Highland Gems - 1 day tour
Highland Gems
One day tour
Our day of adventure starts with a drive through the picturesque Great Glen to reach the Glenfinnan Viaduct, where we see the famous Jacobite Steam Train crossing the “Harry Potter Bridge”. Next, stop to enjoy views of Ben Nevis before heading to Glen Coe, famed for its historical connections and natural beauty. It’s then on to Loch Ness, where you can relax in Fort Augustus then enjoy a scenic drive along the eastern shore route as we return to Inverness.
Price range: £75 - £75
The Great Glen - enjoy panoramic views of lochs and mountains
Glenfinnan - see the real Hogwarts Express puff its way across the famous viaduct, a real treat for Potterheads of all ages
Ben Nevis - stop to admire the towering peak of Britains tallest mountain
Glen Coe - discover why this brooding valley is known as the “Glen of weeping”
Loch Ness - soak up the views of these mysterious waters with a drive along the eastern banks of the loch
Fort Augustus - enjoy time relaxing in this historic loch-side village
Movie locations - Loch Ness, Harry Potter and Skyfall
Full Tour Itinerary
From the centre of Inverness, we travel southwards through the Great Glen and along the banks of the lochs that form part of the Caledonian Canal, ingeniously designed by Thomas Telford. We will hear more about this famous engineer and the importance of this renowned waterway during our journey.
The first stop of the day will be at Glenfinnan, where we arrive in time to see the famous Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express, crossing the iconic viaduct, just like it did in the hit Harry Potter movies!
At Glenfinnan, we’ll also see the poignant Glenfinnan Memorial which commemorates the many highlanders who died in the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. It was here that Prince Charles Edward Stuart (popularly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed at the start of his ill-fated campaign to capture the Crown for the Stuart dynasty.
We retrace our journey along the picturesque “Road to the Isles” to visit the Ben Nevis viewpoint. Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in Britain and, if the weather is kind, we should get a fantastic view of its massive bulk from the banks of Loch Eil.
Next is Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most revered glens, famous for stunning mountain scenery, treasured wildlife and cascading waterfalls. We’ll tour all the way through the glen so you can enjoy the views and hear the story of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald Clan in 1692.
A stop is made at the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge which honours the elite troops trained in the area for secret missions during World War 2. The statue has a backdrop of several mountain peaks including Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor.
The last visit of the day will be to Fort Augustus, a bustling village where the Caledonian Canal enters Loch Ness. Visitors can watch the boats descend through an impressive flight of five locks as they head towards the loch to continue their journey.
Loch Ness is, of course, famous for its elusive resident, Nessie so why not take the chance to take a stroll along the banks for a bit of monster-spotting?
The final part of our tour heads along the less-travelled eastern side of Loch Ness, stopping at Dores to enjoy the stunning panoramic views before heading back to Inverness.
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.
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!
How many people will be in the group?
The group size is normally between 29 and 33 passengers, however at times of peak demand larger coaches may be used.
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.
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 midicoach
- 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 driver/guide
Departure information
From Platform 7
Inverness Bus Station
Margaret Street
Inverness, IV1 1LT
Check-in: 07:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:45 hrs
Tour Returns: 18:30 hrs
Child details
There are no Child, Senior or Student discounts available on this tour.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 6 years cannot travel on this tour.
Price Notes
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
WOW02977
