• Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew - St. Andrew’s Cathedral, also known as Inverness Cathedral, is a must-visit destination. This stunning cathedral church, dating back to 1869, is located near the heart of Inverness. As the most northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK, it showcases remarkable local architecture and Gothic style. Visitors can admire the exquisite stained glass windows and intricately carved stonework. Inverness Cathedral is part of the Scottish Episcopal Church and is situated close to the River Ness.
  Next, head to Cawdor Castle, a 30-minute drive away.

• Ness Islands - The River Ness flows from the northern end of Loch Ness, through Loch Dochfour, and through the center of Inverness. Interestingly, the city’s name, Inverness, is derived from the Scottish Gaelic “Inbhir Nis,” meaning “Mouth of the River Ness,” rather than the famous Loch Ness. According to legend, the first sighting of the Loch Ness monster occurred in the River Ness when Saint Columba reportedly banished a “water monster” back into the river after it attempted to attack one of his disciples. The river attracts many visitors, with numerous buildings, including St. Andrew’s Cathedral (Inverness Cathedral), Eden Court Theatre, and popular restaurants and hotels, lining its banks. Nature enthusiasts can spot common and grey seals, various bat species, and birds such as dippers, goosanders, and occasionally ospreys.
  Then, proceed to Loch Ness, a 15-minute drive away.

• Loch Ness Region - From the Ness Islands in Inverness, travel towards Loch Ness, where there are ample opportunities for photography at some of the most picturesque vantage points. Continue to the renowned Urquhart Castle and its visitor center. The castle, a romantic ruin perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the loch, is surrounded by waters over 600 feet deep, where the legendary Loch Ness Monster is said to reside. Visitors can explore the historic ruins and learn about its fascinating history before the tour continues to Beauly Priory, an ancient monastery now in ruins but still exuding an air of reverence and mystery.
  Next, head to Urquhart Castle, a 20-minute drive away.

• Urquhart Castle - Overlooking the deep, mysterious waters of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of the most iconic sights around the loch. With ancient Pictish origins, the site was once home to a 5th-century fort. Now in ruins, the castle was built and rebuilt over the centuries, with significant repairs and remodeling by the Grants, a powerful Highland family, in the 16th century. The castle has changed hands numerous times and witnessed many bloody battles. Part of it was even blown up in 1690 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces, with large masonry pieces still visible near the gatehouse remains.
  Visitors can explore the preserved ruins, enhanced by Historic Environment Scotland, which includes several medieval replicas, such as a giant wooden trebuchet.
  Then, proceed to Beauly, a 40-minute drive away.

• Beauly Priory - The ruins of Beauly Priory are located at the east end of the main square in Beauly. It was one of three priories founded in Scotland by monks of the Valliscaulian order from Burgundy, France, in the years following 1230. The monks were clearly impressed by the location, as Beauly was referred to in the 1230s as Prioratus de Bello Loco, Latin for “Priory of the Lovely Spot.” This suggests that the name Beauly, from the French “beau lieu” or “beautiful place,” predates the popular belief that it originated from a comment made by Mary Queen of Scots during her visit in the summer of 1564.
  Next, head to Glen Ord Distillery, a 15-minute drive away.

• The Singleton Distillery - From Beauly Priory, it’s a short journey to Glen Ord Distillery, a traditional distillery with its own maltings, using locally sourced barley and water. Visitors can learn about the traditional distilling processes refined over centuries. Whisky has been produced in Muir of Ord for hundreds of years, but it was Thomas Mackenzie of Ord who established a legal distillery in 1838 to create local jobs and provide a market for local grain. Glen Ord has long been a hidden gem, and due to its popularity, all of the Singleton of Glen Ord is exported to Southeast Asia.
  Before the tour continues east towards Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, a 40-minute drive away.

• Cawdor Castle - The castle is closed for the winter and will reopen in mid-April 2025. From Clava Cairns, it’s a short drive to Cawdor Castle, where visitors can spend about an hour. The beautiful walled gardens and natural woodlands complement the castle’s extensive history, dating back to 1180. Cawdor Castle is a popular destination, partly due to its connection to Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. Located about 5 miles southwest of Nairn, the castle was built around a 15th-century tower house originally belonging to Clan Cawdor before passing to the Campbells in the 16th century. According to legend, the castle is built around a thorn tree, identified as a holly dating from 1372, which visitors can still see in the dungeon. Visitors can explore the castle’s luxurious interior and admire the impressive Drawing Room.
  Then, return to your place of stay in Inverness, a 30-minute drive away.

• Clava Cairns - This sacred site in the Highlands is rich in history, with its first use dating back over 4,000 years. Set in a beautiful forested area, evidence shows that ancient peoples returned here repeatedly, and there are even ruins of a medieval chapel. Clava Cairns inspired the fictional Craigh na Dun standing stones in the book and TV series Outlander, with the famous “cleft stone” that transports the main character Claire back in time located here. Clava Cairns, or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Balnuaran of Clava, is a group of three Bronze Age cairns near Inverness. This significant and well-preserved prehistoric site is a fantastic example of Highland Scotland’s distant history.
  Next, head to Cawdor Castle, a 20-minute drive away.

• Culloden Battlefield - On 16 April 1746, the final Jacobite Rising reached a brutal climax. Jacobite supporters, aiming to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, gathered to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the last pitched battle on British soil, and in less than an hour, around 1,500 men were killed, with more than 1,000 being Jacobites. The richly researched, engaging, and sensitive Culloden Visitor Centre, located beside the battlefield, features artifacts from both sides of the battle and interactive displays that reveal the conflict’s background. It serves as a monument and guide to a pivotal day in history, illustrating how a bloody fight lasting only an hour changed life in the Highlands forever.
  Then, proceed to Clava Cairns, a 10-minute drive away.

• Bottled water
• Snacks
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Live commentary on board

• Urquhart Castle entry fee costs £13 -£14.50 per person
• cawdor castle entry fee cost £12 per person

HERITAGE AND PICTURESQUE EXCURSIONS

Whether you are interested in day-trips from Inverness or are eager to soak in the maximum number of stunning vistas, our Inverness-based Loch Ness tour is guaranteed to fascinate unprecedentedly. Our amicable local guide will collect you from your residence and escort you on an unforgettable journey around some of the renowned, ancient and culturally rich sites.
Commencing from Inverness, we will proceed to Loch Ness, the abode of the enchanting Urquhart Castle and, according to legend, a certain mysterious monster! Following this, we head towards the historic Beauly Priory before reaching the Glen Ord Distillery, one of the remaining independent single malt scotch whisky manufacturers in the Black Isle. Absorb the dramatic and historic Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns, before steering towards nearby Cawdor Castle. Culminate your tour around Inverness with St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Ness Islands, before you are returned to your residence.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.