Inverness 4 Day Itinerary

Title: 4-Day Inverness Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

  • Arrival: Inverness Airport (INV) or Train Station. Rent a car, taxi, or use local bus services (Stagecoach Buses) to reach the city center.

  • Morning: Visit Inverness Castle (admission fee applies), now serving as the Sheriff Court and High Court of the Southern Sheriffdom. Then stroll along the River Ness, with views of the castle and the iconic Iron Bridge.

  • Lunch: Try local cuisine at Aishops Land, offering a variety of Scottish dishes including Haggis and Cullen Skink.

  • Afternoon: Visit Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the region’s history and culture. Take a walk through Ness Islands, a group of islands in the River Ness connected by footbridges.

  • Dinner: Dine at the award-winning Café 1 in Inverness Castle, offering an extensive menu with Scottish produce.

  • Accommodation: Stay at the Mercure Inverness Hotel, centrally located and convenient for exploring the city.

Day 2: Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

  • Morning: Drive along the A82 (North Stret) to visit Loch Ness. Stop at Drumnadrochit for a boat tour (optional) and a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel or the nearby Jacobite Restaurant with panoramic views of the loch.

  • Afternoon: Continue to Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland’s most visited historic attractions, where you can explore ruins dating back to the 13th century.

  • Dinner: Return to Inverness and dine at the stylish and trendy Zizzi Italian restaurant or the local favorite, The Mustard Seed.

Day 3: Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns

  • Morning: Drive to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the 1746 Jacobite Rising battle, and visit the visitor center for an immersive experience.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at the local café within Culloden Battlefield or travel a short distance to the Clavonish Inn for traditional Scottish fare.

  • Afternoon: Visit Clava Cairns, a well-preserved Bronze Age burial ground featuring circular cairns surrounded by standing stones.

  • Dinner: Enjoy an evening meal at the highly-rated G&A’s Pizza on the Square in Inverness city center.

Day 4: Black Isle & Chanonry Point

  • Morning: Drive to the Black Isle, home to beautiful beaches, wildlife reserves, and charming villages. Stop at Rosemarkie to explore Fortrose Cathedral ruins and visit the Dolphintel Visitor Centre for information on bottlenose dolphins.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at The Shore Cafe & Deli in Fortrose or at the award-winning Cromarty Bakery in the village of Cromarty.

  • Afternoon: Continue to Chanonry Point, a popular spot for dolphin watching (best between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM).

  • Dinner: Return to Inverness and try the local Indian cuisine at Rajput or The Spice Indian Restaurant.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: British Pound (GBP)
  • Language: English is spoken throughout the region, but Gaelic is still used in some communities.
  • Best time to visit: April to October for milder weather and longer daylight hours.
  • Emergency services: Dial 999 for police, fire, or ambulance services.