Private Tour

From Inverness visit Loch Ness, Culloden & Cawdor Castle Day Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

This is an unforgettable day tour from Inverness to Loch Ness, taking in some of the most scenic, historic and culturally significant sights available anywhere in Scotland. Our local guide will meet you at your chosen pick up address where your tour will start and take you on your own Highland adventure. We will make our way to Urquhart Castle travelling along the shores of Loch Ness. We will then travel along the Loch side towards Inverness and make our way to Culloden Battlefield, before moving onto the sacred site of Clava Cairns, home of the famous Outlander series . We then travel a short distance to Cawdor Castle and Gardens , before returning to Inverness where we will see Inverness Cathedral and all the local sites that the city offers.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The remaining time is allocated for driving time and also stops for lunch and photo stops.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Comfortable Vehicle

Private tour

Bottled Water and snacks for the Journey

Local Guide

Meals

Urquhart Castle / £13-£14.50 (Admission Fees)

Culloden Battlefield Exhibition / £11-£14 ( Admission Fees)

Cawdor Castle and Grounds/ £12.50 - £13.50 (Admission Fee)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Urquhart Castle

Passing through Drumnadrochit and at the top of the hill we stop at Urquhart Castle which sits on a promontory overlooking the loch. Urquhart Castle was once one of Scotland’s largest castles and has been fought over many times with control of the castle passing back and forth between the Scots and the English during the wars of independence. It is near here that St Columba is purported to have seen the loch ness monster in 580 AD, the monster came out of the water to attack one of his disciples and St Columba banished it back to the water. The castle gatehouse was deliberately destroyed in 1692 so it could never be used again as a military stronghold.

Admission Not Applicable

Culloden Battlefield

After Urquhart Castle we come to Culloden Battlefield where on the 16th April 1746 the last battle on British soil took place. The battle was fought between the Jacobites who wanted to restore the Stuarts to the throne and the Hanoverians who were the government. In less than one hour more than 1600 men were killed, 1500 of them Jacobites. The battle lasted just over one hour. The result of this battle was to change the way of life in the highlands forever.

1 hour 20 minutes • Admission Not Included

Options

Group up to 8 people

Group up to 8 people
Pickup included

Group up to 3 people

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

5 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle from Inverness.
617mattl,
May 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Spectacular views along the shores of Loch Ness, no sighting of Nessie but a great visit to Urquhart Castle. Ken was a great guide with some jokes and great local knowledge and history. Highly recommended.
Amazing Experience
Sheila M,
Jun 6, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was an outstanding tour. Everything was a smooth process from the time of booking on viator to the company confirming pick up with us when we exited the cruise ship. They allowed ample amounts of time to spend at each stop. This excursion and the guide were amazing!! Highly recommend!
Great day exploring Scotland from Invergordon port
Gurman11,
Aug 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a private tour with Ken as a big family of 6 adults and 2 children. Ken customized the tour for us. We went to visit Tomatin distillery and Cawdar castle. Ken was very good in all the communication before the trip asking for our wishes, gave his recommendations, planned the day, took us to a great place for lunch by the Castle. Highly recommend Ken for Invergordon and the area tours.
Amazing Personal Tour Guide!!
D1479MEryanb,
Aug 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ken was such an amazing guide! Completely customized a tour for us that covered all the places we wanted to see. We were 8 people altogether and everyone had a different place they wanted to visit. Ken was able to cover them all and even added a few extra stops that we didn’t know existed. Ken was extremely knowledgeable , very personable and has a great sense of humor. He was so easy going , never rushed. He allowed us the time we wanted in all of our stops. I would highly recommend him because he made the entire process a pleasure and was an absolute bargain compared to the tour companies! Give him a call , you’ll be glad you did! Absolute pleasure Ken!! Thank you for helping us take our dream tour!!!! Ryan Baynes & Family
Amazing, warm and insightful!
200aashnap,
Jul 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did a bespoke Speyside whisky tour with Ken. He was absolutely the best. He went above and beyond for our honeymoon, getting us prosecco and chocolates to enjoy! His stories, warmth, and enthusiasm about sharing Scottish culture is something we won't forget. He also showed us many outlander filming locations and historical points because we told him we enjoyed the show. Lastly, he helped us snag the best whiskey deals for gifts :). Thanks Ken!! Hope we get to see you again!