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Tours/Inverness/Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands

Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands

4.8(396)Inverness8h 45min
VIATOR4.8(161)TRIPADVISOR4.8(235)
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
+4 photos
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands
Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands

At a glance

Duration
8h 45min
Price from
$74 / person
Location
Inverness, United Kingdom
Rating
4.8 / 5 · 396 reviews
Languages
EN, EN
Group
Small group, up to 32
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Timberbush Tours
Meeting point
Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW.Look out for our coach or our sign on the lamp post.

Description

Spend a day Nessie-hunting, take a cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, explore the village of Fort Augustus, visit the ruined loch-side Urquhart Castle, admire the Falls of Foyers and wander along Dores Beach on this fantastic one day Loch Ness tour from Inverness!

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
8:45 AM
Next available
Fri, Oct 9
Adult (ages 17–59)
$74
Senior (ages 60+)
$71
Child (ages 4–16)
$71

Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.

Tour Options

Loch Ness and the Highlands tour from Inverness

Itinerary

Urquhart Castle
Admission not included90 min

Your one day Loch Ness tour from Inverness departs at 08:45 and follows the beautiful Caledonian Canal to the source at Loch Ness. 24 miles long and over 700 feet deep, the loch is the largest by volume in the British Isles and is most famous for its sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie”. We spend most of the morning at Loch Ness, allowing you plenty of time to go Nessie-hunting! Our first stop is Urquhart Castle (optional extra), here you will have the option of visiting the 13th century structure, with plenty of time explore the ruin, enjoy the visitor centre, and take in the views and atmosphere of Scotland’s most famous loch.

Fort Augustus
180 min

Afterwards, we journey through to Fort Augustus, the furthermost point of your Loch Ness tour. We have time here to stop and enjoy a relaxing hour-long boat cruise (optional extra) across Loch Ness with Cruise Loch Ness. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the small town; with a population of only 650 people, it's a perfect spot to relax and watch boats passing through the Caledonian Canal.

The Falls of Foyers
60 min

After lunch, our Loch Ness tour will begin its journey back to Inverness, stopping at the Falls of Foyers. The majestic 165ft waterfall was a favourite retreat for poet Rabbie Burns, and is truly breath-taking. Enjoy plenty of time here to soak up the atmosphere before the tour continues on to the village of Dores for a visit to Dores Beach on the east shores of Loch Ness.

Dores Beach
60 min

Spend a short while wandering the pebble-dotted shoreline before boarding the coach for a final return journey to Inverness where your Loch Ness day tour ends.

What's included

Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Live commentary on board
Knowledgeable driver-guide
Not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Attraction Tickets
Restroom on board
WiFi on board

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

4.8
396 reviews
5
350
4
24
3
17
2
1
1
4

How it compares in Inverness

  • No. 16 by number of reviews among 293 tours in Inverness
  • Starting price $74 is 73% below the typical $269 for tours of similar length in Inverness

Excurgo comparison of 293 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age is 4 years old.
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
  • The castle & cruise currently need to be pre-booked, details will be provided on the ticket.
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
  • Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
  • If you are driving, we recommend parking at the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park, 24 Rose St, IV1 1NQ, conveniently located next to our departure point.
  • Please note: the Loch Ness cruise will not be operating on the 20th and 24th December 2024. On those dates, we will stop at Fort Augustus for lunch where you will have the opportunity to view and enjoy Loch Ness.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands take?

Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands lasts about 8h 45min. The itinerary has 4 stops.

How much does Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands cost?

Prices start at $74 per person for this Inverness experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:45 AM.

How much does Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands cost for children?

Children aged 4–16 pay from $71, adults from $74.

Can I cancel Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW. Look out for our coach or our sign on the lamp post. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands offered in?

The experience is available in EN, EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 32 participants.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 396 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Timberbush Tours.

Reviews(396)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

S
Seaside24690390910
October 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fun tour

Beautiful day and great tour. Laurence was a very safe driver and entertaining tour guide. Thoroughly enjoyed his stories and especially loved meeting Kevin and William. (Highland Coos)

5
592karnc
September 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Loch Ness and the Highlands

Caz was a great guide! Loch Ness and the highlands were beautiful.

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted you enjoyed the stunning scenery on our Inverness Loch Ness & The Highlands tour. It's great to hear that Caz helped make the day so enjoyable. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back on another Timberbush Tours adventure soon!

F
Freedom09048685785
September 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Thank you George

Jennifer and I had an unforgettable tour of the Scottish Highlands with our guide, George. From the beginning, he made us feel welcome and comfortable. His knowledge of the region’s history was exceptional, and he brought the stories and places to life with an enthusiasm that held our attention throughout the day. George paired that knowledge with genuine kindness, joviality, and a wonderful sense of humor. He made us laugh, answered our questions with care, and seemed to take real pleasure in sharing the Highlands with us. Every part of the experience felt thoughtful and personal. The scenery was magnificent, but George’s company made the tour something we will remember for years to come. He was exceptional in every way and exceeded our expectations. If you have the opportunity to explore the Highlands with George, take it. We could not have asked for a better guide or a more enjoyable day together. Thank you, George!

F
F6879LJkarenc
September 27, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Our Scotland Experience!

We had a great time on our Loch Ness/Highlands adventure today!! Our tour guide, Lawrence, was exceptional!! He took us to so many wonderful places along Loch Ness! My husband and I are celebrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary in Scotland. Lawrence added to our whole experience, thank you, Lawrence and Timberbush!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted you and your husband enjoyed the Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands tour, especially while celebrating your 50th Wedding Anniversary in Scotland. It's wonderful to hear Lawrence made the day so special with his exceptional guiding and the memorable stops along Loch Ness. Thank you for choosing Timberbush Tours for such a special occasion!

P
Psych94jess
September 24, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
great way to see loch ness and the highlands

the tour was amazing and very well organized. it was definitely worth the price and as an all day activity, I couldn't think of a better way to tour loch ness and the highlands. our tour guide Mike was very friendly and very informative. the bus can feel cramped with lots of people, but the atmosphere was very friendly on the bus.

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted you enjoyed our Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands tour and found it such great value for a full day out. Mike will be pleased to hear his friendly approach and informative commentary helped make the experience memorable. We hope to welcome you back to Timberbush Tours again soon!

A
Adventure08678527183
September 23, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Two Incredible Days in the Highlands with an Amazing Guide

I went on a two-day tour through the Highlands, spending the night in Inverness, and it was incredible from start to finish. The drives each day were broken up with perfectly timed stops featuring breathtaking views, charming villages, and plenty of great food options, so the trip never felt long or rushed. As amazing as the Highlands themselves were, our tour guide, Johnny, was easily one of the highlights of the trip. He made sure it felt like much more than just a drive from place to place. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the land, the communities that live there, and the local stories and lore, adding so much color and humor to everything we saw along the way. We had booked somewhat last minute, which may have contributed to a little confusion when checking into our B&B in Inverness. Johnny stayed with us until everything was sorted out, which we really appreciated. It was such a thoughtful gesture and a great example of how much he cared about everyone having a good experience. Spending two days on a bus with a group of tourists and strangers can feel a little daunting, but Johnny immediately created such a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. By the end of the trip, everyone was chatting and joking together like we’d known each other much longer. I can’t recommend this tour enough. The scenery, stops, stories, and overall experience were fantastic, and Johnny made an already memorable trip even better. I can’t speak to any of the other guides, but if they’re half as good as Johnny, you’ll have an amazing time!

Operator response

Thank you for your fantastic review. We're delighted you enjoyed the Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands tour and that our guide helped make it such a memorable experience. We hope to welcome you back to Timberbush Tours soon!

S
Suzette_W
September 23, 2026 · via Viator
Beautiful sites!

Didn't have the greatest weather day but still enjoyed seeing so many beautiful sites around Loch Ness and the Highlands Our guide was Alex, and he was very knowledgeable. Enjoyed the view from Urquhart Castle, and the waterfalls/bridges at Invermoriston. In Fort Augustus, we chose to skip the boat ride since it was raining and had a nice lunch at one of the pubs there. I would recommend for a nice day around the area.

Operator response

Thank you for your lovely review. We’re delighted you enjoyed exploring Loch Ness and the Highlands with Timberbush Tours, even with the weather not at its best. It’s great to hear Alex’s knowledge, the views from Urquhart Castle, and the waterfalls and bridges at Invermoriston made the day memorable. Thanks for the recommendation!

M
Maps46483477190
September 23, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Stunning views; well organised tour

We went on the tour around Loch Ness and Highlands with Mike as the guide. It was a very well balanced tour - we saw a lot of the area around Loch Ness, we had just the right amount of stops for rest and for taking photos. Mike was a great guide - he had many stories to tell, was ready to answer questions and help, and organised the group very well. For the stop at Urquhart we highly recommend paying to visit the castle - on one hand, it is the only thing of note on that stop and the facilities (café, toilets) are only available for paying customers. On the other hand the views and the stories told at the castle are worth it. There is some hiking involved at the Foyer Falls but the view was totally worth it. Definitely have hiking proof shoes.

N
Nomad09892692592
September 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A Full Circle Around Loch Ness

It was a long and satisfying day. Our guide, Mike, was knowledgeable and entertaining. He was organized, efficient, and kept the group clearly informed. There was enough time given, that each site never felt rushed and we still had time to shop.

R
roadtripper308
September 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience

Fantastic tour. Our tour guide Alex kept us entertained throughout with fun facts, history and local stories and myths. Tour was kept at an easy-going pace and enough time to explore and wander about the sights. Tour bus was very clean and comfortable. Scenery was absolutely stunning. Would love to take another Timberbush tour!

Operator response

Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted you enjoyed our Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands tour. It's wonderful to hear Alex kept you entertained. We’d love to welcome you on another Timberbush Tours adventure soon!

$74/ person
4.8(396)
Duration8h 45min
LanguagesEN, EN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
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