The "Inverness: Alternative Loch Ness Tour" offers a captivating way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Priced at $376.64 per person, this luxury private group experience showcases the region’s natural beauty and rich history through carefully curated stops and activities. From scenic drives along the banks of Loch Ness to an optional hike in the picturesque Glen Affric, this tour promises an immersive and unforgettable journey. With luxury transportation, a hearty lunch, and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a unique perspective on one of Scotland’s most iconic destinations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this alternative Loch Ness experience might just hold the key to uncovering the Highlands’ hidden gems.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Drumnadrochit.
Key Points
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This 8.5-hour private group tour offers an alternative experience to the standard Loch Ness tours, with a focus on exploring the Scottish Highlands’ natural beauty.
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Highlights include a photo stop at Loch Ness, visiting Corrimony Cairn, hiking in Glen Affric, and seeing Plodda Falls, providing a more immersive and personalized experience.
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Luxury Mercedes transportation with panoramic views, complimentary light snacks and bottled water, and a local lunch at the historic Old Post Office in Tomich.
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Suitable for adults with good mobility, as the tour has age and weight restrictions and requires moderate fitness for the optional hike.
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Highly rated by previous customers for its scenic walks, personal approach, and unique local experiences, making it an attractive alternative to the traditional Loch Ness tours.
Tour Overview
The "Inverness: Alternative Loch Ness Tour" offers an 8.5-hour private group experience that takes visitors along the scenic A82 road flanking Loch Ness.
Priced at $376.64 per person, the tour includes luxury transportation, light snacks, and a lunch stop.
Highlights include a photo opportunity at Loch Ness, exploring the ancient Corrimony Cairn, and discovering the natural beauty of Glen Affric and Plodda Falls.
The tour is conducted in English and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
However, it’s not suitable for children under 12, those with mobility issues, or individuals over 264 lbs.
The required fitness level is moderate, with some descents during the optional hike in Glen Affric.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Drumnadrochit.
Itinerary Highlights
Traveling along the scenic A82 road flanking Loch Ness, the tour offers a short photo stop overlooking the iconic loch and Urquhart Castle.
Next, visitors explore the village of Drumnadrochit before discovering the ancient Corrimony Cairn, a 4,000-year-old burial mound.
The journey continues to the picturesque Glen Affric, where an optional hike around the River Affric is available.
Afterwards, the tour visits Plodda Falls and the Douglas Fir forests.
A lunch break at the charming Old Post Office in Tomich provides a chance to refuel before the return journey through Strath Glass to Beauly and back to Inverness.
Luxury Transportation
Aboard a luxury 8-seat Mercedes V Class with double sunroof, guests embark on their alternative Loch Ness adventure.
This high-end vehicle provides ample space and comfort throughout the 8.5-hour tour. With large windows and a panoramic view, travelers can take in the scenic Scottish landscapes in style. The double sunroof adds an extra touch of luxury, allowing natural light to flood the cabin.
Complimentary light snacks and bottled water are provided, ensuring guests stay refreshed during the journey.
Pickup and drop-off from Inverness accommodation make this tour a seamless experience from start to finish, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying the beautiful sights along the way.
Included Refreshments
Complimentary light snacks and bottled water are provided to guests throughout the 8.5-hour tour, ensuring they stay refreshed during the journey.
The tour operator takes care to cater to guests’ hydration and energy needs, understanding the importance of staying fueled on an active excursion.
Along With the snacks and water, a lunch break is included at the historic Old Post Office in Tomich, where guests can enjoy a local meal and recharge before continuing their exploration.
This attention to guest comfort and convenience sets the alternative Loch Ness tour apart from standard bus tours, offering a more personalized and enjoyable experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyDining Experience
The tour includes a lunch break at the historic Old Post Office in Tomich, where guests can savor a local meal and recharge before continuing their exploration.
The quaint hotel serves hearty fare featuring regional ingredients, allowing visitors to enjoy the culinary traditions of the Scottish Highlands.
After a morning spent taking in the natural beauty of Loch Ness and the surrounding countryside, this lunch stop provides a welcomed respite.
Enjoying a mid-day meal at the Old Post Office is an integral part of the overall experience, helping to fuel adventurers for the second half of their alternative Loch Ness tour.
Accessibility Considerations
Some important accessibility considerations should be noted for this tour. The tour is not suitable for children under 12 or individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves hiking and descents of up to 100 meters. Plus, the tour is not recommended for individuals over 264 lbs (120 kg). Recommended gear includes hiking shoes, a jacket, and rain gear. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should be prepared for varying weather. The following table outlines the accessibility details:
| Criteria | Suitable | Not Suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Adults | Children under 12 |
| Mobility | Good | Impairments |
| Weight | Under 264 lbs | Over 264 lbs |
| Gear | Hiking shoes, jacket, rain gear | N/A |
Recommended Gear
Suitable attire is essential for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience during the Inverness: Alternative Loch Ness Tour.
The tour operator recommends wearing hiking shoes or boots with good traction to navigate the uneven terrain encountered during the excursion. A warm, waterproof jacket is also advised, as the weather in the Scottish Highlands can be unpredictable.
Participants should also pack rain gear, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.
For the optional hike around the River Affric, a moderate fitness level is required, and suitable hiking gear, such as sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing, is necessary to safely navigate the steeper descents.
Customer Feedback
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Inverness: Alternative Loch Ness Tour, with an impressive 5/5 rating based on 2 reviews.
The reviews highlight the tour’s personal approach, scenic walks, and local experience, which set it apart from standard tour-bus experiences. Customers appreciate the tour’s focus on exploring the natural beauty and history of the region, with stops at the ancient Corrimony Cairn and the picturesque Plodda Falls.
The lunch break at the Old Post Office in Tomich is also singled out as a highlight, providing an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour has a private group size, meaning the maximum number of participants is determined by the tour provider and is not specified in the tour details. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience.
Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary for Special Interests?
The tour provider likely allows some customization of the itinerary to accommodate special interests. While the main highlights are fixed, the optional activities and duration at each stop may be adjusted to suit individual preferences.
Are Photography Opportunities Available Throughout the Tour?
The tour provides ample photography opportunities throughout, with a dedicated stop overlooking Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, as well as chances to capture the scenic landscapes of Glen Affric and Plodda Falls. The flexible itinerary also allows guests to focus on their photographic interests.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Experience This Tour?
The best time of year to experience this tour is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and scenic views are at their peak. Crowds are smaller, and the hikes are more comfortable during these shoulder seasons.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
This tour is not suitable for children under 12 or individuals with mobility impairments. It’s also not recommended for those over 264 lbs (120 kg). Participants should be able to handle the required fitness level.
Recap
The "Inverness: Alternative Loch Ness Tour" offers a luxurious and immersive exploration of the Scottish Highlands. Guests can enjoy scenic stops, an optional hike, and a hearty lunch, all while being transported in the comfort of a Mercedes V Class. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and attentive service, this tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to the Loch Ness region.
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