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The heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a charming and compact city that can be easily explored on foot. From the cobbled streets of the city center to the rolling hills beyond, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in natural beauty and fascinating history. If you’re keen to venture farther afield, ask your hotel concierge for the best way to get there. Discover more of this country through our Scottish Highlands & Islands hiking tour.
A great resource for restaurant, transportation, and sightseeing recommendations.
Built in 1836, the castle was built on the site of an 11th-century defensive structure. Climb the North Tower to the viewing platform for incredible vistas.
Just to the north of Inverness lies the village of North Kessock. The shoreline offers excellent dolphin spotting opportunities over the Beauly Firth.
Historical site of the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745, a significant event in Highlands history. A visitor center brings the battle to life.
Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century, having been built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor (think Shakespeare’s Macbeth). Still home to the Cawdor family, it’s filled with beautiful furniture, fine portraits, intriguing objects, and amazing tapestries.
A short, easy walk from the city center will bring you to the Ness Islands, a beautiful natural park connected by short, Victorian suspension bridges.
Home to the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie,” Loch Ness offers stunning scenery. We visit Urquhart Castle on the tour, but the tourist center can direct you to a boat adventure if you’d like.
For a hotel recommendation, please see the Pre- & Post-Tour section of your Trip Planner.
Immerse yourself in the Scottish capital with our Edinburgh, Scotland City Guide.
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