Secret Loch Ness, Inverness, Clava Cairns, Photos of Inverness Castle and Highland Cows

What's included in the tour price?

Adult £155, Child £120  Infants under 2 £50 (includes entry to Cawdor castle and an audio guide for the castle in your own language).  

What is different about this one and the Cawdor Castle tour?

This tour takes you to the north side of Loch Ness, whereas the other tours take you to the main road on the south of the Loch where you cannot access the actual water.  On this tour you are level with the loch and stop right at it - you can even paddle if you wish!  It also aims to take you in a smaller vehicle - a 4, 8, 16 or 19 seater minibus where possible, so there are less people on this tour. If we have to use a larger bus we contain the numbers to around 30  

Tour in luxury vehicle

This tour is often taken in 4 seater car or an 8 seater luxury vehicle.  Occasionally it might be  in a 16-33 seater small minibus, but ask if you wish to check. If only a large bus is available we will limit the number of guests to around 30  

Tour timings

You’ll leave over an hour after docking and return at least one hour before your ship sails. The tour lasts from 6-8 hours but can be shortened to accommodate ship departure times. It can also leave later if your ship docks after 9.

For our cancellation policy see FAQs https://www.thistleexcursions.co.uk/faqs

See the off the beaten track side of Loch Ness

This tour lets you see the unblemished parts of Loch Ness. You get to dip your toe in Loch Ness and take home a sample of the Loch.   It takes you the south side of the loch to a small village called Dores  

Culloden Battlefield

We visit Culloden Battlefield and visitor centre for at least 30 minutes  

Clava Cairns

We will visit Clava Cairns, the inspiration for the Outlander book and series by Diana Galaldon if time allows (15 minutes).

Cawdor Castle (in 2026 this castle changes to Inverness Castle)

You'll visit the famous 'Macbeth' highland castle which is fully furnished and spectacular. This is included in the price.

If your visit is out of season we will travel to Urquhart castle instead which is open all year or find an alternative venue. 

Robertson's Quaint Farm and Highland Cows - Beauly or An Talla highland cows

We visit here when time allows and you can shop in the farm shop if you wish, but more importantly get photos with Jamie or Katie-Morag - two friendly hairy highland cows (one black, one brown). 

Inverness - the city and Inverness Castle

Heading onto Inverness you’ll see Inverness castle (unfortunatley the castle and Flora MacDonald statue are being renovated from 2022-2025 so we cannot visit it) to see the over the city. You can also take your time to see the shops, cafes or try a beer or whisky in Inverness’ oldest bar which dates back to 1841, the Gellions. 

After having seen the city and enjoying the Highland culture you’ll head back to the port. 

The order of venues may change bit we will see all the places. 

PLEASE NOTE: As mentioned, Inverness castle is closed for refurbishment from 2022-2025 so you won't go inside, but can still get an iconic photograph from the River Ness.