Private Tour of Highlands, Lochs & Castles from Edinburgh

Key Points

• Private experience for up to 4 people ensures personalized attention and flexibility
• Highlights include Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, and the Kelpies
• Tour lasts approximately 10 hours with pickup and drop-off included from Edinburgh
• Visit Loch Lomond’s village of Luss, voted one of Scotland’s most beautiful villages
• Opportunity to see Highland Cows up close at Craigies Farm, with optional farm shop shopping
• Includes scenic photo stops at ‘The Rest and Be Thankful’ and Rannoch Moor, ideal for landscape photography

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Exclusive Private Highland Tour from Edinburgh

This private tour of the Scottish Highlands offers a full-day exploration of some of the most iconic sights in the region, all with your own dedicated guide. Priced at $996 for a group of up to four, the tour provides a personalized experience that balances scenic beauty with historical intrigue. With a duration of around 10 hours, it’s perfect for those wanting an in-depth, comfortable journey through Scotland’s wild landscapes and historic castles.

Designed for comfort, this private group experience includes hotel, Airbnb, guest house, or cruise ship pickup, making logistics easy. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, as it is wheelchair accessible. The guide leads you through a carefully curated route, ensuring ample time at each stop to appreciate the scenery and explore at your own pace.

While the journey is rich with stunning views and memorable sights, it’s worth noting that inbound and outbound travel is tailored to your pickup point in Edinburgh, and entry to Inveraray Castle is temporarily closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and from late October to early April. These details are important for planning, but do not detract from the overall quality of the experience.

Key Points

• Private, customized experience for up to four people
• Includes famous castles, lochs, and sculptures like Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle, and the Kelpies
• Duration of 10 hours with hotel or cruise pickup and drop-off
• Opportunity to see Highland Cows at Craigies Farm and shop for local products
• Multiple scenic stops for photography, including Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, and mountain passes
• Expert guides fluent in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu, Punjabi, and Italian

Starting in Edinburgh: Convenient Pickup and Drop-Off

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Edinburgh, arranged by the guide, who contacts you when outside. This door-to-door service ensures a smooth start and end to your Highland adventure, saving you the hassle of navigating public transport or parking.

After meeting your guide, the journey quickly immerses you into Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes. The drop-off back in Edinburgh is included, making logistics straightforward and stress-free. This level of convenience is a clear advantage for travelers looking for a hassle-free day trip.

Craigies Farm and Highland Cows: A Close Encounter

The first stop at Craigies Farm provides an authentic farm experience. Here, you can see Highland Cows up close, famous for their long horns and shaggy coats. Bringing carrots is encouraged since the cows love a snack, adding a fun, interactive element to the visit.

The farm also features a shop selling local produce and souvenirs, perfect for picking up something special. This stop sets a relaxed tone for the day and gives a taste of rural Scottish life.

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Exploring Loch Lomond’s Charming Village of Luss

Next, the tour heads to Luss, a village renowned for its beauty and conservation efforts. Voted by some as the most beautiful village in Scotland, Luss offers postcard-perfect views of Loch Lomond.

During the 30-minute visit, you can stroll through the quaint streets, enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere, and take photos of the traditional cottages. The village’s relaxed pace provides a wonderful break before more historic sights.

Inveraray Castle: A Royal Home of the Clan Campbell

Approximately an hour into the tour, you arrive at Inveraray Castle, the seat of the Duke & Duchess of Argyle and the home of the Clan Campbell. The castle’s impressive architecture and scenic surroundings make it a highlight for history and architecture enthusiasts.

The castle is open to the public, featuring a cafe in the basement for a quick refreshment. It’s important to note that entry is not available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or between late October and early April due to closures, so plan accordingly.

‘The Rest and Be Thankful’: Scenic Mountain Stop

On the way to Kilchurn Castle, the tour makes a quick 10-minute stop at ‘The Rest and Be Thankful’, a renowned mountain pass. This scenic viewpoint offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for photos and appreciating the rugged terrain.

This stop is ideal for capturing the essence of the Highlands’ grandeur and adds a dramatic element to the day’s sightseeing.

Kilchurn Castle: A Photogenic Fortress

Next, the tour visits Kilchurn Castle, a striking ruin surrounded on three sides by water. Once a formidable fortress, today it’s a popular spot for photos due to its picturesque setting and historical significance.

While the visit is brief—about 10 minutes—the castle’s dramatic silhouette against the loch makes it well worth the stop. It’s a favorite for those seeking memorable landscape shots.

Glencoe and the Three Sisters: Mountain Majesty and History

The Three Sisters of Glencoe are often considered the most photographed scenery in Scotland. This breathtaking mountain viewpoint offers views of jagged peaks and deep valleys, with a poignant history attached to the area.

Here, the guide provides insights into the region’s folklore and the famous 1692 Glencoe massacre, adding depth to the visual experience.

Rannoch Moor: The Largest UK Bog Expanse

Driving through Rannoch Moor, the tour showcases the UK’s largest boggy landscape. The vast, open terrain provides ample opportunities for photography and appreciating the remote beauty of Scotland’s wilderness.

Several photo stops along the way allow for capturing the endless expanse and rugged terrain, making it a highlight for landscape lovers.

The Kelpies: Scotland’s Largest Equine Sculptures

The tour concludes with a visit to The Kelpies, located near Falkirk. These massive horse-head sculptures are the largest in the world and stand as a tribute to Scotland’s horse-powered heritage.

This iconic site offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to reflect on Scottish industrial history. It’s a fitting end to a day packed with scenic and cultural sights.

Summary: Is This Highland Tour Right for You?

This private tour from Edinburgh offers a comprehensive, flexible way to experience Scotland’s most iconic highland sights in comfort. With expert guides, personalized attention, and a carefully curated route, it’s ideal for those who value in-depth exploration without the hassle of planning each stop.

The tour’s highlights—Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Glencoe, and the Kelpies—are complemented by scenic stops like Luss and Rannoch Moor, providing stunning visuals and rich stories.

While entry to Inveraray Castle may be unavailable on some dates, the overall experience remains high-quality, with ample photo opportunities and engaging guides making the day memorable. This tour suits travelers seeking a relaxed, private day out with a focus on scenery, history, and Scottish character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired travelers?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and the private nature allows for some flexibility to accommodate different needs.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including stops and travel time.

What is included in the price?
The cost includes hotel, Airbnb, guest house, or cruise ship pickup, a guide, bottled water, and Scottish snacks.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but the tour stops at locations with cafes and food options.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there is free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to plan flexibly.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Urdu, Punjabi, and Italian.

Is there a limit to the group size?
Yes, the tour is private for up to 4 people, ensuring personalized service.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond, and the Kelpies.

Is this tour suitable for photography enthusiasts?
Absolutely—there are multiple scenic stops for capturing stunning landscape and architectural shots.

What should I bring?
Bring carrots for Highland Cows, comfortable clothing, and your camera for all the beautiful sights.

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