Inverness
is highland flavours
Welcome to Inverness
Inverness has a great location astride the River Ness at the northern end of the Great Glen. In summer it overflows with visitors intent on monster hunting at nearby Loch Ness, but it's worth a visit in its own right for a stroll along the picturesque River Ness, a cruise on Loch Ness, and a meal in one of the city's excellent restaurants.
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Inverness activities
Loch Ness, Highlands, Glencoe Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Depart from central Edinburgh by air-conditioned minivan in the morning and pass Linlithgow Palace — the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots — Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument en route to the most dramatic of all Highland glens, Glencoe. Hear the truth about the infamous 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald from your knowledgeable guide, and learn of the area’s fascinating history and heritage. Journey onward through Fort William, site of the military post built during the Jacobite Rebellions in the 18th century, and continue up the Great Glen between Fort William and Inverness. Take the time to capture the stunning Scottish Highlands scenery from the comfort of your coach as you travel. Stop at Fort Augustus, by the shores of famous Loch Ness, and enjoy breathtaking views out over the loch. Pause for lunch by the waterside at your own expense, or enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise on the loch to appreciate the beautiful views from the water (not included). The boat has a sonar system, so if Nessie is down there you won’t miss her! Loch cruises run from Easter to the end of October. Hop back aboard your minivan and continue on through the village of Spean Bridge to the Cairngorms National Park. Take in views of the spectacular Highlands scenery along the shores of Loch Laggan and marvel at Craig Meagaidh, one of the area’s impressive mountains. It is here that TV series Monarch of the Glen was filmed. Continue over the Drummochter Summit — where herds of red deer often graze — and visit the Victorian town of Pitlochry, the final stop for the day. At the end of your time in Pitlochry, head back by minivan to Edinburgh where your tour will conclude.
Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Rabbie's Tours GlasgowCheck-in 15 mins prior to published departure time and meet with your driver for the day.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Glencoe Mountain, Ballachulish, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandBe moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Loch Ness, Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandTake a chance to go on an optional boat cruise or wander around this alluring and eerie loch.Duration: 1 hour
2-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
ItineraryDay 1: Edinburgh - Fort Augustus - InvernessStop At: Loch Lubnaig, Callander, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, ScotlandEnjoy this wonderful landscape and perfect stop for great photos!Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Glencoe Mountain, Ballachulish, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandBe moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tale of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandTake a chance to explore a ruined castle overlooking Loch Ness.Take a chance to explore a ruined castle overlooking Loch Ness.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Loch Ness, Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandTake a chance to go on an optional boat cruise (April - October) or wander around the shores of this alluring and eerie loch.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Commando Monument, Spean Bridge, Lochaber, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandScenic views and quick photo stop at this inspirational memorial.Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Inverness Cathedral, Inverness, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandThe ‘Capital of the Highlands’ blends Victorian architecture with a lively modern lifestyle.Duration: 5 hoursStop At: Rabbie's Cafe BarMeet here for boarding 15 mins before the published departure time.Duration: 15 minutesNo meals included on this day.Accommodation included: Overnight in Inverness.Day 2: Inverness - Culloden - Pitlochry - EdinburghStop At: Culloden Battlefield, Culloden Moor, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandExperience the Battle of Culloden, admire Jacovite artefacts and visit the powerfully moving site of the final Jacobite RisingDuration: 35 minutesStop At: Clava Cairns, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandTravel through winding back roads and discover a 4,000 year old cemetery.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Dalwhinnie Distillery, Dalwhinnie, Scottish Highlands, Scotland(optional stop depending on the itinerary of the day - not guaranteed)Tour and tasting (with chocolate and free whisky glass)Duration: 45 minutesStop At: House of Bruar at Blair Atholl, Blair Atholl, Perth and Kinross, ScotlandOpportunity to either walk to a scenic waterfall or passengers can visit the shopping/food area.Duration: 45 minutesPass By: Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore and the Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands, ScotlandGaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks.No meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.
Orkney Islands Day Trip from Inverness
Leaving Inverness behind, this day trip of the Orkney Islands departs every summer morning. Settle back and enjoy the spectacular drive through Scotland's Far North Highlands, before arriving at famous John O'Groats - the end of the line, the northern most point of Scotland.Cross the Pentland Firth to the Islands in just 40 minutes, looking out for puffins, seals, gannets, porpoise and even the occasional whale along the way. Island hop across the Churchill Barriers which thread together five islands to form the Eastern boundary of Scapa Flow. Visit the capital town, Kirkwall, home to the magnificent Viking cathedral of St Magnus and step back 3,000 years as you enter the stoneage village of Skara Brae. The village was hidden under sand dunes, perfectly preserved, until uncovered 150 years ago during a winter storm.
Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness
Leave Inverness and head southwest to Loch Ness, the legendary freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. As you travel by minibus along the shore-side road, your expert guide will talk you through the myth of ‘Nessie’ – the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Stop at the wee village of Invermoriston to stretch your legs and see the delightful Thomas Telford Bridge.Continue travelling through pretty glens like Glen Moriston, and then pass alongside the Five Sisters mountain range. Stop outside Eilean Donan Castle to admire its incredibly picturesque beauty sprawled across the banks of three spectacular lochs.At the Kyle of Lochalsh, cross the famous Skye Bridge to reach the Isle of Skye itself. First stop is at the island’s second-largest settlement, Broadford. Then your tour of this beautiful island begins! Following the coastal road to Glen Suardal, pass the iconic Red Cuillin Hills and enjoy sweeping views of pretty Bla Bheinn (Blaven Mountain) from the village of Torrin. From here we'll head to Portree, the capital of the island, for lunch (own expense).Take a stroll with your guide around the banks of Loch Slappin – one of Scotland’s most photographed lochs. As you amble around this picturesque spot, your guide will indulge you in the local pastime of beachcombing – scouting the shores for interesting rocks and fossils. After walking along the shores, enjoy a steep walk up Strathaird Peninsula to reach the tiny village of Elgol. Spend time at leisure here.Your journey back passes the little island of Eilean Ban, home to a large colony of otters and a wealth of wildlife. The famous British writer Gavin Maxwell calls Eilean Ban home, and the wildlife here influenced his best-selling novel, Ring of Bright Water. Head back to Inverness via the village of Achnasheen and the dramatic Black Isle, arriving in the early evening.
Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats
Leaving John O'Groats, this day trip to the Orkney Islands departs every summer morning. Cross the Pentland Firth to the Islands by ferry in just 40 minutes. The Firth is rich in marine wild life and the many isolated islands provide secure breeding places for thousands of sea birds. Look out for seals and whales along the way.Island hop across the Churchill Barriers which thread together five islands to form the Eastern boundary of Scapa Flow. Visit the capital town, Kirkwall, home to the magnificent Viking cathedral of St Magnus, and the lovely little village of Stromness, last port of call for sailing ships on their way to the Americas. Then step back 5,000 years as you enter the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. This Village was hidden under sand dunes, perfectly preserved, until uncovered 150 years ago during a winter storm.On your way back to the ferry in the evening there will be a stop at the Italian Chapel. Beautifully constructed inside two "nissen" huts using only basic raw materials, the beauty of the Chapel must be seen to be appreciated.