Private Tour
Full-Day FAIRYTALE EXPERIENCE from Inverness/Invergordon
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
We'll take you to a romantic, fairytale castle that is the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. The magnificent Castle of Dunrobin (dubbed as the Fairytale Castle) with the nearby medieval town of Dornoch has a collective feature that can take you into a storybook-like experience. Adding to its flavour would be a tasting at a world-famous distillery in this hidden part of the world. Get acquainted with interesting stories of Highland Culture, Tartans, Kilts, Folklore and more.
This is our seasonal tour from the month of April to October. Book ahead of time to secure your tour date.
Please know that the Itinerary can change at any time due to unforeseen situations like Castle private events, Operating hours of Exhibition Centres, Distilleries, etc. Rest assured that we can take you to other equally amazing alternative Attraction.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We strive to provide a safe and fun environment for our guests. Booking with us will mean that you have read, understood and agree to our Policies Terms and Conditions listed below. In this way, we can ensure a smooth tour experience so that you can relax and enjoy the best day-tour with us.
1. Our Tours are Private. We require a minimum of 2 people per booking, maximum 7.
2. A tour reminder alert will be sent to you a few days before your tour. It will be through any of the following: Viator message, Email, WhatsApp or iMessage from +44 7481 590163. You can also reach us easily through this number.
3. You will be picked-up at your accommodation on the dot and can be dropped-off anywhere you choose within the tour route.
4. Wear appropriate, comfortable clothing. Waterproof hiking shoes and jackets are highly recommended. Carry-ons/Backpacks are welcome but Luggage space is limited.
5. You can bring lunch or snacks in case we miss restaurants/cafes lunchtime schedule.
6. Minors, Seniors and People with Special Needs must always be accompanied by their respective guardians.
7. We kindly ask that all participants observe mindful public awareness, respect the environment, wildlife and guidelines. Please be conscious about carbon footprint during the tour.
8. For everyone's safety, comfort and well-being, we cannot accommodate the following: i. Children under 5 years old ii. Wheelchair/mobility assistance iii. Anyone with high risk health conditions (i.e expecting a baby, feeling unwell or exhibiting contagious symptoms like cough, heavy sneezing, colds or runny nose). Please do not attempt to join our tour if any one in your group is unwell, recovering or still infectious - your group will be refused service without a refund. We can alternatively offer you another date within the tour season (depending on availability) iv. Any untoward behaviour in general that presents a danger to themselves or others.
9. We will not to be held liable for any accidents, personal injury, damage or loss of property, missed travel schedules or any appointments thereafter.
10. Photos and videos taken during our tours may be used for promotional purposes.
If you have any medical condition, don't forget to bring your prescribed medication or take them before your tour starts. Bring a bug spray if you are prone to insect bites during summer time, meds for motion sickness, etc. Your health, comfort and well-being will ultimately be up to you.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pick-Up and Drop-Off within Inverness or enroute
An actual Highlander Tour Guide in a Kilt
Great customer service and relaxed Highland hospitality
Fun, interesting and engaging conversation
A sanitized, easy to spot luxury vehicle
Lunch
Whisky Tastings at Distilleries
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
An hour drive up north is a romantic, fairytale-like castle that is the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. As we drive through its gates, you can imagine yourself in a carriage as you get closer to the castle with its grand turrets. Enjoy stepping into a vast array of splendor within its walls, gardens and grounds. A falconry show in their garden is must see.
We'll stop by Skelbo Castle remains right across Loch Fleet to see if there are any seals lounging about in a distance.
Options
Full-Day FAIRYTALE EXPERIENCE from Inverness/Invergordon
Pickup included
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A special day in the Scottish Highlands
977dorih,
Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John picked our family of 6 up at our hotel in Inverness, we piled into his comfy van, and we were off for a wonderful day in the Scottish Highlands! Visiting Dunrobin Castle was high on our wishlist, and it did not disappoint! The castle and gardens are stunning, and the falconry show was so much fun. The town of Dornoch was charming and we enjoyed delicious fish & chips there at the Surf&Turf! We enjoyed a flight of whiskies at Glenmorangie, and John even managed to squeeze in a quick visit to Culloden, which I've wanted to visit for so long. Some of our ancestors fought on that field, so visiting was very meaningful to me. (Thank you!) Throughout the drive John shared stories and history of the highlands...and some tasty samplings of fine whisky from his own collection. Was a grand day full of laughter, learning, and adventure!
Fairy tale day and castle
mollymB530KZ,
Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John and Teri were so kind to work with us on a change of plans for our tour. We had an amazing day going to Dunrobin Castle on the Fairytale tour. John is an excellent guide with wonderful facts about clans and history of the area. Very easy to talk to and very accommodating. Above and beyond! Highly recommend.
The Perfect Blend of Relaxing, Fun, & Informative
X4062EBjuliee,
May 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best day! Relaxing, fun, and informative. John of Aye Tours Scotland was the perfect tour guide and host. We were even able to change our custom itinerary in the middle of the tour day. A stress-free day with beautiful sites and scenery in northern Scotland -- a highlight of our trip. We would give John 10 stars if I could and would book with him again. Thank you. Bruce & Julie E.
Perfect day in a perfect country
JanMarie G,
Jul 2, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour was fabulous, John was amazing we had a fantastic day and would absolutely recommend. We are developing a taste for whiskey 😂
Great Tour!
R1480ELmt,
May 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome day spent with John who was both incredibly knowledgable & tons of fun! We got some awesome history, lore, stories, laughs & WHISKEY thanks to John & his thoughtful tour, would absolutely do it again if/when we visit! Clan Macgillivray all the way!
JOHN IS ONE OF A KIND......LOVE HIM
colleendE8560VO,
May 23, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oh my, what can I say about John. We were fortunate to find this funny, interesting and knowledgeable tour guide for another tour to have in Scotland. We were on a tour with John in 2019 when he was with another tour company and went to Glencoe but has now started is own business which is wonderful for him. John is soooo much fun and is constantly entertaining both us and people we meet during our stops. His Highland garb definitely gets attention and he is both endearing and a great representative of Scotland. He was very attentive to our needs and ensured that we were provided with the best possible benefits at all locations we travelled. The fact that he provides mini drams of whisky tasty along the way is entertaining. We overheard someone on the train commenting on how they seen a tour where the guide was providing little tastings......I'm sure that was us....lol. Please note, John DOES NOT indulge in any way. This is totally for the benefit of the customer and I'm sure to his enjoyment on seeing our reactions.....especially to Laphroig. I HIGHLY recommend John as he is one of a kind.
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Operated by Aye Tours Scotland