettable, and I can’t wait to explore more of Scotland with Lawerence in the future. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cruiser54588306638
Aug 27, 2023
Highland..perfect tour! - We had a wonderfull day, spent with Lawrence. Visited Inverness, Urquhart castle, Culloden Battlefield. Had a lot of knowledge about the history of Scotland, Highland and place. Perfect day!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Henry_s
Aug 21, 2023
Best Inverness and Highlander Trip Ever - Lawrence, from Highlander Private Tours, is one of if not the best guides we have ever had. For Inverness tours and to learn about the Highlanders way of life he can tell you firsthand because he has lived his entire life in this area. You will learn more about the history of this section of Scotland than you could ever imagine. Among many other sites you will see the real Outlander stones and get a chance to touch them in person. Careful, not to have any gems in your pockets. He will take you to the site of the Battle of Culloden and explain the slaughter the jackovytes endured, and what happened afterwards to survivors. You will learn of the proud highlanders and the different clans thru out this part of Scotland If you book a tour with Highlander Private Tours, with either Lawrence or his brother Bill, guaranteed it will be a highlight of your trip!!
Review provided by Viator
856sylvial
Aug 14, 2023
The Perfect Day - Lawrence treated us to a wonderful, fact-filled day accommodating our time constraints. A wonderful day visiting Beauly Priory, Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, and Inverness. With highland cows thrown in for good measure. We can’t wait to come back and let Lawrence show us more! It was a perfect day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator
