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Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands - 1 day tour
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands
One day tour
Discover the stunningly beautiful and unspoilt Scottish Highlands. Experience an ever-changing panorama of mountains, lochs and glens, with the highlight of this popular tour being an extended stop at enigmatic Loch Ness, where there's an opportunity to sail across the mysterious waters to visit Urquhart Castle. What a monster day out!
Rannoch Moor - cross this vast, wild stretch of untouched Highland wilderness
Glen Coe - experience the breathtaking beauty of this famous valley
Loch Ness - join an optional cruise on the deep, mysterious waters of Scotland’s most famous loch.
Urquhart Castle - explore the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands
Cairngorms National Park - take in sweeping views of rugged peaks, ancient forests and sparkling lochs.
Perthshire - discover the charming town of Pitlochry in the heart of “Big Tree Country”
Movie locations – Main Solah Baras Ki, Harry Potter and Skyfall
Full Tour Itinerary
Leaving Edinburgh behind, the journey begins with a drive through the picturesque landscapes of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. After a break for refreshments in the delightful town of Callander, there is the possibility of seeing some Highland Cattle (Hairy Coos), depending on the time of year.
Soon, we cross into the Highlands and after travelling through “Rob Roy” Country, we will start the ascent of the Black Mount to reach the expanse of Rannoch Moor, which extends over 50 square miles.
Next, we make a stop in Glen Coe, amongst this atmospheric beauty, we will hear the tragic story of the infamous massacre of the resident MacDonald Clan by members of the Clan Campbell. Although it took place in 1692, the event remains controversial to this day.
After making a stop in the Fort William area for lunch, we enter the impressive scenery of the Great Glen. We’ll pass Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, and, if time permits, make a stop at the Commando Memorial viewpoint.
Soon after, the road leads to the highlight of the day: Loch Ness. At 230 metres deep, it holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined - an ideal hiding place for a certain legendary creature. Enjoy lunch, explore the shoreline, or join an optional cruise to Urquhart Castle.
Our homeward journey first continues northwards to reach the City of Inverness, then we enter the vast Cairngorms National Park, home to rare wildlife, ancient pinewoods and some of Britain’s highest peaks.
After descending through the Grampian Mountains, you’ll pass Blair Castle, home to the Duke of Atholl and the only private army in Europe, with stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Victoria and Robert Burns woven into its history.
The final stop is Pitlochry, a pleasant Victorian resort town set amongst the rolling hills and deep forests of Highland Perthshire.
Travelling through the ancient Kingdom of Fife, there are sweeping views across the Forth estuary and the iconic Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, before reaching Edinburgh and the end of our Highland adventure.
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.
What are my sightseeing options at Loch Ness?
No visit to Loch Ness is complete without sailing the dark and enigmatic waters of Scotland’s most famous lake.
Visit to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise
Visit the hauntingly beautiful Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s largest castles. The castle boasts a commanding presence overlooking the loch. After time to explore the castle and admire the views take to the water for a short cruise on Loch Ness.
Loch Ness Cruise
Take a cruise sailing the deepest waters of Loch Ness to enjoy amazing views of ruined Urquhart Castle.
You can purchase tickets for these options from your driver/guide on the day of the tour and payment is in cash only. For operational reasons, it’s not possible to visit Urquhart Castle on its own. You must purchase the Castle and Cruise ticket option.
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.
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!
Do you offer a hotel pick-up service on this tour?
We know that you will want to start your tour straight away rather than spending valuable time travelling around hotels.
By offering a single centrally located departure point we can get you to Scotland’s best scenery as quickly as possible .
Inclusions
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
Outside NCP Car Park
Castle Terrace
Edinburgh EH1 2EW
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 4 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 4 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.
Admission Prices
In order 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 02877
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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 14 Jun 2025
Perfect way to explore the Highlands! Especially if your guide is Brian
Olha from Hexham, GB
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Rating: (5 /5) 09 May 2025
The tour was exceptional couldn't ask for a better day
Sharon from Hobart, US
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Rating: (5 /5) 02 Apr 2025
Jamie and Adam did a fabulous job. We appreciated Jamie's added opinions while he informed us of historical happenings.
Kimberly from Belleville, US
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