Private Outlander Tour - mit Urquhart Castle Option

My son and I booked a 2 day tour with Craig Dale from Highland Excursions and had a great time. Craig switched our activities around as a storm was coming in for our day on Skye. It worked out as the bridge to the island was closed off the following day when we were originally scheduled to go. He picked us up promptly at our AirBnb in Inverness. We started the day off at Urquhart Castle which was really amazing seeing the ruins and views of Lochness. Next we had our tea and highland coo experience at Quila Chrishe tea room and farm. (I booked this separately from Craig and highly recommend with a review to follow). We then stopped briefly to see Eileen Donan castle on the way to Skye. Will definitely need to come back to go inside. It’s quite spectacular.Our main reason for our visit to Skye was to release some of my husband Charlie’s ashes (he passed away in December 2024). I’m so glad we could accomplish that as he always wanted to see the fairy pools and Skye. Be mindful that getting to the Fairy pools is a commitment as you need to hike at least an hour there and back from the car park. It is so worth it, but the trail is busy as well with so many visitors.After that we then stopped at the Fairy Glen for a short walk and to get some photos. It’s truly beautiful. Then quick stops to see the colorful houses at Portree and Kilt Rock. Sadly the storm was coming in as we passed Old Man of Storr and it looked very spooky. It was a very long and special day. The following day with Craig was much shorter since we’d spent about 13 hours with him the day before and with the storm we were limited due to road closures and weather. On day 2 we visits Wardlow Mausoleum which was where Simon FraserLord Lovat (Jamie Fraser’s grandfather in the book and show) was buried. It’s in a very interesting building where Craig had to retrieve the key from a special hiding place. We had a jump scare when the heavy door slammed shut on us. Lol Thankfully we were able to exit. We also met the local architect who is renovating the mausoleum and he had great stories about Diana Gabaldon. Next we went to see Beauly Priory (1230) a monastic ruin. There’s a scene from Outlander where Claire meets the seer Maisri. It started raining heavily so we went for lunch to get out of the rain and had a very enjoyable meal at the Priory Hotel. Next we tried to go to a local whisky distillery, but they decided to close early from the storm. We then went to see the Clootie Well in Munlochy where a natural spring is supposed to grant healing powers to those who visit. Craig was kind enough to provide us with a cloth which we dipped in the well and my son tied to a tree branch. Our last stop was at Leaky’s Book store which I’d always wanted to visit. My son found some books and was very happy. That ends our 2 day adventure with Craig. He went above and beyond to make sure we could honor my husband’s wishes. He’s very amiable and we enjoyed our talks about Scotland and the local scenery.

This was a great tour done with 5 couples. Craig was very knowledgeable and very accommodating for our large group. I would highly recommend. He was punctual picking us up at our cruise port and customized the tour for what we wanted.

Craig was fantastic, very friendly took us to great places and was very knowledgeable on the areas. He also took us to a lovely cafe for lunch. I would highly recommend this tour when in Scotland.

What a full day! Loved the ability to see the Scottish Highlands and not have to drive it. Craig knew the sights to see and when best to see them. Add in a couple of distilleries and the day was perfect. Thank you for a memorable trip.

Craig Dale was exceptional and a plethora of Highland information. He fine-tuned our tour exclusively per our request! Even added a surprise visit to Wardlaw Mausoleum and the Fraser Clan cemetery. It was such an incredible day that I will never forget! I'm already planning a return trip/tour with Highland Excursions! Well worth every second!

We had the best time on this tour with these tour guides. Highlight of my UK trip! I highly recommend this company.