Inverness, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Full Day Tour

Edinburgh , Scotland

Inverness, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Full Day Tour

Active

(12 reviews)

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Travel to Inverness and visit the Loch Ness Fortress. Fall in love with the enclave where Urquhart Castle is located.

Available options

Inverness, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle Full Day Tour

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Live commentary on board

Driver/Guide

Detailed itinerary

On our route to the Highlands, we will first stop at the town of Bankfoot. We will take advantage of this moment to have a first coffee, buy some souvenir of the country. With luck you will also be able to photograph the famous hairy coo, or Scottish hairy cows.

Stop 2

We visit one of the most iconic places in Scottish history, the scene of the last battle fought on British soil, which would change Scottish society and end its clan system.

We will follow the course of the River Ness until we reach the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, known for its Saint Andrews Cathedral and its castle. There you will have the opportunity to have a snack and stroll around the the city centre.

Stop 4

Our next destination will be Loch Ness where we will have the opportunity to join the cruise on the lake and visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. This castle was an ancient fortress that experienced some of Scotland's great conflicts, from the Picts to the Jacobite Wars and the English invasion. It is undoubtedly a place with a lot of history, but also with a lot of magic.
The ticket to the cruise trip and the entrance to Urquhart Castle is not included in the tour price.

The price of the activities (a single price of £36 for adults and seniors, £26 for children 5-14 and infants, under 5, for free) includes both entrance tickets which cannot be purchased separately.

The route will continue through the Cairngorms National Park. Lake Laggan and Ardverikie Palace will be some of the places we will pass through until we reach Pitlochry. This town of Victorian houses will welcome us to recharge our batteries in one of its pubs, before our return to Edinburgh.

What's not included

£36.00 adults (16-64) and Seniors +65 / £26.00 children (5-15), free for children under 5 years.

Snacks

Bottled water

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.4

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.9

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet you at the top of Old Fishmarket Close

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture