from 3 reviews
6 hours
Daily Tour
7 people
English
Welcome to Highland Private Journey. Leave the bustling city of Inverness behind and venture north into a land of sweeping firths, historic coastal villages, and jaw-dropping fairytale castles. Our bespoke Private North Highland Tour takes you along the stunning east coast—the very beginning of the world-famous North Coast 500 route.
Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for dramatic landscapes, a wildlife lover hoping to spot coastal seals, or a history buff eager to explore one of Scotland’s most magnificent stately homes, this journey has it all. Sit back in the comfort of our premium luxury vehicle as your expert private guide reveals the hidden gems of the true North.
Our journey begins by heading north across the Black Isle. Rather than sticking purely to the main highway, we take the scenic high road to Struie Hill. Here, we stop at a viewpoint locally known as “Millionaire’s View.” Gaze out over the shimmering waters of the Dornoch Firth toward the rugged mountains of Sutherland—a truly priceless photo opportunity to start your day.
Next, we descend into the picturesque, honey-stone village of Dornoch. Stroll through the peaceful streets and visit the stunning Dornoch Cathedral, founded in 1224 (famously the venue where Madonna had her son christened). If you are a golf fan, you will also recognize Dornoch as the home of the legendary Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Enjoy a coffee in a local café or browse the boutique Highland shops.
The crown jewel of our tour is the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. With its towering conical spires, it looks like it was plucked straight out of a French fairytale and placed on the Scottish coast. As the largest house in the Northern Highlands, it boasts 189 rooms and stunning formal gardens modeled after the Palace of Versailles.
During the season, you will also have the chance to witness the castle’s spectacular, daily falconry displays on the lawn—an unforgettable experience where magnificent birds of prey swoop just inches above your head!
As we make our way back south, we take a scenic detour around the edges of the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve. This tidal basin is a haven for Scottish wildlife. Keep your cameras ready, as the sandbanks here are famously home to a large colony of harbor seals who love to bask in the sunshine, alongside a rich variety of coastal wading birds.
Dunrobin Castle is a seasonal attraction, typically open from April 1st through the end of October. During these months, the thrilling falconry displays usually take place twice a day (late morning and early afternoon). If you are touring with us in the winter, we can still view the magnificent exterior of the castle and pivot the itinerary to include other incredible northern sights.
Yes! The route we take from Inverness up to Dunrobin Castle covers the spectacular opening stretches of the famous North Coast 500 east coast route. It’s a perfect way to experience a taste of the NC500 without having to commit to a multi-day trip.
While wildlife is wild and can never be 100% guaranteed, Loch Fleet is one of the most reliable spots in the Highlands for seal watching. They are very frequently seen lounging on the exposed sandbanks when the tide is out!
Absolutely. Because this is a private tour, the day is yours. If you want to spend less time at the castle and add a whisky tasting at the nearby Glenmorangie or Clynelish distilleries, simply let us know when booking, and we will build a custom itinerary just for you.
To provide you with the most flexible experience possible, entrance fees to castles or specific attractions are not included in the transport/guide price. This allows you to decide on the day whether you want to tour the inside of the castle or simply enjoy the grounds and the falconry.
Member Since 2025
Lifelong memories