Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness from Invergordon Port
Description
This semi-private adventure is the perfect way to experience the legends and landscapes of Loch Ness without the crowds of a big coach tour. Travelling in a small group means a more relaxed pace, personal attention from your guide, and the flexibility to truly take in the beauty of the Highlands. You’ll explore the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle—with entrance included—and enjoy stunning views across the loch where Nessie is said to dwell. Stroll through the village of Fort Augustus with time to watch the boats pass through the Caledonian Canal and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café of your choice. You’ll also take in the Falls of Foyers and the pebble beach at Dores, where you might even encounter the local "Monster Hunter"! With stories, scenery, and a few surprises along the way, this tour is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Loch Ness.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your adventure ashore begins with a visit to Urquhart Castle, perched beside the legendary Loch Ness. Explore the ruins of this 13th-century fortress, once one of the largest in Scotland, and take in sweeping views of the loch where the mysterious Nessie is said to dwell. With the entrance fee included, you’ll have time to wander through the castle grounds and learn about its fascinating history.
Next, we make our way to Fort Augustus, a charming village at the southern tip of the loch. Here, you’ll have time to explore the picturesque streets and maybe see boats navigating through the historic Caledonian Canal. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local cafés and take a stroll along past the abbey, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
From there, we venture to Foyers, where you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs with a short walk to the Falls of Foyers, a stunning waterfall that flows dramatically into Loch Ness (weather permitting.) This beautiful spot offers a great photo opportunity and a refreshing break to enjoy the area.
Finally, we head to Dores, a small village on the loch’s northern shore. Here, you can visit the local beach, enjoy the views, and meet the infamous Monster Hunter who resides here. As you relax, you may even spot something mysterious in the waters! No trip to Dores would be complete without a stop at the Dores Inn, where you can enjoy a whisky and soak in the atmosphere of this historic Highland pub. After a day of adventure and mystery, you’ll make your way back to port, taking with you the unforgettable sights and stories of Loch Ness and its surrounding beauty.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Remaining time is for travelling between the stops
- Not suitable for children under 12yrs
Reviews(1)
We thoroughly enjoyed this excursion. Our guide, Scott was fantastic and took us to a few extra places which were absolutely beautiful. We saw highland cows which were not even part of the tour but when we asked about them, he made a stop for us. He recommended a great little restaurant which was delicious and got us back to the ship in plenty of time. This private tour was soooo worth it!
