1-Day Tour from Inverness

Monsters, Lochs and Legends (incl. Castle & Cruise)

$129.00
From (USD)

The Experience

Join us on a jam-packed Loch Ness tour from Inverness and enjoy many iconic Scottish experiences in just one day. Our adventure begins at the legendary Loch Ness , where you will take a cruise and visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle for ideal monster spotting opportunities. After lunch in beautiful Beauly, we visit a Highland whisky distillery, where the best way to learn about the “water of life” is to taste it! Learn the true story which inspired Outlander at Culloden Battlefield and attempt your own journey through the stones at Clava Cairns. We return to Inverness in the early evening.

Itinerary

Day 1: Monsters, Lochs and Legends

Your tour departs from Inverness before you journey to the world-famous Loch Ness, where you will join a cruise to the ruins of the 13th century Urquhart Castle. Then there’s free time to enjoy lunch in one of the charming local cafés in beautiful Beauly and walk it off exploring Beauly Priory; featured in the Outlander book 'Dragonfly in Amber'. Our next stop is a Highland whisky distillery, where you can learn about whisky and sample a wee dram in the bar.

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! Your Loch Ness tour returns to Inverness in the early evening.

Please note: during winter the route goes in reverse.

Inverness → Inverness

Tour Highlights

Loch Ness
Loch Ness
It’s time to tick Loch Ness off your Scotland bucket list, as we go in search of the infamous Loch Ness Monster. We promise you’ll get cool photos of Loch Ness and the surrounding scenery. A glimpse of ‘Nessie’ in the background is just an extra bonus!
Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Don’t just look at the loch, get on it! Loop around the southern end of Loch Ness on this water-based adventure, taking in the scenery, history and legends of the Loch Ness Monster. Will you be convinced ‘Nessie’ lurks beneath?
Beauly
Beauly
Spend some time exploring picturesque Beauly Priory; used in the filming of Outlander. Beauly Priory from the French beau lieu meaning ‘beautiful place’ and abbey church which remains today is nestled in a charming, wooded, riverside location.
Whisky Distilleries
Whisky Distilleries
Whisky always tastes better when you sample it straight from the source! We take you on tours and tastings at various world-famous distilleries, where you can discover each whisky’s own unique story, production process, and flavours. Then, pick your favourite!
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil, and the real-life story which inspired the hit series Outlander. Visiting the battlefield is an evocative experience, as you learn about the Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army, and the destruction of the highland clan culture in the aftermath.
Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns is a mysterious and atmospheric Bronze Age burial site which is aligned with the stars. Outlander fans can attempt their own journey through the standing stones, while a wander into the well-preserved passage cairns will you imagining the people who built them, in a time so long ago.

What's Included

★ Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide ★ Scottish Stories & Live Commentary (in English) ★ Loch Ness Boat Cruise ★ Urquhart Castle Entry ★ Foreign Language Audio Guide Available ★ Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones ★ Full Refund if Cancelled More Than 24 Hours in Advance

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Monsters, Lochs and Legends tour departs from Inverness city centre. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.

Expect the tour to last around 9 hours*, creating a perfect day for Loch Ness monster hunting and exploring beautiful Highland sites around the loch. There will be a seamless mix of on-coach and off-coach travelling, complete with photo stops and comfort breaks.

 *Tour duration might change based on traffic and weather.

Yes, your Loch Ness cruise and the entry to Urquhart Castle are included in the tour price. The only optional add-on is the whisky distillery experience for which you can pay for on arrival at the destination.

All we can say is, if you’re trying to grab a selfie with Nessie, you’re on a tough mission. The Loch Ness boat cruise will improve your chances of spotting her, that’s for sure!