Inverness, Scotland
Inverness is truly the heart and travel hub of the Scottish Highlands and, being so close to the mysterious and legendary Loch Ness, it has become an iconic global destination.
The Scottish Highlands have a reputation for some of the most spectacular roads to drive in the world. The North Coast 500, which starts and ends in Inverness, is a scenic route around the north coast, known as "the ultimate road trip".
The City Sightseeing Bus is a great way to explore the city's attractions, including the Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, and dolphin watching from the harbour.
Head to Urquhart Castle, on the loch's western shore, for panoramic views.
Visit Inverness Castle and the Castle Gallery.
See Fort George, home to one of Scotland's kilted battalions and the Regimental Museum of the Queen's Own Highlanders.
Visit The Old High Church, the city's oldest church, open to visitors on selected days or as part of a guided tour.
If you want to get a firsthand view of how The Macallan whisky is made, The Macallan Distillery offers plenty of options to do just that.
Visit the Leanach Cottage and see Highland Cows.
Head over to the Clava Cairns, an ancient cemetery.
Enjoy whisky at Tomatin Distillery and Speyside Distillery.
Outside of Inverness, you can travel through the landscapes of Speyside towards Dava Moor for some great views of the Cairngorms National Park.
See the forest village of Carrbridge and walk around the Old Packhorse Bridge.
Visit Glenmore Forest Park, where you can walk through the woods to Loch Morlich, which is one of Scotland's most scenic and popular lochs.
Travel through the charming town of Dunkeld and see the Dunkeld Cathedral.
Visit Dalmunzie Castle.
Visit Blair Castle and Blair Athol Distillery.
Visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of "Macbeth".
Head to St. Andrews, the "Home of Golf," to see the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course.
Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. Made famous by the Harry Potter film franchise, the Jacobite is a steam locomotive-hauled tourist train service operating over part of the West Highland Line in Scotland. You will see ancient ruins, a war memorial, beautiful beaches, a hidden waterfall, and mountain backdrops.
The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and visits Fort Augustus where you can see the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness up close. You can also see the Falls of Foyers and Dores Beach.
Arrive in the capital of the Highlands in spectacular style by sailing under the Kessock Bridge accompanied by dolphins, and passing by Fort George.
The cruise port of Inverness is around 15 minutes away from Loch Ness, a popular cruise excursion. Other nearby attractions include Cawdor Castle, Castle Stuart Golf Course, The Speyside Whisky Trail, and the Cairngorm National Park.
