From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Edinburgh



Head out from Edinburgh and enjoy a scenic full-day Scottish Highlands tour to Loch Ness and the landscapes of Glencoe. Select either the cruise version or the whisky distillery version when booking.

Highland Day Tour from Edinburgh with Optional Loch Ness Cruise, Distillery Visit, or Castle Tour

Explore the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh on a guided coach tour featuring scenic landscapes, historical sites, and optional activities suited for adults and families.

Highlights

  • Discover Loch Ness and the scenic Highlands
  • Visit Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, locations featured in James Bond and Harry Potter films
  • Chance to see Scottish Highland cows (seasonal and not guaranteed)
  • Stop in the village of Pitlochry for snacks and exploration
  • Choose from three tour options: Boat Cruise on Loch Ness, Deanston Whisky Distillery visit, or a Castle & Cruise combination

Description

Depart Edinburgh aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and journey through iconic Scottish landscapes and historic sites with live commentary from a knowledgeable guide.

This tour is offered in three versions, each on a separate coach. Select your preferred option when booking:

  • Boat Cruise: Extra time at Fort Augustus with an optional Loch Ness boat cruise (ticket not included).
  • Whisky Distillery: Visit Deanston Distillery with an optional guided tour (ticket not included).
  • Castle & Cruise: Optional shorter Loch Ness cruise combined with a visit to Urquhart Castle (tickets not included).

The Boat Cruise version runs daily and is recommended if you do not plan to join optional activities.

Travel through Stirling with stories of historic battles, pass Callander at the edge of the Highlands, and enjoy areas including Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, and Cairngorms National Park.

During summer, there is an opportunity to see Scottish Highland cows, though sightings are not guaranteed year-round.

Return to Edinburgh around 8:30 PM. The Castle & Cruise tour follows a reversed itinerary with some differences in stops and timing.

This tour covers a long distance, allowing you to relax and enjoy some of Scotland’s most remarkable scenery.

Includes

  • Driver/guide with live commentary
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned coach
  • Regular scheduled stops

Excludes

  • No onboard restroom facilities
  • No audio guides or guidebooks in other languages
  • Boat Cruise version: Optional Loch Ness cruise (approx. £22 adult, £15 child)
  • Whisky Distillery version: Optional Deanston Distillery tour (approx. £19.50 adult, £6 child)
  • Cruise & Castle version: Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle entry (approx. £32 adult, £23 child)

Important Information

  • Optional activities are not included; tickets available during the tour
  • Each tour version operates on a separate coach—choose carefully when booking
  • Boat Cruise version stops at Fort Augustus; Castle & Cruise does not
  • Minimum age for distillery tour is 7-8 years
  • Groups over 8 people are not permitted
  • Small bags, packed cold lunch, snacks, and drinks allowed onboard
  • Seating is unassigned and cannot be reserved
  • Return to Edinburgh at approx. 8:30 PM; allow extra time for onward travel
  • Travelers prone to motion sickness should take preventative measures

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Bring a packed lunch to maximise your time at stops. The Boat Cruise option offers the most frequent departures and flexibility if you do not plan to join optional activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a guided coach trip through the Scottish Highlands with stops at Loch Ness, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, and the village of Pitlochry, plus optional activities like a Loch Ness cruise, distillery visit, or castle tour.
The full-day tour typically lasts around 12 hours, departing from Edinburgh in the morning and returning in the evening.
Yes, the tour is suitable for adults and families, with activities and stops that appeal to all ages.
Scottish Highland cows are visible seasonally along the route, but sightings are not guaranteed on every tour.
The tour includes a stop in the village of Pitlochry where you can find cafes and shops for snacks or refreshments.
The Loch Ness boat cruise is an optional add-on and not included in the standard tour price.
It is recommended to book optional activities like the distillery visit or castle tour in advance to secure your spot.
The tour departs and returns to central Edinburgh, with the exact meeting point provided upon booking.
The tour involves some walking and may require mobility; check with the provider for accessibility details before booking.
The tour visits Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, known filming locations for James Bond and Harry Potter movies.

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