The Complete Loch Ness Experience
1 day tour
Your ultimate Loch Ness adventure. Travel the full length of the loch, explore wonderful waterfalls, and visit cosy villages.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Loch Ness - Take a chance to go on an optional boat cruise of this alluring and eerie loch.
Invermoriston - Go for a wonderful wander through lush forests and cascading waterfalls.
Fort Augustus - This town of 650 inhabitants is a great spot to watch boats coming in from the Caledonian Canal.
Foyers Waterfall - “Among the healthy hills and ragged woods, the roaring Foyers pours his mossy floods” - Robert Burns.
Dores - Visit a village blessed with sublime views across Loch Ness.
Your journey
No one can resist the mythical Loch Ness: its beauty evokes a sense of wonder, while its monstrous depths are legendary.
And on this tour, you explore all of it. You can enjoy incredible views from a cruise, learn about the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, and experience the less frequented south roads of the loch.
Even if the monster doesn't show up, we can assure you that your guide will bring this loch to life with intriguing tales and history.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 09:30 (tour departs at 09:45) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
* From 1st April 2025, check-in closes at 9:15 am, tour departs at 9.30am.
17:00 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
* From 1st April 2025, this tour returns at 17:15.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
Itinerary
This short day tour lets you discover all the marvellous views and secrets of Loch Ness.
You leave Inverness and follow the Caledonian Canal to the source of the River Ness. Your guide takes you down the road less travelled to Dores, on the eastern side of the loch.
This tiny village boasts a beach with the most striking vista of Loch Ness and the Great Glen rift valley. Get your camera ready for your first photos of the mysterious waters and potential monster sightings before you continue your journey.
Just a short drive away is your next stop, the forest community of Foyers. Here, you can walk downhill through native pine trees to see the hidden-away Falls of Foyers. This stunning waterfall was a favourite spot for Robert Burns, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a dashing red squirrel.
Invigorated after a visit to the falls, you continue south. Driving on single-track roads and using passing places is a typical Highland experience. After a twisty drive through forested landscape, you arrive at Fort Augustus*, the furthermost point of the tour. Here you can have your lunch and take a picture of the boats coming in through the Caledonian Canal.
Next, you venture to Invermoriston, where you can take a short walk to an old summerhouse with views of the river Moriston.
Whether you believe the legends or not, keep your eyes peeled for the monster or breath-taking vistas as we continue along the banks of Loch Ness. We know Loch Ness is all about Nessie, but the banks of the loch are home to another star; Urquhart Castle. This time-worn stronghold has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scottish history. Walk the grounds of the castle and listen to the echoes of battles reverberating in the ancient walls. And then enjoy getting closer to the mystery on an hour-long cruise** of the loch.
Once you're back on the shore, you continue your journey along Loch Ness and return to Inverness in the early evening.
*From 1st April 2025, you will stop for lunch in Drumnadrochit.
**The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- A 1-hour visit to Urquhart Castle followed by a 1-hour cruise - existing service until 28th Oct 2024
- A 1-hour visit to Urquhart Castle followed by a 25-minute cruise - 28th Oct 24 to 30 Mar 25
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.
If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.