A day trip to Loch Ness and the beautiful Highlands is one of the best small group tours of Scotland available. Travelling as part of an exclusive group of just 16 passengers, you'll uncover ancient castles, remote glens and dramatic landscapes. All the while, your knowledgeable driver guide expertly weaves together tales of history, nature and folklore in a fascinating live commentary.
Joining a small group tour of Scotland isn't just sightseeing- it's storytelling in motion. Loch Ness awaits. The legend is real. Are you ready? Read on……
Loch Ness day tour from Edinburgh
The Highlands tour begins with a gentle roll through the cobbled streets of Edinburgh's Old Town, where medieval spires and stone closes quickly give way to wide horizons and winding country roads.
First, we cross the Firth of Forth and head into the ancient Kingdom of Fife.
Skirting the Fair City of Perth, head into Highland Perthshire, a region famed for towering trees and tumbling rivers. There is a stop in the heart of this glorious countryside at the warm and welcoming Taste Perthshire.
This is not just a refreshment break. It's a delightful introduction to local culture. Browse handmade crafts, sample tasty treats, and meet the iconic Highland Cows. With their flowing ginger coats and calm, curious eyes, these shaggy stars of Scotland are irresistibly photogenic - they make the ideal snap for your socials.
Into the Highlands
After heading through the Pass of Killiecrankie, the site of a famous Jacobite battle, one last view of Perthshire is whitewashed Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl, which dates back almost 750 years.
Soon, the scenery begins to shift dramatically. Rolling green fields transform into rugged moorland and towering mountain views. This is where the true Scottish Highlands reveal themselves - raw, remote, and hauntingly beautiful.
As the coach climbs through the Pass of Drumochter, wildlife lovers should keep their eyes peeled as red deer may be spotted on the slopes, and if you're lucky, a golden eagle might soar above us.
The beauty of the Cairngorms National Park
Experience breathtaking views as you journey through Cairngorms National Park, Scotland's largest home to vast wilderness and five of the UK's highest, most dramatic peaks.
Pass by the remote village of Dalwhinnie, at its heart is the highest distillery in Scotland, which produces a whisky known locally as the "golden spirit".
A drive along the banks of Loch Laggan provides a view of the stately silhouette of Ardverikie House, known to many as the fictional Glenbogle from Monarch of the Glen. Queen Victoria stayed here in 1847 and was so impressed she considered making it her Scottish home. Instead, she opted for Balmoral Castle at Royal Deeside.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
By midday, we arrive in Fort Augustus, a picturesque village at the southern tip of the legendary Loch Ness. The village itself is charming - a maze of stone cottages, scenic canals, and cosy cafés - but it's the loch that steals the show.
Loch Ness is one of the most iconic and mysterious bodies of water in the world. Its dark, unfathomable depths have inspired countless stories, most famously that of the Loch Ness Monster. Whether you believe in Nessie or not, the sense of mystery here is tangible.
There is time to wander the village and watch boats navigate the locks of the Caledonian Canal. A 55-minute cruise across the loch is available (optional). As the boat glides through the still waters, surrounded by mist-draped hills, the guide will share tales of sonar sightings and strange underwater occurances. Even if Nessie remains elusive, the atmosphere is pure enchantment.
Glen Coe - The Glen of Weeping
Next, we head west into one of Scotland's most dramatic and emotionally powerful landscapes: Glen Coe.
This glen isn't just breathtaking—it's soul-stirring. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions and later carved by glaciers, the jagged peaks and shadowed valleys look almost otherworldly. But it's not just the natural beauty that makes Glen Coe unforgettable.
In 1692, the glen played witness to the tragic massacre of the resident MacDonald clan were betrayed and slaughtered by troops of the Clan Campbell. In this spectacular valley, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, the weight of that history is palpable.
Beyond Glen Coe lies Rannoch Moor - a vast, haunting expanse of 50 square miles of bog and moorland. This protected wilderness may look familiar as it was an iconic filming location for James Bond's Skyfall and Harry Potter.
The Journey South
The journey back takes us through the lands of Rob Roy MacGregor, then past the historic city of Stirling, crowned by its magnificent castle. It was here that Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned.
Just nearby, William Wallace achieved a legendary victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridgein 1297. As we pass, you'll spot the striking Wallace Monument, a tribute to his heroism—later immortalised in the Oscar-winning film Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson.
From there continue through scenic lowlands, returning to Edinburgh by mid-evening, with Highland memories fresh in our minds.
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