Edinburgh Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Exploration in 12 Hours
4.5
1,416 Ratings
Edinburgh
Embark on a thrilling 12-hour day trip from Edinburgh to explore the breathtaking beauty of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands. Cruise across Loch Ness in search of the legendary Nessie and marvel at the stunning scenery of Glencoe and Ben Nevis. Travel in style on a luxury coach and experience the best of Scotland in one unforgettable day!
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Royal Mile - We depart from the Lawnmarket, Royal Mile
  • Glencoe National Nature Reserve - As you continue your journey northwards you will be immersed in the wonderful scenery of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe where a short stop will be made for photo opportunities.
  • Great Glen Way - We pause in the Fort William area for lunch and then travel through the Great Glen and experience breathtaking scenery.
  • Loch Ness - We stop at Loch Ness, where you can take an optional (payable) 1 hour cruise on Loch Ness to learn more about it’s history and the famous Loch Ness Monster. Or you can explore Urquhart Castle for around 45 minutes and then join a 30 minute cruise on Loch Ness. A perfect excuse for a spot of Nessie Hunting!

If you prefer not to take to the water you can join a free gin tasting and receive a 10% discount to shop at the Clansman Hotel, to get all your Nessie souvenirs. Alternatively, follow the Coffin Trail for stunning views of Loch Ness.

  • Pitlochry VisitScotland iCentre - After Loch Ness, our tour passes through Inverness, Capital of the Highlands and begins its journey home. We travel down through the Highlands to the Victorian town of Pitlochry. Here we have time to grab a quick bite to eat and wander its streets before returning to Edinburgh.
What's Included
  • Driver/guide
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Live commentary on board
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Attraction Tickets
  • On-board restrooms
  • On-board WiFi
Additional Information

Experience Scotland to the fullest in this immersive 12-hour journey! The breathtaking landscapes of Glencoe and Ben Nevis await before heading off to Loch Ness, where a boat cruise will have you searching for evidence of Nessie, its infamous inhabitant. Ride in comfort on our contemporary, luxury, air-conditioned coaches as you take in all the incredible views of Scotland.

  • Minimum age is 4 years old.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark the bus.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before your tour’s departure time.
  • Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
  • Top tip - You could bring a cold packed lunch with you in order to make the most of your time at each stop - this would be particularly time-saving in the busier months!
  • We recommend taking cash for the optional extras
  • Due to an attraction closure, there will be no cruise and castle option on the 18th of March. The Cruise only option will still be available and you will still be able to see Urquhart Castle from the boat.
Location
521-523 Lawnmarket
Lawnmarket
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(1416 Ratings)
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I4233btkristenm
May 2, 2024
The best day tour! - An amazing day trip up to Loch Ness and the Highlands! Can’t believe how much we were able to see on a one day tour. Our tour guide Scott was the BEST! He was so engaging, had themed music based on the area and was a great story teller. I would highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U2272ivjk
May 2, 2024
Awesome start to the Highlands with awesome guides - The views were amazing, plenty of stops and an awesome first tour to get yourself acquainted with the Highlands. The thing or rather person that truly elevated the experience was our guide Thom and the driver Morragh. Their wit, knowledge and interesting tidbits of information made the trip that much more special.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lovetravel438885
May 1, 2024
Highlands Highlights - The tour was both informative and the views were gorgeous. The tour guide had an excellent knowledge of people, places and things that took place in history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philipwy3504eg
May 1, 2024
Great Highlands Tour - Great tour. Wendi our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. Jada was a great driver and helped out with explanations. A great taste of the Highlands for anyone who wants to do it in one day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eloise
May 1, 2024
10/10 Experience - Gary is an amazing guide! Everything was well organized, booking via website easy, departure on time, return on time, instructions clear, guided tour on top with great info about the country and its history! 100% advised ;) Hi from 🇧🇪!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passenger13884479377
Apr 28, 2024
Fantastic experience! - A great experience with our fantastic tourguide, GARY! You can tell, it's his passion. Gary - I love your the sense of humour! :D I highly recommend to visit beautiful Scottish Highlands with Gary, to hear plenty of interesting stories and fun facts, which you won't read in guidebooks. Absolutely loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dadrad2023
Apr 27, 2024
Amazing trip - Our trip to the Lochness was amazing!!. Gary was extremely accommodating and patient. He was also very informed and hilarious. He made a lasting impact, so much so that my boyfriend’s catch phrase is now “hairy coo”. 10/10 best tour guide and tour around.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
87brianar
Apr 27, 2024
Highlands & Loch Ness Tour - Our guide Scott was extremely knowledgeable & told great stories! We learned so much about the history of the Highlands in a fun & entertaining way. Great way to see a lot of Scotland in one day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
348kingar
Apr 26, 2024
Great experience - We booked a full day tour from Edinburgh to the Highlands. The whole day was great, everything was well organised. Our tour guide was John, he is very knowledgeable shared lots of stories with us. We really had an amazing day, I would definitely recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heather_h
May 4, 2024
Too long of a day. - While our guide Sean was great! Great driver and great commentary. It was just a really really long drive and our stops were not great. It's just ordinary shops and a cafe, then a town with a few restaurants. The loch ness cruise was just average. Wouldn't suggest unless you have Lots of time to kill. We left a little before 8am and got back at almost 9pm
Review provided by Viator
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June 2024
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