From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip

Fife, Edinburgh

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Official tickets via GetYourGuide
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Discover the beauty of Scotlands dramatic Highland scenery on an unforgettable day trip from Edinburgh. Explore Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Fort William, Glencoe, and meet the infamous Hairy Coo’s.

Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh

This full-day tour from Edinburgh explores Scotland’s Highlands, suitable for history and nature enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Visit Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots
  • Lunch stop in Fort William, gateway to Ben Nevis
  • Time at Loch Ness with optional boat cruise
  • See the Kelpies and Stirling Castle
  • Photo stop at Glencoe’s Three Sisters ridges

Description

Travel northwest from Edinburgh, passing Linlithgow Palace and the Kelpies before reaching Stirling Castle. Continue to Glencoe to photograph the dramatic Three Sisters ridges. Stop in Fort William for lunch, near Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

Proceed to Fort Augustus at Loch Ness, where you can opt for a boat cruise on the loch. The return journey includes a stop in Pitlochry for refreshments. The route crosses the Firth of Forth, offering views of the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge.

Includes

  • Transport in an air-conditioned minibus or coach
  • English-speaking driver guide

Excludes

  • Admission fees for attractions
  • Lunch and refreshments
  • Optional tips for the guide
  • Optional Loch Ness cruise (£22 adult, £15 child)

Important Information

  • Tour conducted in English
  • Children must be over 5 years; ID may be requested
  • No toilets on board; frequent comfort stops provided
  • No allocated seating
  • Travel sickness medication recommended due to extensive coach travel
  • Small bags, packed lunch, snacks, and drinks allowed on board
  • Collapsible wheelchairs permitted with accompanying assistant
  • Itinerary order may change
  • Travel insurance advised
  • Return times approximate, allow extra time for connections
  • From 1st November to 31st March, lunch stop changes to Fort Augustus due to winter boat schedules

Cancellation Policy

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

For best experience, book in advance and bring weather-appropriate clothing and any personal necessities for a full day outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes Linlithgow Palace, the Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Glencoe’s Three Sisters, Fort William, and Loch Ness.

The full-day tour departs from central Edinburgh, with exact meeting points provided upon booking.

Yes, there is an optional boat cruise available at Loch Ness during the day trip.

The tour lasts a full day, typically around 10 to 12 hours including stops and travel time.

There is a lunch stop in Fort William, but lunch is not usually included in the tour price.

You’ll see Loch Ness, the Three Sisters ridges in Glencoe, and the Kelpies sculptures along the route.

Yes, the itinerary covers Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle, both rich in Scottish history.

Yes, notable photo stops include the Three Sisters ridges in Glencoe and the Kelpies sculptures.

Yes, Stirling Castle is one of the key historical stops included in the tour itinerary.

Check the official websites of each attraction, such as Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle, for current hours.

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