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Loch Ness Tour: Explore Castles, Distilleries, and History
4.9
931 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 - Meet and Greet in front of the Columba Hotel for departure of all our tours. Meet at 8:45am.
- Loch Ness - As we head towards Urquhart Castle see this world famous loch that holds the most volume of fresh water of any lochs in Scotland. Perhaps you might see it’s most famous inhabitant - Nessie!
- Urquhart Castle - Stop here…
- Happy Tours - Meet and Greet in front of the Columba Hotel for departure of all our tours. Meet at 8:45am.
- Loch Ness - As we head towards Urquhart Castle see this world famous loch that holds the most volume of fresh water of any lochs in Scotland. Perhaps you might see it’s most famous inhabitant - Nessie!
- Urquhart Castle - Stop here and visit this iconic ruined castle. Hear the history and folklore from your guide, watch the short welcome video and take some photos of the castle and spectacular view down the loch
- Robertson’s Farm Shop Beauly - Meet the fabulous Highland Coos Katie Morag and Jamie Fraser. See the comical Alpacas and perhaps buy some fabulous gifts or food from the Farm Shop itself.
- The Singleton Distillery - Learn about the single malt whisky produced at the distillery and view the new exhibition centre. Your guide will tell you all about the Whisky production and if you wish you can take a tasting that suits your needs.
- Beauly - Stop here for a lunch break and to visit some of the wonderful local cafes (including an award-winning deli) and shops that this medieval burgh has to offer.
- Culloden Battlefield - Experience the feelings evoked by standing on the site of the last pitched battle fought on British mainland soil. Your guide will take you round around the battlefield showing you Memorial Clan Markers, the Memorial Cairn and much much more
- Clava Cairns - Have a guided tour around the prehistoric site and marvel at the Standing Stones and Burial Cairns, learning 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
Enjoy an 8-hour trip to get a flavor of the lush hills and glens in and around the world famous and mysterious Loch Ness. Experience tastes of this unique culture, history and landscape. The private tour will be in a comfortable, air-conditioned Land Rover or minibus that seats up to 8 people. Relax with your Professional, Scottish, kilted tour guide as…
Enjoy an 8-hour trip to get a flavor of the lush hills and glens in and around the world famous and mysterious Loch Ness. Experience tastes of this unique culture, history and landscape. The private tour will be in a comfortable, air-conditioned Land Rover or minibus that seats up to 8 people. Relax with your Professional, Scottish, kilted tour guide as they take you on a journey to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle , Beauly , Glen Ord Distillery, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns.
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.
- 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
(931 Ratings)
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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
Raven652
Apr 23, 2024
Jason’s the best! - Jason was our tour guide and he was fantastic! Knowledgeable and fun, fun, fun! We toured Culloden, a distillery, and Loch Ness. A very enjoyable day.
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
