• Beauly Priory - The journey begins along the Cromarty Firth, leading to Beauly where Beauly Priory is explored.

Constructed in the 13th century, Beauly Priory was established for the Valliscaulian Monks from Dijon, France.

Much of the Priory was destroyed in the 16th century by Oliver Cromwell, who repurposed the stones to construct a citadel. After Cromwell’s death, the citadel was dismantled, and the stones were used to build Dunbar Hospital in Inverness, which will be visited later.

The Priory served as an ancient burial site for the chiefs of the Fraser and Mackenzie clans.

Leaving Beauly, the journey continues over Culnakirk Hill to Drumnadrochit.

• Urquhart Castle - After passing through Drumnadrochit, the tour stops at Urquhart Castle, perched on a promontory overlooking the loch.

Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart Castle was frequently contested during the wars of independence, with control shifting between the Scots and the English.

It is near this location that St Columba is said to have encountered the Loch Ness Monster in 580 AD, banishing it back to the water after it attempted to attack one of his disciples.

In 1692, the castle gatehouse was intentionally destroyed to prevent its use as a military stronghold.

• Inverness - Returning to Inverness, the tour stops at Inverness Cathedral, the most northerly Anglican cathedral in the UK, completed in 1866.

While driving through Inverness, the tour passes the Old High Church, where Jacobite prisoners were held after Culloden before their execution in the graveyard. Musket ball marks from the executions are still visible on the church wall. Opposite the Old High Church is Dunbar Hospital, constructed with stones from Cromwell’s citadel, originally from Beauly Priory. Further along, Abertarff House, the oldest house in Inverness dating from 1593, is seen, once serving as the townhouse for the chiefs of Clan Fraser.

Continuing through Inverness, the tour passes Inverness Castle and the statue of Flora Macdonald, renowned for aiding Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape to Skye after Culloden.

• Clava Cairns - Exiting Inverness, the tour arrives at Clava Cairns, an ancient burial ground over 4000 years old. It is believed that Diana Gabaldon drew inspiration for her Outlander series from this site. The cairns are aligned southwest to face the midwinter sun, highlighting the significance of the winter solstice to these ancient people.
• Culloden Battlefield - Less than a mile from Clava Cairns is Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle on British soil occurred on April 16, 1746.

The battle was between the Jacobites, who sought to restore the Stuarts to the throne, and the Hanoverians, representing the government.

In just over an hour, more than 1600 men were killed, 1500 of whom were Jacobites. This battle dramatically altered the Highland way of life.

• Cawdor Castle - Following Culloden, the tour proceeds to Cawdor Castle. Home to the Thanes of Cawdor for centuries, it is one of the few Highland castles to remain unscathed after the Jacobite uprisings, despite its location between Auldearn and Culloden, where two battles occurred. The castle is still inhabited by the Dowager Countess of Cawdor.

• Comfortable Vehicle
• Private tour
• Air-conditioned Vehicle
• Bottled Water and snacks for the Journey
• Local Guide

• Meals
• Urquhart Castle/ £13-£14.50 (Admission fee)
• Cawdor Castle and Grounds / £12.50-£13.50 ( Admission fee)
• Culloden Battlefield / £11-£14 ( Admission fee)
• Admission fees
• Admission fees
• Admission fees

Experience an unforgettable day tour from Invergordon to Loch Ness, showcasing some of Scotland’s most breathtaking, historic, and culturally rich landmarks. A local guide will greet you as you disembark from your cruise ship at Invergordon port, ready to embark on a Highland adventure.

The tour begins at Beauly Priory, followed by a visit to the renowned Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The journey continues along the Loch side towards Inverness, where St. Andrew’s Cathedral awaits. Next, explore the sacred site of Clava Cairns, known from the famous Outlander series. A short trip then leads to Culloden Battlefield, with the final stop at Cawdor Castle and Gardens, before returning to Invergordon.

• Child seats available on request.
• The travel time is included on the total tour duration.

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