What to do and see in Inverness, Scotland: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

January 12, 2022 Agatha Simes

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.
Restaurants in Inverness

1. Fort William and Glencoe

4 Huntly St, Inverness IV3, UK Highland Tours 4 You
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Based in the Beautiful City of Inverness, we at Highland Tours 4 You, offer you the opportunity to join us on one of our prearranged tours taking in some of the magical sights and experiences available in this fascinating area. We currently offer One Day tours showcasing some of the most breath-taking scenery and stunning landscapes that the Highlands have to offer. Our 8 seater vehicle offers you that personal experience that we strive to give all our customers. If there is anywhere not shown that you would like to visit or if you would prefer a Private Tour just give us a call and we will do everything in our power to help meet your needs. Perhaps you fancy a Distillery Tour, a Golf Club Tour, Cocktail Tour, Island Hop, the list is endless, just let us know what you fancy, we are here to help. We offer a very convenience city centre riverside Pick Up Point.

Inclusions: Guide/Driver, Private transportation

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Reviewed By Liz K

Went to the fairy pools without a guide and it was stunning. Weather wasn’t great but water was so clear and beautiful. Would have been a better experience on a warm day. Wear decent footwear as when raining it gets slippy

2. GHD Clan tour of OUTLANDER series

Royal Highland Hotel, 18 Station Square, Academy St, Inverness IV1 1LG, UK GHD Clan Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

George will personaly guide you through time pointing out all the references to the Outlander Series in the Highlands. Visit the Culloden Battlefield and other areas where Claire and Jamie travel.

Inclusions: Bottled water, To hear George talk about Culloden, you'd think he was there

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Reviewed By mutleymushu

I wanted to book a trip where myself and my husband were the only passengers but I wasn’t paying stupid money, and this trip fitted the bill. We had an excellent trip with George, who went out of his way to find us as many distilleries as he could. Unfortunately because of coronavirus many had shut their doors to visitors. Unsurprisingly none of the distilleries we did visit were doing tours of where they do production, but the ones we visited for tastings were well worth it. The highlight for us was Glenmorangie. We’d highly recommend a day with George, a true gent and Highlander.

3. North Highland Tour including Dunrobin Castle and much more From Inverness City

Historic and Scenic Tours Inverness
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Our North Highland Tours From Inverness are ideal for any visitor who wants to journey from Inverness into the north, unearthing some of the most special sights and experiences the Highlands have to offer. Our friendly local guide will pick you up from your place of stay in Inverness and take you on your very own adventure across the Black Isle, Cromarty and beyond… Take in the natural beauty of Beauly Priory, Millionaire’s View and the Falls of Shin. Delve into the history of Dunrobin Castle, gardens and grounds, and take time for culture and shopping at the famous town of Dornoch. Finally sample one of our well-known exports, the ‘water of life,’ at Glenmorangie Distillery, before heading back to your place of stay in Inverness. What are you waiting for? Book one of our North Highland Tours From Inverness and experience the Highlands as you never have before.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Luxury minibus, Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Coffee and/or Tea

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4. Legendary Glenmorangie Distillery Visit... and more from Inverness

Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew, Ardross St, Inverness IV3 5NN, UK Highland Premium Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Go off the beaten track and explore some little-known, but fascinating, places within easy reach of Inverness and Invergordon. In a small group of no more than eight, visit Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, and Dornoch and its impressive cathedral. Complete your experience with a stop at Glenmorangie Distillery for an optional dram of whisky. Explore places missed by most visitors to Scotland Get insight into the culture and history of the region from your guide, Johnny. This is a very small-group tour for a more personal experience No-fuss round-trip transport (No more than 8 People)

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wifi On-board, Air Conditioned Vehicle, Local Guide

Exclusions: Attraction entry tickets

Reviewed By ArmyMan33711

A beautiful distillery in a park-like setting on the water. The tour guide was friendly and well-informed...took us through the distillery and cask storage facilities explaining the entire process. Tasting on one scotch included in the “Original” tour. Which was fine with us...a couple other options available

5. Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander Day Tour from Inverness

Bus Station, Farraline Park, Inverness, Inverness IV1 1NH, UK Highland Explorer Tours
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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!

6. Walk Inverness City Centre With Cath An Experienced Local STGA Green Badge Guide

36 High St, Inverness IV1 1JQ, UK Walk Inverness
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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

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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

7. GHD Clan Tour of Speyside Distilleries

Royal Highland Hotel, 18 Station Square, Academy St, Inverness IV1 1LG, UK GHD Clan Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

You will be transported through time as you travel towards Speyside getting closer to George's Home town. You may hear his accent change slightly the closer he gets to the area of his childhood NOTE: It will depend on how early you book this tour as it is not always possible to gain entry to all distilleries on the same day as they are usually very busy. George will always do his best to ensure you get to visit and enjoy the distilleries of your choice around the area.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Local knowledge from a (TRUE) Highlander in a Kilt :)

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Reviewed By mutleymushu

I wanted to book a trip where myself and my husband were the only passengers but I wasn’t paying stupid money, and this trip fitted the bill. We had an excellent trip with George, who went out of his way to find us as many distilleries as he could. Unfortunately because of coronavirus many had shut their doors to visitors. Unsurprisingly none of the distilleries we did visit were doing tours of where they do production, but the ones we visited for tastings were well worth it. The highlight for us was Glenmorangie. We’d highly recommend a day with George, a true gent and Highlander.

8. Full-Day Loch Ness Glencoe and the Highlands Tour from Glasgow

Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW, UK Discover Scotland Tours
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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.

9. The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour

Stance No. 7, Inverness Bus Station, Margaret St, Inverness IV1 1LT, UK WOW Scotland Tours
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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!

10. Glenfinnan Viaduct and The Great Glen 8 Seater Tour from Inverness

7 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NF, UK Happy Tours
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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.

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