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Loch Ness Private Tour From Inverness

A day of mystery, legends, and Highland beauty

Join Aleman for a private journey around Scotland’s most famous loch. Every road, viewpoint, and story reveals something new about this legendary place. It is a unique experience with the magic of Highland landscapes.

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What to Expect on Your Loch Ness Tour

Quick Tour Overview - Loch Ness Tour from Inverness

This private Loch Ness day tour combines famous landmarks with quiet corners known only to locals. Enjoy scenic drives and castle stops, and take photos you will treasure. Travelling with me keeps everything simple. I plan the route, handle the details, and make sure the day feels relaxed from start to finish.

Depart From Inverness
Loch Ness
The Loch Ness Centre
Urquhart Castle (View or Entry Option)
Culloden Battlefield
James Pringle Woollen Millshop
Clava Cairns
Highland Cows at Robertson’s Farm
Inverness St Andrew’s Cathedral
Cawdor Castle
Singleton Distillery, Muir of Ord optional add-on
Return to Inverness

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Price From

£495.00

Tour Length

7-8 hours

Tour Time

9:00 am

4:00 pm

Group Size

1-8 fantastic people

More people? Contact Me

Follow the road

Full itinerary

Inverness

I collect you from your accommodation, cruise port, or agreed meeting point in Inverness. Settle into the Ford Tourneo Custom and relax for a comfortable drive through the heart of the Highlands. As the city fades behind, quiet countryside roads open with the first views of rolling hills and clear rivers. It is the perfect start to a day of fresh air and conversation.

Departing: from Inverness – hotel, guesthouse, or agreed location.
Pick-ups: from the cruise port or airport can also be arranged on request.

Loch Ness

Your journey begins beside the world-famous Loch Ness, a place filled with beauty and legend. As we follow the shoreline, you will see water glimmer through pine forests and feel the calm of this deep loch. I share tales of the mysterious creature said to live below the surface and highlight the best photo spots.

Worth knowing: The loch stretches for 23 miles and is one of the largest in Scotland by volume. Even if “Nessie” stays hidden, the views always impress. It is easy to see why this is the most famous Loch Ness experience in the Highlands.

The Loch Ness Centre

The Loch Ness Centre brings the legend to life with exhibits that mix myth, science, and local folklore. You can study the research that explores the depths and learn how the stories began. It is a short but memorable stop that adds context to the journey.

Aleman’s tip: It is a lovely place for coffee or souvenirs before we continue towards Urquhart Castle. This is also one of the most popular Loch Ness visitor attractions among nearby villages.

Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle stands proudly on the banks of Loch Ness with sweeping views over the water. From this viewpoint, you will capture photos that belong on a postcard. If you decide to go inside, you will find ruins, a small exhibition, and a visitor centre that shares stories of battles and Highland resilience.

Aleman’s tip: You can admire the castle perfectly from the outside. It is one of my favourite stops along Loch Ness. If you wish to go inside, it takes about an hour and includes access to the visitor centre and shop.

Important: Tickets not included. Please pre-book from Historic Environment Scotland.

Buy tickets

Culloden Battlefield

These peaceful fields once saw the final Jacobite uprising in 1746. Walking in this place feels like stepping into history. The visitor centre provides displays that explain how this moment shaped Scotland’s story.

Aleman’s tip: The centre has a cafe and restrooms. It is a good place for a short break before we move on.

James Pringle Woollen Millshop

This friendly stop offers soft woollens, tartan scarves, and traditional gifts. It is a good place to find something Scottish to take home. The team here is welcoming, and the shelves are full of treasures that reflect Highland craftsmanship.

Aleman’s tip: You will often find good deals on knitwear and crafts compared with the city shops. It is also a handy stop for refreshments before we continue.

Clava Cairns

This ancient site feels calm and almost magical. The standing stones and burial cairns date back nearly four thousand years. Walking among them feels like stepping into another time. Surrounded by woodland, it is quiet, serene, and full of stories that spark imagination.

Worth knowing: The site is free to visit and takes about 23 minutes to explore. This location gives visitors a glimpse into prehistoric Scotland and how ancient builders worked with detail and purpose.

Highland Cows at Robertson’s Farm

No Highland trip is complete without meeting our friendly “coos.” At Robertson’s Farm, you can see the famous shaggy-haired cattle up close. They are gentle, curious, and always ready for a photo.

Aleman’s tip: Bring your camera. These Highland cows enjoy the attention and make every visitor smile.

Inverness St Andrew’s Cathedral

This cathedral sits beside the River Ness and offers a peaceful place to pause. Its stone design, stained glass, and riverside setting create a calm end to a full day.

Worth knowing: Built in 1869, this was the first new cathedral in Scotland after the Reformation. It remains a symbol of faith in the heart of Inverness.

Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle feels like it belongs in a storybook. It is still a family home and mixes history with gardens and stories from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The drive to the castle is lovely, with trees and gentle hills surrounding it. Inside, you will find rooms filled with art, antiques, and heirlooms. The gardens offer a peaceful walk.

Aleman’s tip: The castle is open seasonally, usually from April to October. I always check opening times when planning my day.

Singleton Distillery, Muir of Ord

optional add-on

For whisky lovers, this award-winning distillery offers a stop full of flavour. The Singleton is known for smooth single malts. The tour explains the craft from barley to barrel. It is a relaxing way to connect with one of Scotland’s best traditions.

Aleman’s tip: If you wish to include a distillery visit, I can adjust the itinerary to fit the 2:00 to 2:30 pm tour slot.

Important: Tickets should be booked directly. The distillery often fills quickly in summer, so reserve early.

Buy tickets

Return to Inverness

After a day of castles, legends, and Highland scenery, we travel back to Inverness at an easy pace. The late-afternoon light often casts a soft glow over the hills. It is a fantastic way to see the Highlands without worrying about distance or luggage. Everything is arranged so you can relax and enjoy the view.

Ready for adventure?

This tour is one of my favourites - it’s got everything that makes the Highlands special: scenery, stories, castles, and friendly faces. I’ll help you plan it so you can see as much or as little as you want without ever feeling rushed.

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call aleman

+44 7848 460 773

Want to make your journey even better?

Add a Little Extra To Your Tour

After spending a day exploring Loch Ness, many guests decide to extend their experience or tailor it just a bit more. Aleman can easily adjust your itinerary or help you plan extra services that make your trip even smoother.

optional add-on

Airport & Cruise Transfers

Start your adventure the moment you arrive. Aleman can arrange private transfers from Inverness Airport, your hotel, or the Invergordon cruise port. Your journey begins and ends in comfort.

Aleman’s tip: If you are flying in or sailing out. Let us connect the tour with your travel plans so you make the most of your time.

optional add-on

Extra Touring Days

Turn your day trip into a multi-day Highland adventure. Explore further north along the NC500. Travel west to the Isle of Skye. Find more hidden gems off the usual route.

Aleman’s tip: I can plan accommodation stops and suggest great B&Bs and restaurants along the way.

optional add-on

Whisky, History & Local Life

Add something you love. A distillery visit, local lunch, or extra scenic stop. Small adjustments can completely change the feel of your journey without rushing.

Aleman’s tip: Some places (like distilleries or castle entries) require pre-booking, especially in summer.

optional add-on

Private Photography or Slow Travel Options

Prefer more time for photos or a relaxed pace? Aleman’s flexible schedules make it easy to focus on what you enjoy most.

Aleman’s tip: I can plan extra time for scenic stops or arrange a private photographer to capture those moments.

Important notes

Practical Information

Every detail is taken care of, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. Here’s everything you need to know before setting off on your Loch Ness adventure:

Vehicle

Travel in comfort aboard Aleman’s Ford Tourneo Custom – spacious, air-conditioned, with room for up to 8 guests and extra luggage if needed.

Group Size

Ideal for couples, families, or small groups. For larger parties, Aleman can arrange additional vehicles and drivers.

Meals

Lunch stops are flexible. Aleman knows great local cafés and restaurants and will happily recommend where to eat based on your taste and timing.

Availability

This tour runs all year round. Every season offers something different — from misty winter lochs to bright summer skies.

Licensed & Insured

Friendly Highland Tours is a fully licensed private hire operator, fully insured for passenger travel.

Relax - I’ll organise everything for you

Every group is different - families, friends, first-time visitors. Tell me what you’d like, and I’ll make it work so the day feels just right for you.

Book now

Call me for custom journey

+44 7848 460 773

Ready when you are

Booking Your Tour

Before you book, tell us how you’d like to plan your tour:

If you’re happy with the planned route and stops, you can book instantly using the form below.

If you’d like me to include airport transfers, adjust the timing, or swap one or two stops, it’s best to contact me directly.
I’ll check all timings, entry slots, and availability so your trip runs smoothly.

Select Your Date

Contact Aleman

+44 7848460773

You can also write me on Whatsapp

Contact Aleman

Stop Anywhere, Anytime!

Real Stories, not Scripts

Iconic landmarks included

Only 5 star reviews

Stop Anywhere, Anytime!

Real Stories, not Scripts

Iconic landmarks included

Only 5 star reviews

Hi there

Who Am I

Your new friend on the journey

Hello, I’m Aleman, your local guide and the heart behind Friendly Highland Tours. I have lived in the Highlands for over 30 years. Sharing its stories and beauty is my passion. Every tour is planned with care and warmth.

More about me

Still curious?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions travellers often ask before their Highland tour. If you cannot find what you are looking for, feel free to call or message Aleman. I am always happy to help plan your day.

Can we take a boat trip on Loch Ness during the tour?

Yes. I can schedule a short Loch Ness cruise if you would like to be on the water. Most boat trips leave near Urquhart Castle and last about an hour. Tell me when you book the tour so I can allow time for it. You will book the boat tickets directly.

Is Loch Ness close to other scenery, such as glens and mountains?

Yes. The route passes through classic Highland scenery, with open water, forests, and mountain slopes. We also visit viewpoints overlooking a famous glen. If you would like even more time in the hills or more time for photos, I can plan that as part of a custom tour. Call me and we can shape the day around you.

Can I combine the Loch Ness Tour with another destination?

Yes. Many guests link this tour with other areas such as Skye, Speyside whisky country, or the North Coast 500. I can plan a longer trip over multiple days and suggest where to stay. I also offer themed tours if you have a special interest. If you would like ideas, call me.

Can we go inside Urquhart Castle or only view it from outside?

You can do both. We can stop at the viewpoint for photos of the castle and the loch. If you wish to go inside, we can allow time for a full visit. Entry tickets are not included in the tour price. You will book them directly. If you are not sure which option is best for your day, call me.

How much walking is involved during the tour?

The walking is light. Most viewpoints are close to the vehicle. Places like Clava Cairns and Culloden have level paths that most guests find easy to navigate. If you prefer very short walks, tell me when you book so I can plan the route with comfort in mind.

Are there good souvenir stops along the way?

Yes. We visit the James Pringle Woollen Mill shop and other local stops where you can find scarves, knitwear, gifts, and Highland sweets. I allow time for a relaxed browse.

What is the best time of year to visit Loch Ness?

Loch Ness looks different in every season. Summer has long daylight. Autumn has rich colour. Winter feels calm and quiet. I run tours all year. I can tell you what each season feels like so you can choose the style of day you want.