Glencoe, Loch Ness and the Highlands Private Tour - 1 day tour
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands
One day private tour
One of our most popular day tours from Edinburgh, this Loch Ness and Glencoe experience showcases the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Travel past Stirling Castle and through Rob Roy country before crossing Rannoch Moor to atmospheric Glen Coe. Continue via Fort William and Ben Nevis into the Great Glen, with time in Fort Augustus and the option to enjoy a monster-spotting cruise on Loch Ness. Return south through the Cairngorms National Park and Highland Perthshire.
Rannoch Moor - experience one of Europe’s great wildernesses
Glen Coe - discover a majestic landscape linked with tragic history.
Ben Nevis - see the imposing peak of Britain’s tallest mountain
Loch Ness - uncover the legend of “Nessie” on a short cruise
Urquhart Castle - explore the atmospheric ruins of this fascinating stronghold
Cairngorms National Park - soak up stunning views of wild mountain scenery
Movie locations - Skyfall, Harry Potter and Loch Ness
Full Tour Itinerary
This ever-popular tour from Edinburgh offers a memorable day travelling through some of the Scottish Highlands’ most dramatic and iconic landscapes. Travelling northwards from the city, the route passes the striking outline of Stirling Castle before reaching Kilmahog, where there’s time for refreshments and, depending on the season, the chance to spot a Highland cow (known affectionately as a Hairy Coo).
From here, the scenery becomes increasingly wild as you pass through Rob Roy country, once home to the MacGregor and Campbell clans, climb the Black Mount and cross the immense expanse of Rannoch Moor.
These remote landscapes lead into Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most famous and atmospheric glens, forever linked to the tragic massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. A photo stop allows time to appreciate the scale and mood of this haunting place.
The journey continues along Loch Linnhe to Fort William for lunch, before heading beneath Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain and into the Great Glen. Passing through Fort Augustus, you arrive at Loch Ness, where you can choose an optional cruise and visit to Urquhart Castle, or enjoy free time at the Clansman Hotel. Options here include a short loch cruise, a gentle walk along the Old Coffin Road, or a local gin tasting.
Loch Ness stretches 24 miles and plunges to over 700 feet, and is famous worldwide for sightings of the legendary Nessie.
The return journey travels south through the Cairngorms National Park and Highland Perthshire, including the Forest of Atholl, with a final stop in Pitlochry before returning to Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on a private one-day tour?
Departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, a private tour is ideal for a group of family or friends.
Our most popular itineraries are available on a private basis, offering you and your party exclusivity, flexibility and comfort. This is a personal experience, so each itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
After booking, you’ll be contacted by your tour co-ordinator, who will discuss your trip and offer options that you may wish to consider to make your tour even more special. Attractions and meals can be pre-booked for a small administration fee. Alternatively, you can pay as you go, depending on how the mood takes you.
On the day of the tour, your experienced driver/guide will pick you up from your accommodation at the pre-agreed time. You’ll travel in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class (or similar) seating up to 7 passengers. These executive-class vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and USB-C charging ports. All you need to do is sit back and relax as your driver handles the driving.
Along the way, you’ll hear the stories behind the landscapes - clan rivalries, Jacobite uprisings, folklore and local legends - bringing the places you visit to life. It’s a relaxed, personal way to experience Scotland, with the reassurance that everything is taken care of.
Tell me about my options at Loch Ness?
The sheer size of Loch Ness is bound to impress. Cutting a swathe through part of the Great Glen, this massive stretch of water is around 22 miles long (36 km) and plunges to a depth of around 755 feet (230 m). It’s said that Loch Ness contains the same amount of water as all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
There are several options available when you visit Loch Ness.
Of course, you can enjoy free time in one of the towns and villages by the loch, like Fort Augustus or Drumnadrochit, where the famous Loch Ness Centre is located, which tells the history and myths of the loch over several millennia.
Cruising the Loch
Taking a cruise on the loch is a popular option. Cruises leave from Fort Augustus at the southern end of the loch or The Clansman Centre further north. The cruise boats have onboard sonar, comfortable seating inside and out, and toilets. Refreshments are available for purchase, or you can bring packed food if you prefer.
Taking a cruise is a fun way to go monster-spotting. You can discover more by clicking this link: Nessie - The Loch Ness Monster.
Urquhart Castle - 1,000 years of history
The ruins of this once mighty castle sit on a promontory overlooking the deepest section of the loch. Dating from the 13th century, the castle has had a turbulent history, having been captured by English forces and then reclaimed by the Scots several times. The castle was also raided by the MacDonald Clan, Lords of the Isles. The castle was blown up in 1692 to prevent it falling into Jacobite hands.
You can include a visit to Urquhart Castle on its own, or it can be combined with a short cruise on the loch.
Your tour co-ordinator will be happy to book tickets in advance, or your driver-guide can make the arrangements on the day of your tour, if you prefer.
Are children allowed on a Private Tour?
Yes, unlike a scheduled group tour with a minimum age requirement, children of all ages can enjoy travelling on a private tour. It’s the perfect way for families to travel together and experience Scotland.
Your tour co-ordinator will discuss any specific requirements your young travellers may have, including what age-specific child seats might be required.
Will the driver/guide provide a 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 about the landscape around you and the nature that makes Scotland unique.
On some tours, digital translations are available in other languages. Please contact us for details.
Can you arrange a Private Tour for a larger group?
Yes, we can.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements and to receive a no-obligation quote.
Inclusions
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Customised pick-up/drop-off
- 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
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:30 hrs
The tour will commence from your accommodation in Edinburgh.
Your tour co-ordinator will confirm the pick-up arrangements
Child details
There is no minimum age on this private tour.
Baby/child seats are available on request.
Price Notes
Group Size
The price shown is for a Mercedes-Benz V-Class or a similar vehicle, seating up to 7 passengers. Please note the price is for the vehicle hire, not the number of passengers travelling.
This tour is available for larger groups. Please contact us for details.
Cancellation Terms
A full refund, less 20% administration fee, if at least 72 hours notice is provided
No refund will be provided if less than 72 hours notice is given
The above cancellation terms refer to transport only. Services booked on your behalf may be subject to different terms.
Admission Prices
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
TB 04148
