I never thought I'd want to go on a bus or shared tour with anyone. I'm just not a big fan of…read moregroup vacations. However, my friend and I booked a vacation with Kensington Tours who set us up on a couple of outings with Rabbie's Tours through the Highlands and we both enjoyed it thoroughly. So much so in fact that we have booked a tour with Rabbie's through Italy/Switzerland for later this year. I can't wait to go.

My partner and I were in Scotland for a few weeks on vacation and, not wanting to rent a car, we…read moretook several day trips with Rabbie's. Every driver we had was outstanding. There were stories, jokes, music, lots of stops for sight-seeing, food recommendations, and more. We really enjoyed the tours and would definitely use them again if/when we're back in Scotland.

10/10 recommend this tour service!! My wife and I were visiting on our honeymoon, and had been…read moretraveling through Scottland for a few days before. Before the cruise we were feeling a little burnt out, and although we made every effort we missed our cruise reservation!! Be sure to get there early for your tour, the boat left at the advertised time, which is great for travel planning, we were just late! We were pretty bummed, but we took a beat and had some coffee in their café, which was a very nice relaxing experience on its own. We each had an Americano and they were very good. Once we gathered our thoughts we checked back in with the cruise staff, and they were able to bump our reservation to the next cruise time!!! We were thrilled because we were specifically looking forward to the "contemplation cruise", and the cold clean air of Lochness. The cruise itself was marvelous. Very smooth, only a few moments of choppy water. The guide was funny, educational and relaxing. He had some hilarious silly jokes which I loved. Being on the water refreshed our spirits completely!! The boat had a bar with coffee, snacks and alcohol. While we didn't partake in anything on the boat, I imagine if we had it would have been pretty satisfying. We brought snacks of our own on board. There were 3 restrooms on board which were clean and maintained. Be sure to bring some layers, it was pretty chilly, but then the sun would peek out and sitting in the sun it would warm up all of a sudden. Seating was available above deck and in the cabin. This was one of my favorite activities of the trip. I recommend for travelers of all ages and abilities.

This was a fun tour and what you'd expect. You travel up the channel and around the Loch. They…read moreprovide a lot of interesting history to keep you entertained. Of course, you don't see the Loch Ness monster. The tour is disability accessible. Bring lunch as they only have snacks for sale. With your purchase, you get a " Highland hot chocolate", that's hot chocolate with whiskey. We were there at the same time as a gray and blue haired bus tour and they should consider renaming this the "Loch Ness booze cruise" as there a good amount of semi-rowdy 70 year old women hitting the bar.

It was inevitable, I had to do it, the draw inexorable and pure…read more So, after a couple "scotch fudges" (fudge with a scotch whiskey inside) to warm my guts, I suited up in my 4/3 wetsuit, climbed down from the ruins and paddled across Loch Ness. I don't know anyone who's done this and it was across one of the thinnest links to the other side, but I did it. I paddled my surfboard across Loch Ness. Was I scared of "Nessie", the prehistoric monster that supposedly lurks beneath these cold, dark waters? Naw, I even splashed around a bit to see if I got her attention. Nothing. As I figured. My bf thought I was crazy for doing it but I thought he was the crazy one for not. (We're no longer together) I peeled out of my suit, fingers frozen to the bone from the cold, ate a couple more of the fudges and headed back to the hotel to dine and swap Nessie tales with the visitors and proprietors. I didn't have to pay for one drink all night long. But I think I got sick from the venison. The "Drum" hotel was warm, close to the loch, had a small cafe and offered pack lunches to take for walks along the shore. And everybody wanted to hear my Nessie story. I would've made headlines world-wide had I been eaten. "Aye, Robin Z, a brave American lass, eaten by Nessie, how tragic. So what's for dinner? Not venison again, I hope." The lore continues.

For the price and location it's hard to find a better place to stay near Loch Ness. The staff were…read moreall exceptionally friendly and helpful and the fish 'n' chips at the hotel restaurant was delicious. A free breakfast each morning and having boat tours of Loch Ness originating from right in front of the hotel were also convenient. On the negative side there was no alarm clock to be found in the room, the telephone did not work, the bed was too firm for my liking and the walls were extremely thin which made sleeping difficult at times. Overall I was happy with my experience at Drumnadrochit Hotel.

The Clansman offers lovely views of the Loch, but for tonight anyway, that was all if offered. I…read morewent with my family and parents to get some dessert--just a party of 6--and it felt like we were conspicuously avoided by all the staff. We were there for over half an hour, and after my parents were given their preliminary order of tea, we essentially became invisible. I might have been more understanding and patient if the restaurant had been busy, but it was a quiet Tuesday evening where not even half the tables were filled and there were numerous waiters and waitresses who didn't seem particularly harried. So we finally got up and left. One of the staff thanked me on my way out and I wanted to say, "For what?" Also, for all the lovely views of the Loch, I couldn't stop my eyes from being drawn to the half-dozen massive flies skittering across the windows. Gross. Disappointed.

I didn't stay at this hotel but I did shop at their gift shop: Loch Ness Nessie Shop. We had time…read morebefore and after our Loch Ness cruise to shop here before moving on to our next destination. They have a lot of Scottish souvenirs here along with some essentials like tissues and cough drops. They had a lot of Nessie stuffed dolls and stuffed Highland coos (cows). They even had Nessie condoms if you believe it. The staff was really kind and efficient. I found these really cute Scottie dog earrings in sterling silver here. They also sell whiskey and lots of it. They had gift sets but won't sell any alcohol before 10 am. I bought a few bottles and a small souvenir gift set of Isle of Islay single malt whiskey. They did not permit photos to be taken inside the gift shop.

Located right on the Moray Firth, just North of Inverness Airport it has possibly the best view…read morefrom an apartment I've ever experienced (Apt 6). The experience was made even more memorable one evening as one of our neighbours played bagpipes at sunset. Sublime. The apartment had everything we needed and our hosts were friendly and very helpful. As the name suggests it's a great place to spot dolphins although we were there a little too late in the year. (March to Sept is recommended) It's a great base for exploring the area and has a shop and a couple of pubs within walking distance. Also nearby is an organic farm with a shop to buy groceries and an organic dairy selling their own cheeses. Fort George is also nearby and was a nice walk along the seafront. We will definitely be back.

Is this place a tourist trap? Yes. Should you still come? Also a yes. We had no idea or…read morepreconceived notions about what we were going to experience here. It is a total vibe filled with a sense of excitement and mystery. I was captivated by the lore of it all. If you don't take it too seriously you will have a good time. I thought it was a bit expensive but other than that worth a visit at least once. I want to believe! Ha!

Oh, the cutest little Nessie that ever lived. The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition as it existed on my…read morevisit on Tuesday 9 July 2019, focused on the dynamic of in-person reports of a Loch Ness "monster", a big friendly giant named Nessie, and scientists/people armed with technology trying to discredit those accounts. Much of the displays provided helpful historical context both of a supposed "monster" and sea creatures in the area that carried/carry cultural significance before their numbers started to dwindle due to poaching by humans and death by marine technology (like fishing nets and getting hit by motorized boats). Moving forward, scientists these days would probably just mutilate Nessie in the name of discovery if they found it. They would probably even say the original discovery was theirs - an attempt at erasing the voices and consistency of many reports by everyday people that have existed for decades before my writing this on Thursday 8 June 2023. Just kind of the flavor of science these days, take what everyday people have done and say it was science all along. In the name of fairness then, did/does this centre and exhibition really exist or will all those that visit the exhibit and say they did later be discredited... The exhibition is part of a larger centre. I found some fun items in a gift shop including a small book on the origin of the Clan Ogilvie for some family friends. Prices were good. Traffic picked up during my visit (arrived around 10:45 a.m. and departed about an hour later). There was an overflow/larger parking area past the smaller parking area by the entrance to the exhibit. I was fortunate to have a spot in the smaller area free up as I arrived. Though, both parking lots are relatively close to the centre.

This property contains both the Loch Ness bunk-house & the Loch Ness Inn. When they could not fit…read moreour family in at the B&B Inn for our whole stay they suggested we take a family room in the bunk house for one of our nights. So having taken a family of four to both Ill give you some tips. They are both lovely ways to stay but if you want your kids close and safe while still having a door between you for alone time with your partner stay in the inn. If you plan to make your own meals to save money stay in the bunkhouse. But even if you choose the bunkhouse it's worth paying for a breakfast in the Inn.

Hotel- very cute on a small river. Rooms are very uncomfortable climate wise as there are no fans…read moreand no screens on windows. Would have been perfect if we could have opened a window instead of sweating it out all night due to bugs. Restaurant- most servers were pleasant except for the manager type who was very rude and dismissive. The food was all fantastic!

The Pine chalets are set on the hill on the Inverness to Beauly rood and have super panoramic views…read moreoverlooking the Beauly firth. I was a little uncertain what to expect when I stayed here recently, my expectations were a little negative as I worried that it would be cold in the chalet and that the standard of cleanliness would be lacking however I couldn't have been more wrong. We received a very warm welcome on arrival from Morag (the owner) and shown to our chalet, there are 6 at present however they are plans to build a couple more. My worries were dismissed instantly, although compact, the chalet offered everything that we needed what's more it was lovely and toasty and very clean and tidy. The kitchen is well equipped with full cooker and microwave, the sitting room offers free view and a dvd player, we didn't even need to take a travel cot or high chair as these were provided. We had a lovely 4 nights here and would heartily recommend a visit.