Highland Adventure: Loch Ness & Whisky Tour
From£62
12 hours
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
About this activity
Embark on a full-day adventure through Scotland's Highlands, visiting Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and enjoying a whisky tasting experience.
Highlights
- Explore the Scottish Highlands
- Visit the legendary Loch Ness
- Tour the historic Urquhart Castle
- Experience a traditional whisky tasting
- Enjoy scenic views of Glencoe Valley
Full description
Join us for an unforgettable journey through Scotland's breathtaking Highlands. Begin your day with a scenic drive to Loch Ness, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the shores and learn about the legends surrounding this iconic loch. Next, visit the historic Urquhart Castle, perched on the edge of Loch Ness, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Scotland's rich history. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Scotland's whisky heritage with a guided tasting at a local distillery, savoring the flavors of traditional Scotch whisky. Throughout the day, enjoy the stunning landscapes of Glencoe Valley, known for its dramatic mountains and deep valleys. This tour is perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and whisky lovers alike.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Scottish Highlands
- Visit to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
- Whisky tasting at a local distillery
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
1
Our journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery, nestled on the banks of the River Teith. Housed in a former cotton mill, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies. Enjoy an optional guided tour through the distillery (tickets not included, purchased on-site), where you’ll learn about the traditional whisky-making process and the history behind this unique location. Finish with a tasting of Deanston's finest malts, guided by an expert who will explain the distinct flavours and characteristics of their whiskies.
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NO
2
We stop for a short visit to Glencoe, which was the scene of one of Scotland’s most shocking massacres. As you gaze at the haunting hills, you notice the Glen is eerily silent. In the 17th century one of the worst acts of betrayal occurred here. Your guide will recount the details of this betrayal for you. You can almost feel the sorrow in the mountains of the ‘weeping valley’. Above all though, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. A highlight of any tour to the Scottish Highlands!
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: The tour then takes you through Fort William and past the spectacular Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. The Nevis Range towers over the winding road as you continue your journey to Loch Ness.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Desperate for a glimpse of ‘Nessie’? Fort Augustus, a charming, postcard-perfect, Highland village on the Southern shores of the Loch. You will have time to explore the village and its beautiful Caledonian Canal lock system, built by the famous engineer Thomas Telford in the 19th century, that descends through the heart of the village into Loch Ness. Walk further along the canal and into the surrounding countryside to enjoy mountainous views and sights of farm animals and possibly red deer.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. In 1942, this setting became the training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Harsh, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. A statue of our heroes overlooks the Nevis range. Bring a camera – this is undoubtedly one of our favourite photo-stops in all of Scotland. Here, weather permitting, you could also spot Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain in The United Kingdom.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: Heading south we travel through the Cairngorm National Park where Red squirrels, roe deer, red deer, soaring buzzards, pine martens, golden eagles and osprey can be found. Our final stop of the day is Pitlochry
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
On our way south, we stop by the town of Pitlochry to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air. This picturesque town is situated in the heart of the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. It sits below Beinn Bhracaigh (Ben Vrackie), the speckled mountain and beside the River Tummel, in some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland. With a backdrop of surrounding hills and beautiful woodlands, it is wonderful walking country.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Pass by: As we re-enter Edinburgh from the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
We drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 8:30 PM. Please note that during the winter season, we may be arriving earlier than estimated. We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations in case of delayed, and that we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
1759 Regent Rd, 1759 Regent Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8DR, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves moderate walking; please ensure you're comfortable with this level of activity.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for the season.
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
- No animals allowed on tour, including guide dogs
- Minimum age to travel is 8 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
- For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
- Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in the hold of the bus during transit, bear in mind that staff cannot assist during boarding. Please note that the optional tour at Deanston Distillery involves multiple stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
- Please note that the optional distillery tour is not included, and that tickets can be purchased upon arrival
Traveler reviews
4.9259 reviews
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Fun and relaxing
Hannah was an amazing guide and driver! Loved the tour.
ayeshab411May 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great overall tour
Overall a great experience and our guide Marco was very helpful.
manidipab2026May 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great day with Fraser!
Fantastic day with our guide Fraser! He was an absolutely amazing storyteller, taking his time to share the stories in an understandable, entertaining and engaging way. We’ve had guides rush through stories before so was thankful for his great work. You can tell he is proud of Scottish culture and heritage. Glencoe is an amazing stop. Our favourite. Loch Ness cruise is a bit too overcrowded and theme park-y but still enjoyable.
nicoleaX6001PJMay 21, 2026TRIPADVISOR
5 star Tour
Fantastic tour by Fraser, balances comedy and humour and keeps things flowing with the music in between. Legitimately the best tour I've ever been on. Knowledge and learning made fun. 5 stars definitely.
victorrG6201KKMay 21, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great experience
It was an amazing experience to visit such a beautiful places. We enjoyed a lot. Peter was a very friendly, informative, storyteller and fun guide.
maryamr923May 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
No animals allowed on tour, including guide dogs
Minimum age to travel is 8 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
For insurance purposes, passengers must not be unaccompanied on our buses during tour stops. Drivers take legally required breaks and cannot stay with the vehicle.
Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in the hold of the bus during transit, bear in mind that staff cannot assist during boarding. Please note that the optional tour at Deanston Distillery involves multiple stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Please note that the optional distillery tour involves an old building with numerous stairs, and has limited accessibility.