Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise, Castle, and Outlander Tour

Visiting Inverness, Scotland offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s captivating history and natural beauty. The Loch Ness Cruise, Castle, and Outlander Tour provides an engaging way to explore this enchanting area. From cruising the iconic Loch Ness to uncovering connections to the popular Outlander series, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking adventure, this tour has something to captivate your interest. Prepare to be swept away by the magic of Inverness and uncover the hidden gems that await.

Key Points

• This 9-hour excursion from Inverness offers a comprehensive experience, including a 30-minute Loch Ness cruise, a visit to Urquhart Castle, and exploration of historic sites.
• The tour provides opportunities to view stunning landscapes, search for the Loch Ness Monster, and take in the captivating history and folklore of Loch Ness.
• Visitors can explore the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle, which offer panoramic views of Loch Ness and a glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent past.
• The tour includes visits to Culloden Moor, the site of the last major battle of the Jacobite rising, and Clava Cairns, a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex.
• The tour highlights the links between the featured destinations and the popular Outlander series, providing a unique connection to the show’s historical context.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise, Castle, and Outlander Tour is a comprehensive 9-hour excursion that offers visitors a chance to explore the captivating region surrounding Loch Ness.

Priced at €70.99 per person, the tour provides a 30-minute cruise across the legendary loch, a visit to the 13th-century Urquhart Castle, and an exploration of historic sites like Beauly Priory and Culloden Moor.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour is a flexible and affordable way to experience the highlights of the Scottish Highlands.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour begins with a 25-minute bus ride from central Inverness to the Clansman Harbour, where participants board a 30-minute cruise across the famed Loch Ness.

After the cruise, visitors explore the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle for an hour.

Visitors explore the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle for an hour following the Loch Ness cruise.

The tour then heads to Beauly for a lunch break amongst local cafés.

Next, it visits the historic Beauly Priory, followed by an optional 45-minute stop at the Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery.

The tour culminates with 1.5 hours at Culloden Moor and 30 minutes at the ancient Clava Cairns before returning to the starting point in Inverness.

Loch Ness Cruise

After the bus ride from Inverness, participants board a 30-minute cruise across the famous Loch Ness.

The tour provides an opportunity to admire the stunning landscapes and search for the elusive Loch Ness Monster.

From the comfort of the boat, visitors can gaze upon the rugged shoreline and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland.

The cruise offers a unique perspective on the legendary loch, allowing travelers to enjoy the captivating history and folklore that surrounds this iconic Scottish destination.

Urquhart Castle

After the scenic cruise across Loch Ness, the tour group disembarks at the Clansman Harbour to explore the impressive Urquhart Castle.

Perched on a headland overlooking the loch, the castle’s 13th-century ruins stand as a testament to Scotland’s turbulent history. Visitors can wander through the castle’s towers, dungeons, and gardens, imagining the battles and sieges that took place here.

The central keep offers panoramic views of Loch Ness, perfect for taking photos. With its strategic location and dramatic architecture, Urquhart Castle provides a captivating glimpse into Scotland’s past.

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Beauly Priory and Local Cuisine

Following the visit to Urquhart Castle, the tour group travels to the historic town of Beauly, where they enjoy a lunch break exploring the local cafés and eateries.

Beauly Priory, a 13th-century monastic ruin, is a short walk from the town center, offering a glimpse into the region’s religious heritage. The tour guide shares insights about the priory’s architecture and its connections to the Outlander series.

During the lunch break, the group can:

• Sample traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties

• Try local seafood specialties like fresh-caught salmon or Cullen skink

• Indulge in sweet treats like shortbread or Cranachan

• Explore independent boutiques and artisan workshops

• Enjoy the quaint, picturesque atmosphere of Beauly.

Culloden Moor and Clava Cairns

The tour then travels to the historic Culloden Moor, the site of the last major battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746.

Here, visitors can explore the battlefield and learn about the tragic events that unfolded on that day. The guide provides insights into the complex history and the lasting impact of the battle.

Next, the group visits the nearby Clava Cairns, a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex.

Wandering through the ancient stone circles and burial mounds, guests gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage and the connections to the Outlander series.

Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery (Optional)

From Culloden Moor and Clava Cairns, the tour moves on to an optional stop at the Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Scotch whisky:

• Guided tour exploring the distillery’s history and production methods

• Sampling of the Singleton’s signature single malt whisky

• Panoramic views of the picturesque Glen Ord estate

• Opportunity to purchase bottles and souvenirs at the on-site shop

• Complimentary dram included in the tour

This optional experience allows guests to delve deeper into Scotland’s rich whisky heritage before returning to Inverness.

Tour Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Inverness, an air-conditioned midi-coach, and a local guide.

Round-trip transportation from Inverness, an air-conditioned midi-coach, and a local guide are included in this tour.

You’ll also get tickets for the Loch Ness cruise and entry to Urquhart Castle. Plus, you’ll visit Beauly Priory.

However, food, drinks, and the Culloden Battlefield Exhibition aren’t included.

This tour is suitable for children 5 and up, but not for those under 5.

The meeting point is 15 minutes before departure, across from the Victorian Market entrance.

Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance.

Extreme weather may cancel the boat cruise, but refunds will be provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include food and drink, so you can bring your own. However, there are local cafes at the Beauly Priory stop where you can purchase lunch and refreshments during the tour.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator does not permit bringing pets due to safety and comfort considerations for all participants. Service animals may be accommodated with prior notification.

Is Wifi Available on the Transportation During the Tour?

The tour does not provide wifi on the transportation. Passengers will need to rely on their own mobile data or seek wifi at the various stops along the tour route.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Stops?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs at several of the tour stops, such as Urquhart Castle, Beauly Priory, and the optional whisky distillery visit. Visitors can find a variety of local crafts, gifts, and Scottish memorabilia to take home.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Loch Ness Cruise?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 5 years old, and it’s not suitable for children under 5. Passengers who use collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour allows visitors to enjoy the captivating landscapes and historic sites of the Scottish Highlands. From the iconic Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle to the Outlander-linked locations, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that showcases the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With optional visits and flexible inclusions, the tour caters to diverse interests, making it an enticing choice for those seeking to discover the enchantment of Inverness and its surroundings.

You can check availability for your dates here: