Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Glencoe Day Trip
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Scottish Highlands
- Enjoy a scenic Loch Ness boat cruise
- Visit the historic Glencoe valley
- Discover the beauty of Loch Ness
- Learn about Scottish history and culture
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Comfortable transportation from Edinburgh
- Guided tour with expert commentary
- Loch Ness boat cruise
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
As we head north the first stop of the day is at this charming location nestled in the heart of Perthshire - a wonderful place for a refreshment stop and the chance to meet and feed Highland coo!
Pass by: Through the Cairngorms and the wild wilderness. The Cairngorms are home to some of the highest peaks in the British Isles, including Ben Macdui and Braeriach. These mountains, with their rugged slopes and dramatic ridges, offer stunning vistas. You'll love taking in the landscapes as you continue to travel north.
Highlight of the day is Loch Ness. Known worldwide for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as "Nessie." This deep, freshwater loch stretches approximately 23 miles long and is surrounded by stunning scenery, we stop so you can explore its mysteries and enjoy its natural beauty. You have the option to enjoy a cruise on the loch for some monster spotting combined with a visit to Urquhart Castle (£30.00 extra per adult, cash only) Alternatively, you could enjoy the views from the shores of the loch.
Enjoy clambering around the ruins of the castle perched right on the banks of Loch Ness. Urquhart Castle is a historic fortress steeped in centuries of intrigue and offers panoramic views of the iconic loch. Entrance is combined with the cruise option; your driver guide will give you more details on the day!
Glen Coe, a breathtaking valley in the Scottish Highlands, is renowned for its rugged beauty, towering peaks, and tragic history, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Listen to the tale of murder and massacre from your driver-guide before you stop for those all important photographic memories.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves a full day of travel, with approximately 13 hours from departure to return.
- The boat cruise on Loch Ness is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled in adverse weather.
- Please inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions or special requirements at the time of booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and historic sites.
- Consider packing a light snack or lunch, as meal stops may be limited during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of ID may be required at check in.
- The tour is guided in English
- On 26th December and 1st January there will be no cruise or castle visit available
- Please note this tour may operate in reverse
- Check-in for the tour is 7.45am with departure at 8.00am sharp
- Visit to Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness cruise £31 per adult and £22 per child with Highland Experience discount, cash required. No need to pre book.
- We reserve the right to change the tour itinerary at any time due to weather, acts of God, and events out with our control.
Traveler reviews
Trip to the Highlands and Loch Ness with Highland Experiences.
What a great trip. Thanks to our driver and guide Paul who allowed us to immerse ourselves into the rich culture of Scotland's history. The scenery is absolutely stunning. A trip I will always remember with no complaints or concerns. Highly recommend and well worth the cost.
Highly recommend to see the sights
We had Terri as our guide and Allan as our driver and they were the perfect duo! Terri had so much information and was so passionate about her job and Allan’s sense of humour really made our day so enjoyable. The windy roads can be a bit challenging for people who struggle with travel sickness but Allan made sure the journey was as smooth as possible. We had several stop offs which broke the day up nicely and when everyone arrives back at the designated times means a couple more photo stops are possible.
Long day but great way to see the highlands
Was an enjoyable day tour, very long but worth while if you are short of time and want to experience some of the highlands during your visit. The tour guide was good and informative, had lots of stories about many places we stopped at but also for places just passing by as well. I wish the stories were a bit more whimsical and less just logical information especially when talking about fairies and folklore but that's just personal preference and not a critique. Overall I probably wouldn't take this tour twice due to just how long the day is but when short on time it really is the best option to see more of the country!
Highly recomended
Our tour was unforgettable from start to finish. Paul was an amazing guide ,so friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the area, which made the whole experience feel extra special. The scenery was beyond beautiful, with so many breathtaking nature spots to explore and incredible views perfect for taking pictures and making memories. Every stop felt peaceful and unique, and Paul made the tour feel relaxed, fun, and personal. You could really tell how much he cared about making sure everyone had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to enjoy beautiful nature, amazing photo opportunities, and an unforgettable adventure with an incredible guide 🙏
A nice day trip to discover Scotland
The tour was enjoyable. It is well worth adding the option that includes the boat trip on the lake and the visit to the castle. The return journey through Glencoe was stunning; the landscapes are breathtaking. A downside: The guide seemed somewhat not fully engaged with the group; furthermore—given that the group consisted of tourists from various countries—I found the guide's accent to be excessively strong and difficult to understand. On the return leg, we made two stops at rather anonymous locations, where both the food selection and the quality of the local products and souvenirs were poor. The first stop on the outward journey, however, was lovely; we were able to see the famous Scottish Highland cows up close, and the venue offered an excellent selection of gourmet products.