Inverness, Loch Ness & Highland Wonders Day Tour
Overview
Discover the romantic heart of the Scottish Highlands on a private day tour designed for families, multigenerational travellers, and small groups of up to eight guests who'd rather set their own pace than follow a coach timetable.
Travelling in the spacious, air-conditioned comfort of a modern executive minibus with your own dedicated driver-guide, your first stop off the road north is The Hermitage, on the edge of Dunkeld — a short woodland walk through towering Douglas firs to Ossian's Hall, perched above the thundering Black Linn Falls. From there it's on to the House of Bruar, Scotland's premier country wear and artisan food halls, before reaching Inverness, capital of the Highlands, for a relaxed lunch break beside the River Ness.
The afternoon brings you to the deep, ink-black waters of legendary Loch Ness and the evocative site associated with a Vickers Wellington Bomber that ditched here in 1940, then back through time at the 4,000-year-old Clava Cairns — a Bronze Age burial cemetery of passage graves and standing stones said to have inspired Outlander's Craigh na Dun. The day winds down in the storybook Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, cherished since Queen Victoria's 1842 visit, before a relaxed drive back to Edinburgh.
Because this is a private charter, the experience adapts around your group — linger longer at viewpoints that capture your heart, take breaks when little feet need to rest, and enjoy door-to-door Edinburgh hotel pickup and drop-off throughout.
Itinerary
8:00 AM
Hotel Pickup, Edinburgh
Your dedicated driver-guide picks up your party directly from your accommodation in Edinburgh, then heads north across the Queensferry Crossing into the Scottish Highlands.
The Hermitage, Dunkeld
Your first stop off the road north — a short woodland walk through towering Douglas firs to Ossian's Hall, perched above the thundering Black Linn Falls, a dramatic first taste of the Highlands.
The House of Bruar & Falls of Bruar
Nestled beneath the Atholl hills, the House of Bruar makes the perfect next Highland pause — Scotland's premier country wear and artisan food halls, or a woodland stroll to the tumbling Falls of Bruar.
Inverness — Capital of the Highlands (Lunch)
Commanding views of red sandstone Inverness Castle over the River Ness, the twin spires of St Andrew's Cathedral, and a relaxed lunch at one of the city's independent bistros or cafés.
Loch Ness & The Wellington Bomber Memorial
Standing beside the deep, ink-black waters of legendary Loch Ness, taking in the sweep of the Great Glen and the evocative site associated with the Vickers Wellington Bomber that ditched here in 1940.
Clava Cairns & Standing Stones
A short drive back into ancient prehistory at the 4,000-year-old Clava Cairns — a Bronze Age burial cemetery of passage graves and standing stones, said to have inspired Outlander's Craigh na Dun.
Pitlochry (Victorian Perthshire)
An afternoon break in the picturesque Victorian town of Pitlochry, cherished since Queen Victoria's 1842 visit — shortbread, tartan knitwear and artisan ice cream on the high street.
~7:00 PM
Homeward Bound: Edinburgh
A relaxed drive south through the farmlands of Fife and back over the Forth, dropping your group at your Edinburgh doorstep with the evening free.
As this is a private, flexible tour, your driver-guide can amend the itinerary or add extra stops along the way, time permitting, based on what you'd like to see or do.
What's Included
- Private vehicle for your group only
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned executive minibus
- Complimentary bottled water
- Complimentary Scottish biscuits
- Free baby seat and child seat (reserve in advance)
- Knowledgeable local driver-guide
Not Included
- Loch Ness cruise boat ticket (optional, bookable on request)
- Lunch and other meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
What to Bring
Scotland can see four seasons in one day, so we recommend packing:
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Good walking shoes or boots
- Light scarf
- Duration
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (approx. 11 hours)
- Max guests
- 8 people
- Pickup
- Edinburgh
Pickup from outside Edinburgh available on request.