Loch Ness, The Highlands and Whisky - 1 day tour
Loch Ness, The Highlands and Whisky Tour
One day tour
This fun-packed tour will let you discover how Scotch Whisky is carefully produced then tour through the beautiful Scottish Highlands to reach iconic sights such as Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe and, of course, Loch Ness. This tour really has the WOW factor!
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the visit to Deanston Whisky Distillery has been temporarily suspended. Additional time or stops will be allocated during the tour by the driver/guide.
Deanston Distillery - discover the distiller’s art on a “behind the scenes” tour to see how malt whisky is produced (temporarily suspended)
Glen Coe - visit this magnificent valley, scene of the infamous massacre in 1692
Loch Ness - take a relaxed stroll along the banks or take a short monster-spotting cruise
Cairngorms National Park - explore a majestic landscape of mountains and lochs
Pitlochry - enjoy free time in this attractive Victorian resort town
Movie locations - Outlander, Restless Natives and The Descent
Full Tour Itinerary
From Edinburgh, travel to Stirling, where there are great views of the imposing Castle and Wallace Monument to enjoy. Along the way, listen to fascinating tales of our great heroes Robert the Bruce and Sir William Wallace.
Deanston Whisky Distillery enjoys a pleasant location overlooking the cascading waters of the River Teith. Here you’ll have the chance to discover how Scotch Whisky is traditionally made and to set yourself up for an exciting day of exploration. Why not enjoy a little taste of the end product!
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the visit to Deanston Whisky Distillery has been temporarily suspended. Additional time or stops will be allocated during the tour by the driver/guide.
Later, as we make our way towards the Highlands, we’ll travel through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the homelands of another great Scottish character – Rob Roy Macgregor.
Our introduction to the majestic scenery of the Highlands is a drive through the desolate wilderness of Rannoch Moor then the spectacular scenery of Glen Coe, famed as the location of the infamous massacre in 1692.
We’ll make a stop so you can savour the beauty of this remarkable place.
Soon we’re travelling through Fort William, home to the towering peak of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. Here we enter the Great Glen, which leads us to the highlight of today’s tour - Loch Ness.
We’ll stop in the pretty village of Fort Augustus, where there is time to enjoy lunch, take a stroll along the banks of Loch Ness or watch the pleasure boats navigate the locks of the Caledonian Canal.
If you want to explore further, why not take to the water to enjoy a relaxing one-hour Nessie-spotting cruise?
After our extended stop at Loch Ness, we enter the scenic beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and make our way through Glen Spean.
If weather and time permits, we’ll stop for a waterfall walk in the heart of the Glen (February to October).
The Pass of Drumochter takes us through the Grampian Mountains and onwards to the elegant Victorian town of Pitlochry, where we’ll have our last stop of the day.
The final part of our tour will take us through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. As we cross the Firth of Forth, there are stunning views of the Forth Bridge to enjoy.
All too soon, we return to Edinburgh and the end of our tour.
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.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
To give you maximum flexibility the cost of admission fees and other optional extras are not included in the tour price. This gives you complete freedom to choose as the mood takes you. On this tour there are optional visits to:
Deanston Malt Whisky Distillery
Loch Ness Cruise
Following the links above will give you more information on these attractionas including current admission prices. At some locations a special discount is offered to tour participants, your driver/guide will give you more information if this applies. Credit/debit cards are not always accepted so you should plan to have sufficient cash with you should you wish to make any visits.
Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?
A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.
Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.
Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.
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?
Mount your very own Nessie adventure by taking a one hour cruise to explore the deep, dark and mysterious waters of Loch Ness.
The cruise boat is equipped with on-board sonar, comfortable seating inside and out as well as toilets.
Refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring packed food.
You can purchase a ticket from your driver/guide on the day of the tour and payment is in cash only.
Inclusions
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges unless
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From Deacon’s House Café
304 Lawnmarket
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 2PS
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to children aged 7 to 17 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 7 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
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
COO 02860

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Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating:(5 /5) 03 Sep 2021
I enjoyed my tour with Brian. He was very knowledgeable and I enjoyed his stories
Cosmin from Edinburgh, GB
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Rating:(5 /5) 13 Jan 2018
Would like bus with bathrooms and possibly a screen that interprets what the driver is saying. Driver wonderful and funny and energetic!
Ann from Fairbanks, United States
