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.
