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Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland - 1 day tour
Loch Ness and the Highlands of Scotland
One day tour
Discover the best of the Scottish Highlands in just one day! Savour the magnificent views touring across wild Rannoch Moor before stopping at Glen Coe to soak up the atmosphere. Travel through the majestic scenery of The Great Glen to reach mysterious Loch Ness. At Fort Augustus, board a cruise boat for a short monster-spotting cruise. Return to Edinburgh through the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and Highland Perthshire.
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 the deep and dark waters of Scotland’s most famous loch
Cairngorms National Park - savour the fantastic panoramas of lochs, mountains and picturesque 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.
We pass Doune Castle, which is the setting for Castle Leoch in the popular Outlander TV series, before stopping for refreshments in the charming town of Callander.
Next, our journey continues through the wilderness of Rannoch Moor, then into brooding Glen Coe, where we will stop for photographs and learn the tragic tale of the massacre that took place here in 1692.
After making a stop in Fort William for lunch, enjoy views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, before entering The Great Glen and following the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus, which sits on the banks of Loch Ness.
On our arrival in the attractive village of Fort Augustus, embark on your own Nessie-spotting adventure when you board a cruise boat for a 50-minute sail across the deep and dark waters of the loch. 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 impressive Ardverikie House, which recently featured in the Netflix series “The Crown”.
Soon we’ll enter the beautiful Cairngorms National Park and make our descent through the Pass of Drumochter and Glen Garry 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 superb views of the magnificent Forth 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.
Travel is provided by air-conditioned vehicle 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.
Can you tell me about the Loch Ness Cruise?
On this tour, you can maximise your Nessie-spotting potential, as a 50-minute cruise on Loch Ness is included in the cost.
Departing from Fort Augustus, you’ll soon be sailing over the deep, dark and mysterious waters of the loch. Enjoy spectacular views of the loch, the impressive Fort Augustus Abbey, and Cherry Island, a man-made structure dating back to prehistoric times known as a crannog.
The cruise boat is equipped with comfortable seating inside and out, toilets and a bar selling drinks and refreshments.
You can monitor any unusual activity below the waves using the top-of-the-range sonar. At the same time, the expert guides provide a fascinating commentary on the wildlife, sights and history of Scotland’s most famous loch.
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!
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’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 air-conditioned vehicle
- Cruise on Loch Ness
- 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
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
23-27 Waterloo Place
Edinburgh EH1 3BG
Check-in: 07:20 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 6 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 6 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 48 hours notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Loch Ness Cruise
A 50-minute cruise on Loch Ness is included in the cost of the tour
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
GLS 02910
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (3 /5) 07 Sep 2025
Brian is very informative and friendly tour guide. Luke has been a good driver we had a safe and smooth tour of the highlands.
Julie Ann from Poole, GB
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Rating: (5 /5) 06 Sep 2024
This trip was amazing! Brian, our driver and guide, is an encyclopedia of information. He regaled us with historical information, funny tidbits and good music. He is also a very professional driver. I highly recommend this tour.
Chris from Oak Harbor, US
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Rating: (5 /5) 28 Jun 2024
Beautiful tour Highlands were amazing The driver was knowledgeable and accommodating 👍🏻
Rakan from Riyadh, SA
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