Top Things to do in Scottish Highlands
Top Hotels in Scottish Highlands
- 1. The Onich Hotel
- 2. Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness
- 3. Travelodge Inverness Fairways
- 4. The Garrison Hotel
- 5. Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
- 6. Ness Walk Hotel
- 7. The Morar Hotel
- 8. Craigmonie Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality
- 9. Premier Inn Inverness East hotel
- 10. Premier Inn Thurso hotel
10 Distillery Tours in Scottish Highlands That You Shouldn't Miss
The moody, romantic Scottish Highlands start at Loch Lomond just north of Glasgow. Comprising a slew of mountain ranges, this sparsely populated land is best seen by train on the West Highland Line. Mountains, lochs, bright heather and rhododendrons give way to white sand beaches and rugged coves as the train nears Mallaig. For a more active take on the region, hike the West Highland Way or visit the Trossachs National Park. Ben Nevis, a popular climbing spot, looms over the town of Fort William.
Restaurants in Scottish Highlands
1. Isle of Skye Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Private guide/driver will take you to the iconic beauty spots and historical locations on the road to Skye. We have flexibility to alter the tour for any last minute requests you may have and aim to provide you with the most memorable experiences on your Scottish holiday. Options include the Fairy Pools and a spectacular lunch stop. There are a few hidden gems along the way.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, WiFi on board
Exclusions: Entrance fees
Reviewed By Damien B
Our good friend and guide Sinead gave us a wonderful two day tour around Inverness and all its outlander related sites.
2. GHD Clan Tour of Northern Whisky Distilleries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
You will not find this particular tour available anywhere else... to visit 4 distilleries in one day will really make the most of your time here in the heart of the highlands.
Inclusions: Whisky Tastings at any of the Distilleries you choose to enter, Usual fun with George
Exclusions:
Reviewed By kimmydoll068
We had the pleasure of being the only two people on George's Outlander Tour through the highlands in February. Despite our worst fears of miserable winter weather, we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day out. George was accommodating and very knowledgeable of the local history and made our day one we will not soon forget! We loved seeing all the significant places in the inspiration and filming of Outlander and walking around with a true Scot in a kilt! What a wonderful day!! :)
3. Select South Private Tour from Invergordon Cruise Port
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
This is a Private Tour by Luxury MPV from Invergordon heading South taking in a number of iconic attractions. This tour is laid back and at a speed to suit my customers. Whilst there will be an itinerary it is your day and this can be changed in real time as we go to change what we see or do. Tickets for attractions are not included but can be acquired at short notice at cost price.
Inclusions: Pick up and drop off from the Port of Invergordon, Complimentary water and snacks are carried in the vehicle, There is complimentary wifi where reception allows, Good craic, Snacks, Bottled water
Exclusions: Entrance tickets to attractions, meals
Reviewed By spinart2016
My husband and I had a wonderful day last week (Oct 2020) exploring the Northern Highlands from Inverness with Craig. Prior to our visit, I communicated with Craig via email to plan our day. I had a few things in mind that I wanted to see, such as the Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Dunrobin Castle, but mostly explained that we wanted to get a sense of the history and culture and stop and take in the beautiful landscapes and take photos. Craig delivered all that and more, exceeding our expectations, with his knowledge of the area and his delightful stories. In addition to all of the above, Craig whisked us off to a surprise visit to fascinating Wardlaw Mausoleum to learn more about the Clan Fraser (Outlander fans will understand!), Beauty Priory, Shin Falls to see the salmon leaping (yes, we did get to see actual salmon!). We had another surprise at Dunrobin Castle with a Falconry demonstration, which normally would not be operating this time of year. Many stops along the way to see beautiful vistas, Loch Fleet World Heritage site where we had a good view of the seal colony, and Clootie Well. Craig was the ultimate host, picking us up and dropping us off at our Inverness hotel, driving us in comfort, complete with safety measures of hand sanitizer and masks, and more importantly a picnic hamper full of snacks. He was very responsive and communicative before and after our trip. I highly recommend Craig as your personal tour guide to the delightful Highlands.
4. Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander Day Tour from Inverness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness, where you will have the option to join a cruise to the ruins of the 13th century Urquhart Castle, or to explore the nearby village of Drumnadrochit. Free time to enjoy lunch in one of the charming local cafés in beautiful Beauly and walk it off exploring Beauly Priory; used in the filming of Outlander. Our next stop is a Highland whisky distillery, where you can join an optional tour to learn about whisky production and sample a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on our visit to Culloden Battlefield. Outlander fans will love the mysterious burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history behind the Outlander story, you might not want to travel back in time to meet Jamie Fraser after all! Return to Inverness in the early evening.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Local Scottish Guide
Exclusions: Food and Drink, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle (buy on site), Distillery tour and tasting (buy on site), Culloden Battlefield Exhibition (buy on site), Gratuities
Reviewed By 180rebecar
Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!
5. Skye in brief, shorter luxury tour to Isle of Skye
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This well featured tour from Inverness to the Isle of Skye is shorter than my other tour but remains feature packed with visits to iconic locations. Collection from your accomodation , train or bus stations, airport or any other specified place in the Inverness area.
Inclusions: Complimentary Bottled Water and Snacks are routinely carried in the vehicle, WiFi is available where reception allows, Snacks, Bottled water
Exclusions: There are options/opportunities to visit various paid attractions throughout the tour, such fees are not included, Any required meals are not included
Reviewed By spinart2016
My husband and I had a wonderful day last week (Oct 2020) exploring the Northern Highlands from Inverness with Craig. Prior to our visit, I communicated with Craig via email to plan our day. I had a few things in mind that I wanted to see, such as the Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Dunrobin Castle, but mostly explained that we wanted to get a sense of the history and culture and stop and take in the beautiful landscapes and take photos. Craig delivered all that and more, exceeding our expectations, with his knowledge of the area and his delightful stories. In addition to all of the above, Craig whisked us off to a surprise visit to fascinating Wardlaw Mausoleum to learn more about the Clan Fraser (Outlander fans will understand!), Beauty Priory, Shin Falls to see the salmon leaping (yes, we did get to see actual salmon!). We had another surprise at Dunrobin Castle with a Falconry demonstration, which normally would not be operating this time of year. Many stops along the way to see beautiful vistas, Loch Fleet World Heritage site where we had a good view of the seal colony, and Clootie Well. Craig was the ultimate host, picking us up and dropping us off at our Inverness hotel, driving us in comfort, complete with safety measures of hand sanitizer and masks, and more importantly a picnic hamper full of snacks. He was very responsive and communicative before and after our trip. I highly recommend Craig as your personal tour guide to the delightful Highlands.
6. Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Private Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Travel deep into the Highlands of Scotland on our monster-sized day tour. You will hear the legendary stories of the Jacobites, get a chance to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster, as well as get lost in the beauty of Glencoe. It’s a tour packed with bewildering beauty and its perfect for those who are short on time and want to experience Scotland as much as possible. Places you explore: Callander, Loch Ba, Three Waters - waterfall, Glencoe, Laggan Locks, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Laggan Dam, Dalwhinney Distillery. • Full-day small group tour from Edinburgh (maximum 4 passengers) • Personalised attention, private tour (no one apart from you and your family members, friends will attend this tour) • You have more free time for sightseeing compared to similar bus tours • Enjoy privileged, personalized attention from your driver/guide on this small group tour • Mercedes V Class • Please note that tours stops and timings are flexible and for reference purposes only
Inclusions: Driver as a guide, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Admission fees
Reviewed By meghanc746
Ed was the perfect guide for a Girl's Day Trip. We had some extenuating circumstances on a previous tour earlier in the week that precluded us from completing it. We decided to try a private tour for the end of our trip and so glad we did. We had a few ideas of what we wanted to see and he was able to help us customize a day trip to see as many of those items as we could. He was a perfect tour guide and so patient and kind when we wanted to stop and look at various things and places (hairy cows and shopping!). We never felt rushed during our trip and he was also able to guide us through several castles so we go to see everything in our allotted time. Had we toured these places by ourselves I feel like we would have missed so much. We had a great time on our day trip and I would highly recommend Ed for a private tour of Scotland and the country side.
7. BMW X5 SUV Ultimate Speyside, Macallan, Cardhu, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Glenlivet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Gavin Nicholson, the two metre tour guide has been discovering Scotland his whole life and over the last 8 years he has become one of the most sought after tour guides in Scotland. Gavin is a knowledgeable and passionate born and bred Scottish Highlander who will entertain you with stories and anecdotes about growing up in Scotland. Sit back and relax while you tour in one of the most technologically advanced luxury tour vehicles in Scotland. Gavin's BMW X5 M50d 4x4 SUV can take you to parts of Scotland other tour vehicles can only dream of. An elevated vantage point so that you can see more of the beautiful Scottish Highland scenery throughout your tour. Panoramic roof for 360° degree views. Widescreens front and back to view maps and information throughout your journey. Heated seats front and back for those chilly days where you need warmed up. Chocolate paired whisky tastings from Gavin's extensive private collection.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Snacks, Kilted Highland Guide, Whisky and Chocolate Tasting, Face Mask and Hand Sanitiser, Free WIFI so that you can stay connected
Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance Fees
Reviewed By wontonshawn
I honestly do not have enough good things to say about Gavin and his company. He organized a great day of distilleries and sights for us and it was easily the best day of our vacation. It is obvious he does this because he genuinely loves sharing Scotland (and its whisky) with people. We basically left all the planning up to him and it was the correct choice. He was also able to get us last minute reservations at a fantastic restaurant in Inverness and coordinated a taxi driver (John, who was also a lot of fun to spend time with) for us as well. In short, this is the kind of experience one hopes to have when traveling and very rarely gets. Do yourself a favor and book Gavin himself if you have the opportunity, we can't recommend him highly enough.
8. Legendary Glenmorangie Distillery Visit... and more from Inverness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Go off the beaten track and explore some little-known, but fascinating, places within easy reach of Inverness and Invergordon. In a small group of no more than eight, visit Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, and Dornoch and its impressive cathedral. Complete your experience with a stop at Glenmorangie Distillery for an optional dram of whisky. Explore places missed by most visitors to Scotland Get insight into the culture and history of the region from your guide, Johnny. This is a very small-group tour for a more personal experience No-fuss round-trip transport (No more than 8 People)
Inclusions: Bottled water, Wifi On-board, Air Conditioned Vehicle, Local Guide
Exclusions: Attraction entry tickets
Reviewed By ArmyMan33711
A beautiful distillery in a park-like setting on the water. The tour guide was friendly and well-informed...took us through the distillery and cask storage facilities explaining the entire process. Tasting on one scotch included in the “Original” tour. Which was fine with us...a couple other options available
9. GHD Clan Tour of Speyside Distilleries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
You will be transported through time as you travel towards Speyside getting closer to George's Home town. You may hear his accent change slightly the closer he gets to the area of his childhood NOTE: It will depend on how early you book this tour as it is not always possible to gain entry to all distilleries on the same day as they are usually very busy. George will always do his best to ensure you get to visit and enjoy the distilleries of your choice around the area.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Local knowledge from a (TRUE) Highlander in a Kilt :)
Exclusions:
Reviewed By mutleymushu
I wanted to book a trip where myself and my husband were the only passengers but I wasn’t paying stupid money, and this trip fitted the bill. We had an excellent trip with George, who went out of his way to find us as many distilleries as he could. Unfortunately because of coronavirus many had shut their doors to visitors. Unsurprisingly none of the distilleries we did visit were doing tours of where they do production, but the ones we visited for tastings were well worth it. The highlight for us was Glenmorangie. We’d highly recommend a day with George, a true gent and Highlander.
10. Loch Ness,Culloden Battlefield,Cawdor Castle & Much More From Inverness City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Whether you are looking for 1 day tours from Inverness or simply trying to take in as many of the beautiful sights as possible on your Highland adventure, our Loch Ness tour from Inverness is sure to captivate like no other. Our friendly local guide will pick you up from your place of stay and take you on a tour to remember around some of the most famous, historic and culturally significant From Inverness we will travel to Loch Ness, home of the romantic and brooding Urquhart Castle (as well as a certain legendary monster!) The tour then turns towards the historic Beauly Priory, before arriving at the Glen Ord Distillery, one of the last remaining single malt scotch whisky distilleries on the Black Isle. Take in the historic and dramatic Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns, before heading for nearby Cawdor Castle. Round off your tour in Inverness with St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Ness Islands, before being dropped off at your place of stay. What are you waiting for Book now with us
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, luxury tranport fleet, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Vtentmt
It was really nice and good experience the tour with Mike. He is very kind and informative tour guide with thoughtful consideration. Really recommend for all others whose plan to visit Inverness.
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