The Hebridean Explorer
Private Tours of the Scottish Highlands & Islands
2 (or 3) Day Highlands Tour from Inverness

2 (or 3) Day Highlands Private Tour

Explore four thousand years of Highland history, from Bronze Age monuments and Pictish stones to Culloden Battlefield, medieval cathedrals and Highland castles. Led by a historian, this private tour takes in the landscapes of Moray, Easter Ross and the West Highlands.

Choose any two days from the three available itineraries – East, North or West – or enjoy the complete three day tour. Each day departs from and returns to Inverness, so you can stay in the same accommodation throughout with no need to pack and move on.

2 (or 3) Day Highlands Tour from Inverness

Day 1 — Inverness to the East

Begin at Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite Rising of 1745–1746 met its tragic end. Nearby, the ancient Clava Cairns offer a glimpse into Bronze Age Highland life. Continue east to Sueno’s Stone, Scotland’s tallest carved Pictish stone, before exploring the atmospheric ruins of Elgin Cathedral, once known as the ‘Lantern of the North’. On the return to Inverness, stop at the Rodney Pictish Stone, a remarkable reminder of the people who shaped this region more than twelve centuries ago.

Day 2 — Inverness to the North

Travel north across the Kessock Bridge into Easter Ross, home to some of Scotland’s finest Pictish carved stones. Follow the coastal Seaboard trail to the striking Shandwick Stone and intricately carved Nigg Stone, decorated with Pictish symbols and early Christian imagery. Continue to Tarbat Discovery Centre in Portmahomack, which explores the remains of an important Pictish monastic settlement. Inland, discover the mysterious Eagle Stone at Strathpeffer and the Iron Age hillfort of Knockfarrel, with its panoramic views across the Highlands.

Day 3 — Inverness to the West

Follow the shores of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, a once-formidable stronghold with a turbulent history of medieval conflict and Highland clan rivalry. Continue west through the dramatic mountain scenery of Loch Cluanie and Glen Shiel, stopping to enjoy the views along the way. The journey culminates at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most recognisable castles, where you can explore its history and restoration while taking in its spectacular setting above the meeting of sea lochs.

Tour Highlights

  • East Day
  • North Day
  • West Day
  • Culloden Battlefield
  • Tarbat Discovery Centre
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Clava Cairns
  • Shandwick Stone
  • Loch Ness
  • Elgin Cathedral
  • Knockfarrel Vitrified Fort
  • Eilean Donan Castle
  • Rodney Pictish Stone
  • Nigg Stone
  • Glen Shiel

Private Tour Price (per tour)

April to October:

2 Day Highlands Tour — £1400

3 Day Highlands Tour — £2100

Depart Inverness

Return Inverness

(2 or 3 Days)

What's Included

What's included in the tour price?

Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your private group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Your private tour price includes:

  • Private tour for your group only (1, 2 or 3 persons)
  • An experienced driver-guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald)
  • A comfortable tour vehicle with good visibility and generous legroom
  • All taxes and fees

What's excluded?

The tour price does not include your accommodation costs, entrance fees, meals and refreshments.

Route & Logistics

Where does the tour start from?

Enjoy the ease of a private pickup. This tour departs and returns to Inverness each day of the two (or three) day tour and I will meet you directly at your Inverness accommodation on the morning of each tour day.

Are there alternative destinations I can choose?

On the East Day you can visit Cawdor Castle, with its historic rooms and gardens, or Pluscarden Abbey, a peaceful medieval Benedictine abbey, instead of Elgin Cathedral. On the North Day you can visit Dunrobin Castle, the historic seat of the Dukes of Sutherland, with its gardens and coastal setting, instead of the Tarbat Discovery Centre (and possibly Knockfarrel, subject to the day's timings). Please mention your preference in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.

Can the tour itinerary be customised?

The tour itinerary is based on nineteen years of guiding experience, previous client feedback, and practical travel timings. However, there is some flexibility and the itinerary can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.

Comfort & Practicalities

How much walking does this tour involve?

Most stops on this route are short walks from the vehicle to a viewpoint, castle or historic site. The pace is relaxed and there is plenty of time to enjoy each stop. If you would prefer to skip a particular walk or explore at your own pace, that is absolutely fine on a private tour.

How often do we stop?

The tour has plenty of viewpoint, photo and refreshment stops along with regular restroom stops. As it is a private tour, we can pretty much stop whenever you want!

What clothing and footwear should I bring?

Walking shoes or sneakers with good grip is recommended, along with a light waterproof jacket as Highland weather can be very changeable. All walks are entirely optional and can be tailored to your comfort and mobility level.

Booking & Availability

How do I book the tour?

The first step is simply to complete a Tour Enquiry Form with your preferred travel dates. I will then reply with availability and a detailed tour quotation (with absolutely no obligation to proceed at this stage). I usually reply to enquiries within 24 hours.

Can I just chat about the tour before booking?

Of course! You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:

Tour Enquiry Form