Discover Inverness: The Gateway to the Scottish Highlands
On our Traveling Professor small group tours to Scotland, we stay in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Perfectly located for exploring Skye, Fort William, and the Cairngorms, this charming city is also rich with its own history, legends, and Highland spirit. Whether you’re strolling along the River Ness or enjoying live folk music, Inverness offers something special for every traveler.
Inverness Castle
Dominating the city skyline, Inverness Castle is undergoing a major transformation and will soon reopen as The Inverness Castle Experience. This exciting new attraction will celebrate the Spirit of the Highlands, sharing stories of the region’s past, present, and future through immersive exhibits and stunning views across the River Ness.
Travel Tip: From the castle terrace, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Inverness and the surrounding countryside.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
No trip to the Highlands is complete without a cruise on Loch Ness—home of the legendary Nessie. The mysterious deep waters are as beautiful as they are mythical. Most of our tours combine the cruise with a visit to Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic ruins. Overlooking the loch, the castle tells stories of medieval battles, Jacobite uprisings, and the enduring legends of Scotland.
Don’t forget your camera—you might just spot Nessie!
Culloden Battlefield
At Culloden Battlefield, history changed forever in less than an hour. This haunting site marks the final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces met the British Army. Today, a modern visitor center and preserved battlefield paths help visitors understand the human stories behind this dramatic chapter in Scottish history.
It’s one of the most moving and memorable experiences on our Scotland tour.
Clava Cairns
For fans of Outlander, a visit to Clava Cairns is a must. This prehistoric burial site—over 4,000 years old—features standing stones and chambered cairns that inspired the series’ time-traveling scenes. Even for non-fans, it’s a fascinating, atmospheric stop just minutes outside Inverness. This is one of the reasons why our Scotland tours are the best!
Inverness Bike Tours
See Inverness from a new perspective with an easy bike ride along the Ness River and Caledonian Canal. The flat, scenic paths are perfect for all levels of cyclists. Enjoy views of tree-lined waterways, historic bridges, and maybe a glimpse of local wildlife. It’s a refreshing and active way to experience the Highlands.
McGregor’s Pub
Nothing says “Highland hospitality” like a pint and a plate of fish and chips at McGregor’s Pub. This local favorite isn’t just about food—it’s about storytelling. Pull up a chair, enjoy live traditional music, and hear tales of Scotland’s heroes, legends, and laughter. It’s a quintessential Inverness evening.
Hootananny
When the night falls, head to Hootananny, one of Scotland’s top live music venues. This lively pub is famous for its ceilidhs, Scottish folk bands, and local performers. If it sounds good, it is good—Hootananny captures the joyful energy and musical soul of the Highlands.
Our small group tours of Scotland combine the best of the Highlands with insider experiences you won’t find on big bus tours. Stay in 4-star accommodations, travel by scenic rail, and enjoy guided visits to Inverness, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands with local experts who bring every destination to life.
Learn more or reserve your spot at SmallGroupTours.com.