Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland - 1 day tour
Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland
One day tour
Discover the best of the Scottish Highlands in just one day! Savour the magnificent views touring across wild Rannoch Moor before stopping at Glen Coe to soak up the atmosphere. Travel through the majestic scenery of The Great Glen to reach mysterious Loch Ness. Enjoy free time in Fort Augustus and maybe take a monster-spotting cruise. Return to Edinburgh through the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.
Rannoch Moor - tour through this wild and rugged wilderness
Glen Coe - soak up the scenic beauty of this haunting glen, site of the infamous massacre in 1692
Loch Ness - take a cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch, or just relax in the pretty village of Fort Augustus
Cairngorms National Park - savour the fantastic panoramas of lochs, mountains and picturesque villages
Pitlochry - explore this picturesque, Victorian town, surrounded by beautiful scenery and full of charming shops
Forth Bridges - enjoy stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Rail Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing
Movie locations - Trainspotting, The 39 Steps and Skyfall
Full Tour Itinerary
Our day in the Highlands takes us from Edinburgh towards Stirling, where we should enjoy wonderful views of historic Stirling Castle and the towering Wallace Monument.
We pass Doune Castle, which is the setting for Castle Leoch in the popular Outlander TV series, before stopping in the village of Kilmahog, where we will stop for morning coffee and the chance to meet “Hamish”, the Hairy Coo (Highland Cow).
Next, our journey continues through the wilderness of Rannoch Moor, then into brooding Glencoe, where we will stop for photographs and learn the tragic tale of the massacre that took place here in 1692.
After making a stop in Fort William for lunch, enjoy views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, before entering The Great Glen and following the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus, which sits on the banks of Loch Ness.
During our time in the attractive village of Fort Augustus, you can enjoy lunch and a relaxing stroll along the banks of the loch or join a one-hour cruise to mount your own Nessie-spotting adventure. Keep that camera ready, just in case!
When it’s time to head homewards, we’ll strike out through scenic Glen Spean, where we’ll see Loch Laggan and impressive Ardverikie House, which recently featured in the Netflix series “The Crown”.
Soon we’ll enter the beautiful Cairngorms National Park and make our descent through Glen Lochy to reach the attractive Victorian resort of Pitlochry, where we’ll make a refreshment stop.
The last part of our tour will take us through Highland Perthshire then into the ancient Kingdom of Fife.
As we cross the River Forth, there will be superb views of the magnificent Forth Bridge to enjoy. Our tour will end at a central location in Edinburgh City Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Day Tour?
Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.
During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more.
Luxury travel is provided by air-conditioned mini or midi coaches and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English.
There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks.
What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?
The tour fare includes transportation by luxury mini or midicoach and the services of a professional driver/guide. Admission to the attractions featured on this tour is optional so you can choose to visit or not depending on your interests. The tour itinerary will allow time for you to enjoy visits to:
The links above will give you more information on these attractions as well as current prices. On some tours discounted prices are available to tour passengers - your driver/guide will provide more information if this applies. Not all attractions accept payment by credit or debit card so you should carry sufficient cash should you be planning a visit.
Tell me more about the optional Loch Ness Cruise?
Mount your very own Nessie adventure by taking a one hour cruise to explore the deep, dark and mysterious waters of Loch Ness.
The cruise boat is equipped with on-board sonar, comfortable seating inside and out as well as toilets.
Refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring packed food.
You can purchase a ticket from your driver/guide on the day of the tour and payment is in cash only.
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available in Scotland.
I’ve missed my tour because I was late, can I get a refund?
We’re sorry but refunds or credits won’t be issued if you miss your tour because you are not at the departure point on time.
In fairness to all our passengers coaches will not wait if you are late.
Inclusions
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
23-27 Waterloo Place
Edinburgh EH1 3BG
Check-in: 07:20 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 6 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 6 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 48 hours notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
GLS 02910
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 06 Sep 2024
This trip was amazing! Brian, our driver and guide, is an encyclopedia of information. He regaled us with historical information, funny tidbits and good music. He is also a very professional driver. I highly recommend this tour.
Chris from Oak Harbor, US
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Rating: (5 /5) 28 Jun 2024
Beautiful tour Highlands were amazing The driver was knowledgeable and accommodating 👍🏻
Rakan from Riyadh, SA
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Rating: (5 /5) 01 Aug 2023
We were staying at the Britannia Hotel and our nearest local pick-up point was a 10-minute walk away. Brian, our guide was very friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining. I was travelling with my Mom and this tour made seeing the highlands and lochness really easy. Glencoe and seeing the hairy coos were the highlights!
Prabhat from ,
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