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. If you want to discover more of the beauty and mystery of the loch, embark on a one-hour cruise* and sail past Urquhart Castle.

Then, we continue along Loch Ness and return to Inverness in the early evening.

*The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice.

*The Loch Ness marathon is taking place on Sunday 1st October. If you travel on this date, please note the route of the tour will need to be reversed to accommodate for this.

*The Loch Ness Centre is hosting an event called The Quest Weekend (26th and 27th August 2023), when they will partner with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE) to search the famous waters of Loch Ness to hunt for Nessie. This search is the biggest of its kind since 1972. If you are visiting Loch Ness on this weekend, keep your eyes peeled for the surverying team!

*The Loch Ness boat cruise will be closed for winter between 8th January 2024 up to and including 14th January 2024. They will open again on Monday 15th January.

*If your tour departs after 1st April 2024, you'll have a chance to visit Urquhart Castle as well.

Tour Attractions

For tours departing 1st April 2024 onwards, you can pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

A cruise on Loch Ness with visit to Urquhart Castle

If you're taking this tour before 1st April 2024, the cruise is available to book during the tour, however there is no visit to Urquhart Castle.