Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, beguiling mystery and dramatic history on this day trip from Edinburgh. Traveling to the Scottish Highlands, witness the stunning vistas of Cairngorms National Park and cruise along world-famous Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster and tour Urquhart Castle ruins. Admire an ancient castle in Stirling as you pass by, learn about the massacre at Glen Coe and the adventures of Scottish legend William Wallace, whose life is depicted in the film ‘Braveheart.’ Be sure to bring your camera to capture stunning views and maybe even a glimpse of ‘Nessie’!
Please note on December 26 there will be no castle or cruise available
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of ID may be required at check in.
The tour is guided in English
On 26th December and 1st January there will be no cruise or castle visit available
Please note this tour may operate in reverse
Check-in for the tour is 7.45am with departure at 8.00am sharp
Visit to Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness cruise £31 per adult and £22 per child with Highland Experience discount, cash required. No need to pre book.
We reserve the right to change the tour itinerary at any time due to weather, acts of God, and events out with our control.
What To Expect
As we head north the first stop of the day is at this charming location nestled in the heart of Perthshire - a wonderful place for a refreshment stop and the chance to meet and feed Highland coo!
Cairngorms National Park
Through the Cairngorms and the wild wilderness. The Cairngorms are home to some of the highest peaks in the British Isles, including Ben Macdui and Braeriach. These mountains, with their rugged slopes and dramatic ridges, offer stunning vistas. You'll love taking in the landscapes as you continue to travel north.
Options
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local live driver guide who will share stories and history throughout the day
Panoramic windows
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Children under 3 years not accepted- valid ID may be required at check in
Entrance fees - Adult, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Tour- Cash only
Entrance fees - Child, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Tour- Cash Only
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,879 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Long day but worth it! ...
Matthew R,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Long day but worth it! The sights were amazing and the lessons were great. Terrie and Steve were great tour guide and driver!
The guide ruined this great day for our family
Lisa M,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Our guide was not a people person and came off rude and belittling to my kids. They were SO excited about this tour and she made the day very uncomfortable. She was bad with time and also weirdly hurried and stressed about it throughout the entire day I got a call at 7:47 from our irritated tour guide that we were late- even though the tour did not start until 8am. There was zero indication that we needed to arrive by 7:45. We arrived at 7:49 and were treated like we were holding up the bus and very rudely. I double checked everything about the tour and was never told the cutoff for arriving on the bus was 7:45. I believe the tour guide made that up. But her frustrations with time continued for the duration of the tour. Twice, she gave us a 10 minute break to use the restroom but with multiple tour buses and only 2 working toilets, the women's line took longer for all of us to get through. SHE WOULD ALSO START HER 10 MINUTE TIMER BEFORE WE COULD EVEN SEE THE PARKING LOT. So by the time the bus pulled in, parked, and everyone was off, the break was nearly complete. She publicly shamed by 15 year old because she was literally 1 MINUTE late to the tour bus (even though she literally ran to the bathroom to make it in time) and kept talking about making people do pushups or karaoke if they didn't;t abide by her rushed timelines - which would have been easy to joke about if she also wasn't so serious and strict. It made the tour needlessly stressful and uncomfortable. For our family of 6, we literally were not capable of getting snacks and food and using the bathroom at stops, so some of us were uncomfortable the entire day. The locations we stopped at were great- but the guide made the day really frustrating and miserable. I wish I had booked the same tour with another company.
Great day out
canpod,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent range of scenery and places.
Wonderful tour, well worth it.
Naomi K,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful day tour. Its a long day but well worth it. Audrey was our guide and she is terrific. Professional and personable. Great way to view the highlands. We had ample time to stop for photos, shop and have lunch. I recommend this tour.
Great 13 hour tour of the highlands
Peter M,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steven “B” not “A”, was a phenomenal tour host, passionate, patriotic and connected with all passengers on the tour even those who would be regularly late at each stop!! Both my daughter and I enjoyed his wit and endless information not just of the major landmarks we visited but the small towns, villages and trivia too. Well worth the trip and would actually do it again!!
This day trip was a...
Emma N,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This day trip was a fantastic way to see the highlands in a day! Paul was a great tour guide with lots of stories about everything we saw and did, couldn’t recommend it enough.
Amazing Views
paintonrosnack,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time, it was a LONG day with mostly sitting in a bus (seats were comfy) but the views were beautiful. Glencoe and Loch Ness were highlights for me and things I would have never experienced otherwise. Worth to price for my wife and I.
Tour was great! Driver...
Vicki P,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour was great! Driver (Mike) and tour guide (Terry) were both wonderful! I was a little concerned about some reviews stating that you were on the bus too long, but multiple stops were made for picture opportunities and snack/toilet breaks. The point of the tour was to view the highlands and that was certainly achieved! My only suggestion is to add more cows to the tour (but I also feel you can never have enough cows haha!) Overall I would certainly recommend this tour!
Best tour around!!
Charlie W,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was fun. Our tour guide, Lee was very attentive and hospitable. I’ve always wanted to visit Lochness and I got my wish!! Thank you!!
This was such a great...
Sue G,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a great tour. Yes it is a long day, but it is worth it! Don't worry, you will have plenty of comfort breaks and photo opportunities. This is the perfect way to see what Scotland is like outside of the big cities. The views are incredible! Our tour guide Terrie and our driver Mike made the day fun and informative!
Related Experiences
Operated by Highland Experience Tours