Millionaire’s View to Begin

Your adventure starts high above the Dornoch Firth at Struie Hill, where sweeping views known as the “Millionaire’s View” set the scene for an unforgettable day. The perfect photo stop to capture the wild beauty of the Highlands.

Raise a Glass at Balblair Distillery

Next, step into history at Balblair Distillery in Edderton, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries dating back to 1790. Discover the secrets of whisky-making, breathe in the aroma of the casks, and enjoy a dram of smooth Highland malt – a true taste of tradition.

Discover the Charm of Dornoch

Stroll through the picture-perfect seaside town of Dornoch, with its cobbled streets, artisan shops, and welcoming Highland character. Pop into the Dornoch Bookshop, a treasure trove for readers, brimming with Scottish history and stories to take home.

Step Back in Time at Dornoch Cathedral

Marvel at the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral, its ancient stone walls and stained glass steeped in legend. A peaceful sanctuary that has stood the test of time, beautifully restored by the Duke of Sutherland.

Highland Hospitality at The Eagle Hotel

Pause and refresh at the Eagle Hotel in Dornoch, where hearty Scottish fare and warm hospitality await. Whether it’s a traditional meal, a local ale, or a whisky flight, this is Highland comfort at its best.

A Fairytale Castle - Dunrobin, Golspie

The highlight of the day – the enchanting Dunrobin Castle & Gardens. With its fairy-tale turrets, grand interiors, and spectacular formal gardens inspired by Versailles, this is the Highlands at their most regal. Explore opulent rooms, discover the powerful history of Clan Sutherland, and stroll through manicured grounds overlooking the Moray Firth.

Loch Fleet Nature Reserve

End your journey with a peaceful stop at Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve, a haven for seals basking on sandbanks and rare birds soaring above. A reminder of the untamed natural wonders that make the Highlands so special.

✨ This tour blends majestic castles, smooth whiskies, charming towns, and wild landscapes into a single unforgettable Highland experience.

• Cawdor Castle
  Visit inside and outside Cawdor Castle including magnificent gardens and maze. (Entrance is included.) Cawdor Castle was made famous by William Shakespeare’s ‘MacBeth’.
• Culloden Viaduct
  Pass by Culloden viaduct. Built in 1893 for trains and still used to this day.
• City of Inverness and castle
  Inverness city and Inverness Castle.  You can visit Inverness castle and viewing gallery to see over the city from 2023. (2021-23 the castle is closed for renovations.)  You can also take your time to see the shops, cafes or try a drink in Inverness’ oldest bar the Gellions open since 1841. Grab some spectacular photos of the castle beside the River Ness. 
• Culloden Battlefield
  visit Culloden battlefield, free to roam the battlefield or visit shop and restaurant. Small entry charge if you wish to go right into visitor centre to re-live the battle from 1746.
• Loch Ness
  drive by Loch Ness. Will you be lucky enough to catch a photo of the ever elusive Nessie herself? 

This tour has been designed for those looking for a true taste of the real Loch Ness.  This tour is never taken in a large bus - it will be in usually taken in an 8 seater minivan, car or small minibus up to 33 seats  

Culloden Battlefield

Visit and get photos of Culloden battlefield and walk through historic clan markers from 1746.

Clava Cairns

We will visit Clava Cairns, the inspiration for the Outlander book and tv series by Diana Gabaldon and wander among the ancient standing stones.

Cawdor Castle

You'll visit the famous 'Macbeth' highland castle which is fully furnished and spectacular. If your visit is out of season we will travel to Urquhart castle instead which is open all year or find an alternative venue.

Secret South Loch Ness and Dores

We drive along the south side of Loch Ness on single track roads, stopping at Dores to paddle in the loch and maybe speak to the Nessie hunter, Steve Feltam, who gave up his life in Dorset over 20 years ago to permanently hunt Nessie. 

Inverness - the city and Inverness Castle

(available from April 2026 - entry included)

Heading onto Inverness you’ll drive by Inverness castl (unfortunately the castle and Flora MacDonald statue are being renovated from 2022-Autumn 2025 so we cannot visit it).  You will spend time wandering around the city shops or historic churches/graveyard or your around in the vehicle, depending on timings of the ship departure  

An Talla or Robertson's Farm  - Highland Cows

As we approach Loch Ness we will briefly stop at a local visitor centre to see their highland cows. 

Inverness - photo opportunities and brief visit

Tour around the sights - Inverness, Castle and historic places including Outlander links whilst remaining in your vehicle.  the guide will provide information on the city sights. A brief visit can sometimes be incorporated where possible. 

Culloden Battlefield 

Today, Culloden Battlefield is preserved by the National Trust for Scotland, with a visitor centre, clan markers, and the memorial cairn standing as a solemn reminder of the last battle fought on British soil. Stroll onto the battlefield or search for your ancestors. 
 

Clava Cairns (Standing stones - inspiration for Outlander's Craigh na Dun

Clava Cairns (Balnuaran of Clava)

The Clava Cairns are a group of Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones, located near Culloden, about 4,000 years old (dating from around 2000 BC).

Atmosphere: The site is quiet, atmospheric, and spiritual, often linked with ancient rituals, cycles of life and death, and Scotland’s prehistoric past.

Modern connections: Clava Cairns has inspired myths and stories—most famously featured as the inspiration for the time-travel stones in Outlander.

Loch Ness 

Travel beside Loch Ness for 15 miles, stopping for photos of Nessie (if you’re very lucky).

Urquhart Castle

Visit the ruins of Urquhart castle as well as the video centre. Watch a 6 minute historic video with own language subtitles. Wander down to the ruins or browse the shop or cafe.  You'll be here about 1.5 hours mostly. Entry fee included.

Beauly and Highland Coos

Leave the village Drumnadrochit then back to the ship via wild land 1000 feet up a mountain then dropping down into the village of Beauly, passing by the ancient Priory, and if time allows, calling into Robertson's farm to see the hairy Highland cows - Katie Morag and Jamie.  This may not be possible on 5pm ship departures.

Outlander TV hotspots

Outlander fans will not be disappointed as our tour guides point out all the filming locations of the popular series based on the book by Diana Gabaldon.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

Kilt Rock is a striking sea cliff on the Isle of Skye, located on the Trotternish Peninsula. It gets its name from its resemblance to a pleated Scottish kilt, with vertical basalt columns atop a sandstone base. Nearby, the Mealt Falls dramatically plunge 55 metres from the clifftop into the sea below.

Eilean Donan Castle

One of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, situated on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet.

Portree - capital of Skye

The main town on the Isle of Skye, nestled around a picturesque harbour with colourful buildings and dramatic cliffs.

Fairypools (optional)

The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear, turquoise pools and waterfalls on the Isle of Skye, located at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains.

Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle sits on the shores of Loch Ness, near Drumnadrochit in the Scottish Highlands. It’s one of Scotland’s most famous castles, partly for its dramatic ruins and its connection to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

The site has a long history – first used as a medieval fortress around the 13th century – and over the centuries it changed hands between the Scots and the English, saw battles during the Wars of Independence, and later became a stronghold for Clan Grant. By the 17th century it was largely abandoned and deliberately damaged to stop it being used again.

Today, visitors can explore the ruins, including the Grant Tower with sweeping views over Loch Ness, the remains of the great hall, and defensive walls. It’s one of the most photographed historic sites in Scotland thanks to its location and romantic atmosphere.

Urquhart Castle sits on the shores of Loch Ness, near Drumnadrochit in the Scottish Highlands. It’s one of Scotland’s most famous castles, partly for its dramatic ruins and its connection to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Loch Ness and Inverness 

🏞 Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the most famous loch in Scotland, stretching about 23 miles long and over 700 feet deep – deeper than the North Sea in places. It contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.

Of course, it’s best known for the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, or “Nessie,” first written about in the 6th century and still a favourite tale today. But even without the monster, the loch is breathtaking – surrounded by hills, forests, and castle ruins like Urquhart Castle on its shores.

🌆 Inverness

Inverness, known as the “Capital of the Highlands,” is the cultural and commercial centre of the region. It sits at the mouth of the River Ness and has a history going back to Pictish and Viking times.

Highlights include Inverness Castle, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and the lovely riverside walks. Just outside the city is Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite Rising ended in 1746 – one of the most important historic sites in Scotland.

Today, Inverness is a thriving small city, mixing traditional Highland culture with modern life, and it serves as the perfect gateway to exploring the Highlands.