Top Inverness Day Trips

Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

(2,081)

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland's best destinations. But, if your time is limited, it can be difficult to squeeze in a trip by public transit or rental car. Skip the hassle by leaving the planning logistics to the experts. This full-day tour takes you from Inverness to Skye where you'll visit all of the island's top sights, including Portree, Kilt Rock and Fairy Pools. Along the way, you'll stop at mainland attractions including Eilean Donan Castle.

from $95

The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

5.0

(1,139)

Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness

from $150

4.5

(321)

from $122

Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands

(312)

8 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

from $76

Get out of town and into the scenic countryside—without the hassle of driving—on this guided tour from Inverness. Head for the famed Loch Ness and join a cruise to view the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Conveniently, entry to Urquhart Castle is included, and the trip also includes a visit to Beauly, "Outlander" filming locations, and a visit to Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. Or opt for a tour without the castle and cruise

Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

(1,465)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $121

Likely to Sell Out

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a full-day trip from Inverness, and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach, following a route through the mountains of Wester Ross on your way to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, then visit the island’s highlights with an experienced guide. This full-day tour departs from central Inverness, and it’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Isle of Skye.

Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

(834)

Witness the mythical splendor of Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle conveniently, without the hassle of having to rent a car, on this coach and boat trip from Inverness. Take a leisurely boat ride to Urquhart Castle—keeping your eyes peeled for the famed Loch Ness monster—where you’ll learn about the site’s bloody history and enjoy scenic views of the Scottish countryside.

from $99

Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness

4.7

(590)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $78

4.6

(165)

1 Day Tour from Inverness - Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools, and Eilean Donan Castle

12 hours

from $136

Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy some of Scotland's most stunning scenery as you travel into the Highlalnds on this full-day guided tour from Inverness. Journey around Loch Ness and all the way to the west coast. You'll see ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches and a hidden waterfall before boarding the classic Jacobite Steam Train, one of the world's most scenic railways and made famous by the Harry Potter movies.

Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness

4.7

(1,778)

Check a visit to John O’Groats, the northernmost point on British mainland, off your bucket list on a full-day tour through the Northern Scottish Highlands with convenient round-trip transport from Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide provides live commentary and anecdotes about each stop on the itinerary, from Dunrobin Castle to lunch in the ancient Viking town of Wick (own expense).

from $275

Special Offer

Inverness: John O'Groats, Dunrobin Castle & the Far North

4.6

(296)

11 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

The Complete Loch Ness Experience Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $114

Inverness: 2-Day Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles

(231)

2 daysFree Cancellation

from $232

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

(1,977)

Set sail across the misty waters of Loch Ness—and discover the eerie legend of the Loch Ness Monster as you admire a new perspective on the scenery—on this immersive sightseeing cruise. Float past the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle as you explore one of Britain’s largest freshwater lakes, and have plenty of opportunities to capture photos of the sights (and potentially any lurking monsters).

from $99

Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

4.4

(1,143)

1 hourFree Cancellation

from $34

Inverness City Daily Walking Tour with a Local Guide

(678)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $21

Explore some of Scotland's most magnificent Highland scenery on this day tour from Inverness. From peaceful Glen Affric to haunting Culloden, site of the last battle fought on U.K. soil, and the ancient Clava Cairns, visit multiple top attractions without the hassle of driving or navigating public transport. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and luggage allowance is 20kg per person.

Glen Affric & Culloden Tour from Inverness Including Admissions

(193)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $87

This small group day trip from Inverness will guide you through some of the most rugged and remote areas of the beloved Scottish Highlands, including a stretch of the iconic NC500 Route. We invite you to join us on this adventure. An adventure that leads you into Britain’s awe-inspiring views, to a ruined castle and loch with its own mysterious monster, and to a beach so idyllic, you'll momentarily forget you're in misty Scotland.

Scottish Highlands Adventure Small Group Tour from Inverness

4.4

(12)

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $77

With so much to see and do in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll want to maximize your time as best as possible. This half-day tour allows you to visit some of the area’s notable attractions without worrying about getting there on your own. You’ll spend time at Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial complex, before visiting the Culloden Battlefield. Stop for a drink at the Great Glen Distillery and drive along the banks of the mythic Loch Ness.

Inverness Highlands Bucket List Tour

5.0

(114)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $163

Price varies by group size

We start bright and early with this small-group tour, heading straight to the legendary home of Nessie at Scotland’s most famous loch, Loch Ness! As we wind through the Highlands toward the west coast, towering mountains open up to sprawling sea lochs once used by Vikings. Next, we arrive at Eilean Donan Castle, where an optional tour dives into Scotland’s fierce and fascinating past. From there, it’s on to the star of the show: the Isle of Skye! Along the way, you’ll hear tales of legendary clans, daring escapes, and the myths that shape this land. We’ll stop for lunch in Portree to explore its vibrant harbour before visiting the iconic Old Man of Storr—one sight you won’t soon forget. Then, it’s on to Kilt Rock, where a dramatic waterfall plunges into the sea, before we wrap up with the surreal landscapes of the Quiraing. Our journey ends with a scenic drive back to Inverness, bringing you through Scotland’s stunning scenery just in time for evening.

From Inverness: Mystical Isle of Skye, Myths, & Legends Day Tour

4.6

(7)

Tour the distilleries of some of the world’s most renowned names in whisky on this guided tour from Inverness through the Highlands of Scotland. Take a trip to Glenmorangie, Dalmore, Ord and Balblair, and see Dunrobin Castle and follow the Pictish Trail from your comfortable coach. Taste the whiskies and get to know how each one is made from local ingredients and fresh spring water. Learn about the rich history of whisky and of each distillery, and find out why it’s such an important drink in Scotland.

from $99

Legendary Northern Distilleries Tour

4.3

(20)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $187

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

Explore the Highlands as you travel from Inverness or Invergordon to the famous Loch Ness on a journey to discover the Loch Ness Monster. On the way, see the ancient Clava Cairns—just as fascinating as the legend of Nessie—and pass by Culloden, the battlefield where the last hand-to-hand war was fought. Spot castles and glens, see mountains and learn all about the culture and history of this special place from your guide and driver.

Inverness Castle, Clava, Culloden Battlefield and Loch Ness

(174)

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $187

Price varies by group size

Getting around the Scottish Highlands can be tricky on your own, but you can discover the highlights on this day tour from Inverness. Ideal for those with limited time to explore, this tour takes you to multiple attractions in just one day, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct (a must-see for Harry Potter™ fans) the fishing village of Mallaig, the impressive Falls of Foyer, and the world-famous Loch Ness.

Inverness: Glenfinnan, Mallaig, and Loch Ness Adventure

4.7

(99)

City Sightseeing Inverness Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

from $89

3.3

(171)

55 minutesFree Cancellation

from $21

5.0

(97)

Skye Explorer Hiking Day Tour

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $177

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Top Attractions in Inverness

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Attractions

What are people saying about Inverness

Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views

Lynn_S, Apr 2026

Searching for Nessie

It rained while we were on the boat but inside was warm and very roomy and the windows were massive. The narrator was very informed of the history of the Loch and everything around it. I would recommend this one hour cruise for anyone with a short vacation span. We only had two days in Inverness.

Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

Zheng_H, Apr 2026

Wonderful

We recently did the Rabbie's Isle of Skye day tour from Inverness with Emily and she was an amazing and informative guide to this spectacular island! We particularly enjoyed the folktales that Emily told while we drove through the beautiful scenery. We also did a wonderful Rabbie's tour with Eilidh through the NC500. Would highly recommend this and Rabbie's tours to anyone. We used a couple of other highly rated day tour operators because Rabbie's was booked to the locations we wanted to visit, and it was definitely the best tour operator. Thank you and we can't wait to return!

Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Sonal_S, Mar 2026

This tour was honestly an...

This tour was honestly an amazing experience. I traveled with my two daughters and we had so much fun hearing about the ancient stories of the isles and seeing lots of beautiful scenery. Our driver Doreen and guide Marita were both wonderful and I would 100% recommend this tour.

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

Chloe_A, Mar 2026

Can’t stop talking about it

Louise was amazing! (She should literally start a podcast with all the information she had!) This tour hit so many stops we didn’t even know we were going to stop at. The stories and history were amazing! Definitely bring a second pair of clothes (the weather varies).

The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness

Noreen_G, Jan 2026

I’ve always wanted to see...

I’ve always wanted to see the Isle of Skye and this tour did not disappoint. So many breathtaking stops along the way. My favorite part was the Faerie Pools. It was a trek but worth the hike. Also, the lunch recommendation was awesome! It was a packed lunch from a local artist that also did catering. The buttery biscuits were delicious. We were sad we couldn’t order more!

Inverness: John O'Groats, Dunrobin Castle & the Far North

Michele_M, Oct 2025

A must see!

FANTASTIC!!! We truly loved this trip. First, our guide, Liall, was amazing. He was professional, informative, and fun! I know it seems like a long day but it's really not. There is plenty to see and it's a great mixture of walking, sightseeing, and driving. We had just the right amount of time in each spot. Dunrobin Castle was a nice place and the gardens are stunning. It's a great place to pick up a sandwich for take away if needed. John O'Groats was beautiful. It's where the North Sea meets the Atlantic. There is a great distillery there for a quick flight of whiskey and a sweet treat. Duncansby Stacks was probably one of my favorite stops. It was a wonderful walk along the cliffs and incredibly ocean view and breathtaking natural wonder of the stacks themselves. There is so more to this tour and I'm happy we did it. It's such great way to enjoy this northeast area of Scotland without driving ourselves. We were able to sit back and relax during the drive and really see the gorgeous landscape. Thank you Liall for making our day great! Your first aid skills were a blessing on this trip!!! :)

Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

Dant_W, Oct 2025

Beautiful and Brilliant

Best tour we have taken so far. Meet up was easy and simple. Bus was nice. Tour guide, Turquil was absolutely marvelous; amusing, highly entertaining, highly knowledgeable and you could tell he had a real pride and love for his country and lands. Cruise was nice. The castle was incredible. We have been to many, this was the best so far, and the time of day was perfect for pictures. The village we lunched at was very quaint and the priory there was very nice. The distillery was good, quality whiskey. The Cairn stones were majestic. Now, the Culloden Battle Fields, this is a humbling experience. Highly suggest spending the money to go through the museum first and then walking the fields. If you have any sense of imagination and love of history, you will feel the events. Highly, highly recommend this tour.

Loch Ness and Outlander Sites Tour from Inverness

Elaine_S, Sep 2025

The Best Outlander sites.

This is a fantastic tour for any Outlander fan! You won’t see Jamie but you see many filming scenes! Roger was our tour guide - probably the best - besides being extremely witty, he explained the historical perspective behind each place we saw, and of course the Outlander filming perspective. Culloden Battlefield was a very somber and moving stop filled with a lot of historical artifacts at the museum. Roger also entertained us with many stories about Nessie. The time allocated at each stop was perfect and we had an amazing day!!

Inverness City Daily Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Dorothy_D, Sep 2025

Excellent & Informative

We took this tour with our guide Elaine who was an exceptional teacher of the history of Inverness in particular and Scotland overall. She delighted in sharing stories and accounts as she stopped at a particular point of interest. Thank you Elaine! We recommend this tour completely!

The Complete Loch Ness Experience Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

Renee_V, Sep 2025

Wonderful! Loch Ness, historic sites, lots to delight.

Eilidh was a charming and funny guide for our tour around Loch Ness. We enjoyed learning tidbits of folklore and Gaelic phrases, as well as information about the history of the area. The cruise on Loch Ness after we explored the ruins of the castle was a highlight. Even though we didn't see Nessie!