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Loch Ness Tour: Explore Castles, Distilleries, and History
4.9
932 Ratings
Highland Council
Embark on an 8-hour tour from Inverness to explore the stunning landscapes of Loch Ness, visit historic sites like Urquhart Castle and Culloden Battlefield, and indulge in the unique culture and flavors of the region. Book now!
Embark on an 8-hour tour from Inverness to explore the stunning landscapes of Loch Ness, visit historic sites like Urquhart Castle and Culloden Battlefield, and indulge in the unique culture and flavors of the region. Book now!
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Happy Tours - Gather in front of the Columba Hotel at 8:45 am for the start of all tours.
- Loch Ness - On the way to Urquhart Castle, enjoy the view of this renowned loch, which contains the largest volume of fresh water of any loch in Scotland. Keep an eye out for its most famous resident, Nessie!
- Urquhart Castle - Pause to explore this…
- Happy Tours - Gather in front of the Columba Hotel at 8:45 am for the start of all tours.
- Loch Ness - On the way to Urquhart Castle, enjoy the view of this renowned loch, which contains the largest volume of fresh water of any loch in Scotland. Keep an eye out for its most famous resident, Nessie!
- Urquhart Castle - Pause to explore this iconic ruined castle. Listen to your guide share its history and legends, watch a brief welcome video, and capture photos of the castle and the stunning loch view.
- Robertson’s Farm Shop Beauly - Meet the delightful Highland cows, Katie Morag and Jamie Fraser. Enjoy the amusing alpacas and consider purchasing some wonderful gifts or food from the Farm Shop.
- The Singleton Distillery - Discover the single malt whisky crafted at the distillery and explore the new exhibition center. Your guide will explain the whisky production process, and you can opt for a tasting that suits your preferences.
- Beauly - Take a break for lunch and explore the charming local cafes, including an award-winning deli, and shops in this medieval town.
- Culloden Battlefield - Feel the emotions of standing on the site of the last pitched battle on British mainland soil. Your guide will lead you around the battlefield, showing you Memorial Clan Markers, the Memorial Cairn, and much more.
- Clava Cairns - Enjoy a guided tour of this prehistoric site, marvel at the Standing Stones and Burial Cairns, and learn about their history from your guide.
What's Included
- Professional Kilted Guide
- Air Conditioned Vehicles - Land Rover or Minibus
- Pick-up & Drop-off from your accommodation if in Inverness or en route
- Private Transportation
- Professional Kilted Guide
- Air Conditioned Vehicles - Land Rover or Minibus
- Pick-up & Drop-off from your accommodation if in Inverness or en route
- Private Transportation
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Full Glen Ord Distillery Tour (time does not allow for this)
- Cost of Glen Ord Distillery Tastings
- Entrance fee to Urquhart Castle
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Full Glen Ord Distillery Tour (time does not allow for this)
- Cost of Glen Ord Distillery Tastings
- Entrance fee to Urquhart Castle
Additional Information
Embark on an 8-hour adventure to explore the enchanting hills and valleys surrounding the renowned and enigmatic Loch Ness. Immerse yourself in the distinctive culture, history, and scenery of the area. This private tour offers a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned Land Rover or minibus, accommodating up to 8 passengers. Enjoy the company of a…
Embark on an 8-hour adventure to explore the enchanting hills and valleys surrounding the renowned and enigmatic Loch Ness. Immerse yourself in the distinctive culture, history, and scenery of the area. This private tour offers a comfortable journey in an air-conditioned Land Rover or minibus, accommodating up to 8 passengers. Enjoy the company of a professional, Scottish, kilted tour guide as they lead you to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Beauly, Glen Ord Distillery, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns.
Please note, this tour is not available for cruise ship passengers docked at the Port of Invergordon. The meeting point is 25 miles from the port, and timely return to the ship cannot be guaranteed.
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Children (ages 6 to 17) must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions so dress appropriately
- Booster seats are available on request
- A maximum of 8 people per booking
- This tour is not available to people who are on a cruise ship in the Port of Invergordon. This is because the meeting point for this tour is 25 miles from the ship and we can’t guarantee at the end of the tour you would be back on time for your ship to sail.
Location
7 Ness Walk
Ness Walk
Leaves from in front of the Columba Hotel or from your accommodation if in Inverness or en route. Meet at 8:45am
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(932 Ratings)
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Andrew_b
Oct 22, 2025
Wonderful day. Wonderful... - Wonderful day. Wonderful guide. Highly recommend this trip if you are in the area. Love Scotland and would love to visit again.
Review provided by Viator
Shelby_m
Sep 9, 2025
Great introduction to the Highlands! - Great introduction to Highland culture and history. Our guide Brian was very engaged and attuned to our interests. The castle is a must see - the views of Loch Ness are amazing! Singleton Distillery was a nice break after lunch. For Outlander fans, touch the standing stone that sent Claire back in time! End the day on a more solemn note at Culloden battlefield.
Review provided by Viator
David_m
Aug 31, 2025
Fantastic Guide elevated an overrated area - The guide was simply fantastic. The rating is really for him. But to be honest, the Loch Ness, Urquhart, etc. area was our least favorite part of visiting the country of Scotland. Culloden Battlefield was a big standout, and Inverness the city is well worth visiting. But Loch Ness and Urquhart were quite underwhelming after having visited Loch Lomond, Edinburgh Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, etc. But the guide was so good that I still recommend doing this if you decide to see this area!
Review provided by Viator
Jackie
Aug 13, 2024
Cullodin battlefield tour - A very interesting and informative experience
Learn about history at this tour in a balanced and knowledgeable way. The guide was very good and very clear. And you get to see the battle field.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Xoxo-kz
Jul 29, 2024
Perfect for Tweens and Teens - Our family includes a 13-year-old history buff, and a 10-year-old who has no interest in history at all. From the Urquhart Castle to the Culloden Battlefield to the Clava Cairns, our guide, Ian, gave both kids a perfect day. (My husband and I loved it, too!) Ian personalized our tour by skipping the distillery in favor of a trip to the Loch Ness Centre, a immersive, multimedia museum that the kids loved. Sharing legends of warrior fairies and stories of Nessie sightings alongside historical observations, Ian quickly felt like an old (kilt-wearing!) friend -- with a vast knowledge of this awe-inspiring place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott_s
Jul 27, 2024
Icing on the cake of our lifetime trip - William made the entire day so much fun. He joked with us, he helped my elderly mom, he went slow to accommodate us and told such wonderful stories. We will come back and request him and happy tours again.
Review provided by Viator
544shanae
Jul 5, 2024
Super tour and great company to work with - We loved this tour! And our guide was really great, a safe driver, and squeezed a LOT into the day. Plenty of potty breaks, and we added on Cawdor Castle (for an extra fee) and it was worth it! The Loch Ness was more the surrounding area and all it has to offer. Highly recommend we had a great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_t
Jul 3, 2024
Steeped in history - You could feel the history in every blade of grass at Culloden. Our driver/guide, Drew, was an absolute treat and knew of so many locals-only treats and tricks.
Review provided by Viator
Kathyr2060
Jun 1, 2024
We loved every minute! - Wow! We were overwhelmed by William's enthusiasm and knowledge. Our tour was perfection! William took great care to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see and we had all the insights into each place and its history. We couldn't have been more fun or breath-taking. Thank you for everything William!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y8076ufannt
May 27, 2024
BATTLEFIELD BUFFS - Was very interesting if you are into history, like me, but a bit boring if you are not.
And it is not the same history as OUTLANDER so don't be disappointed.
Overcrowded for sure
Review provided by Tripadvisor
