Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle with Cruise from Inverness
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness, where you will join a cruise to view the ruins of the 13th century, Urquhart Castle. Entrance to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise is optional. You will have 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 novel series.
Enjoy a Highland whisky experience, where you have the option of sampling 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. Return to Inverness in the early evening.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
In cases of extreme weather, the Loch Ness boat cruise may be cancelled on short notice. If you have purchased ticket for this you will be refunded.
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
What To Expect
Urquhart Castle
Take a cruise* on the Loch and explore the ruins of the 13th century Urquhart Castle. *cruise time is approx 30mins and varies depending on weather conditions
Beauly Priory
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.
Options
Tour only
With Cruise & Urquhart Castle
What‘s Included
Urquhart Castle Entrance (if option selected)
Loch Ness Cruise (30mins) (if option selected)
Local Scottish English Speaking Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Food and Drink
Culloden Battlefield Exhibition (buy on site)
Gratuities
Highland Whisky Experience
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,609 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great guide and some fun activities!
douglasdcc,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Emily was super great! (I loved the kilt outfit) She was fun and made us feel super confortable. I also enjoyed that she was driven safe, not rushing it. The first part of the tour is a banger. The second part could be better. I think the time in the battlefield is too long and Clava Cairns is very boring. There are a couple of castles around. I'd prefer to visit those castles and/or Dalroy Waterfalls. I feel the tour is a little expensive. It should be a least £15 less.
A Day Filled with So Many Different Sites & Experiences!
Michele A,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I feel like a lot was squeezed in within the timeframe. We actually also visited the whiskey distillery and the highland cows, which was a nice addition and surprise. Our tour guide Emily was very knowledgeable and extremely nice! I highly recommend this tour but be advised as it is a lot of walking. Also, the tour guide does not come along on the stops. You are on your own to experience the different sites at your own leisure which I preferred.
Another fantastic tour with Highland tourss
shannonlV7808NU,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iain, our guide, regaled us with wonderful stories and facts. He answered our questions with good humor. The tour was outstanding with the perfect amount of time at each stop. Iain suggested we take the guided tour of Culloden and we did. We got so much more out of that site because we did. Our guide at Culloden did an outstanding job of describing the events and debunking the false information that is out there. While we are not whisky drinkers, the stop at Singleton whiskey was surprisingly fun! A perfect day!
Funny!
sergiocQ3426RJ,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iain thank you for everything!
Great day excursion filled with rich history commentary and gorgeous sites
AskMiyoko,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Martin was an amazing tour guide!! Full of interesting history details and went above and beyond to entertain us during the drive while safe, make timelines, expectations and safety clear. And did it all with a warmth balanced with professionalism that was unparalleled. Definitely would book again.
Packed with Highlights
Nomad38884321669,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Martin was a delightful bus driver and story teller. He promptly moved us from place to place for a full day of touring which was so great!! This tour packs in a lot of highlights and I absolutely recommend it.
Highland Experience
lindasJ6605CY,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Martin was very entertaining and knowledgeable. The tour is well spaced out for time allocation at each site. We’re quite happy that we chose this tour for our stop in Inverness.
Tour review-Martin 🫡
M1771XUliamm,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Me and my family were guided by Martin He was great friendly,funny and professional And quite dashing might I add
Entertaining and informative.
K8955PCbettinaw,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Saw a lot, received a lot of information. Great guide. It was fun.
Excellent!
jenellv2026,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sonia, our tour guide, was great, very funny and knowledgeable. Saw much more than I thought on this tour.
Related Experiences
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd