Loch Ness tour from Invergordon: Castles and Jacobite cruise

Urquhart Castle from the water, then two more castles in a single day

A full-day guided tour from Invergordon through the Scottish Highlands, visiting Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, cruising the loch aboard the Jacobite, walking Culloden Battlefield with your guide, and exploring Cawdor Castle and its gardens. All entrance fees are included and paid in advance, so you skip the queues at each stop. The tour runs eight hours with hotel pickup, a Scottish Highland guide, bottled water and snacks, plus a Gaelic singing and whisky toast at Culloden.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Urquhart Castle1h · entry included
2. Cawdor Castle and Gardens1h · entry included

Loch Ness and Highland Castles Tour

• Drive through Scottish Highlands
• Visit Urquhart Castle ruins
• Enjoy Loch Ness cruise on Jacobite
• Explore Culloden Battlefield with guide
• Tour Cawdor Castle and gardens
• Scenic drive back to Invergordon

The experience

The drive from Invergordon to Loch Ness takes an hour through rolling hills and farmland, and your guide will walk you through the history of the area and the Highlands as you go. You arrive at Urquhart Castle before the crowds build: a 14th-century ruin positioned right on the edge of the loch and one of Scotland's most photographed scenes. There's a video presentation on site, an optional audio tour, and time to explore the ruins and the views across the water without being rushed.

From the castle you board the Jacobite for a 60-minute cruise on Loch Ness itself. The boat is quieter than the standard sailings due to a special arrangement with Jacobite Cruises, and you'll hear about the loch's history, geology and the legend of Nessie while the mountains and shoreline pass by. There's a fully stocked bar and coffee service on board, so you can settle in and watch for movement on the water.

After the cruise, a scenic drive takes you through Inverness to Culloden Battlefield, where your guide Fiona leads a short walking tour of the site. You'll hear the history of the 1746 battle, join in some Gaelic singing, and raise a dram of whisky in a traditional toast. The final stop is Cawdor Castle, where you can wander the castle rooms, the gardens and the grounds at your own pace. The castle also serves food, tea, coffee and home baking if you want to sit for a bit. The drive back to Invergordon takes a different route than the one you came, so you see more of the Highlands before the day ends.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return.
• eight-hour guided tour in an air-conditioned coach with a Scottish Highland guide.
• bottled water and Scottish snacks.
• entrance to Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle with all fees paid in advance.
• a 60-minute Jacobite cruise on Loch Ness.
• Gaelic singing and a whisky toast at Culloden.
• onboard restroom facilities.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 12 Jan 2027

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 20

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 24 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Invergordon Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to visit Urquhart Castle before the crowds arrive and experience a guided walk across Culloden Battlefield: the early-morning start and included Loch Ness cruise fit multiple highlands highlights into one day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What is Urquhart Castle like when we arrive?

Urquhart Castle is a 14th-century ruin on the edge of Loch Ness, one of the most photographed castle sites in Scotland. You arrive before the main crowds, and there's a video presentation on site plus an optional audio tour. Your guide is there to answer questions, and you have time to explore the ruins and take in the views across the loch.

How long is the Loch Ness cruise?

The Jacobite cruise lasts 60 minutes and departs from Dochgarroch Locks. The boat is quieter than standard sailings due to a special arrangement, and you'll hear about the loch's history, geology and the legend of Nessie while you watch the shoreline and mountains.

What happens at Culloden Battlefield?

Your guide Fiona leads a short walking tour of the 1746 battlefield site and shares its history. You'll also take part in Gaelic singing and raise a whisky toast as part of the experience. There's a visitor centre with a 360-degree immersive cinema if you want to explore further, and a café for food and drink.

Do we have time to see Cawdor Castle properly?

Yes, you have time to wander the castle rooms, the gardens and the grounds at your own pace. Cawdor also serves food, tea, coffee and home baking on site if you want to sit for a while.

Are entrance fees really included?

All entrance fees to Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle are included and paid in advance, so you walk straight in without waiting in queues at any of the three sites.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup from Invergordon, an air-conditioned coach, a Scottish Highland guide, bottled water and Scottish snacks, the Jacobite cruise, the Gaelic singing and whisky toast at Culloden, and all entrance fees to the three castles and battlefield.