Legendary monsters, mystical standing stones, and history-changing battles: this tour is the best way to see the Scottish Highlands in a day. In the comfort of a van and with your expert guide, see Loch Ness and the Highlands on this exciting tour.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
Duration 12 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Relax in the comfort of a Mercedes mini-coach
Enjoy an optional boat ride on Loch Ness
Experience the ancient site of Clava Cairns
Witness the historical site of Culloden Battlefield

Full description

Your tour departs Aberdeen and heads straight for the ‘Whisky Capital of the World’, Dufftown. Unfortunately it's too early in the morning to taste the whisky at the Glenfiddich Distillery, but you have time to take a photo of the iconic site and grab a coffee. Venture through the heart of Speyside and arrive at Loch Ness for an optional boat trip which is bookable via your guide on the day of the trip. Onboard the ship, you travel over the widest and deepest part of the loch and get a fine view of Urquhart Castle. Upon your return back on dry land, it’s time to travel deep into the past at Clava Cairns. This spot is situated in a gorgeous green grove and boasts well-preserved ancient burial tombs. They even say this spot was the inspiration for Outlander’s Craigh na Dun. Follow this up with a trip to Culloden Battlefield, the location of the final Jacobite Rising. It’s an eerie, flat, tragic landscape that can put the history of Scotland into perspective. The interactive exhibition center here really brings it all to life. Have a comfort break within the gorgeous Cairngorms National Park before you reach Aberdeen 8:00 PM.

Includes

Transportation by 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
Services of an experienced driver/guide

Admission to attractions
Meals and refreshments
Gratuities (optional)

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask
You must fill out a travel information form
You will receive a mandatory temperature check

Meeting point

Aberdeen Bus Station (stance 5), Guild Street, AB11 6NA

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Important information

Know before you go

Minimum age to participate is 5-years
You're restricted to 14 kilograms (31lbs) of luggage per person on the tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items
This small-group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, allowing for more personal service, more time with locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back roads and a more authentic, friendly experience
With time off the bus you'll have the opportunity to take nature walks. It is recommended that you wear clothing and footwear suitable for the tour
Return time: approximately 8:00 PM

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 43 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
4.9/5
Safety
4.8/5

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A lot of driving looking at monotonous landscape for hours. Do not seat at the back of the bus, the B roads are bumpy. Make sure you book your lunch before the Loch Ness cruise. I have chosen the tour without whiskey component, we were still taken to a whiskey store.

September 20, 2020

Very Exciting and Informative Tour

Highly recommend this tour as the stops are well thought out and full of breath taking sights. The knowledge of our tour guide (Doug) was amazing and allowed us to fully be immersed in the experience and Scottish history. Very well priced for the whole day experience and while 12 hours may seem long. The itinerary easily breaks this up into manageable chunks to allow time time to fly by.

August 25, 2019

Great one day adventure. Enjoyed the history provided by the driver as we past through the relevant sites. Trip was carefree and easy to enjoy.

April 9, 2022

Loch Ness and the Highlands 1-Day Tour from Aberdeen

Loch Ness and the Highlands 1-Day Tour from Aberdeen

About this activity

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Very Exciting and Informative Tour