Highland Gems - 1 day tour

from £75.00 Book Now

Tour Summary

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 or take a short monster-spotting cruise before returning 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 - sail the mysterious waters on a monster-spotting cruise

Fort Augustus - enjoy time relaxing in this historic loch-side village

Movie locations - Loch Ness, Harry Potter and Skyfall

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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. For the best chance of an encounter why not take to the water aboard a state of the art cruise boat equipped with sonar and other “monster-spotting” aids for a short sail across the deep and mysterious waters?

Back on dry-land, 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. 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.

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!

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 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.

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