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Highland and Speyside Explorer Tour from Inverness
1 day
Instant confirmation
About this activity
The Highland & Speyside Explorer Tour departs from Inverness at 8.45am, where we board a well-appointed coach with air conditioning, onboard WC and PA system. Accompanied by an experienced local driver, and separate knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide, we will embark on a sightseeing adventure to the following attractions;
1. Culloden Battlefield
Culloden was a short but bloody battle which took place on 16th April 1746 and marked the final chapter of the Jacobite Uprising . On a tour of this significant sight, your guide will bring the landscape to life as he enthralls you with a poignant account of the battle, the ensuing escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the subsequent demise of the Gaelic language and Highland clan culture.
2. Clava Cairns
Our next stop is Clava Cairns, a hugely significant Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves, ring cairns, a kerb cairn and standing stones in a beautiful location. This is a fantastic example of Highland history which dates back around 4000 years (and, for Outlander fans, make sure you listen out for the split stone buzzing!)
3. Glenlivet Distillery
The Glenlivet is situated in the heart of Scotland's malt whisky making country. Here you will have 30 minutes to explore the exhibition, where you can find out about the turbulent history of the whisky smugglers, and delve into the intriguing mysteries of distilling. You may wish to enjoy a coffee in The Old Maltings Coffee Shop, or take a walk up to Josie’s Well.
Alternatively, for an additional £8 per person, you can partake in a tutored tasting of three whiskies in one of the distillery's most exclusive tasting rooms. (This option can be booked on the day of the tour, and should be paid in cash to the tour guide).
4. Knockando Woolmill
This historic district mill has been producing woven fabric on its historic looms for over 200 years. Your volunteer guide will show you round the cluster of sympathetically restored buildings which house the spinning and weaving machines and, hopefully, you should be able to see the weavers at work. We would recommend souvenir shopping here, as it is the only place in Scotland where you can buy the goods produced at the mill.
6. Ballindalloch Castle
First and foremost a family home, this "Pearl of the North" has been lived in continuously by the Macpherson-Grants since 1546, and the magnificent building is resplendent with family memorabilia, fine furniture and paintings. You will have around 1 ½ hours here to independently explore both the castle and its lush gardens. You may also wish to sample the excellent homebaking in the cafe, or pick up some souvenirs.
7. Carrbridge
On our homeward journey we stop for a photo of the beautiful packhorse bridge in Carrbridge, before returning to Inverness with wonderful memories of an action-packed day.
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1. Culloden Battlefield
Culloden was a short but bloody battle which took place on 16th April 1746 and marked the final chapter of the Jacobite Uprising . On a tour of this significant sight, your guide will bring the landscape to life as he enthralls you with a poignant account of the battle, the ensuing escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the subsequent demise of the Gaelic language and Highland clan culture.
2. Clava Cairns
Our next stop is Clava Cairns, a hugely significant Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves, ring cairns, a kerb cairn and standing stones in a beautiful location. This is a fantastic example of Highland history which dates back around 4000 years (and, for Outlander fans, make sure you listen out for the split stone buzzing!)
3. Glenlivet Distillery
The Glenlivet is situated in the heart of Scotland's malt whisky making country. Here you will have 30 minutes to explore the exhibition, where you can find out about the turbulent history of the whisky smugglers, and delve into the intriguing mysteries of distilling. You may wish to enjoy a coffee in The Old Maltings Coffee Shop, or take a walk up to Josie’s Well.
Alternatively, for an additional £8 per person, you can partake in a tutored tasting of three whiskies in one of the distillery's most exclusive tasting rooms. (This option can be booked on the day of the tour, and should be paid in cash to the tour guide).
4. Knockando Woolmill
This historic district mill has been producing woven fabric on its historic looms for over 200 years. Your volunteer guide will show you round the cluster of sympathetically restored buildings which house the spinning and weaving machines and, hopefully, you should be able to see the weavers at work. We would recommend souvenir shopping here, as it is the only place in Scotland where you can buy the goods produced at the mill.
6. Ballindalloch Castle
First and foremost a family home, this "Pearl of the North" has been lived in continuously by the Macpherson-Grants since 1546, and the magnificent building is resplendent with family memorabilia, fine furniture and paintings. You will have around 1 ½ hours here to independently explore both the castle and its lush gardens. You may also wish to sample the excellent homebaking in the cafe, or pick up some souvenirs.
7. Carrbridge
On our homeward journey we stop for a photo of the beautiful packhorse bridge in Carrbridge, before returning to Inverness with wonderful memories of an action-packed day.
Included
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
- Experienced driver
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
Not included
- Lunch (this will be available to pre-order during the tour, for a surcharge of approximately £6, to be paid in cash)
- Optional triple whisky tasting at The Glenlivet Distillery (this will be available to book on the day, for a surcharge of £8, to be paid in cash)
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Departures are guaranteed - if you book onto a tour then it will run on that date
- Seats are not assigned - please arrive early to pick your seat
- The tour is only open to children over the age of 6
- Vegetarian and gluten free options are available for lunch
- The coach is not wheelchair accessible
- If you have limited mobility you are welcome to come on the tour. Although you may not be able to participate fully in all experiences, you will be able to access all sights
- The Highland & Speyside Explorer Tour runs on the same coach as our Whisky Bus
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
70%
Reviews
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We visited the region in mid-May and only had a short time in Inverness. We choose this tour because of the variety of sites visited. Our tour guide Sandy was excellent and provided a very in-depth discussion of all the sites visited including the final battle of the Jacobite rebellion at Culloden Battlefield. We were very pleased with the variety of the tour. We visited Clava Cairns, Drumin Castle, Knockando Woolmill, Carr-Bridge and saw hairy coos. We would highly recommend this tour for those with limited time to spend in Inverness and want to get out of the city and see the region.