Loch Ness Explorer
One day tour
Tour through the Highlands to see wild Rannoch Moor and haunting Glen Coe. Discover Britain’s highest peak: Ben Nevis, go monster spotting by Loch Ness and admire the beauty of the Cairngorm National Park and Highland Perthshire.
Price range: £46 - £57
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park - experience the stunning scenery as you tour through ‘Rob Roy country’
Glen Coe - stop at Scotland’s most famous Glen, scene of the massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692
Ben Nevis - spot this majestic icon, the highest peak in Britain
Loch Ness - get up-close to the mysterious waters of Loch Ness on an optional ‘monster-spotting’ cruise
Cairngorm National Park - discover the towering mountain peaks and shimmering lochs
Forth Bridges - enjoy spectacular views of the rail and road bridges as you return over the Firth of Forth
Movie locations – Skyfall, The Queen and Monarch of the Glen (TV)
Full Tour Itinerary
We bid goodbye to Edinburgh and head for the Highlands. Our journey we will pass Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots and later impressive Stirling Castle and, in the distance, the Wallace Monument. Our journey continues through Callander to the little village of Tyndrum where we will make a stop.
The next part of our journey will start with a dramatic ascent of the Black Mount to reach the vastness of Rannoch Moor, one of the last true wildernesses left in Europe. We’ll stop in haunting Glen Coe so you can capture the scene and hear the story of the infamous massacre. Next travel to Fort William and see, if the weather is kind, the soaring peak of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Britain.
The Great Glen provides an ever changing vista of lochs and mountains and soon we’ll arrive in Fort Augustus, the main destination of today’s tour. The cost of your tour includes a freshly made packed-lunch typically including Scottish mineral water, a choice of freshly made sandwich and shortbread. You can collect yours on arrival before boarding the cruiser for a one hour sail of the deep and mysterious waters of Loch Ness!
Our return journey will take us through Glen Spean where we follow the banks of Loch Laggan past stately Ardverikie House. This grand house has stared in several films and TV series including Mrs Brown, Outlander and Monarch of the Glen.
The Cairngorms National Park is famed for its natural beauty as we will discover as our journey continues towards Dalwhinnie then on through the Drumochter Mountain Pass which will take us into Perthshire, an area of tall trees and fast flowing rivers. We’ll make a stop for afternoon tea in a small village before the last part of our journey through the Kingdom of Fife. Our return to Edinburgh will take us over the Forth Bridge where there are wonderful views of the iconic Forth Rail Bridge to enjoy.
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. Please note that tours to some destinations, particularly to Loch Ness, can be faster paced so the number and duration of stops may be limited.
Tell me more about the optional Loch Ness Cruise?
A short cruise sailing the deep and mysterious waters of Loch Ness is a real highlight for many customers. On this tour you’ll have the opportunity of mounting your very own “Nessie” spotting experience so don’t forget to bring your camera, just in case!
The cost of this option is £13.50 per adult and £12.50 per child
On board your cruiser you’ll find comfortable seating inside and out; on-board sonar, as well as toilets. Refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring packed food.
You can purchase your cruise ticket from your driver/guide on the day of the tour and payment is in cash only.
Will there be a tour commentary?
Each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide an informative and entertaining commentary in English. You’ll hear tales of the Clans, bloody battles and the famous characters that have shaped the history of Scotland. You will learn too of the landscape that surrounds you and of the nature that makes Scotland so special. Be ready to have a laugh as well - you’re bound to be told some really corny jokes!
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 luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
- A light “Taste of Scotland” packed lunch.
- 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 tour host
Departure information
From 60 High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1TB
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 5 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
Meals
A light “Taste of Scotland” packed lunch is included in the cost of this tour.
FAQ's
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HET 02876
