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
Highlights
Places you explore
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
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
- 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
at Loch Ness.
After arriving at Loch Ness, you have the choice to either go
on a one-hour cruise around the loch or a 30-minute cruise to Urquhart Castle,
where you can disembark and explore the ancient ramparts.
You travel a short distance to Drumnadrochit, a popular destination
for keen monster hunters! You have time here to look around for gifts and sit
down for a spot of lunch.
Next, you venture to Invermoriston, where you can take a
short walk to an old summerhouse with views of the river Moriston.
Your journey continues South West along the lochside to the
furthermost point of the tour at Fort Augustus. Here you can take a picture of
the boats coming in through the Caledonian Canal.
The slower roads take you through the less-travelled side of
Loch Ness. Driving on single-track roads and using passing places is a typical
Highland experience. You may stop for a photo and view looking east towards
Loch Ness and Inverness. After a twisty drive through forested landscape, you
arrive at the forest community of Foyers.
At this stop, 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.
From here, you continue back along the Lochside and to Dores at the eastern end of the Loch.
This final viewpoint is the most striking vista of Loch Ness
and the Great Glen rift valley.
From here, you return to Inverness and arrive in the early evening.
Customer Reviews
Brilliant Day
Stephen Crook Posted on 06/05/2019A big thank you to our Driver Emily who really made our day Shes knowledgeable, pleasant, friendly and informative The trip was well thought out and Emily added some of her own experiences Nothing was to much trouble A truly professional and through and enjoyable experience
Great day
Anita Posted on 26/07/2017As our daughter really wanted to see Loch Ness we decided to do this tour. More relaxing as you dont have to drive yourself. We had a great day with our guide/driver Emily. She was kind and patient. She told us a lot during the drive in an entertaining way. Unfortunately we didnt see Nessie. Maybe next time.
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.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of three days for our one day tours, and 21 days for longer tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.
What is a guaranteed departure?
It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.
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 .
4 reasons to choose Rabbie's
Travel the local way on small group tours of 16 people or fewer
You'll have a guaranteed experience, or your money back
Guaranteed departures: you book, you go
Our eco-friendly tours support local communities
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