Embark on a day trip from Inverness to hunt for the legendary Nessie, cruise the enigmatic Loch Ness, discover the charming village of Fort Augustus, explore the historic Urquhart Castle ruins, marvel at the impressive Falls of Foyers, and stroll along Dores Beach.
✓ Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle✓ Engaging live commentary provided on board✓ Insightful commentary from a knowledgeable driver-guide✕ Meals and beverages✕ Optional gratuities for the guide✕ Entrance fees to attractions✕ Onboard restroom facilities✕ In-coach Wi-Fi access1 Urquhart Castle
Your day tour from Inverness begins at 8:45 AM, following the scenic Caledonian Canal towards its source at Loch Ness.
Stretching 24 miles long and over 700 feet deep, Loch Ness holds the title of the largest volume loch in the British Isles and is famously known for sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately nicknamed “Nessie”.
We dedicate the majority of the morning to Loch Ness, giving you ample opportunity for Nessie-spotting!
Our first stop is Urquhart Castle (entry fee is an optional extra). Here, you have the choice to explore the 13th-century ruins, visit the engaging visitor centre, and soak in the breathtaking views and unique atmosphere of Scotland’s most iconic loch.
· 1 h 30 min · Admission not included
2 Fort Augustus
Following our time at Loch Ness, we will travel to Fort Augustus, the furthest point of our tour.
You will have time to enjoy a relaxing one-hour boat cruise (optional extra) across Loch Ness with Cruise Loch Ness.
After the cruise, enjoy lunch in this quaint village. With a population of just 650, it's an ideal location to unwind and observe boats navigating the Caledonian Canal.
· 3 h
3 The Falls of Foyers
After lunch, our Loch Ness tour will commence its return journey to Inverness, with a stop at the magnificent Falls of Foyers.
This stunning 165-foot waterfall was a cherished spot for the poet Rabbie Burns and offers a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Take your time to absorb the captivating atmosphere before we continue our journey to Dores village for a visit to Dores Beach, situated on the eastern shores of Loch Ness.
· 1 h
4 Dores Beach
Enjoy a brief walk along the pebble-strewn shoreline.
Then, we will re-board the coach for the final return trip to Inverness, concluding your memorable day tour of Loch Ness.
· 1 h
Your booking is confirmed with either a mobile or paper ticket.
Our departure point is Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW.
Please look for our distinctive coach or the sign displayed on the lamp post.
We will return to Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW.
Please look for our distinctive coach or the sign displayed on the lamp post.
The minimum age for participants is 4 years old.
Kindly ensure you arrive at the departure point by 8:30 AM for the scheduled 8:45 AM departure.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals are permitted on the tour. Convenient public transportation options are accessible nearby. This tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. The minimum age requirement for this tour is 4 years old. Collapsible wheelchairs with detachable wheels can be accommodated, provided the passenger has an assistant to help with boarding and disembarking. Advance booking is currently required for the castle visit and the cruise; details will be provided on your ticket. A minimum number of participants is required for the tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if insufficient passengers are confirmed. In such an event, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund. The tour operates regardless of weather conditions, so please dress appropriately. Digital translations are available upon request in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Mandarin. Please aim to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your tour's scheduled departure time. If you are driving to the departure point, we suggest parking at the Old Town Rose Street Multi-Storey Car Park, located at 24 Rose St, IV1 1NQ, which is conveniently situated next to our departure location. Please note: The Loch Ness cruise will not be operational on December 20th and 24th, 2024. On these specific dates, we will make a stop at Fort Augustus for lunch, where you will have the opportunity to view and enjoy Loch Ness from the shore. Loch Ness and the Highlands tour from Inverness
Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Dress in layers as Scottish weather can change quickly. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as they are not included. Book optional extras like the castle entry and loch cruise in advance if possible. Arrive at the departure point early to ensure a smooth start. For a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 6898P32
Activity offered by Timberbush Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families History enthusiasts Nature lovers Sightseers Explore the legendary Loch Ness Visit the historic Urquhart Castle Enjoy a scenic cruise on the loch Discover the charming village of Fort Augustus Admire the beautiful Falls of Foyers Relax on Dores Beach
Population 47,380 (2018)
Currency pound sterling
Driving on the left
Power plugs G · 230 V
Emergency number 999
Capital city London Average temperatures 2° Jan 2° Feb 3° Mar 6° Apr 9° May 12° Jun 13° Jul 13° Aug 11° Sept 8° Oct 4° Nov 2° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the minimum age to join this tour? + The minimum age for participants is 4 years old.
Is the tour cancelled in case of bad weather? + The tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately.
What happens if the minimum number of passengers is not met? + There is a possibility of cancellation if there are not enough passengers. In such cases, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
Can I bring my wheelchair? + Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated, provided the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
Are attraction tickets included? + No, attraction tickets are not included in the tour price.
How do I get a full refund if I need to cancel? + To receive a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
Perfect Loch Ness experience!
James_P, October 2026
Alex was great. This was the perfect tour to see all of Loch Ness. He stopped another locations along the way that were not included on the tour which made it more enjoyable.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Memorable Experience
kimverlya, October 2026
The best tour I have experienced. The views are expectacular… The driver/tour guide is very entertaining and very informative. The best.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Thank you Fergus!
208englishp, October 2026
If I had to define a wonderful experience, I would use this tour as an example: our guide was superb, Fergus is a wonderful professional and very accommodating, plus the wonderful stories and historical facts he shared with us made the drive even more interesting. Highly recommend it to everyone, regardless of their age or general knowledge. Once again, high praise to Fergus, a simply wonderful guide!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A Fantastic Highland Adventure with an Exceptional Guide!
suescc, October 2026
What an unforgettable day exploring Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Timberbush Tours!
Our guide, Brendon, was absolutely outstanding! Exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, warm and engaging, he has a natural gift for bringing the history, culture and beauty of the Highlands to life.
His extensive travel experiences, fascinating stories and excellent communication skills make him a truly remarkable guide. He connects effortlessly with people and clearly has a genuine passion for what he does.
This was my first visit to Inverness and the Highlands, and Brendon made it such a special and memorable experience. Every stop was enjoyable, and the entire journey was both educational and entertaining.
Brendon is a tremendous asset to Timberbush Tours, and they are incredibly fortunate to have him!
Highly recommended! If you get Brendon as your guide, consider yourself very lucky!
A heartfelt thank you for such a wonderful day! ❤️
Response from the operator · TimberbushToursRT Hi there,
Thank you for taking time out of your day to leave us such a kind review.
We are sure Brendon will be happy to hear that you enjoyed your time on tour with them, we will be sure to pass your kind comments onto them.
We are glad to hear that Brendon’s knowledge of the Highlands made your tour a memorable one!
Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s grandest lochs, we’re glad that you were able to enjoy it first-hand!
We hope to welcome you back on tour one day soon!
Best wishes
Hannah
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Good Experience
476s_lviaf, October 2026
I like the experience so much. The Guide Lawrenve (Ingy) is fantastic.
Response from the operator · TimberbushToursRT Hi there, thank you for your review.
We are very happy to hear that you had a fantastic time on tour with our driver-guide Lawrence. We are sure he will be glad to know that you had a great day with him. We are also very happy to hear that you appreciated the dramatic views you saw throughout the tour. We hope we will see you again on one of our tours again soon!
Many thanks again,
Luisa
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