Culloden, Scottish Highlands

Tours

Uncover the mystery of Loch Ness on a cruise to Urquhart Castle on this small group guided tour from Inverness. Immerse yourself in local history at Culloden Battlefield. Enter the world of the hit TV show Outlander at the standing stones at Clava Cairns. Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness. Glide over the lake's shimmering waters on a 30 min cruise to Urquhart Castle. Have free time to explore the 13th-century ruins on foot. Stop to purchase lunch in one of the charming local cafés in Beauly and explore Beauly Priory, which was featured in the Outlander novel series. Enjoy an optional Highland whisky distillery experience, where you can choose to sample a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on a visit to Culloden Battlefield. Step into the world of Outlander at the burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history that inspired the Outlander story, you might not want to travel back in time to meet Jamie Fraser after all. Return to Inverness in the early evening.

This 2-day guided bus tour takes you from Edinburgh and through the Scottish Highlands. You will join the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, known as the Hogwarts Express, known as one of the most beautiful journeys in the world! You will enjoy and overnight stay in Fort Augustus, at the south end of Loch Ness. Itinerary Day 1 Wave goodbye to Edinburgh's Old Town and begin your journey north. Our comfortable bus will take you north to explore the pretty town of Pitlochry. You will then continue through the breath-taking Drumochter Pass skirting the stunning peaks of the Cairngorm National Park. We will then visit Culloden, the last stand of the Jacobites against government forces and Clava Cairns, where you can see some incredible standing stones. Finally we will visit the world's most famous loch - Loch Ness! At Loch Ness, you will have the opportunity to join a cruise and visit Urquhart Castle. The first day ends in Fort Augustus, a quaint highland town. Overnight at a B&B in Fort Augustus.   Day 2 Take a steam train journey back in time. The Jacobite steam train route has been rated as one of the world's great train journeys. Travel past Britain's highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river, and westernmost train station. Cross the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and pass the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite rising. Have lunch in the west coast town of Mallaig, where you can taste the best of Scottish seafood. Head back to Edinburgh via Glen Coe. Visit Glen Coe, where the MacDonalds were betrayed, and then experience the beauty of Rannoch Moor and Stirlingshire en route.

Discover the Scottish Highlands on a guided tour from Inverness. Explore the burial site of Clava Cairns, discover the historic site of Culloden, and admire the scenery of Glen Affric and the iconic Loch Ness. Depart Inverness in the morning and begin your full-day tour with a trip to the ancient burial site of Clava Cairns. Explore this Bronze-Age graveyard that has survived 4 millennia. Afterward, head to Culloden, one of the most important sites in Scottish history. Learn more about the 60-year series of uprisings that finally ended in a tumultuous battle in 1745. Explore the visitor center and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last ever battle fought on British soil. Continue to Glen Affric and stop to walk among the indigenous Caledonian pine trees. Enjoy the views over Loch Affric and the mountains beyond, with your expert guide taking you to the best waterfalls and photo spots. Afterward, explore the historic ruins of Beauly Priory, a monastery dating back to the 13th century. To cap things off, you’ll head to the shores of Loch Ness, before heading back to the center of Inverness in the early evening.

Travel across the highlands of Scotland and discover some of the country’s major attractions. On this 5-day excursion you’ll stay in B&B accommodation and travel with an English-speaking guide. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Through the Trossachs to Oban This wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on to the picturesque seaside town of Oban. Overnight in Oban. Day 2: A Day of high hills and history The second day takes you to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, which was the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You’ll continue on past Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak and stop at Fort William. We will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world. You will make a stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument, Loch Shiel - and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it! Overnight in Skye. Day 3: A whole day to explore Skye You'll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye's mysteries and landscape with your guide. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish Peninsula. Overnight in Skye. Day 4: Castles, mountains, and on to Loch Ness Once you leave Skye your first stop will be to visit the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle (this is an optional extra). You’ll then continue your journey onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Here you will have the option to Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch (optional extra), before ending the day in the capital of the Highlands: Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Historic battlefields and back to Edinburgh You’ll start your journey south and have the chance to visit the battlefield of Culloden (an optional extra), the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and have time to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Our small group tour day begins in the morning with a brief tour of Inverness' sights before heading to our first stop: Culloden Battlefield. This poignant site marks the end of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Here, you'll learn about the battlefield's history, walk its grounds, and even explore any family connections you may have to the area (optional extra). Next, we visit the Clava Cairns, the remains of a once larger complex used for housing the dead. This site offers insight into life over 4,000 years ago and Scotland's Bronze Age society. Fans of Outlander may enjoy the prehistoric stone circle that inspired Craigh Na Dun in the series. We then continue to Fort George (optional extra), an imposing fort built after the Battle of Culloden. This massive fortification took over 22 years to construct and is essential for military history enthusiasts. It houses the largest regimental museum outside of Edinburgh and is still an active army base, home to the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. After absorbing the rich history here, we head to the northern coast in Nairn for lunch in this charming seaside town. As we travel through the scenic Cairngorms, we’ll stop at Loch an Eilein for a photo op. This stunning loch features a small island with castle ruins, aptly named “loch of the island” in Gaelic. It’s a perfect photo spot, so keep an eye out for the local wildlife. Our final stop is Aviemore, where you'll have time to explore this beautiful village nestled in the northwest corner of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by mountains and lochs. It’s an ideal place to grab a coffee before we journey back to Inverness to conclude our tour.

Our Loch Ness tour from Invergordon promises to enchant, whether you’re a veteran visitor or are travelling to the Highlands for the first time. As soon as you disembark soon as you from your ship at the Invergordon cruise port, around an hour after the ship arrives, you will be met by one of our friendly local guides, who you’ll recognise by their Historic & Scenic Tours placard bearing your Surname. You’ll be escorted to one of our comfortable car/minibuses, where complimentary snacks and bottles of water will be made available for your tour.Visit some of the most historic and cultural sites in the Highlands starting with Beauly Priory, before moving onto the famous and romantic loch ness and then moving onto inverness to see the the saint Andrew's Cathedral and then onto historic Culloden Battlefield and the sacred site of Clava Cairns, home of the famous Outlander “cleft stone”. Finally, to the Singleton Distillery for a tasting before returning to Invergordon Port.

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Take an optional ride on the Jacobite Steam Train featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1: Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Choose to take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3: Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4: Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening. *Important note - the Jacobite Steam Train is seasonal and subject to availability. Please ensure option is selected at time of booking to avoid disappointment.

Explore the picturesque Highlands on a day out that encompasses some of Scotland's most remarkable, natural and historic sights. Along the shimmering Loch Leven, the minicoach cuts through the fair city of Perth on its way to the gorgeous village of Dunkeld. Alight here to stroll the quaint narrow streets and visit the beautiful Dunkeld Cathedral. Dedicated to Saint Columba, visiting this significant, riverside church makes for a delightful morning. Continue to Blair Castle, the renowned fortress that's 700-year history spanned the Jacobite rebellions, the disaster at Culloden, and the short-lived reign of Mary Queen of Scots. Here you'll learn about Queen Victoria's love of the region and her role in creating Europe's only legally-recognized private army – the Atholl Highlanders. The fascinating castle tour includes the surrounding gardens – the final resting place of “Bonnie” Dundee, one of Scotland's greatest heroes, as well as providing a habitat to highland cattle and red squirrels. After lunch at the castle restaurant, a scenic drive leads to the battlefield of Killiecrankie Gorge. Now a famous beauty spot, it was here that “Bonnie” Dundee's Jacobite army utilised their Highland Charge strategy to inflict defeat upon the British Redcoats. Continue to the Hermitage woodland walk. This lovely riverside stroll winds past some of the tallest trees in Britain to a spectacular waterfall and viewpoint where salmon can often be seen leaping the falls. Finish at Taste of Perthshire for photos of the famous Hairy Highland Coos!

Discover top Highlands attractions, including Loch Ness and sites featured in the Outlander series, with this private guided tour from Inverness or Invergordon. Visit the local sites with your local guide around the Inverness area, from the famous Loch Ness to Outlander sites Clava Cairns, Culloden and more and learn the history of the Scottish Clans. Try our world award winning local Gin and Whisky. A fun full day of things to see and try all in one day for guests wanting a full taste of the highlands with a short time frame. Local Guide Private Tour Comfortable Air Conditioned Vehicle Customisable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)

Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh, we embark on a journey tracing the famous locations from the Outlander TV Series. Our first stop is the iconic Midhope Castle*, known as Jamie’s home, Lallybroch. While visitors can't explore the castle ruins, you can sit on the steps and imagine Jamie or Claire walking through the courtyard archway. Next, we head north to the charming village of Culross, which doubles as Cranesmuir in Outlander. Wander its cobbled streets and discover Claire’s herb garden behind Culross Palace. In Falkland, relive the show's opening scenes depicting 1940s Inverness. Recognize landmarks like Mrs Baird’s Guesthouses and the Bruce Fountain, where Frank encounters Jamie's ghost. Leaving behind the castles and villages, we delve into the Highlands. Passing through lush Perthshire, we stop at the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, reminiscent of MacKenzie clan villages in the series. Continuing north, we reach Inverness by early evening, after passing Aviemore. Day 2 Begin your day at Clava Cairns near Inverness, a mystical site of ring cairns and standing stones believed to inspire Craigh na Dun in Outlander. Though time travel isn't promised, exploring this 4,000-year-old site feels like stepping into history. The next stop evokes a lot of emotions; it’s the forbidding Culloden Battlefield. This site plays a crucial role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. You can explore the visitor centre and the site and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. Continue to Clan Fraser lands, where you can pay respects at the tomb of Lord Lovat, Jamie's grandfather in the saga. After visiting key Outlander sites, return to Inverness for another evening to explore the city. Day 3 Your day starts with a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. You then continue along the entire length of Loch Ness and through the Great Glen before heading to Glenfinnan. It stands framed by typically spectacular Highland scenery and bedside a section of the Jacobite Steam Train railway line famously used as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. Your overnight stop is in Fort William underneath the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Day 4 You start the day with a magnificent drive through Glencoe, across the rugged Trossachs area onto Doune Castle. The castle is an extensive ruin that represents Castle Leoch in the TV program. Later, you have a photo stop at Linlithgow Palace. It's a favourite of ours because of its connections to Mary, Queen of Scots.The last highlight of the day is Blackness Castle. This tough-looking fortress looks like it could fend off an entire empire. And in Outlander, it represents Fort William.After having been immersed in the history and landscapes that inspired Outlander, we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.