From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Tour

Key Points

• Full-day adventure exploring the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Pitlochry for $90 per person
• 12-hour tour with multiple scenic stops, including a monster spotting cruise on Loch Ness
• Starts at Waterloo Place in Edinburgh and includes a modern mini-coach with an English-speaking guide
• Highlights include dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, the Great Glen Canal, and a visit to Fort Augustus
• Tour features a refreshment stop in Callander and a Victorian town exploration in Pitlochry
• No included meals or entry fees, offering flexibility for additional spending

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour

This full-day tour from Edinburgh offers a comprehensive look at some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery and landmarks. With a price of $90 per person, it combines spectacular landscapes, engaging storytelling, and convenient logistics. The 12-hour journey is suitable for those eager to see the Highlands without the need for multiple days of travel.

What stands out about this tour is its carefully curated route, beginning in Edinburgh and passing through Stirling, Callander, and the Trossachs National Park. It includes a mix of photo stops, sightseeing, and optional cruise on Loch Ness—making it perfect for travelers seeking a balanced experience of activity, scenery, and relaxation.

While the tour does not include lunch or entrance fees, the flexible schedule allows visitors to explore at each stop, adding a personal touch to the day. This tour suits visitors prioritizing stunning views, engaging guides, and a well-paced itinerary in a single day.

Exploring Glencoe’s Dramatic Landscape

The journey features a photo stop in Glencoe, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and dark history. The valley’s mountains and rugged terrain create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Visitors get a chance to admire the towering peaks and deep valleys that have made Glencoe a favorite among photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The scenery here is often described as spectacular, with the land’s natural beauty on full display. The stops are timed to give visitors ample opportunity to take memorable photos and appreciate the scale of the landscape. The dark past of Glencoe adds a layer of intrigue, making it more than just a pretty view.

Traveling through this area offers a sense of the wilderness remaining in Europe, emphasizing Scotland’s rugged charm. Guides are known to share stories about Glencoe’s history, adding depth to the visual experience.

The Journey Through the Rannoch Moor and the Highlands

After Glencoe, the tour continues through the desolate Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. The expansive moor’s vast, open scenery provides a stark contrast to the mountains, highlighting the diversity of the Highlands’ landscape.

Next, the route passes through Fort William, with Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, looming overhead. The views of this grand mountain are often noted as sublime, and the drive offers a sense of the scale and majesty of the Highland terrain.

The Great Glen Canal follows, leading to Fort Augustus, a charming town at Loch Ness’s southern end. Here, visitors have the opportunity to lunch, shop, and explore, making it a key highlight in the day’s itinerary.

The Loch Ness Experience and Monster Spotting

The visit to Loch Ness is a central feature of the tour. Visitors have around 110 minutes to enjoy the town, indulge in shopping, and partake in sightseeing. The highlight for many is the optional 1-hour cruise on Loch Ness, where the chance to spot the legendary monster adds an element of fun and mystery.

The cruise offers a relaxing way to take in the landscape, with waters renowned for their scenic beauty. Even if the monster remains elusive, the water’s calmness and the surrounding hills create a picture-perfect setting.

This part of the tour captures the imagination and offers a refreshing break from the bus journey, all while adding an engaging element to the day.

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Visiting Pitlochry’s Victorian Charm

After Loch Ness, the tour heads south through the Grampian Mountains to arrive at Pitlochry, a Victorian-era resort town favored by Queen Victoria and Robert Louis Stevenson. The town’s historic architecture and scenic beauty make it an ideal spot for a 45-minute refreshment stop.

Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities and explore the local shops and cafes. Pitlochry’s charming atmosphere offers a relaxing pause before heading back to Edinburgh, providing a taste of Scotland’s Victorian heritage.

The Return Journey and Iconic Forth Bridge

As the day winds down, the tour retraces its route back to Edinburgh, traveling via the Queensferry Crossing. Travelers get a final spectacular view of the Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the coach crosses the water.

The last leg of the trip offers a beautiful perspective of one of Scotland’s most famous engineering feats, rounding out a full day of sightseeing and exploration.

Practicalities: Logistics and Group Size

The tour departs from Waterloo Place in Edinburgh, with check-in requiring arrival at least 15 minutes before departure. The mini-coach has 16 seats, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience, and features air conditioning for comfort on longer drives. The journey is led by an English-speaking driver-guide, who shares stories and insights throughout the day.

The schedule includes several well-timed stops and scenic drives, with the entire experience lasting around 12 hours. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old, and travelers should plan to bring their own lunch and refreshments, as these are not included.

The Experience of the Guide and Route

Based on feedback, guides are highly praised for their warmth, humor, and knowledge. They not only lead the group safely but also share fascinating snippets about Scottish history and legend, making the journey more engaging. The pace is well-managed, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

The route itself covers Stirling, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry, offering a rundown of the Highlands’ most iconic sights in a single day.

The Sum Up: A Well-Organized Highlands Adventure

This full-day tour from Edinburgh provides a balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and Scottish legend. At $90 per person, it offers good value considering the extensive itinerary and expert guiding. The scenic stops, especially Glencoe and Loch Ness, are highlights that leave a lasting impression.

While the tour does not include meals or entry fees, the flexibility allows visitors to tailor their experience with personal stops and optional activities like the Loch Ness cruise. The small-group size and professional guides make for a comfortable and informative journey.

This tour is ideal for those seeking an immersive, scenic day trip to the Highlands, especially if they want to see multiple sights in one go and enjoy the storytelling skills of experienced guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Waterloo Place (Stop ZE) in Edinburgh.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included; travelers should plan to bring their own or purchase food during stops.

Can I go on a Loch Ness cruise?
Yes, there is an optional 1-hour cruise on Loch Ness available during the visit.

What size is the coach?
The coach has 16 seats, providing an intimate group experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

What do guides share during the trip?
Guides share stories about Scottish history, legends, and local insights, making the journey engaging.

Are there any additional costs?
Entry to visitor attractions and refreshments are not included in the price.

What is the scenery like?
Expect dramatic landscapes, including Glencoe’s mountains, Rannoch Moor, and Loch Ness’s waters.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The available information does not specify accessibility options.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby