Edinburgh

Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

Badge of ExcellenceEdinburgh, Scotland
  • 12 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Take a personalized tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness on this day trip to the Scottish Highlands. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy a boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group limited to 16 passengers.
  • Small-group day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands from Edinburgh
  • Visit Glencoe and explore the famous Cairngorms National Park
  • Take in spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands as you travel
  • Enjoy a chance to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, on a Loch Ness cruise
  • Small-group tour for a more personalized experience
  • Travel comfortably in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

This tour crams a lot into one day, but travel time between stops is never more than two hours.

What's Included

  • Admission Fee - includes 50 minute cruise on Loch Ness
  • The chance to see "Nessie", the Loch Ness monster
  • Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers)
  • Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Admission Fees unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Bus Station
    Edinburgh EH1 3AY, UK

    Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure)

Start time

07:45 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Get comfortable inside your top of the range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and depart central Edinburgh to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands, stopping along the way to hear insightful commentary from your guide.

Pass by Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and Linlithgow Palace—the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots—en route to Glencoe, a Highland glen filled with eerie tales about the Clan MacDonald massacre of 1692.

Journey onward through the 18th-century Fort William, and gaze out at the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen. Reaching Fort Augustus, disembark on the shores of Loch Ness, where you can opt for a seasonal boat ride on the loch and listen for the Loch Ness Monster ‘Nessie’ on the sonar system. (Cruises run from Easter to the end of October.) 

After you purchase lunch (own expense), continue your drive to Cairngorms National Park via Spean Bridge village. Take in the views of Loch Laggan and the windswept mountains, including Craig Meagaidh, where the TV series 'Monarch of the Glen' was filmed. 

Your tour concludes with the return drive to Edinburgh.

Callander

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Glencoe Mountain

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fort Augustus

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cruise Loch Ness

50 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Cairngorms National Park (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Check-in closes 15 minutes prior to departure. This tour will depart from Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ. Check-in will close at 07:30 (tour will depart at 07:45).
  • Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
  • In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
  • Minimum age to participate is 5 years old. We do not carry children under the age of 5.
  • Loch Ness cruise – We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
  • Please note, this tour returns to Edinburgh around 20:00 PM
  • *The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:What is the departure point for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The tour departs from Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH1 3DQ

Feb 2023

Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Parking can be difficult to find in the center of town. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of the excellent public transportation that is available.

Jun 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Check-in closes 15 minutes before your departure time. The tour departs on time, so please do not arrive late.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring luggage with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:You may bring up to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.

Jun 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your camera and spending money for lunch, optional admission tickets, etc.

Jun 2021

Q:Are admission fees included in the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:Admission to selected attractions will be included, which are listed in the Inclusions section. For any that are not listed, you pay for access as you arrive. Most of these locations accept both cash and card.

May 2023

Q:What type of vehicle is used during the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The tour is conducted in a 16 seat Mercedes Mini-coach. There are three steps up into the coach – each 150mm in height. There are grab handles on both sides, the step edges are clearly marked and the treads are non-slip.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring a wheelchair on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:The bus is not wheelchair accessible, however, there is storage available for a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Guests must be able to get on/off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a companion as guides cannot assist physically.

Jun 2021

Q:Are restrooms available on the bus during the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:There are no restrooms on board the bus, however, the group does make regular breaks to use the restroom during the tour.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my small child with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?

A:All guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this tour. If your child is 5 or older, but under 1.35m (4.4 ft.) tall, please notate this in the "Special Requirements" box so a booster seat can be arranged.

Jun 2021

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Sasha_D
William was a fantastic tour guide. He was funny and knowledgeable. I enjoyed learning more the history of the Scottish Highlands. We highly recommend this tour.

Reviews

4.5
5,208 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 5,208 reviews
A fun way to see Scotland
Ed_R, May 2024
Our tour guide Brian was amazing! He made the tour and I would recommend this to anyone visiting Scotland.
Great highlands intro
Jaclyn_T, May 2024
This tour covers so many miles in just one day! It gave me an idea on what I want to do when I return to Scotland with my husband to spend a proper vacation. If you are short on time, this will show you so many beautiful landscapes and stories. BARBARA was phenomenal! We fit in a few extra stops and seeing the llama (must be a kelpie) was crazy leaving Loch Ness!
Lovely day trip
Renee_M, May 2024
Wonderful tour with Michael. Did a fantastic job sharing Scotish history mixed in with great music. I would recommend this tour if you want a taste of the highlands.
Amazing trip to the Highlands
Milo_S, May 2024
Loch Ness was awesome and the Highlands were even more incredible than I ever imagined. Peter our Driver was top notch!
The highlands were truly lovely!
Megan_W, May 2024
Graeme was a fantastic guide! Very long day but very well worth it. Driving on your own would be a bit stressful
10/10, would recommended!
Nicole_B, May 2024
Our tour guide, William, was very informative! The number of stops made the trip not seem too long and every site had a reason. William not only gave us stories about the sites, but also answered any questions. There was enough time at each stop to see the site and take it in, but not too long!
Highly recommended!
Josh_D, May 2024
This was the perfect tour! William, our driver, was engaging, funny, and knowledgeable. I really like how each group was limited to 16 people. It made everything seem to work easier.
It was amazing! Beautiful...
Andrea_D, May 2024
It was amazing! Beautiful views the scenery breathtaking Our guide Ally was really good! Take the cruise on the lake! It was fun and relaxing
Beautiful Sites
Corinna_S, May 2024
We had a fantastic time. It is a wonderful way to see the Scottish countryside. Pete was a great tour guide. Very informative and a lot of fun.
Excellent Highlands experience
Marylyn_W, May 2024
Trevor was a fantastic, knowledgeable guide for this adventure! The scenery was beautiful! The weather was perfect with just a couple of short showers during the day. As this was our first time to Scotland, we felt like this small group setting with an expert in the drivers seat was the perfect excursion!
Beautiful trip into the...
Stephanie_S, Apr 2024
Beautiful trip into the Highlands. Our guide, Trevor was very knowledgeable and engaging throughout the entire trip. We learned a lot about the land and the history. Even had a change to pet some Highland cows!
What a wonderful day!
Dana_K, Apr 2024
The guide, Chas, was fantastic! She made everything fun despite the bad weather! I enjoyed learning some of the history of the Scottish Highlands!
An awesome trip!
Jonathan_B, Apr 2024
It was absolutely fantastic and Barbara was a delight! We got to see so much and we had a really fun time.
Robbie’s Tours Are Number One
Phillip_J, Apr 2024
Simon was a great tour guide. Engaged with passengers, explained a lot about Scottish history, stopped for many awesome photo ops. Played great music. Surrey bus was comfortable. This trip obviously allowed time at Loch Ness… included boat ride. Note: This tour was a full 12 hour trip.
Refund requested for the boatride in Loch Ness that was cancelled.
Kathyaini_S, Apr 2024
We had a tour of the Highlands, Glencoe but the LOch Ness boatride was cancelled by the tour company and we were informed that Viator would give us a refund. Please let me know when I can expect a refund and if it gets credited to my card. Thanks Kathyaini Sambasivan
Great tour of the highlands!
nadiam, Apr 2024
This is a very long but FUN day! There is a lot of driving in the car to different sites but the sites are SO beautiful!!!! You will get some wonderful pictures and I must say how amazing our tour guide JP was! He was so fabulous, funny, and full of knowledge! You always know when someone likes their job and you can tell he likes his!
Glens and stories
Betty_V, Apr 2024
The stories told by the tour guide and the cruise guide were entertaining and informative. The sights in the glens were awesome!
Lovely day out
Jez_H, Apr 2024
Beautiful part of the world, Dave the driver/guide was knowledgable and amusing. Many photo opportunity stops along the way to capture the day.
Small group tour with amazing stops
Kristin_W, Apr 2024
Gary was an amazing guide with so much local knowledge! I really enjoyed that it was a small group and am grateful that he was so willing to share so much of his beautiful home.
Beautiful and amazing
Carmen_N, Apr 2024
Kieran was excellent guide, he explained everything and talk all day long and I don’t say this in a bad way, he talk and gave us tons of information and history about Scotland all day long and every history had a match song that reinforced all Amazing!!!!!
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From $122.84

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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