Edinburgh to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Private day trip

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle are one of the most popular destinations in Scotland thanks in large part to the legendary monster that dwells beneath the lake’s waters. While the earliest mention of a monster at Loch Ness dates back to the 6th century, Nessie wasn’t brought to international attention until 1933. Decades of obsession have never turned up any conclusive results, but explanations for the monster range from tree trunks to a bathing circus elephant to a Greenland shark. And while you probably won’t see the beast, a boat trip on the lake is made more exciting by the legend. Overlooking the lake, the sprawling Urquhart Castle is one of the largest in Scotland, where visitors can enjoy a guided tour, or simply roam the ruins, to appreciate this majestic medieval castle, and great views of the Loch Ness.