From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and The Highlands Tour with Cruise

Key Points

• Full-day tour lasting around 12 hours departs from Edinburgh’s Citylink Travel Centre.
• Visit iconic locations such as Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis, with plenty of scenic stops.
• Includes a boat cruise on Loch Ness, weather permitting, offering a chance to spot the legendary monster.
• Small group experience limited to 16 passengers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Expert driver-guides provide engaging commentary, sharing stories about Scottish history and folklore.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Loch Ness and Highlands Tour

This full-day excursion from Edinburgh offers a comprehensive look at the legendary Scottish Highlands, priced at $134 per person. The tour lasts approximately 12 hours and takes travelers through some of the most striking and historically rich locations in Scotland. You get to explore Loch Ness, with a boat cruise that provides a chance to see the famous monster’s supposed habitat, and marvel at the rugged beauty of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor.

The journey begins at the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre in Edinburgh, where a small Mercedes minicoach with just 16 seats awaits. This intimate group size ensures comfort and better interaction with your driver-guide, who fills the day with fascinating stories and practical insights. While the trip is long, the carefully curated stops, engaging commentary, and scenic beauty make it a rewarding adventure that appeals to those eager to see Scotland’s natural and cultural landmarks.

What Stops Are Included on the Tour?

The route features a series of carefully selected stops, each offering a unique slice of Scotland. Starting from Edinburgh, the group passes by Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle without stopping but with opportunities for scenic viewing and historical storytelling. The journey then moves into Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where travelers enjoy a photo stop and a chance to soak in the views over coffee.

Next, the tour leads into Glencoe, famous for its stunning steep slopes and peaks, and a place that also carries a tragic story over its centuries-old history. Here, travelers can take a walk and admire the scenery, with the guide sharing the area’s tales. The route passes Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, offering impressive views even from the bus.

The highlight of the trip is Loch Ness, where you spend around 90 minutes. Here, you can board a boat cruise (weather-dependent), explore the loch’s shores at your own pace, or grab a bite to eat. Following Loch Ness, the route continues through Cairngorms National Park, past Loch Laggan and Blair Castle, with scenic stops along the way. The final stop is in Perthshire for a refreshment break before returning to Edinburgh.

The Scenic Drive Through the Highlands

Traveling through the Highlands means witnessing breathtaking mountain vistas, shimmering lochs, and lush forests. The route takes you under the imposing shadow of Ben Nevis, with views of rugged terrain that make the landscape appear timeless and powerful. The bus moves smoothly along curvy roads, with the driver-guide providing commentary about the area’s geography and history.

The scenery often reminds visitors of Scotland’s long-standing clan rivalries and historical battles, as these grounds formerly hosted fierce Highland clans. The landscape’s beauty is matched by its historical weight, making the journey both visually stunning and culturally enriching.

Visiting Glencoe: Natural Beauty and Tales

Glencoe is often regarded as one of the most photogenic spots in Scotland. Its steep slopes and peaks create dramatic backdrops perfect for photos. The guide may share the story of the area’s tragic past, which has haunted the valley for over 300 years. This stop provides a chance for a short walk and some memorable photos, making it a favorite among travelers.

The area’s natural beauty is complemented by its reputation as a site of historical significance, where battles and stories of Highland clans unfold. The scenery alone makes this stop well worth the visit, and the guide’s storytelling enriches the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Loch Ness: The Legend and the Cruise

The famous Loch Ness spans 23 miles and is over 700 feet deep, making it the largest by volume in Scotland. After arriving in Fort Augustus, travelers have about 90 minutes to enjoy the area. During this time, the boat cruise offers a relaxing way to experience the loch, with a chance to spot the elusive monster or simply enjoy the peaceful waters.

Beyond the cruise, visitors can walk around the loch’s shores, take photos, or explore local shops and cafes. Keep in mind, the boat cruise is weather-dependent and may be canceled without notice, so flexibility is advised. The time on the shoreline allows for some leisure before heading back into the scenic drive southward.

The Route Through the Cairngorms and Blair Castle

The journey south continues through Cairngorms National Park, a vast area renowned for wildlife and mountain views. Passing Loch Laggan and the historic Blair Castle, the tour offers glimpses of Scotland’s natural and architectural heritage. The bus passes these sights quickly, but stops for photographs and brief sightseeing are included.

Before returning to Edinburgh, the group makes a scenic refreshment break in Perthshire, enjoying the tall trees and peaceful surroundings. The route then skirts along the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before arriving back at the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minicoach designed for small groups, with up to 16 passengers. This limited capacity means travelers benefit from a more personalized experience and easier interaction with the driver-guide. Each party is capped at 8 passengers to maintain the quality of the tour.

The vehicle’s size and quality ensure a smooth ride through Scotland’s sometimes winding roads, making long stretches of travel more comfortable. The tour is suitable for most physically able travelers, but note that children under 5 years are not recommended due to the length of the day.

The Guide: Stories, Knowledge, and Entertainment

The driver-guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling ability. They share stories about Queen Mary of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore along the route. Many reviews mention guides like Jonas, Leo, Alistair, and Mina—all characterized as friendly, entertaining, and well-informed.

Guides make the long bus rides enjoyable by playing Scottish music, sharing historical anecdotes, and engaging with the group. The personable guides are often highlighted as a major strength of this tour, making the experience both educational and fun.

Practical Tips for the Day

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and clothes, suitable for walking and outdoor stops. The tour includes a couple of quick stops for coffee and restroom breaks, but lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or a packed meal is advisable. The boat cruise on Loch Ness is weather-dependent, so flexibility and patience are key.

Each person can bring 14 kg of luggage, roughly 55 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, plus a small bag. The small group size ensures a cozy atmosphere, but travelers should be prepared for a full and possibly tiring day, with many scenic stops and stories to absorb.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour appeals to those seeking a comprehensive taste of Scotland’s natural beauty, folklore, and history in one day. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, storytelling, and iconic landmarks like Loch Ness and Glencoe. The small group setting and expert guides make it suitable for those who prefer a more personal experience.

While the trip is long, the variety of stops, the boat cruise, and the engaging guides make it worthwhile for most visitors. Be prepared for a full day, but rest assured, the scenic views and stories will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Final Thoughts on the Edinburgh Loch Ness and Highlands Tour

This 12-hour trip from Edinburgh offers a well-rounded look at Scotland’s landscapes and legends. The boat cruise on Loch Ness, the visit to Glencoe, and the drive past Ben Nevis are highlights that leave a lasting impression. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make the experience comfortable and engaging.

The tour’s main appeal lies in its scenic diversity, storytelling, and the opportunity to see highland castles, lochs, and mountains all in one day. It is especially suited for those who want a hassle-free, guided exploration with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights.

The main limitation is the weather dependency of the Loch Ness boat cruise and the long travel hours, but the carefully curated stops and entertaining guides make it a trip worth considering for an unforgettable Scottish adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Loch Ness cruise included in the price?
Yes, the Loch Ness boat cruise is included, but it is weather-dependent and may be canceled without notice.

What is the group size for this tour?
The tour is limited to 16 passengers, with a maximum of 8 per party, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are stops for coffee and a refreshment break in Perthshire.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, and a packed meal or snacks for the day since lunch is not provided.

How long is the boat cruise on Loch Ness?
The cruise duration is approximately 90 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy the waters and scenery.

Are children under 5 allowed?
No, children under 5 years are not suitable for this tour due to the length and nature of the day.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out among other Scottish Highlands trips?
The small group size, engaging guides, and the combination of scenic stops and cultural stories set this tour apart, offering a personalized and memorable experience.

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