This guided tour is a great introduction to Scotland and ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time. You'll pass by some of Scotland's most famous castles and mountains, see the ancient Clava Cairns, learn about the doomed Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You'll also visit the mysterious Loch Ness where you can take an optional boat trip.

Scottish Highlands tour from Aberdeen: See multiple attractions in one day
Great introduction to the Scottish Highlands for first-time visitors
Learn all about Scottish history and culture from your guide
Group size of no more than 16 guests promises an uncrowded experience

What's Included

Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
Small Group Tour (16 people max)

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Admission fees - Cruise on Loch Ness (£19 adult, £14.50 child)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Bus Station
Bus Station, Guild St, Aberdeen AB11 6NA, UK
(Stance 5) Aberdeen Bus Station, Guild Street, AB11 6NA

Start time

08:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Loch Ness

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Clava Cairns

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Culloden Battlefield

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Minimum age is 5 years
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate

Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
Loch Ness cruise – We reserve tickets for you. If you want to join the cruise, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:What is the departure point for the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The tour departs from the Aberdeen Bus Station on Guild Street.

Jun 2021

Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Parking can be difficult to find in the center of town. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of the excellent public transportation that is available.

Jun 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Check-in closes 15 minutes before your departure time. The tour departs on time, so please do not arrive late.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring luggage with me on the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:You may bring up to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.

Jun 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your camera and spending money for food, optional admission tickets, etc.

Jun 2021

Q:Are admission fees included in the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:No. You pay for access to sites such as castles and museums as you arrive. Most of these locations accept both cash and card.

Jun 2021

Q:What type of vehicle is used during the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The tour is conducted in a 16 seat Mercedes Mini-coach. There are three steps up into the coach – each 150mm in height. There are grab handles on both sides, the step edges are clearly marked and the treads are non-slip.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring a wheelchair on the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The bus is not wheelchair accessible, however, there is storage available for a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Guests must be able to get on/off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a companion as guides cannot assist physically.

Jun 2021

Q:Are restrooms available on the bus during the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:There are no restrooms on board the bus, however, the group does make regular breaks to use the restroom during the tour.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my small child with me on the Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:All guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this tour. If your child is 5 or older, but under 1.35m (4.4 ft.) tall, please notate this in the "Special Requirements" box so a booster seat can be arranged.

Jun 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Barbara_L

Hairy Coos! Neil was full of great stories and history. He made sure we all got to see much of the beautiful country side and stunning views.

Reviews

5.0

106 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 106 reviews

Beautiful views!

Barbara_L, Sep 2023

Hairy Coos! Neil was full of great stories and history. He made sure we all got to see much of the beautiful country side and stunning views.

Great tour!

Elise_v, Sep 2023

We had an absolute blast! It was a beautiful day, saw so many places, we highly recommend this tour! Thanks to our tourguide Jim! You made our day! Love from Holland, Mike & Elise

Stunning views

Raquel_F, Sep 2023

Meeting the Highlander cows and the driving along the beautiful Scotland highlands. Jim, our tour guide, was entertaining and very obliging about seeing to our comfort. He made reasonable suggestions to us regarding loo breaks and eating.

Good trip, great tour guide

Ryan_M, Sep 2023

The first stop was to a local store with coffee on one side and a wide variety of both known and unique whisky. The stone circles were worth seeing, it is not like anything I have seen before. Culloden would have been a great experience but we did not have enough time to explore it properly.

Excellence

Aaron_W, Sep 2023

Neil was the greatest tour person ever!! The stories made the trip… The stops are unbeatable. Book with Rabbies

The Highlands and the Hidden Nessy

Rozmin_M, Aug 2023

It was a beautiful ride through the highlands and the scenery was amazing. I would definitely recommend this tour. However, it is important to note that it is a very long tour and I suggest taking a few tasty snacks for the long drive; specially if the weather does not hold the promise of a sunny day. Be prepared to see Nessy making a few ripples and waves in the Loch Ness and also have a few interesting conversations around the lake 😊 Out tour guide was good at spinning a few yarns and making them as interesting and long as the winding road. He was knowledgeable and friendly.

Loch ness with Neal

Donna_D, Aug 2023

What a storyteller! With Neal we had a full day of schotland. The spider in the web and Fiddle player story, we will never forget. Be prepared! =D

The most fun you’ve ever had during history class.

Sheryl_S, Jul 2023

I loved all our guide’s stories about the things we saw. He just had a super personality and made everything fun. I think my favorite part was the Cairns, but those cows were adorable. Our guide was Jim.

A great way to visit the Loch Ness and indulge in a wee bit of whiskey

Jason_H, Jul 2023

Amazing!!! Jim our tour guide was amazing. It is a long trip (12 hrs.) but he was up beat and knowable the entire time. As the solo operator of the tour he was able navigate and narrate throughout the entire drive. As is with any trip not all stops will be for you but if you are looking for a way to see the Scottish highlands with staying overnight or driving yourself around for 12 hours this is hard to beat. The bus was clean and very comfortable. We were able to fit in places the larger bus weren’t so entry and exit to venues was a breeze. If you have cash you can buy your cruise ticket on the bus before had and skip waiting in line for tickets when you get to Loch Ness. Highly recommend the tour and hope for Jim as your driver!!

Amazing tour - a must do!

Lisa_M, Jul 2023

This was an absolutely incredible tour. Neil, our guide, was knowledgable and so friendly; a real asset to your team. Dealt with a customer illness amazingly too. Loved the views from the windows, the choice of stops (including meeting the super cute highland cows) and it was very well organised. Thank you so much!

Perfect way to see the Scottish Highlands.

Jeremy_W, Jul 2023

Neill did a great job. Got us safely to and from all the sites. This tour had several stops which made it better versus just a long car ride. You'll see an ton, learn a lot and enjoy the stories along the way.

Loch Ness and highland

laney_l, Jul 2023

Jim is a friendly and helpful guide who has great sense of humor. He share a lot of history on the different place we go before we reach Loch Ness. One of the favourite part of this trip is the stone circle which is interesting to visit and breath taking view. Jim is positive as the weather was dark when he took us at the bus station and it gets better. I would advise one to bring their windproof and rain jacket or poncho in case of the weather change. Loch Ness while we were taking a boat ride out it hails a little. The boat ride is nice as one get to see the lake and surrounds and also one castle that is nearby. For the food at Loch Ness I would recommend to go for Cullen skink and scotch egg. One of the surprise is jim also took us to additional attraction site as we still have time. He is a cow whisper as he promise to show us the highlands coos. It wasn’t a super rush guide tour and I enjoy it. Jim has good conversation with everyone. The trip it is on time and there are enough rest stop to stretch our leg or go to for toilet break. This group is relatively big but we still make it in time for each place . I would definitely recommend the tour.

Amazing a must do in my opinion

Catherine_H, Jun 2023

Neil the driver was a walking history book of all things Scottish. It was an amazing trip from start to finish

Very good

Adam_P, Jun 2023

This tour was very good. It brought us to a variety of very interesting and scenic places. The guide, Doug, was very good. He provided interesting information along the way and went above and beyond during the day.

Enjoyable day trip to the beautiful Highlands.

Candace_S, Jun 2023

The Highland scenery is so beautiful! Multiple, interesting stops on this tour. Our tour guide, Doug, was excellent - he was professional yet personable, and openly shared his knowledge of the area with good humor and style.

Great experience with the...

Jakub_Z, Jun 2023

Great experience with the best tour guide ever! My group was extremely lucky with weather. Highly recommended!

Great trip

Felicia_O, Apr 2023

Firstly, Jim and Doug are great, friendly, fun and very knowledgeable. They made the trip very enjoyable. It was informative, and the journey was smooth. Hoping to book another trip soon.

Liam the legend

Stephen_J, Feb 2023

An absolutely fantastic trip. Liam our guide/driver cannot be faulted. His knowledge and relaxed approach made the day one that will be remembered for a very long time. We loved the small group approach which meant the tour didn't feel rushed like a lot of larger trips do. Well worth the money.

Alice created a highlands wonderland!

Laura_E, Nov 2022

Alice was an amazing tour guide. She was interesting, knowledgeable and friendly. We will definitely use Rabbie’s again!

Fantastic! Great pick of places to take the group.

Rubie_N, Oct 2022

Great tour! From the Loch Ness to The Batlle of Culloden it was fantastic! The Culloden battlefield is very emotional and full of history.