• Robertsons The Larder, With Highland Cows, Beauly - A charming farm shop in Beauly offering a variety of local and Scottish products and gifts. It is home to the Heilan Coos (Highland Cows), Katie-Morag, and Jamie MacKenzie Fraser, as well as a delightful alpaca family!
• Beauly - The picturesque village of Beauly embodies the essence of the Scottish Highlands. Its name, derived from the French beau lieu, means beautiful place — and it’s clear to see why. Surrounded by lush farmland, ancient woodlands, and striking hills, Beauly is a place where time seems to slow, allowing the charm of Highland life to shine.
• Loch Ness - Continuing our journey, we head towards the renowned and enigmatic Loch Ness. Spanning 22.5 miles, it is the largest loch in the UK by volume, containing enough fresh water to supply England and Wales. After spotting Nessie (yes, you did see Nessie!), we will visit the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness.
• Urquhart Castle - Urquhart Castle stands as one of Scotland’s most dramatic and cherished landmarks. Its ancient stone walls and expansive views narrate over a thousand years of Highland history — from medieval conflicts to Jacobite uprisings.

Today, visitors can wander through the castle ruins, ascend the Grant Tower for stunning views of the loch, and imagine life within its walls when clans defended these lands. On a clear day, the vistas are truly unforgettable — and if fortunate, one might glimpse something mysterious in the waters below! Admission to Urquhart Castle is approximately £20.00 per person (tbc), and it is advisable to book tickets in advance during peak season.

• Inverness - Inverness is a lively city in the Scottish Highlands, often called the “Capital of the Highlands.” It is located at the northeast end of the Great Glen, where the River Ness flows from Loch Ness into the Moray Firth. The River Ness meanders through the city, crossed by elegant pedestrian bridges and bordered by scenic walkways.

Lunch and shopping opportunity

• Clava Cairns - Dating back 4,000 years, Clava Cairns is a Bronze Age cemetery situated a short distance from Culloden Battlefield. This well-preserved prehistoric site invites exploration of how ancient civilizations used the area for sacred rituals.
• Culloden Battlefield - A must-see when visiting the Inverness area. Located about 15 minutes from the city center, this is the site of the deadliest battle in 1746. Jacobite supporters, aiming to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, clashed with the Duke of Cumberland’s government forces. Culloden was the last pitched battle on British soil, and in less than an hour, around 1,300 men were killed — approximately 1,250 of them Jacobites.

• Private transportation
• Phone charger
• On-board WiFi
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Meals
• Admission fees

When ready to explore from your hotel or when your cruise ship arrives in the Highlands, your adventure truly begins. “The Essential Highland” private group is crafted to maximize your time here, offering comfort, a sense of place, and breathtaking scenery. This experience combines iconic landmarks like Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden Battlefield with hidden gems known only to your guide — from tranquil glens and charming villages to viewpoints often overlooked by visitors.

We meet you directly at your accommodation or at the Invergordon Cruise Port. Travel in a modern, comfortable vehicle, ensuring that by the end of the day, you feel relaxed, refreshed, and filled with cherished memories.

Your driver-guide, Claudia, is a fully qualified, accredited, and insured STGA Blue Badge Tourist Guide, dedicated to making you fall in love with the region!

Important Note: The remaining hours will be allocated for travel time from pick-up to drop-off.

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