Top 3 Itineraries in Inverness

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Photo of view of Inverness, a city on Scotland’s northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth.
Photo of Glenfinnan Monument, at the head of Loch Shiel, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Top 3 Itineraries in Inverness
Top 3 Itineraries in Inverness
Top 3 Itineraries in Inverness
Top 3 Itineraries in Inverness
Top 3 Itineraries in Inverness
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By Jillian Rickly

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Introduction

Experience Inverness your way with our top 3 itineraries! Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, these itineraries cater to every type of traveler. Stay tuned to find out how to make the most of your time in Inverness.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Inverness surprises you with its endless discoveries. To make your trip planning as easy as possible, we have reviewed the largest selection of vacation packages in Inverness and listed the top 3 itineraries for you.

The diverse range of things to do in Inverness is what makes the city so captivating. Whether it’s stumbling upon a quaint café, visiting iconic sites, or relaxing at one of the best places to stay in Inverness, there’s always something new to experience.

Simply scroll down to discover the best Inverness itinerary for your next adventure!

Popular Types of Trips to Inverness

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Inverness.

If you only have a few days, Inverness weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Inverness offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Inverness are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Inverness’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Inverness offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Scotland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Inverness truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Inverness

If you’re as convinced as we are that Inverness belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Inverness are just a quick search away.

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The Top 3 Best Inverness Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Inverness itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Inverness for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Inverness without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Inverness!

3. The Ultimate 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Inverness and Beyond

Photo of view of Inverness, a city on Scotland’s northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth.

A scenic 10-day road trip through Fort William, Inverness, Stirling, Oban, and Banavie is one of the best ways to experience Scotland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Inverness can easily be combined with other top destinations in Scotland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Fort William, Inverness, Stirling, Oban, and Banavie by public transport, renting a car in Scotland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Inverness

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Inverness. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Inverness

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew, Eden Court Inverness, St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Inverness, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Fort Augustus, Lewiston, and Highland

  • Destinations: Fort Augustus, Lewiston, and Highland
  • Driving distance: 103.48 km, approx. 1 hour and 56 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Fort Augustus, e.g., Kettle House
  • Sightseeing: Urquhart Castle, The Clansman Centre, and Loch Ness
Spend the day exploring Urquhart Castle, The Clansman Centre, and Loch Ness. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Fort Augustus.

Day 4: Experience Stromeferry, Portree, Uig, and Hungladder

  • Destinations: Stromeferry, Portree, Uig, and Hungladder
  • Driving distance: 238.19 km, approx. 3 hours and 47 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Portree, e.g., Cuillin Hills
  • Sightseeing: Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, Skye Museum of Island Life, Rha Waterfalls, and Loch Carron View Point
Continue your journey through Stromeferry, Portree, Uig, and Hungladder, where you can explore Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, Skye Museum of Island Life, Rha Waterfalls, and Loch Carron View Point. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Portree.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Dunvegan, Carbost, Sligachan, and Highland

  • Destinations: Dunvegan, Carbost, Sligachan, and Highland
  • Driving distance: 212.12 km, approx. 4 hours and 15 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Portree, e.g., Cuillin Hills
  • Sightseeing: 슬리가찬 오래된 다리, Talisker Bay Beach, The Quiraing, Talisker Distillery, and Fairy Pools
Drive through Dunvegan, Carbost, Sligachan, and Highland, stopping to visit 슬리가찬 오래된 다리, Talisker Bay Beach, The Quiraing, Talisker Distillery, and Fairy Pools. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Banavie, Glenfinnan, and Highland

  • Destinations: Banavie, Glenfinnan, and Highland
  • Driving distance: 254.21 km, approx. 4 hours and 22 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Fort William, e.g., The Garrison Hotel
  • Sightseeing: Glenfinnan Viewpoint, Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland, Neptune's Staircase, and Glenfinnan Station Museum
  • Recommended tour: Group Walk up Ben Nevis from Fort William
Spend time discovering Glenfinnan Viewpoint, Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland, Neptune's Staircase, and Glenfinnan Station Museum, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Fort William.

Day 7: Spend Time in Fort William, Spean Bridge, Tigh a Steill, and Highland

  • Destinations: Fort William, Spean Bridge, Tigh a Steill, and Highland
  • Driving distance: 67.83 km, approx. 1 hour and 43 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Fort William, e.g., The Garrison Hotel
  • Sightseeing: Steall Waterfall, Ben Nevis Viewpoint, West Highland Museum, Commando Memorial, and Nevis Range Gondola Top
  • Recommended tour: Ben Nevis Open Group Walks
Explore Steall Waterfall, Ben Nevis Viewpoint, West Highland Museum, Commando Memorial, and Nevis Range Gondola Top at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Oban and Dunbeg

  • Destinations: Oban and Dunbeg
  • Driving distance: 82.28 km, approx. 1 hour and 36 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Oban, e.g., Taychreggan
  • Sightseeing: Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, Oban Distillery, McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill, and Oban War & Peace Museum
  • Recommended tour: Historical Tour and Seafood Experience
Continue your road trip through Oban and Dunbeg, enjoying the flexibility to explore Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, Oban Distillery, McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill, and Oban War & Peace Museum and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Oban.

Day 9: Wander Through Stirling, Bannockburn, and Cambuskenneth

Visit The National Wallace Monument, Stirling Old Town Jail, Stirling Castle, and The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Inverness.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Inverness

  • Departure city: Inverness
  • Driving distance: 2.32 km, approx. 31 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Bellfield Park
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Inverness. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1200 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Inverness.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Inverness for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 5-Day Inverness City Itinerary

Photo of Glenfinnan Monument, at the head of Loch Shiel, Inverness-shire, Scotland.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Inverness with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Inverness and Inverness's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Inverness without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Inverness

Arrive in Inverness and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Bellfield Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Simpsons is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Inverness's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Inverness by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew, Eden Court Inverness, St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Inverness. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Inverness in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Inverness

Use this day to discover more of Inverness’s top sights. We recommend visiting Whin Park and Ness Islands Railway Ltd.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Inverness in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Inverness's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Inverness’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Inverness

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Merkinch Local Nature Reserve and Craig Phadrig are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Inverness.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Inverness. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Scotland!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Inverness

Spend your last few hours in Inverness soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Inverness in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Inverness, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Inverness travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

1. The Perfect 3-Day Inverness Weekend Itinerary

Photo of tourist woman holding a scottish flag umbrella enjoys the view of the skyline of Inverness during a sunny autumn day, Scotland.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Inverness offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life. But with so many things to see and do in Inverness, fitting it all into a short visit can easily feel overwhelming.

However, with a well-planned Inverness itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Inverness weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Inverness

Arrive in Inverness around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Inverness’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Inverness with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Whin Park early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew, stopping by Bellfield Park for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
  • Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Inverness and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Inverness

Make the most of your last few hours in Inverness before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Inverness. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Inverness itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Inverness

As you explore Inverness, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered. For those curious about the city’s highlights, our guide to the best things to do in Inverness offers plenty of inspiration.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Inverness for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Inverness in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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