Location: Inverness
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The 10 Best Tours in Inverness, Scotland
This compact Scottish city is perfect for exploration by foot — travelers can easily find their way from the lovely River Ness to historic Inverness Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral, and beyond to the events at Eden Court and the busy Victorian Market. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Highlands, with the mysterious Loch Ness (and famed local resident Nessie), Culloden Battlefield and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns just a quick drive away.
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1. Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander Day Tour from Inverness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness, where you will have the option to join a cruise to the ruins of the 13th century Urquhart Castle, or to explore the nearby village of Drumnadrochit. Free time to enjoy lunch in one of the charming local cafés in beautiful Beauly and walk it off exploring Beauly Priory; used in the filming of Outlander. Our next stop is a Highland whisky distillery, where you can join an optional tour to learn about whisky production and sample a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on our visit to Culloden Battlefield. Outlander fans will love the mysterious burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history behind the Outlander story, you might not want to travel back in time to meet Jamie Fraser after all! Return to Inverness in the early evening.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Local Scottish Guide
Exclusions: Food and Drink, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle (buy on site), Distillery tour and tasting (buy on site), Culloden Battlefield Exhibition (buy on site), Gratuities
Reviewed By 180rebecar
Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!
2. Walk Inverness City Centre With Cath An Experienced Local STGA Green Badge Guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Take a walk with Cath, a local to the area, and an experienced Scottish Tourist Guide Association Green Badge Guide around her beautiful City of Inverness. Each tour is bespoke and planned around the opening times of various venues of historical interest and importance. A Walk Inverness tour contains lots of local history, beautiful scenery, architecture, and romantic (yet sometimes bloody) tales which have over time, shaped Inverness into the thriving city that stands today. In the true spirit of Outlander, find out more about the short but final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising, The Battle of Culloden in 1746, in which the fate of between 1500 Jacobites was sealed by a poor decision and a hostile terrain. Cath will fascinate you with references to Outlander along with life in 18th century Inverness right up to the present day. Sharing stories of clan history, folklore and legends. Step even further back in time to 565 AD and learn about St Columba’s visit to the Highlands.
Inclusions: Experienced local guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Broomas11
We were guided by Cath and had a great experience. Cath explained all the history and was highly knowledgeable and good fun. She took photos for us and sent them on and really helped us understand the relevance of all the places of interest we visited. Well worth doing
3. Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Enjoy a full-day of stunning scenery and fresh Highland air, as we travel all the way around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Our journey reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches and a hidden waterfall – with untamed mountains never far from sight. Not only will you watch the Jacobite Steam Train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you will later hop aboard and experience it for yourself. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, and voted one of the world’s most scenic railways, this is a trip you’ll never forget!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Jacobite Steam Train, Expert local guide
Exclusions: Lunch, Restroom on board, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Gratuities
Reviewed By 180rebecar
Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!
4. Full-Day Loch Ness Glencoe and the Highlands Tour from Glasgow
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Visit Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands on this one day tour from Glasgow. Departing Glasgow you'll have the opportunity to enjoy morning refreshments and take some great photos at Loch Lomond. Your tour will then continue through the desolate Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. We will stop for photographs in Glencoe which has very dramatic scenery and a dark past. Travelling through Fort William with Ben Nevis looming overhead, you will follow the Great Glen Canal on it’s journey to Fort Augustus at the southern top of Loch Ness. You’ll have time to enjoy some lunch here and explore the town.You can then choose to purchase tickets for a 1 hour monster spotting cruise on the loch, you may even see Nessie!. We'll travel through Inverness and the Cairngorms National Park before reaching our final refreshment stop in the Victorian town of Pitlochry. After some time there we continue back to Glasgow.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Services of your Driver-Guide
Exclusions: Meals and Refreshments, Loch Ness 1 Hour Cruise. Can be purchased on the day: Adult £16.00 Concession £16.00, Child £10.00.
Reviewed By CannonisGod
Another Quality day trip completed (10th May 2021) Jeff was excellent with his knowledge and is very caring and makes the whole trip come together. Will definitely be back again.
5. Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
This tour is very Scenic visiting areas of Inverness you won’t see on foot or public transport or driving. The Waterways Tour rides along the River Ness and The Caledonian Canal with many stops to learn about the area. A local guide who has lived in Inverness all their life will share history and local events with you. We use easy to ride cruiser bikes on a flat route just over 6 miles. This is adults only tour (teenagers and above).
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Helmet , English speaking Guide
Exclusions: Bottled water, Gratuities
Reviewed By Michael L
Alison was amazing,came up from London on sleeper train in morning,met her and one other person,rode around the city,along the canal,saw swing ridge open.it was brilliant.will definitely do it again.
6. The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and stories of this magical island with a local Highland company. We are proud to be able to offer you the best rated tour guides and the most spacious and well-appointed mini-coaches. We are a 5 star Visit Scotland rated operator, who are number 1 rated on TripAdvisor in Inverness. However, we don’t just offer tours; we offer you the opportunity to fall in love with the place we call home.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Experienced driver, Live commentary on board
Exclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, Lunch, Snacks/drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Liam G
In the words of Bill Medley... "Now I've had the time of my life No I never felt like this before Yes I swear it's the truth And I owe it all to you..." I went on this incredible tour on Saturday 1st May 2021 and loved every second. Gordon and Rob's knowledge of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye is second to none! Not only did we get a tour of the modern day Scotland that we ventured through but we also got a tour of Scotland through hundreds of years. It takes incredible skill to navigate the roads that we drove through as well as constantly describing the areas we are driving through and tell stories, jokes and play a soundtrack relevant to the area at the same time. I went away with a great deal of knowledge of Geology, History, questionable comedy and Politics. Gordon's unwavering passion and knowledge of his home country is masterful and provides you on the tour with everything you need to know about why you are there. The bus for the tour was comfortable, impeccably clean and covid measures and social distancing were at the forefront throughout the tour. I felt nothing but safe and well informed the entire tour. Wow Scotland were also able to pick me up and drop me off right outside the door of where we were staying! This tour is highly recommended and being run by a local family you know you are getting nothing but the best. Particular highlights were Eilean Donan Castle, the Quiraing, Urquhart castle and "You'll never find a Nessie in the Zoo" 11/10 and I can't wait to do another one!
7. Glenfinnan Viaduct and The Great Glen 8 Seater Tour from Inverness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Would you like to visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous bridge crossed by the Hogwarts Express steam train in the Harry Potter movies? Would you like to take in beautiful views of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK? Why not take a trip into the absolutely stunning Lochaber region in the West Highlands of Scotland and see the Great Glen all in the comfort of one of our 8-seater vehicles?
Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional guide, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entry fees to attractions, Lunch, Entrance to Urquhart Castle
Reviewed By cindynor41
john mcgillivray coleman was the world’s best tour guide! Too much cool and kind stuff he did to mention but I wanted to post this picture of him clowning around with us.
8. Loch Ness & The Highlands from Inverness
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 46 reviews
Spend a day Nessie-hunting, take a cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, explore the village of Fort Augustus, visit the ruined loch-side Urquhart Castle, admire the Falls of Foyers and wander along Dores Beach on this fantastic one day Loch Ness tour from Inverness!
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Dawn H
We had a brilliant time visiting Eilean Donan castle and the Isle of Skye. We were a small party due to Covid 19 and everything was well thought out to ensure social distancing, hand sanitising etc. Chris our driver/guide was friendly and extremely knowledgeable with lots of stories thrown in too. It was a long and thoroughly enjoyable day and we would love to return one day.
9. The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 207 reviews
Leave the city for the day and explore the beautiful Isle of Skye. Visit Eilean Donan Castle; one of Scotland's most photographed castles and cross the bridge to the scenic Isle of Skye. Visit Portree, it's village-capital and marvel in the beautiful scenic nature all in one day.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By Beardless92
Truly a one of a lifetime experience! Marita is a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide! I should also add she is a great driver, cause those Highland roads can get a bit narrow ???? The experience is very immersive, and just listening to Conquest of Paradise while driving through the Highlands is EPIC! Hope you get lucky with the weather as we did, cause all the main photo stops, the sky was clear and lighting was just perfect! ???? The views are stunning, the castles bring their own stories and mysteries and the Isle of Skye is truly another world in itself! I would like to thank the whole Timberbush Team for this ride! I can only wholeheartedly recommend to anyone!! ????????????????????????????❤️
10. Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 168 reviews
Sharp geological formations, crumbling coastlines and wind-swept valleys: Skye is mother-nature at her dramatic best. And on this day-tour you explore the best of it in the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach. Let our experienced driver-guide take you on a journey through the stories, history, and sights of the island; while also giving you a taste of the most breathtaking scenery that Western Scotland has to offer.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Small-group tour (16 people max), Transport by top of the range Mercedes minicoach
Exclusions: Entrance fees (Eilean Donan Castle), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By L2821ZTkates
I would like to say a massive thank you to my guide Seana for my trip in early November. I live in Scotland and it was nice to be able to see so many beautiful places in one day. I was a a solo traveller and Seana was so kind and informative it felt like I was on a day trip with friends. Clava Cairns is such a beautiful and atmospheric place, when we arrived early morning we had the whole place to ourselves. So had a lot of opportunities for amazing photos. There was two of us on the trip, so it felt like we were on a VIP tour. Next stop was Culloden, we really lucked out for weather and had time to walk the old battlefield. There was enough time to go into the exhibition, but it was so nice to be outside in the open. We stopped for lunch at Beauly and it was a pretty little Scottish town. At the top of the high street there is a really nice shop for gifts, clothes and home decor. So if you like shopping then make sure you have some spending money. The priory was a great place to walk around. There's benches out the front if you'd like to get some chips for a quick lunch. The bistros were bustling, so if you just wanted a sit down meal, there's a few to choose. Glen Affric was so beautiful in the autumn sun, Seana was in her element as we walked over the rocky path towards the water. She mentioned to us about her mountain climbing and took us on a little hike up to the view point. We even had time to visit another Cairn just as dusk arrived. She made sure we had left early enough for the sunset. It was a really memorable trip, Seana was an excellent guide and I wouldn't hesitate to book another tour. I can not give her enough praise. She is excellent in her job. A really nice people person.
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