Uncover the mystery of Loch Ness on a cruise to Urquhart Castle on this guided tour from Inverness. Immerse yourself in local history at Culloden Battlefield. Enter the world of the hit TV show Outlander at the standing stones at Clava Cairns. Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness. Glide over the lake's shimmering waters on a 1-hour cruise to Urquhart Castle. Have free time to explore the 13th-century ruins on foot. Stop to purchase lunch in one of the charming local cafés in Beauly and explore Beauly Priory, which was featured in the Outlander novel series. Enjoy an optional Highland whisky distillery experience, where you can choose to sample a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on a visit to Culloden Battlefield. Step into the world of Outlander at the burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history that inspired 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.

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.

Head north from Edinburgh and pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle. Skirt the Trossachs (Rob Roy country) before crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and moving on to dramatic Glencoe, the site of the massacre of the McDonald clan in 1692.  The tour takes you past Fort William and Britain's highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis, before following the Great Glen and stopping in the village of Fort Augustus by the shores of mysterious Loch Ness. You then have the option to take a boat trip on mysterious Loch Ness and hunt for Nessie, explore the shores of the loch, or simply relax and enjoy your free locally produced picnic lunch.  A typical lunch includes a bottle of Scottish mineral water, a choice of freshly made sandwiches, and shortbread. Your return journey passes south along Loch Laggan stopping at one of the quaint Highland villages along the way.  After one last look at the spectacular Forth Bridges, arrive back in the capital at around 8:00 PM. Loch Ness Cruise option: A cruise on Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience, where you might just catch a glimpse of Nessie. Locally owned custom-built boats are used, designed with sonar and underwater imaging systems, giving you a fascinating view of the terrain and life underwater.  Enjoy the views with a coffee or beer from the onboard bar.  Purchase your cruise ticket from our office on the day of the tour. Tickets cost £16.50* and allow you to board the boat immediately on arrival in the village without having to queue. The Loch Ness Cruise is subject to availability during winter months. *Prices may vary slightly when purchased during the tour

Join a tour from Aberdeen and experience the beauty of the Royal Deeside, with its connections to the monarchy and stunning scenery. Discover Balmoral and walk in the footsteps of generations of royals who have called this castle home. Visit picturesque villages in the area. Balmoral castle* was the late Queen Elizabeth's private country retreat and a beloved home. King Charles, who has his own private home on the estate, has a great affection for the castle and grounds. When visiting we highly recommend the audio tour where you will hear stories from people who lived and worked at Balmoral as they guide you around the estate. ***Balmoral Castle closes on the 16th of August. We will substitute the National Trust for Scotland's Crathes Castle on this tour. Crathes Castle was home to the Burnett family, who lived in the castle for over 350 years, and had roots in the area dating back to 1323. Alexander Burnett built the castle in the 16th century, an intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings, many of which survive beautifully to this day. Inside you’ll find cultural history, family portraits and antique furniture. The walled garden is wonderful, split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable a sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702. Scotland is iconic for its beautiful rugged mountains, hills of heather and cool clear rivers running through the countryside. On this short scenic drive we detour through the fringes of the highland moors and heath lands of the east Cairngorm national park. Ballater will be next on your tour and is is a picturesque Victorian village. This planned agricultural town dates back over two hundred years and is set around a central village green and the impressive Glenmuick Kirk which held its first service in 1800. A stroll around the town reveals an interesting range of many specialty shops and good selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy some of the local food & drink. As we start to make our way back to Aberdeen we will visit the iconic Cambus O'May suspension bridge, a very popular outdoor destination for visitors walking in the area. A walk up to the Tomnaverie recumbent stone circle, is a breathtaking experience. A characteristic feature of this type of circle is a large stone on its side, flanked by two upright stones, usually on the south or south-west arc of the circle. The stone circle surrounds a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago. Finally a visit the Queen's view just outside Tarland. The view gained its name from Queen Victoria who quickly fell in love with the view of the lower valley of the Dee which includes a view of the peak of Lochnagar. The view is particularly loved for its unspoiled beauty which has not changed greatly for hundreds of years making it even more remarkable, and a view which is iconic of Aberdeenshire.

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.

Discover Scottish nature and the islands around Loch Lomond by stand up paddleboard. Enjoy an outdoor adventure, with the option to choose from a 2 or 4-hour paddleboarding experience. Look out for the plentiful local wildlife as you glide across the water.  Meet in Luss, where an experienced instructor will give you a brief introduction to stand up paddleboarding on land. Paddle out onto the loch and be immersed in the beautiful landscape. Stop at nearby islands such as Inchconnachan and explore the Narrows, considered the jewel of Loch Lomond.

See the Scottish countryside from a different angle. Customize your private canyoning trip and see the stunning Dollar Glen Canyon, the cascading Dollar Glen Falls, and ancient volcanic rocks. Meet your guide in the parking lot, and follow them on a scenic hike through the Dollar Glen. At this beautiful vantage point, learn about the canyoning equipment you will use during your adventure. After donning your wetsuit harness and helmet, practice canyoning basics with your guide. Begin your personalized adventure. Descend a stunning canyon wall carved from 400 million-year-old volcanic rock to find glistening waterfalls and hidden pools. After an exhilarating couple of hours, take a short walk back to the parking lot for delicious homemade treats and refreshing drinks.

Explore Scotland’s history on this unique tour. Start your day with a visit to Stirling Castle, home to the Scottish Royals until the early 17th century. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the castle itself or stroll around Old Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland. On your way to Loch Lomond you’ll see the famous highland cows, and pass a stunning landscape of lochs and mountains, reaching Loch Lomond at lunchtime. After lunch by the "bonnie banks," you’ll have the choice of a boat trip on the Loch or a short nature walk to a superb viewpoint over Scotland’s largest lake. You’ll finish the day at Glengoyne Distillery, situated in a wooded valley in the southern Highlands. The distillery, which takes its name from ‘Glen Guin’ or Glen of the Wild Geese, has been producing high quality single malt for nearly 200 years. You will, of course, have the opportunity to tour this beautifully located distillery and sample the delicious 10-year-old product for yourself!

Explore Islay and become a whisky expert on this unique 4-day tour. Sit back and enjoy the action-packed itinerary as you are driven in style in a luxury minicoach. And learn about the long history and traditions of this special Island. Discover everything Islay has to offer, from stunning sandy beaches to fascinating wildlife and a vibrant local culture. And try the famous Islay whiskies, renowned for their strong peaty flavors and nurtured by the salty sea air. Day 1 On day 1 you’ll travel through Loch Lomond National Park, with visits to Inveraray, Loch Fyne and the Kingdom of Dalriada. Here you can see the Kilmartin standing stones and community museum before catching the ferry to Islay for 3 nights in Bowmore. Day 2 Day 2 gives you the flexibility to visit the lovely sandy bays of Islay’s west coast, Saligo Bay, Kilchoman Distillery, Machair Bay, the tiny harbor village of Portnahaven, Bruichladdich Distillery, Ardnahoe Distillery, and the Islay Museum. Day 3 On day 3 you’ll explore the south side of Islay followed by a tour, tasting and lunch with local produce at Ardbeg. Other options include the ruins of Kildalton church or a visit to the community craft producers at Islay House Square and the woodlands along the River Sorn. Day 4 On day 4 you’ll take the ferry back to Argyll and the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. Lunch will be at Kilmartin, home to 350 pre-historic monuments and stone circles, with some free time in Oban before returning to Edinburgh via Glasgow.

Meet your guide at the meeting point at the port of Greenock (Glasgow) and depart by bus over the Clyde River and onto the southern tip of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy narration enhanced by Scottish music and movie sound bites setting the scene for the sights you are about to see. Your first stop is at An Ceann Mor with a vantage point overlooking Loch Lomond. This recent creation fits into the landscape due to its wooden composition and offers spectacular views of Scotland's most picturesque loch. As you travel onwards, make a brief stop at The Green Welly Stop for refreshments and a little souvenir hunting. Your next stop is at Kilchurn Castle, a ruin that was originally built on an island on Loch Awe in the 15th century. A short walk across a causeway gives you access to this magnificent former home of Sir Colin Campbell that has lain in ruin over the centuries. Spend time viewing the fantastic surroundings as you photograph the ruins before heading to your next destination. Arrive at Inveraray and visit the family seat of the Duke of Argyll where you can wander the halls and visit the castle armoury (Closed to public on Tuesdays). While in Inveraray, take the opportunity to sample Scottish cuisine at one of the town's delicious eateries. With your appetite sated, head to a stunning viewpoint overlooking a magnificent Scottish glen at the Rest and be Thankful mountain pass where you can capture a picture-perfect image of Scotland. The final destination before heading back to your ship is at the small village of Luss. Take time for last-minute souvenir shopping and some light refreshments as you wander around this lovely little village. Visit the church built by Sir James Colquhoun of the Clan Colquhoun where you’ll find some early medieval graves and evidence of Viking presence in the area.