Visit the magical Isle of Skye and romantic Eilean Donan Castle.
Join us on a jam-packed Loch Ness tour from Inverness and enjoy many iconic Scottish experiences in just one day. Our adventure begins at the legendary Loch Ness, where you will take a cruise and visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle for ideal monster spotting opportunities. After lunch in beautiful Beauly, we visit a Highland whisky distillery, where the best way to learn about the ‘water of life’ is to taste it! Learn the true story which inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield and attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns. We return to Inverness in the early evening.
During winter, the route goes in reverse.
* Save 20% on tour dates until 09 Jan 2026.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales.
Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Look out for ‘Nessie’ as you explore the southern tip of Loch Ness by boat. Soak up the scenic surroundings and learn about the history of the area, as well as the famous legends of the Loch Ness Monster.
Beauly
This pretty Highland village takes its name from the French for ‘beautiful place’, as described by Mary Queen of Scots during her visit. Beauly Priory, which dates back to the 13th century, was featured in Diana Gabaldon's 'Outlander' book series.
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. The Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army inspired the Outlander story, and was a pivotal point in Scottish history. Learn about the conflict, and visit the graves of the fallen clan.
Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle, nestled on the shores of Loch Ness, stands as a testament to Scotland's rich history and offers breath-taking views of the legendary loch. Explore its ancient ruins and discover tales of battles, sieges, and the elusive monster “Nessie”.
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Urquhart Castle Entry
Foreign Language Audio Guides Available
Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones
What Other Explorers Say
Where does the tour depart from?
Your Loch Ness tour departs from the city centre in Inverness. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
How long is the tour?
In total, your Loch Ness tour from Inverness spans approximately 9 hours*. With a perfect balance between driving and time spent off the coach, you will have ample time in to experience beautiful highland sites around the loch.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Is the Loch Ness boat tour to Urquhart Castle included in the tour price?
Yes, the Loch Ness boat tour and entry to Urquhart Castle are included in the price.
Will I see Nessie?
Trying to snap a selfie with Nessie is a tough task, but your Loch Ness boat tour to Urquhart Castle might increase your likelihood of seeing her!
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
