Explore the enchanting landscapes of Loch Ness and Clava Cairns on a captivating tour from Inverness. Discover the legendary Loch Ness, home to its famous monster, while enjoying the stunning views from Urquhart Castle. Explore the ancient past at Clava Cairns, a sacred burial site adorned with impressive standing stones. This tour also highlights significant Outlander sites, offering fans a unique glimpse into the world of the beloved series amidst Scotland’s breathtaking scenery. But that’s not all – the journey takes you to other remarkable destinations that are sure to leave you captivated.
Good To Know
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This tour from Inverness visits the iconic Loch Ness, the historic Urquhart Castle, and the ancient Clava Cairns, providing insight into Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
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The tour also includes a visit to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite rising, where visitors can learn about this significant event in Scottish history.
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Knowledgeable guides provide live commentary throughout the tour, sharing fascinating stories and little-known facts about the landmarks, enhancing the overall experience.
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Guests have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine and a whisky tasting, seeing the local culture.
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The tour is suitable for both first-time visitors and returning travelers to the Highlands, offering a comprehensive and memorable experience.
Tour Overview
This private half-day tour from Inverness whisks visitors to a collection of major Highland attractions, including the legendary Loch Ness, the historic Urquhart Castle, the serene Beauly Priory, the stately Cawdor Castle, the poignant Culloden Battlefield, and the ancient Clava Cairns.
Along the way, guests will also explore Inverness’ St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the picturesque Ness Islands.
The personalized experience is exclusively for your group, with hassle-free pickup from your Inverness hotel or airport.
Knowledgeable guides provide live commentary, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the region’s history and culture.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to the Highlands, this tour offers a convenient and immersive way to discover some of Scotland’s most captivating sights.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Inverness.
Inclusions and Logistics
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, snacks, and live commentary from knowledgeable guides. Guests also enjoy a free tasting at the Great Glen Distillery as part of the experience.
Pricing for the tour starts at $164.21 and varies based on the size of the group. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour begins.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and is located near public transportation options.
With the inclusion of quality amenities and the flexibility of the cancellation policy, this tour offers a convenient and personalized way for visitors to explore the stunning landscapes and historic sites around Inverness.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews and sky-high ratings showcase the tour’s popularity, with a 5.0 rating from 31 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor platforms.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable and accommodating tour guides, highlighting their extensive knowledge of Scottish history and culture. Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the guides’ ability to adapt the experience to their group’s preferences.
Common highlights include the tour’s flexibility, the friendliness of the staff, and the overall memorable nature of the excursion. Many reviewers express a desire to return for another tour, attesting to the unforgettable experiences they’ve had on this Highland adventure.
Guide Highlights
Knowledgeable tour guides, including Iqbal, Lewis, Mike, Johnny, Jim, and Tony, frequently lead the Highland excursions, providing guests with extensive insights into Scottish history and culture.
These guides are noted for their deep understanding of the region, sharing fascinating stories and little-known facts about the landmarks visited, from Loch Ness to Culloden Battlefield.
Guests consistently praise the guides’ personalized attention, flexibility, and ability to adapt the tour to their interests.
Whether it’s delving into the legend of the Loch Ness Monster or uncovering the significance of Clava Cairns, the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides ensure an enriching and memorable experience for all who embark on this Highland adventure.
Additional Experiences
Beyond the captivating historical sites, this Highland tour offers guests scenic views and opportunities to encounter local wildlife, such as the iconic Highland cows.
Visitors can also savor the region’s renowned cuisine, including traditional delicacies like haggis, and partake in whisky tastings that provide a deeper appreciation for Scotland’s celebrated spirit.
Many reviewers express a desire to return for another tour, citing the memorable and immersive experiences that left a lasting impression.
From breathtaking landscapes to authentic culture, this comprehensive tour showcases the very best of the Scottish Highlands, leaving guests with a profound appreciation for its natural beauty and rich heritage.
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Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the iconic Loch Ness, where guests can glimpse the legendary Loch Ness Monster from the shores of this mysterious and picturesque lake.
The tour then takes visitors to the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle, which offer panoramic vistas of the loch and serve as a testament to Scotland’s storied past.
The Urquhart Castle experience includes:
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Exploring the castle’s impressive Great Hall, towers, and dungeons
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Learning about the castle’s tumultuous history, including its role in the Wars of Scottish Independence
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Enjoying breathtaking views of Loch Ness from the castle’s strategic vantage point
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Discovering the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and its connection to the castle
Beauly Priory and Cawdor Castle
The tour’s next stop is Beauly Priory, a well-preserved medieval monastery that offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s rich religious heritage. Visitors can explore the tranquil cloisters and admire the Priory’s impressive Gothic architecture.
Afterward, the group travels to the stately Cawdor Castle, a stunning Renaissance-era fortress with strong ties to Shakespeare’s famous tragedy ‘Macbeth’. Guests can wander through the castle’s lavish interiors, including the famous tapestry-lined halls, and learn about its fascinating history.
From the castle’s scenic gardens, they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These two captivating sites provide a deeper understanding of Scotland’s storied past and the enduring influence of its historical figures.
Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns
After exploring the majestic Cawdor Castle, the tour moves on to the harrowing Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite rising‘s bloody conclusion.
Visitors can walk the grounds and learn about the pivotal 1746 clash between Jacobite forces and the British army, which forever changed the course of Scottish history.
From Culloden, the tour continues to the ancient Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age cemetery complex featuring impressive stone burial chambers, towering standing stones, sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
These evocative ruins offer a glimpse into Scotland’s distant past, complementing the more recent history explored at Culloden Battlefield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?
This tour may be suitable for families with young children, as it includes visits to scenic locations and historical sites. However, the lack of wheelchair accessibility and suitability for public transportation could present challenges for some families.
Can We Make Additional Stops During the Tour?
Yes, the tour can accommodate additional stops during the experience. The guide is known for their flexibility and willingness to customize the itinerary to suit the group’s preferences, within the allotted tour duration.
What Is the Policy for Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?
The tour operator is accommodating of dietary restrictions and preferences. Guests can notify the guide in advance, and the guide will make reasonable efforts to provide suitable snacks and ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.
Are There Any Age or Physical Requirements for Participants?
The tour doesn’t have any age or physical requirements. It’s suitable for participants of all ages and abilities, though it may not be wheelchair accessible. The guide can accommodate individual needs to ensure a comfortable experience.
Can We Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Certain Sites?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to focus on particular sites. The private tour offers flexibility to adjust the schedule based on the group’s interests and preferences. Guests can work with the tour guide to create a personalized experience.
Sum Up
Visitors on this captivating tour from Inverness can explore the enchanting landscapes of Loch Ness and the ancient burial site of Clava Cairns. They’ll discover the legendary Loch Ness, explore the impressive Urquhart Castle, and uncover the history and myth of the region.
For Outlander fans, the tour also highlights significant sites from the beloved series amidst Scotland’s breathtaking scenery.
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