Cruise to Urquhart Castle, beautiful Beauly, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns stones.
1 Day
24 Hour Cancellation
Enter code SALE2025 and save 15% on this trip if you book by 11 July and travel by 31 December 2025.
From ancient Bronze Age sites like the Clava Cairns stones to the legendary Cawdor Castle near Inverness, each place that you'll visit on this trip offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s storied past. Along the journey, you’ll encounter local wildlife, meet a highland cow, and explore the rare ancient Scots Pine forests. Take a midday lunch stop in the lively town of Aviemore before heading to Cairngorms National Park to soak in its spectacular mountain scenery. A splendid day full of history, nature, and local culture!
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle, dating back to the 14th century, is a place of history and legend. Famous for its ties to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it’s said the castle was built around a holly tree, which you can still see today! A true Highland gem.
Hairy Coo
Highland Cows, or Hairy Coos as they’re affectionately known, are beloved for their shaggy coats, long horns, and gentle nature. They’re iconic symbols of Scotland’s rugged landscape and are surprisingly hardy. Their grazing naturally keeps invasive species in check, giving native plants room to grow.
Ancient Scots Pine Forest
Scotland’s ancient Scots pine forests are precious and rare, with only a few remaining. They are vital for biodiversity, home to rare wildlife, and protect ecosystems. A true treasure of Scotland’s natural heritage!
Small Group Tour
Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.
Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!
Inclusions
Small Group Tour
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
What Other Explorers Say
Where does the tour depart from?
Your Cawdor Castle & Cairngorms National Park tour departs from the city centre in Inverness. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
How long is the tour?
In total, this tour spans approximately 8 hours*. An ideal balance between driving through vast Highland scenery and time spent exploring the surroundings.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Do I need to book the entrance to Cawdor Castle in advance?
Yes, we highly recommend booking the entrance to Cawdor Castle as an add-on at the time of booking the tour. Please note that there are limited alternative activities nearby, so booking the castle entrance in advance is essential to make the most of your time here.
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
