Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland Tour with hotel pick-up
One day tour
Magnificent views await on your journey through wild Rannoch Moor, before stopping at Glen Coe to soak up the atmosphere. You’ll arrive at Loch Ness by way of the stunning Great Glen, and spend your time there as you please. Return to Edinburgh through the beauty of the Cairngorm National Park.
Price range: £40 - £47
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
Cairngorm National Park - savour the amazing panoramas of lochs, mountains and charming 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. Look out for Doune Castle which sits overlooking the River Teith, it’s the setting for Castle Leoch in the popular Outlander TV series. Our journey continues through Callander to the little 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 expanse of wilderness known as Rannoch Moor and into brooding Glencoe where we will stop for photographs and to hear the tragic tale of the massacre that took place here in 1692.
As we cross the Ballachulish Bridge enjoy great views of Loch Leven below before we follow the coastal road into Fort William, where we stop for lunch. Enjoy views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, before entering The Great Glen and following the Caledonian Canal all the way 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 Ardverikie House both stars of the popular Monarch of the Glen TV series. Soon we’ll enter the beautiful Cairngorm 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 wonderful views of the amazing Forth Rail 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. 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.
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 am travelling on a budget. Can I do the same trip by public transport?
Almost certainly not! Our tours are designed to maximise your sightseeing opportunities so we frequently head off the main road and take routes where there is little or no public transport available. Please also bear in mind that the tour commentary that you will enjoy is designed to bring Scotland’s history, nature and scenic beauty to life as you travel around. Reading about your surroundings from a guide book will just not be the same!
Inclusions
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach
- Live commentary in English
- Edinburgh City hotel pick-up
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Hotel drop-off
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
Hotel pick-up: 07:15 - 07:45 hrs
from or near to your accommodation in central Edinburgh
Check-in: from 07:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:45 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply 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
Tour Confirmation
A courtesy pick-up serves most accommodation in central Edinburgh. Please call to confirm your tour pick-up point and time no later than 24 hours prior to travel. Full information will appear on your tour voucher.
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQ's
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
GLS 02910
1 day tour from £ 32