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Inverness Archaeology

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Lewis, Harris, and Outer Hebrides Tour from Inverness

1. Lewis, Harris, and Outer Hebrides Tour from Inverness

Day one: Depart early from Inverness and head north-west to Ullapool to catch the ferry. This stunning sea-trip takes you along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles, and out to Stornoway, which is the capital of the Outer Hebrides. Once you have arrived on Lewis, your first stop is the ancient past. Travel to the North West of the island to visit the blackhouse at Arnol. Dive into this traditional abode and discover how the Highland crofting families lived their day-to-day lives. After this, go through more crofting communities and venture to the northernmost tip of the island, the Butt of Lewis. The lighthouse here boasts epic views of waves crashing against sea cliffs. Head back to Stornoway for your overnight stay.  Day two: Head south to Harris, where the first thing that you notice are the mountains. As you weave through the towering marvels, your guide will tell you about the traditions and tales from this part of Scotland. After you have had your fill of unspoilt beaches and landscapes, make stop in one of the very few towns, the small port of Leverburgh, for lunch. Now it is time for one of the great Hebridean highlights, Luskentyre beach. On a good day, the sea turns turquoise and the sands look pristine white. After enjoying all these natural wonders, it is time to head back to Stornoway and perhaps try the famous black pudding for dinner.  Day three: Today, you’re delving back to the ancient past and come face to face with the Callanish standing stones. These 5,000-year-old megaliths are said to be petrified giants who wouldn’t convert to Christianity. You may not believe this myth, but that doesn’t mean this site isn’t magnificent. You leave the echoes of the past and explore the far west of Lewis; this part boasts some areas of outstanding natural beauty. Your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather and your group's interests. After an eventful morning, you travel to Stornoway and get a ferry to the mainland. Cast your last glance at the island, and ponder over its rich Gaelic heritage as you make your way across the Minch. Once on the mainland, you continue to Inverness, where you arrive in the evening.

From Inverness: 3-Day Orkney Explorer

2. From Inverness: 3-Day Orkney Explorer

Day 1: Explore Orkney’s ancient capital, Kirkwall After an early start leaving Inverness at 08:00, travel north through the Black Isle, past the imposing Dunrobin Castle, before crossing the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Isles. Stay in Kirkwall, the modern day capital of Orkney for 2 nights. Here, you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking cathedral and its historic winding streets. Day 2: Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings as you travel through Orkney Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island; a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include a visit to Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness and Maeshowe, where in the 12th-century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. Day 3: Travel through the history soaked regions of Caithness and Sutherland Have your last chance to grab some gifts for friends and family, and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. And after a ferry back to the mainland, travel through the history soaked regions of Caithness and Sutherland. Find out about the highland clearances, a world-changing period in Scotland’s dark history, and get a glimpse of some of Scotland’s most remote fishing villages. The tour will arrive back in Inverness early evening at approximitely 19:00.

From Inverness: Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour

3. From Inverness: Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour

Leave Inverness in the morning and begin your full-day tour with a trip to the ancient burial site of Clava Cairns. This Bronze-Age graveyard has survived 4 millennia and is a great spot to take photos.  Afterward, you’ll head to Culloden, one of the most important sites in Scottish history. It was here that a 60-year series of uprisings finally ended in a tumultuous battle in 1745.  Explore the visitor center and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last ever battle fought on British soil. Continue to Glen Affric and stop to walk among the indigenous Caledonian pine trees. Enjoy views over Loch Affric and the mountains beyond, with your expert guide taking you to the best waterfalls and photo spots.  Afterward, explore the historic ruins of Beauly Priory, a monastery dating back to the 13th century. To cap things off, you’ll head to the shores of Loch Ness, before ending up back in the center of Inverness in the early evening.

From Edinburgh: Outlander Experience 2-Day Tour

4. From Edinburgh: Outlander Experience 2-Day Tour

Day 1 Your first visit will be Blackness Castle overlooking the Firth of Forth. The castle was used as the backdrop for Fort William. Next, it's on to Wentworth Prison (or as it is also known, Linlithgow Palace). Onwards to Doune Castle, better known as Castle Leoch, home to Colum Mackenzie. The castle has also made appearances in the Monty Python and the Holy Grail film. Next, into the Highlands and through Glen Coe with a quick stop at Loch Ness before arriving at your overnight accommodation in Inverness. Day 2 Step back in time 4000 years ago at Clava Cairns, the inspiration for Craigh na Dun. Then, continue to Culloden Battlefield, the scene of the last battle fought on British soil. Discover a living history at the Highland Folk Museum and its various time period scenes. Relive one of the first scenes when Jamie's ghost looks up in Claire's room at Outlander's Inverness: Falkland Village. Finally, explore the outside of Lallybroch at Midhope Castle. There will be a quick photo stop before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Loch Ness, Inverness and Highlands 2-Day Tour from Edinburgh

5. Loch Ness, Inverness and Highlands 2-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Get back to nature in the Scottish Highlands and go for gentle walks. Spend the night in the city of Inverness and avail of a flexible itinerary on day 2. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh and head west to Glasgow before visiting the pretty village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond. Descend into Rannoch Moor and pass the Black Mount and Glencoe at the site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. Go for a leisurely walk to soak up the atmosphere. Head north towards Fort William and get stunning views of Ben Nevis before traveling around Loch Ness after lunch. Pass historic Urquhart Castle before arriving in Inverness, where you will spend the night. Day 2: Choose to visit the Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by the Duke of Cumberland. Glimpse the ancient stones of Clava Cairns and taste the whisky at Dalwhinnie Distillery. Go to the old military garrison of Ruthven Barracks. Return via the Hermitage and stop for a gentle forest walk in idyllic woodlands (summer only) before crossing the Forth Bridge to arrive back in Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye & Highlands 3-Day Guided Tour

6. From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye & Highlands 3-Day Guided Tour

Tour the Scottish Highlands and explore the Isle of Skye on a 3-day guided tour from Edinburgh. You’ll see castles, craggy mountains, picturesque towns, and maybe even a monster on this excursion. Stay overnight in a bed and breakfast accommodation. Day 1: A Spectacular Route North Depart Edinburgh and travel north through the Trossachs National Park. Visit a lovely village and take in views of the UK’s largest expanse of freshwater, Loch Lomond. Continue across the brooding expanse of Rannoch Moor, and through Glen Coe. Learn the brutal story of the MacDonald Clan massacre and take in the weeping waterfalls that inhabit this incredible glen. The highland town of Fort William marks the end of Scotland’s oldest and most popular long-distance walks, The West Highland Way. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 2: A Full Day on Skye You'll have the full day to explore the Isle of Skye. Highlights include the craggy Cuillin Mountains, the dramatic hills of the Quiraing, and the stunning Trotternish Peninsula.  You might see seals out in the waves as you walk along the coast, or a stag standing on a hillside. Visit the capital of Skye, Portree for lunch. Return to Inverness for your overnight stay. Day 3: Monster Spotting on Loch Ness Drive along the banks of Loch Ness where you can take a boat tour to Urquhart Castle or do a bit of monster hunting from the shore. Please note that during the winter months it may not be possible to take a cruise and visit the castle, but you will still get the opportunity to take in views of the loch, and see if you can spot the Loch Ness Monster. At the Culloden battlefield, the site of the defeat of the Jacobites, there is the option of taking a tour. Continue on through the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and stop to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry as you make your way back to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: 5-Day Outer Hebrides and Highlands Tour

7. Edinburgh: 5-Day Outer Hebrides and Highlands Tour

Day 1: Your tour will begin as you depart the cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh and travel into the Highlands. Your first stop of the day is in the village of Dunkeld. There you can stretch your legs and admire the cathedral’s unusual mixture of architectural styles, before you venture through the shadows of the great and gorgeous Grampian Mountains and stop for lunch at a Highland town in the Spey Valley. After lunch, head to Loch Ness where your driver/guide will help you attempt to catch a glimpse of Scotland’s most famous mythical monster. Corrieshalloch Gorge is a lesser-known Scottish sight, but it’s sure to be one that you’ll also love. In the early evening, you will arrive in the scenic fishing port of Ullapool for your overnight stay. Day 2: First on your second day's agenda is a ferry journey across the sea. This 2.5-hour boat trip takes you through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. Once you’ve arrived on Lewis and Harris, you will head to the north-west coast. Your driver/guide will make the most of what weather you’ve been blessed with, taking you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. You will later spend the evening in Stornoway; a bustling port town and the home of Scotland’s most delicious black pudding. Day 3: On your third day, it will be time to enter the region of Harris. Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and is home to one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring the dramatic landscapes, you will stop for lunch. Depending on the weather, you may even go for a picnic on the beach. Back onto the Isle of Lewis, you will visit the Callanish Stone Circle, a prehistoric sight which still mystifies archeologists today. A little down the road, you will visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway, before heading back to Stornoway in the late afternoon. Day 4: On your fourth day, you will travel through a landscape littered with crofting villages to Arnol Blackhouse. There you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches, without getting your hands too dirty. Following lunch, you will head back to Stornoway where you will take a ferry back to the mainland. You will then head straight for Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and your final overnight stop. Day 5: On your final day, you will leave Inverness and head for Tominoul, the highest village in the Highlands. You will then head into Royal Deeside where you will pay a visit to the Royal Lochnagar Whisky Distillery. There you can witness the craftsmanship of the distillers who make one of Scotland’s finest 12 year old single malts. Following the distillery visit, it will be time for lunch in the charming village of Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. From there the route south passes over Scotland’s highest mountain pass, Highland Perthshire, before stopping at Scone Palace, the home of Scotland’s legendary Coronation Stone (also known as the "Stone of Destiny"). From there, it will be a short journey back to Edinburgh.

Inverness: Outlander Day Tour

8. Inverness: Outlander Day Tour

First, stop at the world-famous Loch Ness, after which you carry on to Wardlaw Mausoleum, which was built in 1634 as the burial place for the Frasers of Lovat before later being used by the clan until the early 19th century. You’ll even venture into the crypt where you’ll learn of the mystery surrounding the double lead-lined coffin which was said to contain the headless body of the 11th Lord Lovat (Jamie’s grandfather in Outlander). Next, visit the attractive ruins of Beauly Priory, dating back to 1230, the burial site for the Frasers of Lovat and MacKenzies as far back as 1479. It was there at Beauly Priory that Claire came across the Lovat Seer, Maisri, when she and Jamie were visiting his grandfather prior to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Carry onto Culloden Battlefield, where Jamie survived the brutal and bloody end to the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Your guide will walk you around the battlefield and past the Fraser Stone, which commemorates the Fraser clansmen who fought there that day. Your next stop is Clava Cairns, three well-preserved Bronze Age burial chambers each surrounded by a circle of standing stones. The site boasts its own "split stone", similar to the one in the first Outlander book when Claire was transported back in time to 1743.

Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye: 6-Day Guided Tour

9. Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye: 6-Day Guided Tour

Head to the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye on a 6-day excursion to experience pre-historic sites, remote sandy beaches, stunning seascapes, dramatic landscapes, and picturesque villages. Travel in comfort with a small group, enjoying personalized attention and accommodation in guesthouses and B&Bs. Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Travel north into the Scottish highlands, stopping at the historic village of Dunkeld for a short walk through the forest to some waterfalls. Continue north through the Grampian Mountains to the Spey Valley, where you’ll have lunch. In the afternoon you’ll see world-famous Loch Ness and stop in Inverness. Visit the impressive waterfalls at Corrieshalloch Gorge before arriving in the fishing port of Ullapool for your overnight stay. Day 2 Catch the morning ferry for a 2-hour sail along Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles and then out across the Minch to Stornoway, the main town on Lewis and the capital of the Outer Hebrides. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and seabirds during the crossing. In the afternoon you’ll explore the north-west coast from Arnol, through traditional crofting townships to the Port of Ness and the very northern tip of the island. Overnight in Stornoway. Day 3 Spend the day exploring some of the prehistoric remains on the island and visit its finest beaches. The fascinating circular stone fort, or Broch, at Carloway will be your first stop, followed by more traditional crofting communities such as Gearrannan and Shawbost. Then it’s on to Callanish with its mysterious ancient stone circle. In the afternoon you’ll head to the remote district of Uig with its fine sandy beaches at Bhaltos, and dramatic sea cliffs and rugged hills. Overnight in Stornoway. Day 4 Travel south from the wild moorlands of Lewis to the more mountainous Harris, which is almost, but not quite, an island on its own. Famous for the locally produced cloth, Harris Tweed, it is also home to the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and the stunning white sands of Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring South Harris you’ll stop for lunch in the small port of Tarbet. Catch the late afternoon ferry to Skye and continue on to the picturesque village of Plockton for your overnight stay. Day 5 This is your day to explore the Isle of Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and your driver/guide will decide on the best day out for the group. You might head west to Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century home of the Clan Macleod, to the emerald green valley of Glendale, or to the dramatic sea-cliffs and lonely lighthouse at Neist Point. In the afternoon the tour may concentrate on the south of the island. Spend time at Elgol to admire the seascapes and views of the Cuillin, or Talisker and its beautiful bay or Glenbrittle and its famed waterfalls. Overnight in Plockton. Day 6 The return journey to Edinburgh has many highlights, including the Eilean Donan Castle, Fort William, and the dramatic scenery and dark history of Glencoe. The last stop of the day will be in Killin, beside the Falls of Dochart, before arriving in Edinburgh.

Scotland: Orkney and Northern Coast 5-Day Tour

10. Scotland: Orkney and Northern Coast 5-Day Tour

Drive to the top of Scotland on a scenic 5-day tour, and learn the history of the Highlands at sites such as the battlefield of the Macdonald clan massacre, and Stirling Castle. Spend the day on the Orkney Isles, and travel the northenmost coast of mainland Scotland. The tour is by luxury 16-seat Mercedes minibus for a more intimate experience, while bed and breakfast accommodation is provided in Inverness, the lovely town of Kirkwall, and the whitewashed fishing village of Ullapool at the mouth of Loch Broom. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh, heading west towards Stirling. Pass Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, and continue to Doune Castle, used for location shoots in Monty Python’s “Holy Grail.” Stop in the small town of Callander for refreshments. Then, marvel at the splendor of Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart on a scenic drive over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor. The views of the extinct volcano will take your breath away, and were also the scene of the infamous Clan Macdonald massacre of 1692. Continue north up the Great Glen to mysterious Loch Ness, with plenty of time to try and spot “Nessie” the Loch Ness Monster. The evening will be spent in Inverness, with free time to explore the “Capital of the Highlands.” Day 2: Depart Inverness early to cross over the Black Isle and past Andrew Carnegie’s Skibo Castle. From here, drive the northeast coastline, traveling into some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Enjoy the views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, and the chance to spot wildlife such as golden eagle and red deer. Close to Scotland’s most northerly mainland village, John O’ Groats, board the ferry to cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney archipelago. It is a short drive on arrival to the famous Italian Chapel, where you will stop for a quick visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, your home for the next 2 nights. Look inside Kirkwall’s magnificent Viking cathedral, and wander the winding streets of the historic town center. Day 3: Explore the ancient island of Orkney, and discover a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands, and washed by the waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include a visit to Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, where Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions in the 12th century. Day 4: It’s time to leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, travel across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches of the northern coastline. Go to the far northwest of the Highlands, and admire the grandeur of the wild Assynt mountains. Stop to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Continue to Ullapool at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you will spend your last night. Day 5: Your morning includes visits to Corrieshalloch Gorge, and the ancient Clava Cairns, as well as exploring the more recent bloody history of the Culloden battlefield. Return south through the magnificent Cairngorm National Park, driving past the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Highland Perthshire, before your drop off in Edinburgh.

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Frequently asked questions about Inverness

What are the best day trips and excursions from Inverness?

The best day trips and excursions from Inverness are:

Loch Ness

Other Sightseeing Options in Inverness

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What people are saying about Inverness

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 6 reviews

Our tour guide, Mr. Fraser, was incredibly knowledgeable and kind. His words transported us back in time in a very respectful and insightful manner. We learned a lot and enjoyed the trip a lot. He was attentive, kind and very patient, and we enjoyed every second of the tour.

Excellent trip. The driver Kev was really nice. My and my wife really enjoyed the whole time though the weather wasn’t in favour as it was a rainy day. I would highly recommend the trip specially Glen Affric where you can see the beauty of nature.

lan is a brilliant guide with much endowed knowledge of Scottish history and zeal. I highly recommend him as a tour guide to everyone. He even covered some hidden tourist places and attractions besides what was mentioned in itnerary.

mazing tour. Visited several Neolithic sites in Orkney. Guided by very kind Scottish man. The view of highland Scotland and John o' Groats was also beautiful. It worths to join.

The Greatest in Opulence

Our guide was great, we had a lovely time. The views were breathtaking