Scotland · CASTLE VISITS IN INVERNESS
Good castle visits in Inverness fill weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes, and where they actually differ.
Inverness to Skye in one long, guided day, with Eilean Donan Castle, Portree lunch, and iconic viewpoints, plus easy round-trip transport.
“I had a great time! I think my guides name was Ray or Roy, I can't remember exactly, but he had three daughters and was from the area, and was an excellent guide! He was in good spirits the whole time, had interesting stories, and was super memorable!”
Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle ruins, Outlander stops at Beauly Priory and Clava Cairns, plus Culloden Battlefield from Inverness.
“This was one of the tours I was really looking forward to and I think that’s why it felt so disappointing. The tour design itself I found problematic because it was such a slow start to the day. Loch Ness and the castle were great BUT there was too much time here. We did a pretty thorough tour of the castle, but we had an hour where we just sat and did nothing. Then Having lunch and the whiskey distillery back to back meant there was about a two hour time Period Where there wasn’t anything to do or see, especially if you aren’t interested in buying whiskey. In total…”
A one-hour Loch Ness cruise with sonar Nessie spotting, indoor and outdoor comfort, plus close Urquhart Castle views from the water.
“Bring a jacket/rain coat. Chilly and can rain at any time!! Enjoyed the cruise and the beautiful scenery.”
Inverness to Isle of Skye in a small group, with Eilean Donan Castle plus Loch Ness, Portree, and Trotternish Peninsula stops.
“We had a wonderful tour, albeit a long day (about 10 hours — shorter than advertised because of an amber alert owing to high winds and storm off the coast). Our guide, Nick, was excellent — very informative, witty, and knowledgeable. Our transportation was first class. We truly enjoyed a fabulous day — the sites are amazing and awe inspiring. The landscapes are so beautiful. We had a nice lunch in Portree as well. All in all a terrific day.”
From Inverness, ride to Dochgarroch Lock for a Loch Ness cruise, then explore Urquhart Castle ruins and the Loch Ness Centre.
“Terrible. Urqhardt castle visit cut short. Rest of tour rushed. Driver drove like a crazy person. Viator refused to provide refund. Don’t waste your money.”
A full-day drive from Inverness to John O’Groats with Dunrobin Castle, quick coast stops, and a guide who makes the far north click.
“Beautiful scenery. Would like to have spent more time in John O’Groats. A bit rushed since we required lunch. Willie was entertaining”
Half-day coach and cruise from Inverness with Urquhart Castle ruins and the Loch Ness Centre, plus time on deck to spot Nessie.
“The tour just wasn't what we expected. It wasn't a bad tour, but left feeling like we were missing something. The tour started 15 minutes late which reduced our time at the castle and was never acknowledged by the tour. The castle was amazing but just not enough time since we started so late. The focus of the cruise/tour is completely on history with really no discussion of folklore of Nessie. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition focuses on science and only gives you one perspective on the existence of the Loch Ness monster.”
Two days on Isle of Skye from Inverness, with Fairy Pools, Skye cliffs, castles, and an overnight in Portree.
“A little history from the driver commentary would have been nice. The accommodations were very minimal.”
Small-group Highlands day from Inverness to Clava Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness Castle, Loch Ness, and a gin tasting.
“Visited very interesting sites. Guide-George was fantastic Culodden battleground interactive museum was informative”
1-day Isle of Skye tour from Inverness with Loch Ness, Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery, Portree, and Eilean Donan Castle.
“A great experience that allowed me, despite my time limitations, to visit Skye and learn a lot about Scotland's story and culture. Gordon has been a wonderful guide: charismatic, knowledgeable, funny and flexible. If you only have one day to see Skye, I would recommend to give it a try.”
Private Inverness day trip: Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Culloden, Cawdor Castle, Beauly Priory, Glen Ord whisky, and more. Pickup included.
“Culloden and Curdow gardens. (Spelling) Lewis had astonishing grasp of the history and explained everything to us.”
Small-group day trip from Inverness to Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle, Loch Garten, Aviemore, Loch Morlich and Rothiemurchus.
“Sonia was an absolute gem of a guide!!! She was very knowledgeable, gave us all great insight on our future travel plans, and made sure everyone on our tour got enjoyment out of it. It was a perfect day!”
A private Inverness day trip to Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, Loch Fleet wildlife, and Glenmorangie single malt tasting, with extra local stops.
“Our guide Craig was amazing, and made the trip informative and fun. So glad we booked this! The countryside was stunning, would definitely recommend.”
Inverness to Isle of Skye day tour with Fairy Pools, Dunvegan Castle, Portree, Eilean Donan, Urquhart, plus Loch Ness views, small group.
“We were with Emily during the tour and she was so amazing and so approachable.She has the excellent customer service.We will definitely come and avail again Highland Tour next time!”
Private 10-11 hour day trip from Inverness to Isle of Skye highlights, plus Eilean Donan Castle, with luxury comfort and smart photo stops.
“Had a local taxi run and Rafal was great! He's such a gentleman and had a great chat with him, Thinking about arranging a tour in the summer for colleagues.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
