The 7 Best Day Trips in Inverness

1.Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 890 reviews · 12 hours · from $93Our pick

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide. You’ll cross the Skye Bridge, stop in Portree, walk to the Fairy Pools, photograph Eilean Donan Castle, and follow Loch Ness home. Guides may include Peach, David, Steven, Nathalie, or Graham.

“My friends and I keep talking about how wonderful Peach was as a guide. She was so engaging and had a genuine love for her job and it was apparent. And unlike other tour guides, she did not ask for a review or a tip - she was just absolutely perfect.”

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2.Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 748 reviews · 12 hours · from $55Best value

Set out from Inverness with an English-speaking guide such as Karen, Iain, Harrison, or Torquil. See Loch Ness, explore Eilean Donan Castle at extra cost, eat in Portree, and stop at Skye icons including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing.

“Sonia was the best guide. She spent the whole time telling us about the history, traditions and myths. It was the most incredible experience. Highly recommended”

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3.Loch Ness and the Highlands Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 638 reviews · 9 hours · from $65

Spend nine hours with a driver-guide such as Fiona, Owen, Alex, or Karen circling Loch Ness from Inverness. You’ll see Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, the Falls of Foyers, and Dores Beach, with an optional one-hour cruise and time for lunch.

“The day trip was wonderful experience with Owen who was good driver, a great guider, kind, cheerful and funny. it was my 2nd time with Owen and I enjoyed it.”

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4.Loch Ness Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 591 reviews · 7 hours · from $76

Travel from Inverness around Loch Ness in a small-group minibus with a guide such as Nick, Alec, Amy, or Ryan. Stop at Dores, Foyers, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, and Urquhart Castle, then take a one-hour Jacobite cruise. Expect scenery, folklore, short walks, and a full day outdoors.

“Most enjoyable and worthy. It was greatly enhanced by our guide Ami. Her knowledge , attitude any erudite disposition was valued.”

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5.Isle of Skye “Myths & Legends” Full Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 68 reviews · 12 hours · from $55

Travel from Inverness to Skye with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, the Quiraing, and more. Guides such as Emily, Donnie, Sonia, and Harrison are known for lively stories and local detail. Lunch and castle entry cost extra.

“Sonia was amazing! So funny and had lots to tell. Would absolutely recommend!”

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6.Dunrobin Castle and Easter Ross Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · 9 hours · from $72

Travel from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch, and Tarbat Ness Lighthouse in a small group of up to 16. Your English-speaking driver-guide shares local stories, leaves time for the castle and gardens, and may stop at Pictish stones and a bronze mermaid along the coast.

“I really enjoyed the castle ,the rest wasn't much to see but the trip was amazing,the guide was very good,the weather was fantastic and view even more.”

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7.Loch Ness Experience 1-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 11 reviews · 8 hours · from $80

Travel the full length of Loch Ness from Inverness by minibus, with an optional boat cruise and visit to Urquhart Castle. Your English-speaking guide shares Highland stories at Dochgarroch, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus, Falls of Foyers, and Dores Beach. Bring cash, sturdy shoes, and a warm jacket.

“Tout David notre super guide, toujours prêt à répondre à nos questions et qui a tenu les horaires d une main de maître Très jolie croisière sur le Loch Ness, prenez une grosse veste car si vous voulez rester dehors il y a du vent. Très beau château d Urquart. Assez de temps pour visiter. Il faut donner en plus 30 livres en cash pour faire ces excursions Si vous n avez pas de cash, il y a un distributeur dans la rue du point de départ. Nous avons aussi visité le passage des bateaux sur le canal pour midi, une très belle cascade (ayez de bonnes baskets ou chaussures…”

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