Top The Scottish Highlands Half-day Tours

Discover the secrets of one of Scotland's most enigmatic destinations on this small-group tour from Inverness to Loch Ness and beyond. As well as exploring the sights around the loch, you'll also have the chance to visit historic sites such as the Caledonian Canal, as well as natural wonders including the Falls of Foyers.

Leap, splash, paddle and plunge through Scotland’s beautiful countryside on this 6-hour white-water rafting and cliff jumping adventure in the Scottish Highlands. Pull on your wetsuit, grab your paddle and hop into your raft to explore the wild twists and turns of the Findhorn River. Listen as your guide calls out instructions to navigate the choppy waters safely, then relax with a simple lunch by the riverbank. Afterward, leap through the air off high rock faces into the swirling waters below. This trip is suitable for everyone from age 13+.

Explore the wild and beautiful Scottish Highlands—and even visit “Outlander” filming locations—on this small-group tour from Inverness. Following pickup from your hotel, hop aboard an air-conditioned vehicle and head into nature. Visit the Bronze Age–era Clava Cairns and the Culloden Battlefield. Then, look out for Nessie at Loch Ness before exploring the 1,000-year-old Urquhart Castle. As you go, learn all about Scottish history, and see where “Outlander” was shot.

Tour the hidden gems of the Highlands, and see parts of Scotland you thought might only exist in fairytales. See Beauly Priory, a home to monks in the Medieval times, and the stoic Dornoch Cathedral. Visit a whisky distillery, and learn about how Scotland’s national drink is made. Explore Dunrobin Castle, and chance upon a falconry display.

Explore the Highlands as you travel from Inverness to the famous Loch Ness on a journey to discover the Loch Ness Monster. On the way, see the ancient Clava Cairns—just as fascinating as the legend of Nessie—and pass by Culloden, the battlefield where the last hand-to-hand war was fought. Spot castles and glens, see mountains and learn all about the culture and history of this special place from your guide and driver.

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a full-day trip from Inverness, and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach, following a route through the mountains of Wester Ross on your way to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, then visit the island’s highlights with an experienced guide. This full-day tour departs from central Inverness, and it’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Isle of Skye.

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye on a 10-hour day trip through the Scottish Highlands. Pass through glens and rugged mountain scenery, with stops at Loch Ness, Broadford and the ruins of Eilean Donan Castle, before reaching the purple heather–swathed hillsides of Skye. Then see the isle of Eilean Ban on the journey back to Inverness.

From ancient ruins to cinematic landscapes, Loch Ness to Ben Nevis, see the Scottish Highlands’ key sights in the space of a single day. With just a small group for company, travel by climate-controlled bus, and trade the bustle of Inverness for the beauty of the countryside. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, see the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous in the 'Harry Potter' films), and more.

Escape the mainland for a full-day tour of the far-flung Orkney Islands from John O’Groats. Journey by ferry across the Pentland Firth to the wind-swept Orkney archipelago, bursting with postcard-perfect natural vistas and mystical landmarks. With a local guide, cruise along the Churchill Barriers to visit villages steeped in Viking mystery like 5,000-year-old Skara Brae and landmarks like the Lamb Holm Italian Chapel and St. Magnus Cathedral.

Check out the Isle of Skye on a day trip from Inverness. With a Scottish local in a kilt as your driver-guide, you’ll discover the history behind the island plus some famous landmarks along the way. Pass Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, then cross Skye Bridge to spend time on the island itself. Visit the town of Portree, travel through the Cuillin mountains, and discover beguiling natural sights such as the Old Man of Storr. Numbers are limited to just eight people for a small-group experience.

Set sail across the misty waters of Loch Ness and discover the eerie legend of the Loch Ness Monster on this sightseeing cruise from Inverness. Cruise past the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle as you explore one of Britain’s largest freshwater lakes and use the ship’s sonar system to seek out the loch’s notorious resident.

Take on the UK's highest mountain and experience the best of the Scottish countryside on this 8-hour Ben Nevis hike from Fort William. Follow a guide along rugged trails to the peak of Ben Nevis, and gain insight into the wildlife and geology for which the mountain is famous. Along the way, admire spectacular views over the surrounding lakes, forests, peaks and valleys. Enjoy the feeling of achievement at the top, then perhaps finish your day with a refreshing pint back at base!

Take a break from the city on a full-day trip through the Isle of Skye with convenient round-trip transport from central Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide offers commentary about the area’s top landmarks, including Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr. Bring your camera: This trip offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s natural landscape.

We leave behind the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, for a full-day adventure to the magical Isle of Skye. We drive along the world-famous Loch Ness - home of the elusive monster – and onwards through the mountains towards the west coast. Majestic mountains give way to vast sea lochs, once used by Vikings as an access route to our lands. We stop at the romantic Eilean Donan Castle with time for you to explore inside. After crossing the Skye Bridge, learn about the island’s myths and legends, as well as the true tales of rival clans and a fugitive prince. Enjoy lunch in the main town of Portee and visit the colourful harbor. Explore the Isle of Skye’s stunning coastline, and marvel at the Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, and Kilt Rock. Take in the last of Skye’s otherworldly landscape as we drive through the Highlands back to Inverness.

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s spectacular natural landscapes on a day tour of the Scottish Highlands from Inverness. In a small group limited to eight, visit Loch Ness, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster at Chanonry Point. Plus, stop at the Clava Cairns (Stones of Clava), Culloden Battlefield, and Glen Ord Whisky Distillery.

Seek out Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, on a 2-hour cruise from Dochgarroch Lock. The boat is fitted with a special Nessie sonar, but if the elusive monster doesn’t show up, the area's other sights will charm you instead. Pass along the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness to see Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and the crash site of a World War II bomber. You'll learn about the loch’s history and legends as you cruise.

Spend the day exploring Scottish scenery and whisky on a full-day tour from Inverness to Cairngorms National Park and the Glenfiddich Distillery. Join an experienced guide for a trip through the park’s scenic highlights, then learn the secrets of Scottish distilling at a family-owned distillery that makes the best-selling single malt whisky on earth. This tour includes round-trip transport from Inverness in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and is limited to sixteen people for a personal experience.

Why not explore into the stunningly beautiful Easter Ross and Sutherland regions, with its breath-taking scenery and wonderful places so steeped in history and culture? Discover some of the awe inspiring “hidden gems” included in this the fascinating itinerary, created to deliver a unique experience for those visiting this wonderful part of the world. Tour Highlights: •Glenmorangie Distillery, Ord Distillery, Dalmore and Balblair Distillery. Read more about Dunrobin Castle and the Pictish Trail from Inverness Bus Tour 2020 in Viator website

There are several fascinating attractions on Inverness' doorstep but, without your own transportation, getting to them can be tricky. Skip the hassle of trains and buses by booking a guided tour. This small-group tour takes you the the infamous Culloden Battlefield, intriguing Clava Cairns and romantic Cawdor Castle.

If you only have half a day to explore Inverness' surroundings, you can't afford to waste time navigating public transport or renting a car. This private tour takes you to some of the best attractions in the Highlands, from Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle to Beauly Priory, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield and the Clava Cairns, before finishing up with a visit to Inverness' St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Ness Islands.

Allow your guide to take you on a journey around Inverness and the Highlands. Without traveling too far from Invergordon or Inverness, see the iconic Struie Viewpoint and Loch Fleet Nature Reserve, and at the right time of year, see salmon leaping upstream at the Falls of Shin. Tour the Glenmorangie Distillery and taste its famous whisky. See the sandy Embo beach and spot dolphins out at sea.

Delve into the history and lore of Oban and its little-known treasures with this guided driving tour far from the tourist track. Visit highlights like the Dunstaffnage Castle & Chapel, St. Conan's Kirk, and Kilchurn Castle plus travel down the Glen Lonan Road to admire standing stones and take in the sweeping landscape. End with a tasting at an open-air seafood bar on the waterfront.

Learn the local secrets of Inverness on this flexible private tour with convenient round-trip transfer from Invergordon port or your local accommodations. In addition to navigating, your guide offers an inside perspective rarely heard by visitors at each stop on the half-day itinerary. Stop for photos at Urquhart Castle, the Caledonian Canal, the Falls of Foyers, and keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness Monster along the way.

There is no better way to see and hear about the views, culture and history as you travel the whole way round the Famous Loch (and it is a loch not a lake) than from a kilted Highlander. On this tour George will transport you through time and back again.