THISTLE BE YOUR HIGHLAND ESCAPE DREAM YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE

MORE THAN JUST A TOUR.
This is a very exciting Highland Escape Adventure, carefully handcrafted with love, for you to enjoy the best of the Scottish Highlands with a great choice of two most popular Highland Trails – Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle Experience and Cawdor Castle & Gardens Experience.

PRIVATE HIGHLAND LOCAL EXPERT DRIVER-GUIDE.
At Thistle Tours we offer a unique touring experience in terms of being genuinely local to the area. Your Driver-Guide, very passionate local expert, will keep you all entertained and to drive you in safety, to make sure you have the magical experience you won’t forget.

TRAVEL WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS.
You will be part of our Highland Clan on a very personal tour with a maximum of Seven Clansmen, which means that you can travel at your own pace with family & friends as a small group, you are sure to get a one-on-one personal attention, the high-quality service and relaxed travel experience.

TRAVEL IN COMFORT.
Thistle Tours have set a high standard over the last 18 years providing perfectly tailored high-quality touring service in our comfortable Mercedes V Class Minibus, or Landrover Discovery HSE Luxury, specifically chosen for touring the Highlands and Scotland in safety, comfort and style. All our vehicles are well cleaned, air conditioned, and spacious enough to ensure an efficient and personal service as well as an enjoyable and memorable touring experience.

REVIEWED IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Your Highland Escape Journey with Thistle Tours will be rich in legacy and adventure, and it will be completely tailored for you by the people who know the Highlands best. We promise, you won’t find anyone more welcoming than our Highland people or anywhere richer than the places we open exclusively for you. That’s what our mantra, ‘Thistle Be a Dream You’ll Never Want to Leave‘ is all about. We make it easy to travel your way, and we highly value all 5 star reviews & comments we received from our guests. Please see Thistle Tours travel reviewed in your own words here.

ENJOY ALL OF THE TOUR SPECIALS LISTED BELOW:

Your own exclusive photo shoot of Culloden House, along with your visit to this elegant Jacobean Mansion with its fine antique furniture, which gives you an insight of what it must have been like to live here during the Jacobian period of time.

A great opportunity to photo shoot your spectacular Highland postcard, the magnificent Culloden or An Lèanach (Leanach) Viaduct, known as ‘a viaduct of many names’. The longest masonry viaduct in Scotland with the impressive 29 arches that beautifully stretch on a gentle curve over the Highland Glen as the imposing structure built in sandstone.

A great chance to interact with the iconic Highland Cows and observe these hairy loveable Gentle Giants of Scotland, as they are as cute as extremely photogenic, so you have an abundance of photographic opportunities when our Highland Coos majestically pose in the stunning panoramic scenery.

TRAVEL SCOTLAND THE HIGHLAND STYLE WITH THISTLE TOURS

TOUR DATES AND OPERATION SEASON.
Highland Escape Trail is a small group tour, which runs all year round..
TOUR DURATION AND SPECIAL NOTE.
Highland Escape Trail is a Full Day Tour, and will last about 9hrs including lunch. For Shore Excursions guests TBA (to be arranged).
STARTING POINT AND TIME.
Highland Escape tour commences in Inverness from your accomodation around 08:30hrs. For Shore Excursions guests TBA (to be arranged).
FINISHING POINT AND TIME.
Highland Escape tour concludes in Inverness at your accomodation around 17:00hrs. For Shore Excursions guests TBA (to be arranged).
TOUR INCLUSIONS.
♦ Transportation in a 8-Seat Mercedes V Class c/w the PA System, or a 4-Seat Landrover Discovery HSE Luxury

♦ Private Highland Local Expert Driver-Guide

♦ Admission Fees to Urquhart Castle, Cawdor Castle and Culloden Visitor Centre.

♦ Complementary Bottled Water

TOUR EXCLUSIONS.
♦ Lunch
Highland Escape Trail does not include lunch in the tour price.

♦ Travel Insurance
Highland Escape Trail does not include Travel Insurance, however, this is an important part of your travel with us and must be in place to ensure that you are fully covered in the event that you need to cancel your tour due to unforeseen circumstances, for more information see our Terms & Conditions here.

TOURING CAPACITY AND TRANSPORTATION.
Enjoy your Highland Escape Trail in our comfortable Mercedes V Class Minibus (7 passengers) and Landrover Discovery HSE Luxury (4 passengers), specifically chosen for touring the Highlands and Scotland in safety, comfort and style. All our vehicles are well cleaned, air conditioned, and spacious enough to ensure an efficient and personal service as well as an enjoyable and memorable touring experience..

TRAVELLER AGE RANGE.
We regret that we cannot accept young children under the age of 5 years old on our tours, excluding VIP tours where any age is acceptable.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
This Tour includes some outdoor itinerary, such as visiting Culloden Moor, Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle, and Cawdor Castle & Gardens, please bring outdoor clothing and footwear, suitable for this tour conditions and highly variable Highland weather. The tour doesn’t involve lengthy walks or require high levels of fitness, however, some tour locations may optionally involve walking up a short steep hill or stairs (e.g. in castles).

LOCH NESS & URQUHART CASTLE EXPERIENCE

THE OLD RUINS OF BEAULY PRIORY. On our Highland Escape Trail, you travel back in time to the heart of the Clan Fraser of Lovat lands, the picturesque Village of Beauly, or A’ Mhanachainn which means in Gaelic ‘The Monastery’ or ‘The Place of The Monks’. Discover the old Highland Monastery, the ancient ruins of the early 13th Century Priory, founded by the French monks, which still stand in the middle of the beautiful Beauly, which derived from the French ‘beau-lieu’, meaning beautiful place. Explore the ghostly ruins of the Old Priory where the old tombstones dating back as early as the 14th Century can still be seen on its ancient haunted graveyard.

LOCH NESS AND URQUHART CASTLE. The romantic ghostly ruins of the 13th Century Urquhart Castle still stand on the banks of the world-famous Loch Nis (Loch Ness). The beautiful loch with its dramatic scenery shrouded in mystery! Urquhart Castle’s iconic ruins bear a troubled history, during Jacobite Risings the last of the government troops garrisoned here, when departed, they blew up the castle and soon it fell into decay. Enjoy the view of Urquhart Castle and the beautiful loch, best known for sightings of the Loch Ness Beast, locally known as “Nessie”. So, keep your eyes on the loch as you travel along, you never know you may be lucky and spot Nessie… Is it a myth? Never say never!

PANORAMIC INBHIR NIS (INVERNESS). We travel for lunch to the Highland Capital Inbhir Nis (Inverness), which is steeped in history, and experience the Old Town, along with the iconic landmarks – Inverness Castle with its turbulent history and the Jacobite heroine Flora MacDonald’s Statue, which stands in front of the Castle, the architectural gem of St. Andrews Cathedral which is rich in history and heritage and Abhainn Nis (the River Ness), with its famous picturesque walks, when you cross the footbridges to explore both sides of the riverbank.

CLAVA CAIRNS BRONZE AGE COMPLEX. After lunch, we travel back in time, to a spiritual place, tucked away in a beautiful woodland setting. Prepare to enter the mystical Ring of ancient Standing Stones at Clava, with its famous ‘Split Stone’, and explore the old cairn passages by walking with us through 4000 years of history & mystery. This sacred site with ancient Standing Stones Circle is near Culloden Moor, where the sounds of the battle would have been heard on that fateful day, so hold your breath and listen to the wind, you may hear the haunting sounds of the battle and beautiful piping noises, or was it the old Stones speaking to you?

CÙL LODAIN (CULLODEN MOOR). Next, we explore Cùl Lodain, or Culloden Moor, where you learn about Blàr Chùil Lodair or The Battle of Culloden, which sadly marks the end of the Highland Clan culture, and it also was the harbinger of the Highland Clearances. The Battle of Culloden is the only battle that Bonnie Prince Charlie ever lost, and it is the only battle that the British Army regiments are not permitted to include in their battle honours. Walk the sacred ground in Culloden Moor on the path of the Jacobites and pay your respect to the Fallen. Visit the Main Cairn, memorizing many Highland Clans who tragically fell at Culloden Moor on 16th April 1746.

CULLODEN HOUSE & GROUNDS. We leave Culloden Moor to finish your day in style, and to enjoy one of our tour specials, your great opportunity to photo shoot your spectacular Highland postcard, the magnificent Culloden or An Lèanach (Leanach) Viaduct, known as ‘a viaduct of many names’, and your own exclusive photo shoot of Culloden House & Grounds, along with your visit to this elegant Jacobean Mansion with its fine antique furniture, which gives you an insight of what it must have been like to live here during the Jacobian period of time. There are also private Gardens to enjoy the exceptional peace and tranquillity. By all means, enjoy the beautiful Culloden House and the majesty of the Grounds.

CAWDOR CASTLE & GARDENS EXPERIENCE

CAWDOR CASTLE & GARDENS. On our Highland Escape Trail, you travel back in time to discover the romantic 14th Century Highland Castle, the ancestral seat of Clan Cawdor, before passing into the hands of Campbells in the 16th century. According to legend, the castle is built around a Thorn Tree, which has since been identified as a Holly Tree dating from 1372, which you can still see today in the Dungeon. Experience Cawdor Castle’s sumptuous interior and see the impressive Drawing Room with portraits of generations of Campbells, the Tapestry Bedroom with its precious wall hangings and the Dining Room with its magnificent stone fireplace. Explore Cawdor’s carefully manicured Grounds encompass three beautiful Gardens.

HIGHLAND COWS EXPERIENCE. Prepare for one of the Highland Escape Trail specials, have you ever thought you could interact with the majestic Highland Cows? Well, here is your chance! Highland Cows are among the most iconic symbols of Scotland. Though they look large and menacing, they’re actually super gentle and friendly creatures. Their long, fuzzy coats and impressive horns make them hard to miss in the rugged Highland landscape. Enjoy your chance to observe these hairy loveable Gentle Giants of Scotland, they are as cute as extremely photogenic, so you have an abundance of photographic opportunities when our Highland Coos majestically pose in the stunning panoramic scenery.

PANORAMIC INBHIR NIS (INVERNESS). We travel for lunch to the Highland Capital Inbhir Nis (Inverness), which is steeped in history, and experience the Old Town, along with the iconic landmarks – Inverness Castle with its turbulent history and the Jacobite heroine Flora MacDonald’s Statue, which stands in front of the Castle, the architectural gem of St. Andrews Cathedral which is rich in history and heritage and Abhainn Nis (the River Ness), with its famous picturesque walks, when you cross the footbridges to explore both sides of the riverbank.

CLAVA CAIRNS BRONZE AGE COMPLEX. After lunch, we travel back in time, to a spiritual place, tucked away in a beautiful woodland setting. Prepare to enter the mystical Ring of ancient Standing Stones at Clava, with its famous ‘Split Stone’, and explore the old cairn passages by walking with us through 4000 years of history & mystery. This sacred site with ancient Standing Stones Circle is near Culloden Moor, where the sounds of the battle would have been heard on that fateful day, so hold your breath and listen to the wind, you may hear the haunting sounds of the battle and beautiful piping noises, or was it the old Stones speaking to you?

CÙL LODAIN (CULLODEN MOOR). Next, we explore Cùl Lodain, or Culloden Moor, where you learn about Blàr Chùil Lodair or The Battle of Culloden, which sadly marks the end of the Highland Clan culture, and it also was the harbinger of the Highland Clearances. The Battle of Culloden is the only battle that Bonnie Prince Charlie ever lost, and it is the only battle that the British Army regiments are not permitted to include in their battle honours. Walk the sacred ground in Culloden Moor on the path of the Jacobites and pay your respect to the Fallen. Visit the Main Cairn, memorizing many Highland Clans who tragically fell at Culloden Moor on 16th April 1746.

CULLODEN HOUSE & GROUNDS. We leave Culloden Moor to finish your day in style, and to enjoy one of our tour specials, your great opportunity to photo shoot your spectacular Highland postcard, the magnificent Culloden or An Lèanach (Leanach) Viaduct, known as ‘a viaduct of many names’, and your own exclusive photo shoot of Culloden House & Grounds, along with your visit to this elegant Jacobean Mansion with its fine antique furniture, which gives you an insight of what it must have been like to live here during the Jacobian period of time. There are also private Gardens to enjoy the exceptional peace and tranquillity. By all means, enjoy the beautiful Culloden House and the majesty of the Grounds.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS MY TOUR?
If you miss your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable in the event of a ‘no show’, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Thistle Tours operates on the basis of a 14-day Cancellation Policy for any tours / shore excursions in the Highlands.

Cancelled bookings out with the 14-days of the planned tour will be fully refunded minus 10% admin fees, should the Guest cancel less than 14-days prior to the booking start date of the tour, a cancellation fee equal to the full tour booking rate will be charged.

In the event of a ‘no show’ the Guest will be charged 100% of the tour price.

The Guest will be fully refunded, if the tour is unable to be completed due to unforeseen circumstances e.g. weather, road closures etc / if the cruise liner has been unable to dock at the arranged port of collection.

A sympathetic attitude will be taken as a general rule and in some cases, at the discretion of the proprietor, refunds may be made out with the circumstances detailed above.

Cancellations by us (not Government imposed restrictions relating to Covid etc). If we have to cancel your tour for any reason other than Government imposed restrictions relating to Covid etc, we offer a 100% refund, or an alternative date agreed by the Guest. More details can be found here.

CAN THE ITINERARY CHANGE?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible, however, we reserve the right to alter our itineraries at any time, due to unforeseen circumstances e.g. weather, road closures etc. We will endeavour to provide a service as close to the itinerary as possible in these circumstances. If your tour is unable to be completed for any reason, we will ensure that all passengers are returned to their point of departure and will repay money to the guests based upon the amount of the tour that was completed. These figures will be calculated based upon the time of day that the tour was aborted.

DO YOU HAVE SOME FLEXIBILITY IN WHAT WE SEE AND HOW LONG WE STAY AT EACH SITE? IS IT POSSIBLE TO EITHER SKIP A SITE, OR PERHAPS ADD SOME TIME ONTO THE TOUR?
Yes, absolutely. All our tours have flexibility in what you see, and how long you stay at each site, we can certainly incorporate the places you would like to visit in the itinerary, and skip other sites. Please let us know, if there are some other particular places you would like to visit, and we would be happy to tailor this for you.

IS THIS A PRIVATE TOUR, IN WHICH OURPARTY TRAVELS IN THE ENTIRE VENICLE, EVEN IF WE DON’T HAVE SEVEN TRAVELING WITH US?
Yes, all our tours would come as small group private tours in our comfortable Mercedes V Class, or Landrover Discovery in which your party would travel with us at your own pace in the entire vehicle, even if you don’t have the maximum people in your party.The price is per vehicle and NOT per person.

IN YOUR SEVEN SEAT MINIBUS, ARE ANY OF THE SEATS FACING BACKWARDS, AND IF SO, HOW MANY?
All of our seven seats in the Minibus are facing forward for a better view.

DO YOU TAKE CHILDREN ON YOUR TOURS?
We regret that we cannot accept children under the age of 5 years old on our tours, excluding VIP tours, where any age is acceptable.

WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We Do Not Provide Travel Insurance, andwe would strongly advise that you take out your own Travel Insurance before you travel with us.It is up to you to ensure that you are fully covered in the event that you needto cancel your tour, or leave the tour early, due to unforeseen circumstances.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE AND WHAT CLOTHING WILL BE SUITABLE FOR THE TOUR?
The Highland’s climate is actually quite moderate and very changeable, although on occasions it can get really hot or really cold. As the old Highland saying goes, ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!’
All of our tours include some outdoor itinerary, please bring outdoor clothing and footwear (including umbrellas), suitable for the tour conditions and highly variable Highland weather.

WHAT IS YOUR TOURS FITNESS AND MOBILITY CONDITIONS?
All our tours donot involve lengthy walks or require high levels of fitness, however, some tour locations may optionally involve walking up a short steep hill or stairs (e.g. in castles).

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE IS VERY NEGATIVE ON THE TOUR?
Our aim is to ensure that everyone on the tourhave a fantastic experience in the Highlands. We would love everyone to have fun,to learn about Scotland and the Highland history, to enjoy stunning scenery on the journey. For most people coming on our tours it is the holiday of a lifetime and a very special experience. If some of the guests begin to dominate conversation with negative or depressing topics, then we will have no alternative other than to privately ask them to stop. We never intend to upset guests, however, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone can enjoy the experience they have paid for.