Highlands + Glencoe + Loch Ness Private Tour

Explore the Highlands and Loch Ness with a Private Guide for a Personalized Adventure

This 12-hour private tour from Edinburgh offers an immersive journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic sights, including Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Forth Bridge. Priced at $1,499.55 per group for up to eight people, it provides a tailored experience with the convenience of private transportation and a dedicated guide. The tour stands out for its customizable itinerary, allowing adjustments based on weather or specific interests, making it ideal for travelers seeking flexibility.

What truly distinguishes this tour is the personalized approach and the inclusion of many scenic stops—from ancient castles to stunning waterfalls—each accompanied by a Portuguese-speaking guide. With most bookings made 25 days in advance, it’s a well-organized option for those eager to explore Scotland’s highlights in a comfortable, private setting. While it doesn’t include entry tickets to some sites, the comprehensive itinerary ensures memorable photo opportunities and engaging stories along the way.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 12-hour tour from Edinburgh tailored to your interests.
• Up to 8 guests per group, with private transportation and air-conditioned vehicle.
• Many scenic stops including Loch Ness, Glencoe, Inverness Castle, and Doune Castle.
• Guides speak Portuguese and provide personalized commentary at each stop.
• Admission tickets are not included for Loch Ness and Doune Castle, so plan accordingly.
• Most bookings are made about 25 days in advance, making it a popular choice.

Starting from Edinburgh: The Pickup and Private Vehicle

This tour begins at 8:30 am with a pickup service from a convenient location in Edinburgh. The private vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort throughout the approximately 12-hour journey. Guests enjoy the ease of private transportation, which moves smoothly between scenic stops, with bottled water provided for refreshment.

The small group size—up to 8 people—keeps the experience intimate and flexible, ideal for those who prefer a more personalized day out. The guide, who speaks Portuguese, leads the way, providing insights into each location and adjusting the pace as needed for weather or interest.

Visiting Loch Ness and Searching for Nessie

One of the main highlights is a visit to Loch Ness, where the focus is on searching for the legendary monster Nessie. The tour covers 38 km along the loch, with quick stops for photos. While the admission ticket to Loch Ness is not included, the stops allow ample time for capturing the scenic views and hearing about the monster legend.

This stop lasts about an hour, giving plenty of opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the atmosphere of the world’s most famous Scottish loch. The guide’s commentary adds context about the area’s history and mythology, enriching the experience.

Capturing the Beauty of Glencoe Valley

Next, the tour takes you to Glencoe, renowned as one of Scotland’s most iconic valleys. Here, you’ll find photo and snack stops spread over 1 hour and 30 minutes. The landscape features dramatic mountains and lush greenery, perfect for photography or a quick walk.

The guide in Portuguese shares stories about Glencoe’s history and natural beauty, making each stop meaningful. Since there are no admission tickets required, visitors can directly explore the scenery and capture stunning images without extra costs.

Panoramic Views from Inverness Castle and River Ness

The journey continues with a panoramic visit to Inverness, where guests see the River Ness, Inverness Cathedral, and Inverness Castle. This stop lasts 30 minutes, providing space for photos and a brief overview of the city.

The guide offers insights into these landmarks while participants enjoy the vistas of this charming Highland town. This scenic viewpoint is a perfect moment to appreciate the Scottish landscape from a strategic vantage point, all without any admission fees.

A Quick Walk and Meeting the Hairy Fringe Kitties in Callander

In Callander, a 30-minute stop allows for a short walk through the village. Visitors can also meet the famous hairy fringe kitties, a local attraction known for their distinctive appearance. The guide in Portuguese shares fun facts about the village and its inhabitants, adding a lighthearted touch to this brief stop.

This part of the tour combines a relaxed stroll with a chance to enjoy local scenery and perhaps pick up some souvenirs at the village shops—though no specific shopping details are provided, the stop’s duration keeps it casual and manageable.

Exploring Doune Castle: Scenes from Film and TV

A highlight for fans of film and television is the external visit to Doune Castle. The site is famous for appearing in Outlander and Game of Thrones, offering picturesque photo opportunities. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, focusing on the castle’s exterior.

While admission tickets are not included, the guide explains the castle’s history and its role in popular culture. The castle’s scenic ruins make for memorable photos and an understanding of Scotland’s medieval architecture.

Admiring the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge

The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge offers 30 minutes of sightseeing and photo opportunities. This memorial commemorates UK commandos and is set against a backdrop of the highest mountain in the UK, providing a striking scene.

Guests get a chance to capture panoramic photos and learn about the memorial’s significance, all without needing to purchase additional tickets. The guide’s commentary enhances the appreciation of this historic site.

Visiting the Falls of Dochart

The Falls of Dochart are among Scotland’s most famous waterfalls, and this 30-minute stop allows guests to enjoy the thundering waters and scenic surroundings. The guide guides you through the site, sharing stories about its natural beauty and importance.

This stop provides a refreshing break and ample photo opportunities of the cascading waterfalls, with no admission fees required.

Exploring Old Inverlochy Castle at Fort William

The ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle in Fort William are explored during a 30-minute visit. The guide shares insights about the castle’s history and significance in Scottish history while visitors walk around its ancient walls.

This site is free to explore externally, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past amid picturesque surroundings.

Meeting the Hairy Cows and Shopping in Kilmahog

In Kilmahog, a 30-minute stop is dedicated to souvenir shopping and meeting hairy cows—a Scottish breed known for their distinctive, shaggy appearance. The guide in Portuguese facilitates interactions and shares fun facts about the cows.

This stop offers a blend of light shopping and unique photo moments, perfect for those wanting to connect with local Scottish farm life.

Forth Bridge: Iconic Scottish Engineering

The journey wraps up with a 15-minute stop at Forth Bridge, where visitors take panoramic photos of this engineering marvel. The guide explains its significance as an iconic Scottish structure, making this a fitting visual conclusion to the tour.

Guests can easily capture the bridge’s impressive architecture against the skyline, rounding out a day full of scenic and cultural highlights.

Practical Details and Booking Information

This private tour is available with pickup service, beginning at 8:30 am. The most travelers book at least 25 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour includes private transportation and bottled water, but food, drinks, and tickets for certain sites are not included.

Since the tour is non-refundable and depends on good weather, travelers should be prepared for potential changes due to weather conditions. The guide provides commentary in Portuguese, making it accessible to Portuguese-speaking visitors.

Why Choose This Highland Adventure?

This customizable private tour offers an opportunity for a relaxed, yet comprehensive exploration of Scotland’s most famous sights. The dedicated guide and private vehicle ensure a comfortable and flexible experience, ideal for those who appreciate personalized attention. The variety of scenic stops, from waterfalls to castles, guarantees a well-rounded visit.

While some site entries are not included, the stops themselves are rich in visual and cultural appeal. The tour’s positive reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and enjoyable storytelling, adding value to the experience.

Highland and Loch Ness Private Tour: Who Will Love It?

This tour suits travelers who value flexibility and personalized service. It’s perfect for those interested in Scotland’s natural beauty, castles, and legends. The Portuguese-speaking guide makes it particularly appealing for Portuguese speakers or those seeking a more tailored, intimate experience.

Those with a full day to spare will find this private tour a rewarding way to see a broad swathe of Highland scenery, historic sites, and iconic landmarks in comfort. It’s especially well-suited for families, small groups, or couples who prefer a more exclusive and customizable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in this tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, but bottled water is provided.

Are tickets to sites like Loch Ness and Doune Castle included?
No, admission tickets are not included for Loch Ness and Doune Castle, so plan to purchase them separately if desired.

What language are the guides speaking?
Guides speak Portuguese, which is helpful for Portuguese-speaking travelers.

Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes, as a private and customizable tour, the itinerary can be adjusted based on weather or specific interests.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 8:30 am.

How many people can join?
The group size is up to 8 guests, ensuring an intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
Yes, most stops involve short walks or external visits, suitable for most travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?
The tour is non-refundable, but if canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

How do I book this tour?
Most bookings are made around 25 days in advance through the provider, Via Escocia Tour.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its private, flexible itinerary, scenic stops, and Portuguese-speaking guides make it a compelling choice for those seeking a personalized Scottish Highlands experience.