Inverness Half Day Tour in Scottish Highlands
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Inverness on this half-day tour. Visit iconic sites including the legendary Loch Ness, Strath Nairn, the ancient Clava Cairns and the historic Culloden Battlefield, all under the guidance of a knowledgeable and friendly expert. Designed for those with limited time, this tour offers an engaging mix of culture and nature without the rush. Enjoy convenient pick-up at 10am and return to your accommodation by 2pm, making it the perfect addition to your itinerary.
- Visit Loch Ness, Clava Cairns, Strath Nairn and Culloden Battlefield
- Expert guide sharing fascinating insights and stories
- Convenient half-day schedule: 10am to 2pm
- Safety-first approach with snow tires for unpredictable weather
- Transportation in Luxury Mercedes E or V Class vehicle.
Available options
Inverness Half Day Tour in Scottish Highlands
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Dores Beach affords a great perspective of Loch Ness - you really appreciate the sheer size of this body of water from here
2
A bit of altitude for a photo opportunity of Loch Ness
3
Drive through the countryside seeing small farms and lochs on our way to the next destination
4
A Clava style ring cairn featuring one of the biggest standing stones in the mainland Highlands.
5
Stop 5
3 well preserved cairns dominate this 4,000 year old solar calendar and burial site.
6
One of the largest Railway Viaducts in Scotland and certainly the longest
7
Stop 7
The final stop is Culloden Battlefield - here you can immerse yourself in the history of the Jacobites at the 5 Star Visitor Centre before taking a walk on the moor where the battle took place.
8
For fans Outlander there may be the opportunity to see some local sites that featured in the novels by Diana Gabaldon.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Inverness
Inverness is a historic city in the Scottish Highlands, known as the capital of the region. It offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with the iconic Loch Ness and the Culloden Battlefield nearby. The city is a gateway to some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes and ancient sites.
Top Attractions
Inverness Castle
A historic castle overlooking the River Ness, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Historical
1-2 hours
£5
Loch Ness
A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free to visit the loch, attractions vary in price
Culloden Battlefield
The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil.
Historical
2-3 hours
£14.50
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
A museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of the Highlands.
Museum
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties
A traditional Scottish dish made with haggis (a spiced sheep's offal pudding), mashed turnips (neeps), and mashed potatoes (tatties).
Dinner
Contains meat and offal, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Cullen Skink
A creamy smoked haddock soup, traditionally made with potatoes, onions, and milk.
Lunch
Contains fish, not suitable for those with fish allergies.
Cranachan
A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.
Dessert
Vegetarian-friendly, but contains dairy.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Highlands
Boat tours on Loch Ness
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Strolling along the River Ness
Exploring Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Attending local festivals and events
Fishing in the River Ness
Skiing and snowboarding in the Cairngorms
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest time of the year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding Highlands.
12°C to 18°C
54°F to 64°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Pound Sterling (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Inverness is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid using them in isolated areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on a fare before starting your journey.
Getting there
By air
- Inverness Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train
Inverness Railway Station
By bus
Inverness Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network covers the city and surrounding areas, with frequent services to major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
City Center
Ness Islands
Leakey
Day trips
Culloden Battlefield
5 km (3 miles) • Half day
The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle fought on British soil. The visitors center offers interactive exhibits and a museum.
Loch Ness
24 km (15 miles) • Full day
A famous freshwater loch known for its deep, dark waters and the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition offers insights into the loch's history and geology.
Cairngorms National Park
60 km (37 miles) • Full day
The largest national park in the UK, offering a diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Inverness Highland Games • May
Inverness Christmas Market • December
Pro tips
- Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the history and culture of the Highlands.
- Take a boat tour on Loch Ness to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and explore the loch's stunning scenery.
- Explore the Culloden Battlefield and visitors center to learn about the history of the 1746 Battle of Culloden.
- Stroll along the River Ness and visit the Ness Islands for a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
- Sample local whisky and cuisine at one of Inverness's many pubs, restaurants, or whisky bars.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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