Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands Tour
From£62
12 hours
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
About this activity
Experience the enchanting Scottish Highlands, including Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Pitlochry, on a guided day trip from Edinburgh.
Highlights
- Explore the mysterious Loch Ness
- Marvel at the stunning Scottish Highlands
- Discover the beauty of Glencoe
- Visit the charming town of Pitlochry
- Enjoy scenic views throughout the journey
Full description
Set off on an unforgettable adventure through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Edinburgh to the legendary Loch Ness, famed for its mysterious waters and the elusive Nessie. Continue through the picturesque Scottish Highlands, where rolling hills and rugged mountains create a stunning backdrop. Stop in Glencoe, a valley renowned for its dramatic scenery and rich history, before heading to the charming town of Pitlochry, known for its Victorian architecture and local distilleries. This full-day tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and Scottish culture.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Loch Ness
- Visit to Glencoe and Pitlochry
- Transportation from Edinburgh
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
1
For those joining the Boat Cruise Option, our first stop of the day will be in the town of Callander; “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled at the foot of the Trossachs Callander offers its guests plenty of place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and views toward the Trossachs. **Please note that Cruise & Castle version will drive the route in reserve and will make an alternative comfort stop due to limited opening hours in Callander**
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Passengers joining the Whisky Distillery Option, your journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery instead of Callander. Housed in a former cotton mill and nestled on the banks of the River Teith, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies. Enjoy an optional guided tour through the distillery (tickets not included), 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. *Please note that the minimum age on the distillery tour is 8.*
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NO
3
Pass by: As we enter The ‘Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park’ our bus weaves through hills, mountains and Glens. These remote places were once inhabited by Highland Clans, not to mention Scotland’s most famous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, whom some consider The Scottish Robin Hood. Look out across the landscape and picture what it was like as you hear the remarkable bloodthirsty stories of betrayal and revenge as told by your guide.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
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
5
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: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Cruise & Castle version: Arrive at the north bank of Loch Ness. Join an optional cruise and castle visit. Disembark at Urquhart Castle to explore these magnificent ruins. Please note that this version will not stop at Fort Augustus. Boat Cruise and Whisky Distillery versions: We arrive in Fort Augustus, a charming, Highland village on the Southern shores of the loch. If you booked the Boat Cruise Option you will have the chance to take a 1-hour cruise on the loch with our friends at Cruise Loch Ness. Those not joining the optional cruise and those on the Whisky Distillery version, you will have time to explore the village and the beautiful Caledonian Canal, that descends through the heart of the village into Loch Ness. Walk further along the canal and if there is time, into the surrounding countryside to enjoy mountainous views. **The Whisky Distillery option will have a shorter stop in Fort Augustus, approx. 45-60 minutes.**
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. *Please note that the Cruise & Castle version of the tour will not make this stop, due to time limitations.* 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: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
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
9
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. **Please note that due to roadworks, the Cruise & Castle version of the tour will make an alternative comfort stop**
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
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
11
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
- Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult; no age restrictions specified.
- Service animals are allowed; please inform in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring various sites.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
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
- Please note: the Cruise & Castle version will run the route in reverse.
- Feel free to bring a packed lunch and/or snacks to avoid spending time queuing. There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that suit most dietary requirements
- There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
- There are three versions of this tour, please ensure you pick your preferred option when booking. Tickets to activity can be purchased during the tour.
- Minimum age to travel is 7 years old (8 for Whisky Distillery option). Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. Any time not accounted for in the itinerary is spent travelling through Scotland on the bus.
- Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.
- We do not allow bookings for more than 8 passengers, please reach out if you are looking to book a larger group.
- Scottish weather is unpredictable, we recommend bringing suitable clothing and footwear.
Traveler reviews
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Book this trip if you love sitting in a bus all day
12 hours trip, almost 9 of them on the bus... A lot of the stops were Way too short and there werent much oportunity to explore the nature at all. In stead of exploring Glencoe, we Got 10 minutes to take photos. The longest stop (50minutes) was at a place on the side of the Road in the middle of nowhere near the road with no possibilty of walking around. The only thing to do on that stop was to eat at the restaurant... You do get to see a lot of Scotland, but all the Nice stuff is from the buss, the things you actually get to explore are the restrooms and fish and chips restaurants on the pitstops. On top of the longest day ever, there was music in the bus almost all day... Book this trip if you love sitting down all day, or if you cant walk well. The driver was friendly.
H9067CPjessicanMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Absolutely gorgeous...
Absolutely gorgeous scenery, and fun bus driver/guide. Loved the Loch Ness boat ride, and the Hairy Coos.
Sue_BMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Beautiful landscape!
Euan did a fantastic job both driving us and sharing the history of the places we visited, he has a very good sense of humor! The landscape is exceptionally beautiful, I would definitively recommend anyone visiting Scotland to book this tour.
treetableMay 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great experience!
All the destinations are breathtaking. Our tour guide is very entertaining and very knowledgeable about Scotland's history, which I love knowing about the country.
Christina_HMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Highlands experience with Paul S
Had an amazing trip of the Highlands with Paul S. He shared loads of anecdotes. To top it of loved his sense of humour.
sdas555May 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
The Scottish weather is unpredictable, and it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
We encourage bringing a packed lunch and/or snacks to avoid spending time queuing. There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
Tickets to optional extras (Loch Ness boat cruise/Whisky Distillery tour) are not included and depends on your chosen option
Minimum age to travel is 7 years old (8 for Whisky Distillery option). Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. Any time not accounted for in the itinerary is spent travelling through Scotland on the bus.
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.
Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.