Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour 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 included. 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Loch Ness Cruise (30mins)
Local Scottish English Speaking Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Urquhart Castle Entrance
Food and Drink
Culloden Battlefield Exhibition (buy on site)
Gratuities
Highland Whisky Experience
Options
Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness
Reviews
1,494 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was such a fun day and...
Kim Y,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was such a fun day and Martin was a wonderful guide! He spent the day giving us so much history with a lot of humor mixed in.
Fantastic Highland tour with an outstanding guide
112alhussaina,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent day trip and one of the highlights of our visit to Scotland. The itinerary was varied and well paced, with a great mix of history, scenery and charming local stops. Even though we couldn’t go into Urquhart Castle because of the weather, the visit was still worthwhile. Seeing the castle from the outside and experiencing the area around Loch Ness was memorable, and the cruise was a great part of the day. We also really enjoyed visiting Beauly Priory and the lovely village of Beauly, which was a nice relaxed stop. Culloden Battlefield was fascinating and moving, and Clava Cairns was a unique and atmospheric place to see. A huge part of what made the tour so enjoyable was Karen, our driver and guide, who was exceptional throughout. She was knowledgeable, engaging and organised, and brought the history and places to life with her commentary. She was also a very safe and professional driver, and made the whole day run smoothly. Karen was warm, attentive and genuinely enthusiastic, always happy to answer questions and make sure everyone was comfortable. Her energy and passion made a great tour even better. Overall, a wonderful excursion with beautiful places, rich history and an outstanding guide. Highly recommended — and if you have Karen, you are in excellent hands.
Fantastic Day Trip
lauracN1875AA,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a fantastic day out, our tour guide Karen was brilliant, keeping us entertained all day with facts and stories. Every stop was worthwhile and I would highly recommend this trip!
Great Tour with great guide Karen
JennyT887,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So impressed with this tour. What made it apart from the amazing weather was Karen our host. She provided us with a running commentary throughout our journey from place to place. Her knowledge about history, facts and legends was incredible. A fun, personable and lovely lady who was a great driver too. Everything ran to time and the mix of stops during the day was superb. Cruise and castle were brilliant - the stand out for us. An early start meant we beat the crowds and experienced Urquart Castle on our own. It was a small group of 14 which was really nice.
Scotland Dream Trip
Guide700690,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, Karen, was amazing! She took great care of us and provided non-stop information between destinations and lots of laughs. We would highly recommend Highland Explorer Tours.
Beautiful day exploring Inverness and surrounds
Tina D,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well paced. Lots of time to wander and explore. Great stories from Karen our guide.
Fabulous Tour, worth doing
Julie-ann S,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous journey today with Karen! She was wonderful with information and guiding our day
Amazing Highland Tour
sianwI3798VD,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an amazing tour and Karen is the best guide. I would really recommend it especially with Karen. It was a great day!
Time travel
565franciscaf,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our guide Martin was very kind to us and very funny telling stories
Excellent day trip and tour from Inverness
Melonie H,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a 9-hour tour including a Loch Ness River cruise, Urquhart Castle visit, Robertson Farm visit, lunch in Beauly, a whisky-tasting experience in Glen Ord, Clava Cairns, and Culloden Battlefield and Museum. I checked off the top things to do on my list in one day! The price was reasonable, and the tour guide Martin was delightful. He was pleasant and very knowledgeable about historical details...and fairy tales! I had an awesome experience and highly recommend this tour.
From £88.00
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Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd