Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the legendary Loch Ness
- Discover the historic Urquhart Castle
- Enjoy scenic views of the Scottish Highlands
- Learn about local myths and legends
- Travel in a comfortable luxury mini-coach
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands
- Visit to Urquhart Castle
- Comfortable transportation in a luxury mini-coach
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle and drive through the Trossachs National Park, Rob Roy country
Enjoy a comfort stop in Callander, a small highland town
We cross the wilds of Rannoch Moor before stopping at dramatic Glencoe, the scene of the infamous massacre in 1692.
Pass by: We drive through Fort William passing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before entering the Great Glen.
Once in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness, you have the chance to take a boat cruise on the loch, go for a walk or just relax by the Caledonian Canal in this charming Highland village. Cruise is approx. 50 minutes.
Pass by: We journey past shimmering Loch Laggan before climbing over the wild and lonely Drumochter Pass in the Cairngorms National Park.
Heading south, we enter Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We enjoy a stop in Pitlochry, or a similar town in the area.
Pass by: Pass by the infamous Forth Bridge on our way back in to Edinburgh.
Meeting point
Start Location
Highland Explorer Tours, 60 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is conducted in English; proficiency in the language is recommended for full enjoyment.
- The tour involves walking; ensure you are comfortable with moderate physical activity.
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly to ensure comfort throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
- Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
- It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
- In cases of extreme weather, the Loch Ness boat cruise may be cancelled on short notice. If you have purchased ticket for this you will be refunded.
- The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
- The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Traveler reviews
Fun times in Edinburgh!
Our guide, Liz, was awesome. She was fun-loving and being a resident of this area for a long time, had great stories about the history. We really enjoyed our time, and we highly recommend it!
Narrow-spaced seats.
Driver and English-speaking guide is helpful and wonderful. However, narrow-spaced seats are terrible when the front travellers reclined their seats backwards.
low effort, big experience
Had an amazing time touring around the highlands of scotland, the guides were very considerate, the stories that were being told along the way were very entertaining as well. The views were beautiful and 100% worth the time and money spent.
A must-do if you come to Scotland 🏴
Despite spending a lot of time on the bus, this Highlands tour is really great to do. The provider sends the downloadable audio guide in advance, which is very useful if you are not proficient in English. I found that some stops were too short in time for visiting (like Fort Augustus) and others unnecessary (like Pitlochry).
Stellar Tour Around the Scottish Highlands
Our guide Fiona brought a strong enthusiasm for Scotland and its history and culture. Unbeatable views were enhanced by her anecdotes, trivia, and regional knowledge. Sir Walter Scott would be proud of her patriotism even if he would be galled by her description of Rob Roy as a movie starring Liam Neeson. I would recommend to anyone who wants a deeper appreciation for Scotland and its physical geography.