Urquhart Castle, Culloden, Craigh na Dun and the mystery of Nessie

We aim to give you a full day of adventure and enjoyment, making you as comfortable as possible. We hope you will return again and again to visit the Scottish Highlands, as this is all but a taster session, although you will have plenty of time to experience every aspect of the Thistle tour.

Tour vehicle

This tour could be in a 4, 8, 16, 33 or 49 seater vehicle. It is usually in the smaller of these though.

What's included in the price?

Adult £149, Child £110, Infact under 2 years £50. (includes entrance charge to Urquhart castle and the Nessie Exhibition Centre in Drumnadrochit.) 

Tour timings

Depart at 9am or 10am if your ship docks later. Please meet your guide around 8.40am.  Tour returns at least 1 hour before ship departure. The tour lasts from 6-8 hours but can be shortened to accommodate ship departure times. It can also leave later if your ship docks after 9.  We will have you back in plenty of time for your ship's departure.  Please do not be concerned as we will have you back on the ship before it sails.

For our cancellation policy see FAQs https://www.thistleexcursions.co.uk/faqs

Inverness - photo opportunities and short visit

Tour around the sights - Inverness, Castle and historic places including Outlander links whilst remaining in your vehicle.  The guide will provide information on the city sights and you will be normally dropped off for around 45 minutes, if tour timings allow for this.

Loch Ness

Travel beside Loch Ness for 15 miles, stopping for photos of Nessie (if you’re very lucky).  (20-30 minutes)

Culloden Battlefield 

⚔️ Culloden Battlefield (16 April 1746)

The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, fought on Drumossie Moor, near Inverness. It pitched the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart (“Bonnie Prince Charlie”)—seeking to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne—against the Government army of the Duke of Cumberland, loyal to King George II.

Castle Clava Cairns (Creag na Dun inspiration)

The site consists of passage graves, ring cairns, and standing stone circles. Three main cairns remain, aligned with the setting sun at the winter solstice, showing the builders’ astronomical knowledge.

Built as sacred burial and ritual sites, likely for important community leaders. Excavations revealed cremated remains, pottery, and tools.

Urquhart Castle (in Outlander)

Visit the ruins of Urquhart castle as well as the video centre. Watch a 6 minute historic video with own language subtitles. Wander down to the ruins or browse the shop or cafe.  You'll be here about 1.5 hours mostly, (entrance included).

Beauly and Highland Coos

Leave the village Drumnadrochit then back to the ship via wild land 1000 feet up a mountain the dropping down into the village of Beauly, passing by the ancient Priory. and if time calling into Robertson's farm to see the hairy Highland cows - Katie Morag and Jamie.  

Outlander TV hotspots

Outlander fans will not be disappointed as our tour guides point out all the filming locations of the popular series based on the book by Diana Gabaldon.