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Inverness tours & holidays

So much more than a gateway to the Scottish Highlands, this city is full of fascinating history, captivating legends and natural beauty

Whether you’re exploring Scotland for the first time or simply can’t seem to stay away from its sloping glens and wide-open spaces, the small river city of Inverness will undoubtedly enchant you. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture as you listen to your leader regale you with tales of mythical monsters and stories of centuries-old battles featuring tartan-clad soldiers. From romantic landscapes full of fog-covered lochs and perfectly preserved castles fit for ancient royalty to charming restaurants serving up fresh produce, there are many incredible things to do in Inverness. Simply take a wee wander around and see for yourself.

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**Prices and savings are based on the lowest priced upcoming departure for each trip, which may reflect discounts outside of the current sale. Prices are updated every 12 hours and are valid until sold out. Discounts apply to selected departures only and may be applied, modified or withdrawn at any time at Intrepid's absolute discretion. Read the terms and conditions or learn more about pricing

Inverness highlights

A view towards an ancient burial tomb at Clava Cairns outside Inverness, Scotland on a summers day

Admire the Clava Cairns

If you’re a fan of the fantastical tv series ‘Outlander’ (set in Scotland) then you’ll already be familiar with the stone burial mounds known as Cairns, but nothing beats seeing them in person. Estimated to be over 4,000 years old, these prehistoric stone monuments signify a cemetery used to house the dead many centuries ago. What has now become a sacred place to remember the past, the Clava Cairns offers an insight into the cultural habits and beliefs of Bronze Age Society and even feature the remains of an impressive medieval chapel.

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Rows of books bathed in sunlight in a vintage bookstore

Read up in Leakey’s Bookshop

While walking around the idyllic streets of Inverness sounds like an afternoon well spent, you can also pass the time inside at Leakey’s Bookshop. With thousands upon thousands of second-hand books at your fingertips, this incredible bookshop not only promises a comfy seat and a fascinating novel to get lost in, but it also looks as if it’s straight off the set of a Harry Potter movie. Featuring two stories of floor-to-ceiling shelves, spellbinding stained glass windows, and a log fireplace that comes to life in winter, Leakey’s Bookshop is simply magical.

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Closeup panoramic view of Urquhart Castle, on the shores of Loch Ness at dusk with a purple sky

Look out over Loch Ness

Standing at the edge of the murky water of Loch Ness it’s easy to imagine a slow-moving mythical beast living within its dark depths but a potential Nessie sighting isn’t the only reason to visit this picturesque body of water. While the lake has been made famous by the elusive mythical dinosaur, Loch Ness offers a taste of the Scottish natural beauty this region is known for. Whether you fancy strolling around it with your group or taking a boat tour onto the water itself, Loch Ness remains one of the best (and the most legendary) spots to visit while you’re in Inverness.

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Inverness Castle sits on the green grass overlooking the River Ness wit a blue cloudy sky behind it

Marvel at Inverness Castle

The Scottish countryside is full of imposing and magnificent castles complete with fairy-tale turrets and Victorian-style architecture and Inverness Castle might just be the best of them all. Perched atop an outcrop on the banks of the River Ness, the breathtaking Inverness Castle was constructed in 1836 although some form of a fortress has been in the same location since the 11th century. Not only does the castle offer you the chance to walk the halls of the past but it’s also set on sprawling grounds overlooking the city for the best view in town.

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Whisky Barrels on Islay/View over to Jura/Whisky barrels stacked up with mountains in the background

Taste some of Scotland’s best whisky

If you’re a lover of whisky, then you’re going to love Inverness. With as many distilleries as the Scottish Highlands has murky lochs (okay, maybe not that many), Inverness produces its own distinctive dram that’s typically light and sweet and fruity in flavour. First distilled in 1494, the whisky from this part of Scotland has often been considered the best, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Ask your local leader for the best spots in town to sample the famous golden-brown liquid.

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Traditional house with a thatched roof in the Culloden Battlefield in the Highlands, Scotland

Visit the historic Culloden Battlefield

Heralded as one of the most important battles Scotland has ever fought in, the Culloden Battlefield marks the site where 1,500 Jacobite soldiers (and 50 government troops) lost their lives in 1746. Walk amongst the graves of those who fell during the battle and pay your respects alongside the memorial cairn located in the centre of the battlefield. Designed to resemble the same landscape from centuries ago, various animals including goats and Shetland cows roam the area, while the expansive surrounding meadows flower with ox-eye daisies and ragged robins.

Scotland's Orkney Islands