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Inverness Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended Inverness Castle & palace tours

Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

1. Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

Take in some of the most dramatic and stunning landscapes Scotland has to offer on an eco-certified tour from Inverness. Discover the Isle of Skye, including its capital Portree, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, and the Old Man of Storr. See Loch Ness from Invermoriston, Loch Carron, and Eilean Donan Castle. Meet your guide at Inverness Bus Station, where your group will board an air-conditioned coach. Head south out of the city. Then, follow the shores of Loch Ness to Invermoriston, where you will stop for a short break. Grab a coffee, take scenic photos, and try and spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Then, continue to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles, set on its own island at the head of Loch Duich. You will have time to visit the castle and learn about its history if you like (admission fees apply) or just admire the picturesque castle and its scenic surroundings. Next, journey to the Isle of Skye. Stop at Portree, a small colorful town fringed by cliffs and rolling hills. Take in these beautiful surroundings while enjoying lunch and the views of the boats in the harbor. Once your appetite has been sated, move on to tour the rest of the island. Head to the Old Man of Storr, an iconic rock formation, before visiting Kilt Rock, a sea-weathered cliff with amazing coastal views. Next, take a walk at Lealt Falls to admire the beautiful waterfall and gorge. Finally, head back to Inverness via the panoramic Strome Viewpoint over Loch Carron.

From Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle

2. From Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle

Cruise on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle on this coach and boat tour that transports you directly from Inverness city center to the legendary Loch Ness. You’ll learn everything there is to know about the stirring past of these famous shores as you relax on a guided coach tour. After departing from Inverness by coach, you will drive to Loch Ness. Once you arrive, hop on board a boat to cruise across the Loch’s world-famous waters. Keep an eye on the sonars for a blip that could be Nessie. There is a fully stocked bar on board and a selection of Scottish snacks. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also served, should you require a little warming up. Once you are back on shore, explore the historic ruins of the once-mighty stronghold of Urquhart Castle. After you have seen the castle, relax on the coach as you make the return drive to Inverness city center.

Inverness: John O'Groats and the Far North Tour

3. Inverness: John O'Groats and the Far North Tour

Your tour departs Inverness before traveling north, up to Loch Fleet to the village of Golspie. The village, situated on the north sea coast is nestled next to Ben Bhraggie and is an attractive little seaside resort complete with long sandy beaches. You will be able to spend time here for refreshments, before continuing on to Dunrobin Castle. A stately home in Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle is the family seat of Clan Sutherland. It resembles a French chateau with it’s towering spires, and overlooks the Moray Firth. You will spend time here exploring the beautiful stately home whilst enjoying some refreshments. You will then continue north through the Helmsdale Clearance to the Highland town of Wick for your lunch break. A former Viking settlement, Wick is the principal town in the far north of mainland Scotland. You can spend time exploring the town and taking in the views across Wick Bay whilst you enjoy your lunch. From Wick, you will then travel to John O’Groats; the most northerly point on British mainland. Here you’ll be able to stroll along the cliff path, take iconic photos at the signpost, and enjoy dramatic coastal views, perhaps even seeing some local wildlife! From John O’Groats, you will begin to make your way back to Inverness. You will travel to Dunbeath Harbor for photos, and to Brora, famous for its golf courses and magnificent coastal scenery.

Invergordon: Highlands Guided Tour with Cawdor Castle Ticket

4. Invergordon: Highlands Guided Tour with Cawdor Castle Ticket

Our tour starts at Invergordon Cruise port where you are assured a warm Highland welcome from your tour guide. Our first stop is a visit to Cawdor Castle, which dates back to 1454. Here you can a self-guided audio tour of the castle then explore the wonderful gardens. Our next stop is Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last ever battle on British soil. Your guide will recount the events of this tragic day and bring the history of the field to life. We then go back in time 4000 years to explore the magical Clava Cairns. Your guide will explain the significance of the standing stones and stone burial chambers. Next on the agenda is Loch Ness, home of the legendary monster. We stop at one of the best viewpoints of the Loch, which is also home to Nessie Hunter Steve Feltham. Our final stop of the day is Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands. Depending on the length of tour we will have either a photo stop of 20 mins, or a slightly longer stop to take in a little more of the city.

From Inverness: Torridon, Applecross, & Eilean Donan Castle

5. From Inverness: Torridon, Applecross, & Eilean Donan Castle

Depart Inverness at 08:30 and travel west towards Kinlochewe and the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Marvel at the imposing form of Beinn Eighe Ridge as it gives way to the world-famous Loch Maree, home to the majestic Golden Eagle. Next, head down through Torridon towards Shieldaig, passing some of Europe’s most ancient geology and wild scenery along the way. Continue up the renowned Bealach Na Ba ("Pass of the Cattle") and onwards to the isolated village of Applecross, where you will stop for lunch. Get incredible views towards the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides as you make your way towards Eilean Donan Castle, a picture-perfect edifice perched on a junction of 3 gorgeous lakes. After your visit to the castle, travel along the shores of Loch Ness en route to Inverness, where you will be dropped off by approximately 19:30.

Inverness: Full-Day Fort William and Glencoe Tour

6. Inverness: Full-Day Fort William and Glencoe Tour

Your tour will begin with a Loch Ness photo opportunity. Also known affectionately as "Nessie", you can take your chances spotting the beast out in the brine. Your next stop will be the magnificently-situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness. Here you can continue to soak up the atmosphere of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs. You will next travel on to Ft. Augustus. Lying on the impressive 60-mile long Caledonian Canal, halfway between Inverness and Fort William, Fort Augustus offers spectacular views down Loch Ness. Your next stop will be the Commando Memorial, which is a Category-A-listed monument in Lochaber, Scotland, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II. You will then move on to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line that has been featured in the filming of the second and third Harry Potter books. Afterwards you will visit the Glenfinnan Monument, which is tge famous location where Prince Charles Edward Stuart ("Bonnie Prince Charlie") raised his standard on the shores of Loch Shiel. You will visit the famous Neptune Staircase, with is the longest staircase lock in Britain and comprises of 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal. Afterwards you will visit Old Inverlochy Castle, which is now a ruin. The castle is located on the south bank of the River Lochy at the strategically important entrance to the Great Glen. Moving onward, you will approach Fort William, situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe. It’s known as a gateway to Ben Nevis, the U.K.’s highest peak. You will finally visit the base of the Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the British Isles (standing at 1,345 meters above sea level).

Invergordon: South Shore Tour Excursion

7. Invergordon: South Shore Tour Excursion

Start your day of adventure by arriving via Port of Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands. Once there, you will be met by your friendly driver as you leave the harbour area. After listening to a safety briefing you'll hop into your comfortable vehicle and travel South. First stop, the famous Culloden battlefield where your driver will provide you with an informative narrative about the events that led to this battle. Take your time and feel free to visit the visitor centre or exhibition (entry fee required). Your next stop is the nearby Clava Cairns, a series of mysterious stone circles which are a free attraction to visit. Leaving Clava Cairns the tour heads East on single track roads to Cawdor Village and Cawdor Castle. There is a charge for admission and guided tour by castle staff once inside. When your visit at Cawdor Castle is complete the tour travels back through Inverness to Dores Village which is sited directly on the banks of Loch Ness and the beach there gives direct access to the Loch itself. Head back to Inverness and travel North until you arrive at Beauly Priory. Make the most of the free entrance and enjoy some of the shopping opportunities inside. Continue on your journey to the Glenord Distillery at nearby Muir of Ord where you can indulge in a Whisky sampling experience.Your tour then heads North and back to the Port of Invergordon where the tour ends.

From Inverness: Private Northern Scottish Highlands Tour

8. From Inverness: Private Northern Scottish Highlands Tour

Embark on a private day trip to the Northern Scottish Highlands departing from Inverness. Visit historic and scenic landmarks such as Struie Viewpoint, Dunrobin Castle, and the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests. Start with pickup from your hotel or other accommodation in or around Inverness. Hop into the vehicle and travel north across the Black Isle to Struie Viewpoint where a brief photo stop is made. Spot a number of natural landmarks including the Kyle of Sutherland along Dornoch Firth. Travel further and pass through the villages of Ardgay and Bonar Bridge to the next stop at Achany and Falls of Shin Waterfall where migrating salmon can often be seen jumping the falls as they migrate further upstream. Pass through the village of Lairg and onwards to Dunrobin Castle. Upon entry to the Castle, explore the beautiful gardens, the fascinating museum, and the magnificent falconry display. Next, you may take an optional visit to Clynelish Distillery and, if desired, taste some whisky samples and browse in the shop on site. Set off southward with a drive along the shores of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve with a photo stop. Stop in the medieval town of Dornoch where you can browse the many shops for bespoke, locally-crafted items. Golfing enthusiasts can also visit the pro shop at the world-famous Royal Dornoch Golf Course. After some time in Dornoch, travel back towards Inverness.

Frequently asked questions about Inverness

What top attractions are a must-see in Inverness?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Inverness?

The best day trips and excursions from Inverness are:

Loch Ness

Other Sightseeing Options in Inverness

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What people are saying about Inverness

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,171 reviews

Luke was the best tour guide ever! The tour was really great and our tour guide Luke just made it amazing. It’s one of the best tours we have ever taken. Luke created such a fun environment on the bus for us all and he went out of his way to make sure we all had such a great time. I wanted to see highland cows and Luke took extra steps to find the cows for us all to see and even feed them carrots! I was just over the moon with the getting to see the cows. Luke took amazing pictures for all of us as well. My husband and I just love love the videos and pictures Luke took of us and we’ll cherish them forever. We listened to great music on the bus and Luke always had entertaining stories and history for us. He just created such atmosphere for everyone in our group to bond. The sites are beautiful. The highlands are just beautiful. If you book this tour, make sure you see if you can get Luke, you will not be disappointed at all, and you’ll make such wonderful memories on the Isle of Skye.

Would definitely recommend! We saw so much of the Isle of Skye even in the off season when many sites were closed. Marita was an excellent guide who kept the bus ride entertaining while sharing lots of information about Scotland.

Highly Recommended! I was on my own and felt really comfortable. Fully of knowledge, humour and helpful.

Excellent tour to enjoy much of the highlands around Inverness and the Isle of Sky.

It was very good. The driver was excellence. Worth to take