We’re offering a 15% discount on day tours taken between 02 January & 31 March 2026. Use code ‘early26’ at checkout

£590

Pay a deposit of 20% per item

Tour Details

  • Duration 8 Hours
  • Departs from your hotel / accommodation in Edinburgh (complimentary pickup included)
  • Departs 9:00 am
  • Returns 5:00 pm (approx)

What’s included

Not included

  • Entrance to attractions

  • Lunch

  • Optional gratuitues

Our service

  • Book direct for the best rate

  • We’ll guide you through the places we visit

  • Guaranteed tour departure
  • Reschedule at any time if your plans change

  • Instant confirmation of your booking

  • Customisable itineraries and flexible routes
  • We support Trees For Life to help offset the carbon footprint of your tour

Take the lesser travelled route east from Inverness along the Moray Coast and into this now sleepy area of Scotland that has a turbulent past.

Learn about one of the pivotal moments in the 18th century at Culloden, visit the impressive Brodie Castle and explore the quaint fishing village and harbour at Burghead with it’s early Pictish fort.

Visit one of Scotland’s Cashmere Mills at Johnston’s of Elgin and learn how this celebrated premium material and fashion is making a comeback in the 21st century.

This relaxed tour itinerary is topped off by stunning coastal views as you travel too and from Inverness, the Capital of The Highlands.


This bespoke luxury private tour of Scotland is hosted by your knowledgable, friendly local tour guide. We'll tell you the history, folklore and stories, really bringing the places and landscapes to life! We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.

All our tours are conducted in luxury Mercedes-Benz V Class minivans, with great personal space, sumptuous leather seats, A/C and panoramic windows.

RECOMMENDED SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR …
Culloden

Visiting Culloden Moor, the site of the Jacobite’s final battle in 1746 and the last battle to take place on Uk soil, offers a poignant and thought-provoking experience.

Visitors venture onto the battlefield, they are immediately struck by the stark beauty and serenity of the moor. It is difficult to imagine the intense violence and bloodshed that took place here over two centuries ago. Your guide will provide a comprehensive tour of the battlefield, providing insights into the strategic decisions made by both sides and the brutal nature of the battle.

The modern visitor centre blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, providing a comprehensive overview of the historical events leading up to and after the battle and reflects on the human cost of war. The ’45 uprising is brought to life through interactive exhibits, immersive multimedia spaces and informative displays.

The poignant memorial cairn that marks the mass burials of the dead serves as a clear reminder of the tragic consequences of war.

Johnstons of Elgin

Founded in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is a renowned Scottish textile mill. Knitwear and cashmere made by the company have a long history of high quality. Tradition and craftsmanship have been at the core of Johnstons’ evolution and adaptation over the centuries. It continues to produce luxury textile products that are sought after worldwide, contributing significantly to the Scottish textile industry.

Touring the mill gives you a chance to observe the intricate processes involved in transforming raw cashmere into luxurious fabrics. In learning how these exquisite products are created, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the skill involved in sorting, grading, knitting, and finishing the cashmere fibers.

Whether you’re interested in learning how cashmere is made or just curious about the process, this premium tour provides a quality and innovative experience.

Burghead fishing village & Pictish settlement

A charming coastal village nestled on the Moray Firth, Burghead offers a glimpse into the maritime heritage of Scotland.As both a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, Burghead is surrounded by majestic scenery and historical attractions. Discover ancient ruins, enjoy delicious seafood, or simply take a break on the Scottish coast at Burghead.

Renowned for its ancient Pictish fort that dominates the coastline, the Picts lived in this part of Scotland for hundreds of years during the medieval period and the remains provide fascinating insights into their lives as viewed from the burgh museum.

The Burghead community is not only rich in archaeological significance, but also a thriving fishing community. During the day, boats return from their daily catch and fishermen repair their nets at the harbor. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Moray Firth, or enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.

Brodie Castle

Brodie Castle, located in Moray, Scotland, is a historic castle that has been in the Brodie family for over 700 years. Its remarkable collection of antique furniture, porcelain, and textiles including works by Dutch masters from the 17th century is one of the castle’s most notable attractions. The library alone contains over 6,000 volumes, making it one of the largest in the world.

Get a sense of how the castle has changed with the times as you tour a number of state rooms are available for visitors to explore, including the drawing room, dining room, and library, which all contain exquisite artifacts.

This fascinating space showcases the traditional methods of food preservation that were employed centuries ago. A tranquil loch, beautiful gardens, and woodlands on the castle grounds provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Suggested tour route

May 31, 2024 2:10 pm
  • Distance Instructions

Tour Gallery

Places this tour visits

No two tours are the same, but these are popular places to see on the ‘Moray Meandering’ off the beaten path from Inverness

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the frequently asked questions about our ‘Moray Meandering’ off the beaten path from Inverness, however if you have a specific question please contact us

What about bathroom breaks?2025-05-28T23:43:36+01:00

Absolutely! Almost all of the places we visit have toilets / restrooms. Because this is a private tour, we can stop when you need us to.

When is the payment due for the tour2025-05-13T09:18:14+01:00

For day tours the final balance (plus any extras like admission tickets) is due 24 hours before the tour.

For multi-day tours the final balance is due 30 days before the tour.

What if the weather is bad?2025-05-13T09:18:14+01:00

Our climate is famous for being unpredictable. We provide umbrellas in our vans but if the weather isn’t working in our favour, just wait 5 minutes and it will change! Please don’t rely on the forecast either, it is invariably wrong!

What should I wear during my tour2025-05-13T09:18:17+01:00

We recommend that you bring a waterproof jacket and shoes suitable for walking over rough ground / cobbles, especially if visiting rural locations! Other than that, just bring yourself!

Can I amend the tour itinerary2025-05-14T22:57:51+01:00

Absolutely! Please contact us if you’d like to make an amendment to one of our suggested itineraries or would like a customised tour.

Is it possible to end my tour in any another location2025-05-13T09:18:18+01:00

Yes, we can end the tour in a different location from the start point. Please let us know if this is what you need. For locations further than 100 miles from the start point there maybe a charge.

What Vehicle do you use?2025-12-18T00:22:29+00:00

We use Mercedes-Benz V Class minivans. They are modern, luxurious and safe vehicles with a Euro N-Cap rating of 5 stars. They come with privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof, reclining leather seats, dual-zone air conditioning and unlimited high-speed WiFi. Learn more about our vehicles.

How many people can go on tour?2025-05-13T09:18:22+01:00

Our Mercedes V Class minivans come in two configurations, a 6 passenger version and a 7 passenger version.

Do you pick up from the Airport2025-05-13T09:18:22+01:00

Yes, we can meet you at the airport and have plenty of space for baggage.

Do you pick up from cruise ships2025-05-13T09:35:21+01:00

Yes, most of our tours are suitable for cruise ship shore excursions and we’ll meet you at the quayside.

Can I bring a mobility scooter / wheelchair?2025-05-13T09:35:18+01:00

Yes, our vehicle can accommodate most mobility scoters and wheelchairs. They normally require two people to lift in and out of the vehicle so one of your party will be needed to help. Note that if there is a scooter then the baggage space is limited.

Can I bring pets?2025-05-13T09:35:14+01:00

Support animals are welcome onboard however we typically ask for them to stay on the floor of the vehicle.

What is included in the price of the tour?2025-05-13T09:35:12+01:00

The total price of your tour includes your tour guide, use of our luxury minivans, the fuel, tolls and parking charges and insurances. Entrance to attractions etc is on top but we can manage that for you and add it to the invoice.

What language is the tour in?2025-05-13T09:35:10+01:00

All tours are conducted in English

Do we stop for lunch on tour?2025-05-13T09:35:07+01:00

Yes, there are a range of different options on each trip, from a historic tavern to a quaint cafe or bakery. We’ll make reservations to ensure that our lunch stop is quick and tasty!

How do I contact my guide?2025-05-13T09:35:04+01:00

A few days before the trip we’ll provide the guides contact details encase you need to contact them on the day of your tour

Will other people join the tour?2025-05-13T09:34:59+01:00

No, all of our tours are private so your party will be the only people on the tour.

Does the guide take us into attractions?2025-05-14T08:49:13+01:00

Yes, we will guide you through attractions and monuments as part of our service. This is not possible at The Royal Yacht Britannia or Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Recent Customer Testimonials

  • Rolando C

    5 star review

    Truly enjoyable and informative day trip with an outstanding guide / driver Calais. The Lindores Abbey distillery tour and tasting was excellent. [...] All in all an outstanding trip to the Scottish Low/Highlands.

    Feedback from December 2025

  • Traveler from PA

    5 star review

    My husband and I went on a custom experience through the Highlands, Isle of Skye, Lewis and Harris. We went to some Outlander filming sites and a Highland Games over a few days on our way back to Edinburgh. the cost was reasonable for a private tour and Sandy was [...]

    Feedback from November 2025

  • Voyager

    5 star review

    Our group of six friends did the Highlands, Whisky, and Castles private tour from Edinburgh. Sandy was quick to respond to all my questions when planning the day trip and helping to tailor the itinerary to our interests and customize a couple of the stops. Communication and follow-up during the [...]

    Feedback from November 2025

  • Robert B

    5 star review

    He told some stories of the history and pointed out things that we would have missed thereby enriching our experiences. Calais also scheduled the day so we went to Stirling Castle first avoiding most of the crowd and making it a more personal experience. Also, we are from the U.S. [...]

    Feedback from October 2025

Our service

We’re a luxury private tour company, with passionate local guides, Mercedes minivans and customised itineraries

Professional, local tour guides

We are a small team of SITOA accredited professional tour guides. We are passionate about Scotland and your experience.

Luxury Mercedes minivans

Our premium Mercedes-Benz V Class minivans come with reclining leather seats, AC, Panoramic sunroofs and WiFi.

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