Scotland · INVERNESS TOURS

The 15 Best Inverness Tours & Day Trips

128 tours  ·  from $10

Inverness is the shortest route to almost everything in the north. The 15 below sort the Loch Ness cruises, the Culloden and Cawdor runs and the single-day Skye tours by price, length and how early the minibus leaves.

Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness - Culloden Battlefield deserves your full attention
Cruises & Boat Tours, Inverness Tours, Loch Ness Tours, Loch Ness Tours in Inverness, Outlander Filming Locations, Outlander Filming Locations in Inverness, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 Loch Ness, cruising to Urquhart Castle, visiting Outlander filming locations at Beauly Priory and Clava Cairns, and walking Culloden Battlefield. Your guide, possibly Iain, Karen, Emma, Torquil, or another Highland Explorer host, supplies the history and local stories.

“I had an amazing time! Karen made the trip! She was well informed, and told me amazing facts. I couldn’t have asked for a better tour!”

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Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness - Sligachan brings Skye’s stories into view
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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

Leave Inverness at 7:45 a.m. for a full day through the Highlands, with stops at Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Sligachan, the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Kilt Rock. Guides such as Iain, Emma, Craig, Amber, and Torquil add local stories, history, and humor.

“Harrison was awesome, and really knowledgeable about the area! This was truly an unforgettable experience I could not recommend it enough! Just a PSA make sure you are exactly on time or you will get left behind”

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Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness - The Commando Memorial and Nevis Range
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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 through Loch Ness country to Fort William, then ride the Jacobite train to Mallaig. Guides such as Harrison, Iain, Emma, and Stewart add stories and local detail. The train may run with a diesel engine instead of steam, so plan for scenery first and Harry Potter nostalgia second.

“Excellent trip! The train ride was fun. Our driver Harrison was super knowledgeable. We got to see several beautiful places on the drive to and from the train!”

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Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch - From the Caledonian Canal to Loch Dochfour
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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

Set out from Dochgarroch Lock near Inverness for a two-hour cruise along the Caledonian Canal, Loch Dochfour, and Loch Ness. Live guides such as Malcolm, Kieran, and Peter share stories as you pass Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, Aldourie Castle, and a wartime aircraft crash site.

“The boat was comfortable and the staff was great! Especially Malcom the guide. Highly recommend. The hot chocolate with a dram hit the spot.”

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The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness - Loch Ness begins the morning
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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

This 12-hour WOW Scotland tour takes you from central Inverness to Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Portree, Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, and the Fairy Pools. Expect a small coach, live storytelling, long scenic drives, and a 1.5-mile walk at the pools. Guides may include Andrew, Tim, Colin, or Murdoch.

“Our driver was wonderful, funny and very informative. He kept us entertained and was able to give us some silence to relax and enjoy the view.”

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Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views - Staying warm, finding a seat, and buying a drink
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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

Set out from Clansman Harbour on a one-hour Jacobite cruise across Loch Ness. Choose indoor or open-air seating, listen to commentary on Nessie and local history, scan the water with onboard sonar, and photograph Urquhart Castle from the loch. Kieran is one guide praised for his lively delivery.

“Excellent river cruise. The boat had plenty of space. Great views from top deck. Was great to see the castle from the loch. Staff all very friendly.”

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Isle of Skye Full Day Private Tour from Inverness - Leaving Inverness and following Thomas Telford’s route
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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 with a private kilted guide such as Andrew, Mike, Niall, or Malcolm. You’ll see Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr in about nine hours, with hotel pickup in Inverness or along the route.

“Graham was an excellent guide. Places we stopped at, e.g. the castle Dunvegan. We enthusiastically recommend this tour.”

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Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Private Tour from Inverness - Highland cows and alpacas at Robertson’s
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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 eight hours with a kilted local guide exploring Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Highland cattle, whisky making, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns. Guides such as Stuart, William, Malcolm, Drew, and Bill are known for strong storytelling and personal service. Lunch, tastings, and castle admission cost extra.

“We loved the special touches the guide brought to the experience. He was well versed in history and knew how to set the tone for the day. Well done!”

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Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness - Loch Ness begins the morning
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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

Travel from Inverness in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a local driver-guide to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. You’ll stop at Loch Ness, Portree, Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr, and the Quiraing, with time for photos, lunch, and short walks.

“It’s a long trip with plenty of stops . Great sites and very good driver. Busses could be upgraded to something more modern”

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Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5pm) - Inverness Castle and the city’s upper terrace
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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

Walk central Inverness with an English-speaking local guide such as Christine, Steve, Karen, or Elaine. In 90 minutes, you’ll see the castle, cathedral, River Ness, Town House, Eden Court, and Old High Church, along with lesser-known corners and stories of Jacobites, local customs, and Scottish lore.

“Steve was a very good guide. The tour was laced with history and humour. Well done Steve! Would highly recommend.”

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Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness - Exploring Urquhart Castle in one hour
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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 by air-conditioned coach from Inverness Bus Station to Dochgarroch Lock, cruise Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, and visit the Loch Ness Centre. Guides such as Linda, Kieran, and Katie have led departures, with commentary, castle admission, and return transport included.

“Great trip when you only have half a day. The bus ride there and back were very informative. Had a great bus driver!”

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SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket - Find clownfish, seahorses, and coral displays
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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, rays, moray eels, clownfish, seahorses, and venomous reef fish. Follow the Predators of the Reef display into the Ocean Tank and Tropical Ocean Tunnel, then touch starfish at the interactive rock pools.

“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 with Inverness Cathedral and the 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 flat, mostly traffic-free route through Inverness with local guide Alison. You’ll see the cathedral, River Ness, Ness Islands, botanic gardens, Caledonian Canal, and Merkinch Nature Reserve on a cruiser bike. Small groups, helmets, and bikes are included.

“My husband and I took this bike tour as an interesting way to get to know the city of Inverness, and it was such a lovely experience! Our guide Allison was very knowledgeable and friendly, she took very good care of us making sure we were all safe. It was an excellent tour with beautiful scenery and I highly recommend it!”

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Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness - Crossing the Skye Bridge to Broadford and Kyleakin
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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

Take an 11.5-hour minivan trip from Inverness across the Highlands and Skye. You’ll see Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Kilt Rock, the Cuillin Hills, and Sligachan Old Bridge, with stories from guides such as David, Chris, Jamie, and Rory.

“The bus was very crowded. We were added on for 1 day of a three day tour out of Edinburg so were not really part of the group. Since it was very wet not so good for jumping in/out of the bus. It would have been nice to adjust tour to spend an additional hour Poetree. Expensive for a long wet ride.”

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1 Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness - Bow Fiddle Rock near Portknockie
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1 Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness

15.1 Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 306 reviews · 11 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Spend about 11.5 hours with a Scottish English-speaking guide exploring Findhorn Beach, Bow Fiddle Rock, Cullen, Spey Bay or Troup Head, Strathisla Distillery, and Carrbridge. Expect a long but scenic day, free time for walks and photos, and an optional whisky tasting at extra cost.

“Wonderful day with an amazing guide Sofia. Learned a lot about Scotland. Did you know the National animal is a unicorn, and what is Haggis anyway? Beautiful landscapes. Long drive with many stops to see wildlife and views.”

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New in Inverness Tours

★ 5.0Outlander Shore Trip from Invergordon Cruise Terminal3 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony ExperienceFrom $11618 reviews
★ 5.0Create Your Own Special 2 Day Tour12 reviews
★ 5.0Bespoke 5 day Tour – your personal itinerary20 reviews
★ 5.0Fort William and GlencoeFrom $27412 reviews
★ 5.0Wild West Coast Adventure (Part 1)3 reviews
★ 5.0Your Bespoke 4 Day Tour – tailored to your specific requirements6 reviews
★ 5.0Loch Ness Urquhart Culloden Clava Cawdor Whisky tasting Inverness9 reviews
★ 5.0BMW SUV Tour of the Scottish Highlands with Kilted Guide5 reviews
★ 5.0Private Highland Whisky Tour including 10+ Single Malt Tastings22 reviews
★ 5.0The Untamed North WestFrom $37813 reviews
★ 5.03-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour from InvernessFrom $59529 reviews
★ 5.0Deluxe 5 star Private Speyside Whisky Tour25 reviews
★ 5.0Speyside Whisky Experience5 reviews
★ 5.0Speyside Whisky Full Day Private Tour from Inverness50 reviews

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