Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
The battles, beauty, and whisky: This is your perfect introduction to Scotland.
You shed a tear as you hear the tales and tragedies of Scotland’s Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You try to take your best photo as you pass by Scotland’s famous mountains and castles. And you lick your lips as you drink in the spirit of Scottish whisky in Dufftown, ‘the Whisky Capital of the World’.
What’s more, you get as close as possible to the legendary Loch Ness Monster on an optional boat trip.
So, take this trip and enjoy the best of Scotland in a day.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 5 years
Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
This route may be reversed on some occasions.
Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness included in the tour price
*The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice.
The total duration of the tour includes the travel to destination, duration in each attractions and comfort breaks along the way
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
Driver/guide
Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness included in the tour price.
Small Group Tour (16 people max)
Gratuities
Food and drinks
What To Expect
Loch Ness
Embark on a boat cruise. Onboard the ship, you travel over the widest and deepest part of the loch and get a fine view of Urquhart Castle.
Clava Cairns
An ancient site of tombs, stone circles, and ruins. It may also have inspired the famous ‘time portal’ in the Outlander TV series.
Options
Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen
Reviews
163 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience, worth the money!
Sabine S,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a lovely trip, Alan (or Allan?) our tour guide was a gem, entertaining us during the ride with little anecdotes and interesting (fun)facts and took really good care of us ♥ (And it seemed he really cared not just doing his job). He stopped at interesting spots (quite a lot of them like Carr-Bridge, Caledonian Battlefield, some impressive viaduct, Balnuaran of Clava, Craigellachie Bridge and more, even to pat Dougal and Hamish (2 highland cows - what sweeties). The boat ride on Loch Ness was also very nice especially because we were really lucky with the weather. Nessi though wasn't spotted :-). Unfortunately there isn't really enough time to explore more on your own but if you want that, you have to rent a car and do it on your own. All in all a very nice day out! Only minor "complain": Alan (or Allan - sorry that I can`t remember), please expand your playlist :-). I really do love the idea behind it, but hearing 500 miles 5 times is too much. It`s still in my head :-). Thanks for a great day!
So Much More Than Just Loch Ness
bryanmB4678AR,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic opportunity to see so much of the amazing Scottish landscape and learn about the incredible history in a single day trip. We were awestruck by the scenic beauty from the pristine pastures, beautiful rivers to the heather covered highlands. Our stop at Loch Ness included a comfortable boat ride out to the deepest part of the lake as well as a close up view of the ancient Urquhart Castle. For history buffs like myself I especially enjoyed seeing the Culloden battlefield and the stones of Cairn. Our guide Alan was absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend booking but be prepared for a full eleven hour day.
Beautiful countryside,...
Bruce W,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful countryside, several stops and the Loch Ness boat ride was quite nice. Highly recommended.
Delightful!
Thersea B,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This exceeded my expectations! The guide/driver was awesome and shared so much knowledge. I would definitely recommend it. I was worried about not stopping enough but we always had plenty of bathroom breaks and time to stretch our legs.
Fantastic Tour!
TheBoss99,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fabulous tour! Our guide, Alan, was the best! I booked this as a way to get to Loch Ness, but it was so much more. The drive through the Highlands was beautiful, and we stopped often for pictures, which I love! I'd highly recommend this company, and if you're lucky, you'll get Alan as your guide!
Nessie & Outlander
Myriah C,
Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It’s a full day but totally worth it! A splash of everything . . . Nessie & Outlander all wrapped into one! Allan managed our day beautifully and even found time for one extra stop at the viaduct!
Our guide was very...
Seonga M,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable. The smaller group setting was perfect and not as overwhelming as some larger tour groups. I would highly recommend.
Magical Scottish Scenery With Expert Guides
Rara95,
Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible trip and highly recommend the entire tour. Great sights, plenty of stops, photo opportunities, laughs and toilet breaks. We had Darryl as our tour guide. Daz was engaging, super friendly, funny and knowledgeable, going above and beyond to make sure our day was trouble free and as enjoyable as possible. The boat trip up and down the Loch Ness was so worth it. Visiting the Clava Cairns and one of the standing stones which inspired the Outlander time travel stone was magical and meeting some Highland cows was also a highlight. Will be back with family members in the coming years and hoping to join in again! Yes, it is worth it!
Scottish Highlands
Rune A,
Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience😄Very educational and fun trip.Our guide Darrell had very good knowledge of the different areas we where traveling to.I can recommand this trip to people who want to know more about scottish history. The trip is 12-hour’s long so bring some snacks and beverage along.
A wonderful day trip in the Scottish countryside.
spartingroup,
Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is a great way to see a lot of the beautiful Scottish countryside. The minibus is very comfortable and our guide Darryl was great. We made many short stops on the way and back in addition to the main attractions of the Clava Cairns, Cullodon Battlefield, and Loch Ness and so it really didn’t seem like a 12 hour day. There was time for a nice lunch before we got on our cruise on Loch Ness. Didn’t see Nessie but the Shetland cows on the way home were really cute.
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