• Clava Cairns - Our journey begins at The Clava Cairns, also known as the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Balnuaran of Clava. These are the remnants of a once expansive Bronze Age burial site. This evocative cemetery, dating back 4,000 years, still features original elements such as passage graves, standing stones, and ring cairns (stone circles).
• Culloden Battlefield - Our next destination is Culloden Moor, the site of the last major battle on British soil. This historic moor is the final resting place for 1,500 Jacobite and 50 Government soldiers who perished in 1746. Visitors can walk along the battle lines and view the soldiers’ graves near the memorial cairn at the battlefield’s center.

Flags mark the front lines of both armies, illustrating the battle’s vast scale, while clan markers in the center denote the graves of the fallen.

In our ongoing conservation efforts, we strive to restore the land to its 18th-century appearance. Collaborating with our Facilities team, we employ goats and Shetland cows to graze the land as they would have in the past.

Culloden’s unique landscape also supports a diverse array of wildlife, including skylarks, which both reside and breed on the battlefield, and garden tiger moth caterpillars.

• Loch Ness - We continue our drive along the banks of Loch Ness, where we can admire the breathtaking views of the world’s most famous loch. Nessie, the friendly monster, is said to inhabit these waters, so have your cameras ready.
• Great Glen Distillery - Our next stop is the Great Glen Distillery, where you can enjoy a complimentary gin tasting made from Loch Ness water. Discover the inspiring story of two friends who embarked on this award-winning venture. Don’t miss the chance to try locally made ice cream and savor the freshly crafted flavors. NOTE: The Distillery is closed during the winter months.
• Urquhart Castle - Experience the wild natural beauty and 1,000 years of history at Urquhart Castle, offering a glimpse of the Highlands at their most dramatic.

Explore a millennium of history, witness a slice of medieval life, and enjoy breathtaking views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the Highlands’ greatest castle.

Ascend the Grant Tower, which overlooks the iconic loch, peer into a grim prison cell rumored to have held the legendary Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn, and envision the grand banquets once held in the great hall. A more comfortable view of the iconic ruins, set against the backdrop of Loch Ness and the Great Glen hills, can be enjoyed from the café.

Urquhart’s tales are also shared through a remarkable collection of artifacts left by its residents, historic replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine, and a short film.

• Local guide
• Private transportation
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water

• Urquhart Castle £15.50
• Culloden Battlefield Exhibition £10

Experience the highlands with our half-day essential tour from Inverness.

We’ll begin our journey at Clava Cairns, home to the famous standing stones depicted in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. Learn about the history and secrets of this 4000-year-old landmark with our experienced tour guide.

We then move to the site of the historic 1746 battle at Culloden Moor. It was here, in April in freezing, wet conditions that the Highlanders’ way of life was changed forever after the Jacobites clashed with King George II’s army.

Next, experience the magic and mystery of the world-renowned Loch Ness. Don’t forget your camera - you never know if Nessie might surprise us with a visit.

Following that, we’ll sample some local spirits with a free taste of Gin at the award-winning Great Glen Distillery, made with water from Loch Ness itself.

Last but not least, we’ll stop at Scotland’s most romantic ruin, Urquhart castle. Discover a millennium’s worth of history at this picturesque spot.

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