Secret Loch Ness, Inverness Castle visit, Culloden, Clava Cairns

4.8
(142 reviews)

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6 to 8 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

PLEASE NOTE: IF BOOKING THIS TOUR FOR 2026 Note you go to the newly refurbished Inverness castle.

This tour is DIFFERENT as it takes you to the very edge of Loch Ness where you can touch it or walk in, unlike nearly every other tour company who visit Loch Ness on the steep side, only stopping in a lay-by for photos.

This bus tour from Invergordon features highlights from Outlander, Culloden, Castles, Loch Ness & Nessie! It packs in a lot for one day's tour and is very affordable and good value for money. Our website contains full details of all tours and booking.

Please check the tour times on our website, as the times listed here are approximate. As a general rule tours leave 30 minutes to 1.5 hours after the arrival of the ship and return at least 1 hour before ship departure time. Please check our website for more details.

We try to take this tour in a 4, 8 or 16 or 33 seater vehicle. Thank you

What's Included

Entrance to castle cost is included in your booking price.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In 2026 the cruise ships will dock at various locations but guests meet us at one point. At the west harbour pedestrian crossing lights on Shore Road. All the independent tour guides wait there so look for our Thistle Guides.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Culloden Battlefield

    Visit the famous historic battlefield featured in Outlander series and book plus the visitor centre.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Clava Cairns

    We may sometimes visit Clava cairns which was the inspiration for the book and tv series Outlander

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Key Features • Striking red sandstone towers above the river. • North and South Towers, with commanding views over Inverness and the Great Glen. • A statue of Flora MacDonald, heroine of the Jacobite Rising, stands outside, facing the River Ness. Undergo the castle experience and Inverness shopping or history sites for 3 hours. Split your time between the two. Entry included into this magical new experience costing £40 million to refurbish.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 4

    You’ll look around the city seeing the old churches, shops, river Ness, castle, cathedral etc. - if you’re interested in Outlander the guide will point out these locations. Try local bars dating back to the 1800s. The Gellions and Black Friars.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Loch Ness Region

    See south Loch Ness and paddle in the clear waters. Stop off the beaten track at Dores which is a quaint village on the banks of Loch Ness. Bonus if you get to chat to Steve, the local Nessie hunter.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Visit a quaint farm shop near Beauly. Touch or feed Highland cows. Jamie and Katie-Morag wait you.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Supplied by Thistle Excursions - Invergordon Bus or Coach Tours

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Tags

Day Trips
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
4WD Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Shore Excursions
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Cancellation Policy

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

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4.8 Based on 142 142 reviews
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