Scotland · TOURS IN INVERNESS

The 15 Best Inverness Tours & Loch Ness Trips

49 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Inverness is a base rather than a sight, and that is its strength: Loch Ness is twenty minutes south and Skye a morning west. The 15 below sort the cruises, the castle runs and the long island days by price and by how early the bus goes.

Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness - Guides, vehicles, and the value of the day
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Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

1.Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,384 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) Our pick

Spend about nine hours touring the Highlands from Inverness with an English-speaking guide such as Iain, Karen, Emma, or Torquil. Cruise Loch Ness, explore Urquhart Castle, eat lunch in Beauly, walk Culloden Battlefield, and visit the Outlander-linked Clava Cairns in a small group of up to 34.

“Best tour we have taken so far. Meet up was easy and simple. Bus was nice. Tour guide, Turquil was absolutely marvelous; amusing, highly entertaining, highly knowledgeable and you could tell he had a real pride and love for his country and lands. Cruise was nice. The castle was incredible. We have been to many, this was the best so far, and the time of day was perfect for pictures. The village we lunched at was very quaint and the priory there was very nice. The distillery was good, quality whiskey. The Cairn stones were majestic. Now, the Culloden Battle Fields, this is a humbling experience. Highly suggest spending the…”

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Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness - The Old Man of Storr is a short but powerful stop
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Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

2.Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,236 reviews · from $94

Travel from Inverness in a small group of up to 16 people, with an English-speaking guide such as Iain, Emma, Craig, or Donnie. The full-day route includes Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Sligachan, Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Kilt Rock. Expect dramatic views, local stories, and a long day on winding roads.

“Torquil was awesome! Super knowledgeable—clearly a local—and kept things fun with just the right mix of history and humor. The stops were well-timed, so the 12-hour tour never dragged. I loved that he explained his choices (like pulling ovRead more”

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Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness - What the guide adds to the long day
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Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness

3.Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,227 reviews · from $262

Travel from Inverness around Loch Ness to Fort William, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig before returning by coach. Your English-speaking guide shares Highland history and local stories along the way. Expect a full 12-hour day, a maximum group of 30, several short photo stops, and a steam train service that can change at short notice.

“Our guide Emma was fun, amazing and informative. I would definitely recommend this tour to my family and friends.”

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Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch - Urquhart Castle from the water
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Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch

4.Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,158 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $42

From Dochgarroch Lock, you’ll cruise the Caledonian Canal, Loch Dochfour, and Loch Ness with live English commentary. Watch the sonar for Nessie, see Urquhart Castle from the water, and pass Bona Lighthouse, Aldourie Castle, and a wartime aircraft crash site. Malcolm, Kieran, and Peter are among the guides praised for their humor and stories.

“Layer your clothes as everywhere in UK. It was cold on the water but the crew and narrator didn't notice.”

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The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness - Leaving Inverness beside Loch Ness
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The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

5.The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,135 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $151

Spend a full day crossing the Highlands to Skye with WOW Scotland. You’ll see Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Portree, Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Pools, and Urquhart Castle. Guides such as Andrew, Tim, Colin, and Murdoch combine driving with lively stories, songs, and Scottish history. Expect a long coach day and a moderate walk.

“The tour was such fun and I had a great time. Andrew was fun and knew how to tell history in an interesting way.”

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Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views - Watching for Nessie
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Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

6.Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,102 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30

Sail from Clansman Harbour on a one-hour Jacobite Loch Ness cruise with indoor and outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, sonar-assisted Nessie searches, and views of Urquhart Castle. Kieran is one guide praised for lively commentary, while the onboard bar sells hot and cold drinks and snacks. The boat returns to the same harbor.

“I enjoyed the cruise. Could've spent longer. Worth it just to be on the water. Scottish hot chocolate, yummy”

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Isle of Skye Full Day Private Tour from Inverness - Leaving Inverness at 8am
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Isle of Skye Full Day Private Tour from Inverness

7.Isle of Skye Full Day Private Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,065 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye in a private Land Rover or minibus with a kilted guide. See Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr. Guides such as Andrew, Mike, Niall, Malcolm, William, and Stuart add local stories, humor, and flexibility to a long but rewarding day.

“We had long anticipated this experience, and it was exceptionally wonderful because of our guide, Malcolm. We are so grateful for his knowledge, expertise, humor, and patience. It was a lovely trip.”

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Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Private Tour from Inverness - Loch Ness and the first look at Urquhart Castle
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Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Private Tour from Inverness

8.Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Private Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 932 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend about eight hours with a kilted local guide exploring Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Beauly, and Singleton Distillery. Guides such as Stuart, William, Malcolm, and Bill are known for lively storytelling and local insight. The small vehicle, flexible pace, and private format suit families and history fans.

“This tour was fantastic. It was a small group and our guide, Stuart, was excellent. His hospitality was top notch and he was very informative and had a great sense of humor. Each stop was fascinating and we really enjoyed the diversity of the itinerary. I would highly recommend this tour and ask for Stuart to guide you!”

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Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness - The Quiraing, a brief taste of wild Skye
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Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

9.Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 796 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $69

Join a local driver-guide for a full day from Inverness to Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and Skye’s Trotternish Peninsula. Travel in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, with stops at Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, and the Quiraing. Guides such as Claire, Kev, Helen, and Ryan add history, humor, music, and local insight.

“Emily was both the tour guide and driver and my first solo trip tour in a small mini van so got to know some of the other visitors and Emily was lovely. Had good stopping points for toilets and amazing stunning scenery we went to. My first rabbies tour I think as my trip before that I went on a coach tour for twelve hours. You see a lot in that time and I've wanted to see isle of Skye for several years so it didn't disappoint :D”

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Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5pm) - Inverness Cathedral and the limits of an outside view
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Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5pm)

10.Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5pm)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 664 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $20

Join a local English-speaking guide for a gentle 90-minute walk through central Inverness. Guides such as Christine, Karen, Elaine, Steve, and Steven share local history, Jacobite stories, humor, and practical suggestions as you visit the castle, cathedral, River Ness, Town House, Eden Court, and Old High Church.

“We took this tour with our guide Elaine who was an exceptional teacher of the history of Inverness in particular and Scotland overall. She delighted in sharing stories and accounts as she stopped at a particular point of interest. Thank you Elaine! We recommend this tour completely!”

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Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness - Leaving Inverness for Dochgarroch Lock
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Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness

11.Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 572 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $78

Travel from Inverness by air-conditioned coach to Dochgarroch Lock, cruise Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, and spend time among its dramatic ruins. You’ll also visit the Loch Ness Centre, with commentary from guides such as Linda, Kieran, or Katie when available. Admission, transport, WiFi, and onboard toilets are included.

“We loved this tour! Kieran our guide was very friendly and informative. Loch Ness is beautiful! A once in a lifetime experience!”

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SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket - Walk through the Tropical Ocean Tunnel
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SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket

12.SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 564 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $19Best value

Spend about 90 minutes to two hours at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond, meeting sharks, stingrays, seahorses, lionfish, moray eels, and clownfish. Walk through the Tropical Ocean Tunnel, watch feeding times when scheduled, and touch starfish in the rock pools. This self-guided visit suits families and marine-life fans.

“Unfortunately we were unable to go due to having to self isolate but was unable to get a refund which is not good as every thing else we were due to attend made a full refund!!”

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Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness - Starting at Ness Walk with a castle view
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Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness

13.Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 440 reviews · from $46

Ride a cruiser bike through Inverness on a mostly flat, easy route beside the River Ness and Caledonian Canal. Guide Alison shares local history and points out wildlife, locks, gardens, and quiet paths that cars cannot reach. The two-hour small-group tour includes a bike, helmet, and stops at the cathedral, Ness Islands, Botanic Gardens, and Merkinch Nature Reserve.

“Biking through the Ness islands and learning about the trees and benches. The botanical gardens were beautiful. Biking along the lock systems and taking it to where the rivers meet was beautiful. We saw seals pups! We learned so much about the area and saw so much more than we would have exploring on our own.”

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Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness - Loch Ness and the quiet stop at Invermoriston
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Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness

14.Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 385 reviews · 11 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67

Travel from Inverness to Skye by air-conditioned vehicle, with stops at Loch Ness, Invermoriston, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Kilt Rock, and Sligachan Old Bridge. You’ll have a full day of Highland scenery, folklore, and photo stops, guided in English by drivers such as David, Jamie, Chris, or Rory.

“Steven made sure everybody had a great day full of amazing views and fun and learnt a lot about Isle of Skye history. We were kept entertained and appreciated that Steven extended the trip to the Talisker distillery which wasn't originally included as part of the trip but was an amazing addition to it and we were grateful for that. Thank you for a wonderful trip! Highly recommended! Aneta”

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Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour - Starting in Invergordon without losing time
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Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

15.Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 330 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $206

From Invergordon, this 6 to 8-hour coach tour visits Cawdor Castle, Culloden, Inverness, Loch Ness, Beauly, and Highland cows. Guides such as Mo, Emma, June, and Seoris combine local stories with practical shore-excursion timing. Expect a full day, a large group, and several brief photo stops.

“Very complete tour, not much time spent in any place but it probably wasn't necessary. The guides were very capable.”

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New in Tours in Inverness

★ 5.0Private Walking Tour in Inverness with a Local23 reviews
★ 5.0Private Inverness Walking TourFrom $17111 reviews
★ 5.0Private Speyside Whisky Tour including 10+ Single Malt Tastings80 reviews
★ 5.0Torridon, Applecross and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from InvernessFrom $5578 reviews
★ 5.03-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from InvernessFrom $69076 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Private Tour to Urquhart Castle Loch Ness and Inverness72 reviews
★ 5.0Isle of Skye Adventure from InvernessFrom $49088 reviews
★ 5.0Skye Explorer Hiking Day TourFrom $17996 reviews
★ 5.0Isle of SkyeTour From Inverness83 reviews
★ 5.0Cycle To Loch Ness – Self GuidedFrom $76119 reviews
★ 5.0Speyside Whisky Tour84 reviews
★ 5.0Inverness Highlands Bucket List TourFrom $165111 reviews
★ 4.5Glenfinnan, Mallaig, and Loch Ness AdventureFrom $8694 reviews
★ 4.5Clan Tour – of Speyside DistilleriesFrom $22891 reviews
★ 5.0Dunrobin Castle and Glenmorangie Distillery – Local Private Tour84 reviews

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