What to do and see in Scottish Highlands, Scotland: The Best Cultural Tours

Go off the beaten track and explore some little-known, but fascinating, places within easy reach of Inverness and Invergordon. In a small group of no more than eight, visit Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, and Dornoch and its impressive cathedral. Complete your experience with a stop at Glenmorangie Distillery for an optional dram of whisky. Explore places missed by most visitors to Scotland Get insight into the culture and history of the region from your guide, Johnny. This is a very small-group tour for a more personal experience No-fuss round-trip transport (No more than 8 People)

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wifi On-board, Air Conditioned Vehicle, Local Guide

Exclusions: Attraction entry tickets

Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness, where you will have the option to join a cruise to the ruins of the 13th century Urquhart Castle, or to explore the nearby village of Drumnadrochit. Free time to enjoy lunch in one of the charming local cafés in beautiful Beauly and walk it off exploring Beauly Priory; used in the filming of Outlander. Our next stop is a Highland whisky distillery, where you can join an optional tour to learn about whisky production and sample a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on our visit to Culloden Battlefield. Outlander fans will love the mysterious burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history behind 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.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Local Scottish Guide

Exclusions: Food and Drink, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle (buy on site), Distillery tour and tasting (buy on site), Culloden Battlefield Exhibition (buy on site), Gratuities

Take a walk with Cath, a local to the area, and an experienced Scottish Tourist Guide Association Green Badge Guide around her beautiful City of Inverness. Each tour is bespoke and planned around the opening times of various venues of historical interest and importance. A Walk Inverness tour contains lots of local history, beautiful scenery, architecture, and romantic (yet sometimes bloody) tales which have over time, shaped Inverness into the thriving city that stands today. In the true spirit of Outlander, find out more about the short but final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising, The Battle of Culloden in 1746, in which the fate of between 1500 Jacobites was sealed by a poor decision and a hostile terrain. Cath will fascinate you with references to Outlander along with life in 18th century Inverness right up to the present day. Sharing stories of clan history, folklore and legends. Step even further back in time to 565 AD and learn about St Columba’s visit to the Highlands.

Inclusions: Experienced local guide

Exclusions:

Enjoy a full-day of stunning scenery and fresh Highland air, as we travel all the way around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Our journey reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches and a hidden waterfall – with untamed mountains never far from sight. Not only will you watch the Jacobite Steam Train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you will later hop aboard and experience it for yourself. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, and voted one of the world’s most scenic railways, this is a trip you’ll never forget!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Jacobite Steam Train, Expert local guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Restroom on board, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Gratuities

Venture to the far-flung Orkney Islands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh with 3-star accommodation included, and visit top Highland towns and attractions, too! With a friendly guide, travel through the Highlands, visiting Loch Ness and Glencoe, and pass John o’Groats on route to the stunning Orkney Island archipelago. With Kirkwall (Orkney’s capital) as your base, discover the area’s historical highlights such as Lamb Holm Italian Chapel and the Standing Stones of Stenness. On route back to Edinburgh, call in at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Culloden Moor, an important Jacobite battlefield. Overnight stays in Inverness and Ullapool are included, plus two nights in Kirkwall.

Inclusions: 4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included), Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers), Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Meals and refreshments, Admission fees & optional activities.

Would you like to visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous bridge crossed by the Hogwarts Express steam train in the Harry Potter movies? Would you like to take in beautiful views of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK? Why not take a trip into the absolutely stunning Lochaber region in the West Highlands of Scotland and see the Great Glen all in the comfort of one of our 8-seater vehicles?

Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional guide, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entry fees to attractions, Lunch, Entrance to Urquhart Castle

Leave the city for the day and explore the beautiful Isle of Skye. Visit Eilean Donan Castle; one of Scotland's most photographed castles and cross the bridge to the scenic Isle of Skye. Visit Portree, it's village-capital and marvel in the beautiful scenic nature all in one day.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Join this small group tour for a magical two day escape to the Highlands. Traveling through spectacular scenery, this tour is the perfect way to see Scotland and many of her highlights. These include stops at Doune Castle, Glen Coe, Glenfinnan Viaduct (April - October only) and Loch Ness. Overnight is in the bustling Highland capital of Inverness followed by visits to Culloden Battlefield, prehistoric standing stones, Pitlochry (optional whisky distillery tour) and a riverside walk at Dunkeld.

Inclusions: Small-group tour - 13 passengers or less, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini coach

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Attraction Entrance Fees, Accommodation: See the Additional Info section below to select your preferred accommodation choice

Sharp geological formations, crumbling coastlines and wind-swept valleys: Skye is mother-nature at her dramatic best. And on this day-tour you explore the best of it in the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach. Let our experienced driver-guide take you on a journey through the stories, history, and sights of the island; while also giving you a taste of the most breathtaking scenery that Western Scotland has to offer.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Small-group tour (16 people max), Transport by top of the range Mercedes minicoach

Exclusions: Entrance fees (Eilean Donan Castle), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

See epic ruined castles, listen to tales of old clan rivalries, and venture through brilliant mountain scenery on this tour to the Scottish Highlands.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, Small group tour (max 16 people)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission fees