Loch Ness and the Highlands Private Tour - 1 day tour
Loch Ness and the Highlands Tour
One day private tour
Legendary Loch Ness is the focus of this one-day private tour from Inverness. Start with a drive along the Caledonian Canal to reach Loch Ness, Britain’s largest loch by volume. Visit the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, then continue to Fort Augustus for lunch and the chance to enjoy a relaxing loch cruise to see if you can spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. On the return journey, stop at the spectacular Falls of Foyers, then take time to enjoy panoramic loch views from Dores Beach before heading back to Inverness.
Loch Ness - learn the history and legends of this famous loch
Urquhart Castle - visit the atmospheric ruins to learn its dramatic past
Fort Augustus - wander through this attractive loch-side village
Loch Ness Cruise - enjoy a sail across the deep and dark waters
Falls of Foyers - admire the cascading waters that inspired Robert Burns
Dores - stroll along the beach to take in the amazing views of the loch
Movie locations - Loch Ness, The Water Horse and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
Full Tour Itinerary
Departing from Inverness, the tour starts with a drive along the banks of the Caledonian Canal before reaching the dark and mysterious waters of Loch Ness. Stretching some 24 miles and plunging more than 700 feet deep, it is the largest loch in Britain by volume and forever linked to sightings of its most famous resident, the Loch Ness Monster - or Nessie, as she is fondly known.
You will spend much of the morning exploring the loch, starting with a stop at Urquhart Castle. Perched dramatically overlooking the deepest part of the loch, the ruins of this 13th-century stronghold offer sweeping views across the water and a revealing glimpse into centuries of Highland history.
From here, the tour continues south to Fort Augustus, a small village that straddles the Caledonian Canal at the loch’s southern tip. There’s time to enjoy lunch, watch boats passing through the locks, or join an optional one-hour cruise on Loch Ness.
The return journey follows the eastern banks of the loch and includes a visit to the Falls of Foyers, a spectacular 165-foot waterfall that once inspired poet Robert Burns.
Before heading back to Inverness, you will also stop at Dores Beach, where you can stroll along the pebbled shoreline and enjoy spectacular views across the loch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on a private one-day tour?
Departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, a private tour is ideal for a group of family or friends.
Our most popular itineraries are available on a private basis, offering you and your party exclusivity, flexibility and comfort. This is a personal experience, so each itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
After booking, you’ll be contacted by your tour co-ordinator, who will discuss your trip and offer options that you may wish to consider to make your tour even more special. Attractions and meals can be pre-booked for a small administration fee. Alternatively, you can pay as you go, depending on how the mood takes you.
On the day of the tour, your experienced driver/guide will pick you up from your accommodation at the pre-agreed time. You’ll travel in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class (or similar) seating up to 7 passengers. These executive-class vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and USB-C charging ports. All you need to do is sit back and relax as your driver handles the driving.
Along the way, you’ll hear the stories behind the landscapes - clan rivalries, Jacobite uprisings, folklore and local legends - bringing the places you visit to life. It’s a relaxed, personal way to experience Scotland, with the reassurance that everything is taken care of.
What are the optional extras on this tour and how much do they cost?
The tour fare includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle and the services of a professional driver/guide.
Admission to the attractions featured on this tour is optional, so you can choose to visit or not depending on your interests. The tour itinerary will allow time for you to enjoy visits to:
Loch Ness Cruise
Urquhart Castle
The links above will give you more information on these attractions as well as current prices. On some tours, discounted prices are available to tour passengers - your driver/guide will provide more information if this applies.
Not all attractions accept credit or debit cards, so you should carry sufficient cash if you plan to visit.
Are children allowed on a Private Tour?
Yes, unlike a scheduled group tour with a minimum age requirement, children of all ages can enjoy travelling on a private tour. It’s the perfect way for families to travel together and experience Scotland.
Your tour co-ordinator will discuss any specific requirements your young travellers may have, including what age-specific child seats might be required.
Will there be a tour commentary?
Each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide an informative and entertaining commentary in English.
You’ll hear tales of the Clans, bloody battles and the famous characters that have shaped the history of Scotland. You will learn too of the landscape that surrounds you and of the nature that makes Scotland so special.
Be ready to have a laugh as well - you’re bound to be told some really corny jokes!
I would like to buy a tour as a present. Can you help?
Yes, we can. Gift vouchers can be purchased in any amount. They are valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be used as payment or part-payment for any tour featured on our website. Buying a Gift Voucher makes an ideal present.
Inclusions
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Customised pick-up/drop-off
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
Check-in: 08:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:45 hrs
Tour Returns: 17:30 hrs
The tour will commence from your accommodation in Inverness.
Your tour co-ordinator will confirm the pick-up arrangements
Child details
There is no minimum age on this private tour.
Baby/child seats are available on request.
Price Notes
Group Size
The price shown is for a Mercedes-Benz V-Class or a similar vehicle, seating up to 7 passengers. Please note the price is for the vehicle hire, not the number of passengers travelling.
This tour is available for larger groups. Please contact us for details.
Cancellation Terms
A full refund, less 20% administration fee, if at least 72 hours notice is provided
No refund will be provided if less than 72 hours notice is given
The above cancellation terms refer to transport only. Services booked on your behalf may be subject to different terms.
Admission Prices
To give you maximum flexibility, admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
TB 04145
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