From Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Glencoe & Loch Lomond Day Tour

Traveling through the Scottish Highlands is often described as stepping into a postcard—wild landscapes, ancient stories, and iconic symbols like The Kelpies. This particular tour, offered by Uncover Scotland Tours, promises a personalized, luxurious experience that skips the crowded buses and offers a more intimate glimpse into some of Scotland’s most famous sights.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it’s a private experience, meaning your small group and guide tailor the day to your interests. Second, the luxury transport in an executive Mercedes V Class ensures comfort and style. Third, the tour offers fascinating stories from an enthusiastic driver-guide, ensuring historical and cultural insights go hand-in-hand with spectacular scenery.

However, it’s worth considering that at $441 per person, this isn’t the cheapest option out there. While the price reflects the private, flexible nature of the experience, budget travelers might find they can get similar sights with a group tour at a lower cost. That said, for those craving a more personal, flexible, and high-quality day trip, this one is hard to beat.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value comfort, customized itineraries, and engaging storytelling. If you’re eager to see the Scottish Highlands without the rush of larger tours, and you appreciate being able to control your stops, this experience will likely suit you well.

Contents show

Key Points

Private Experience: Travel with only your group in a luxurious Mercedes V Class for comfort and intimacy.
Flexible Stops: You get to decide how long to stay at each site, avoiding the rushed feel of large coach tours.
Expert Guide: The driver provides live commentary packed with interesting stories about each location, from Glencoe’s tragic past to Harry Potter filming sites.
Iconic Sights: Visit Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and The Kelpies—each offering memorable scenery and photo opportunities.
Authentic Encounters: Feed Highland cows and learn about local history directly from your guide.
Value for Money: While on the pricier side, reviews suggest the personalized attention, scenery, and storytelling make it worthwhile.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Looking for more options in Edinburgh? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Pickup and Departure from Edinburgh

Your day begins with a pickup outside your accommodation, which is a major plus—no need to worry about finding meeting points or navigating public transport. A professional driver in an executive Mercedes V Class greets you, setting the tone for a comfortable day ahead.

As you leave Edinburgh’s bustling streets, your guide shares some quick historical context, passing sights like Edinburgh Castle. The journey out of the city feels relaxed, and you can settle in with a good view or a chat about what’s ahead.

Callander and Highland Cows: The First Stops

A short drive brings you to Callander, a charming gateway into the Highlands. Here, there’s a chance to grab refreshments, stretch your legs, and take some scenic photos. One of the highlights for many is the Kilmahog stop, where Highland cows roam freely.

According to reviews, feeding these fluffy creatures is a real treat—an authentic Highland experience that many travelers cherish. It’s a good break to interact with Scotland’s famous furry residents, and guides often share fun facts about Highland cattle, making it more than just a photo op.

Glencoe: The Rugged Heart of the Highlands

One of the standout stops is Glencoe, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and dark history. Filming locations from James Bond’s Skyfall and scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban add a touch of cinematic magic to the scenery.

We loved the way guides like Donnie and Richard bring Glencoe’s stories to life—highlighting the tragic 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan amid the stunning backdrop of waterfalls and towering peaks. It’s a place where the landscape feels alive, and you’ll want to take plenty of photos. Be prepared for some serious photo moments—this area truly looks like a painting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Loch Lomond: The Legendary Waters

From Glencoe, you’ll head towards Loch Lomond, often called “the bonnie banks” by Scots. This area is famed for its vast, shimmering waters and surrounding hills. Your guide will tell stories about the loch’s place in Scottish culture and history, enriching your appreciation of the scenery.

Expect ample photo opportunities here, with suggestions for capturing the landscape from different angles. Many reviews mention how the peacefulness of Loch Lomond is a perfect contrast to the dramatic Highlands, offering a moment of calm in the day’s adventure.

There's plenty more to explore in Edinburgh

The Kelpies: A Modern Scottish Landmark

The final stop is at the Kelpies, the iconic 30-meter-high horse sculptures near Falkirk. These impressive structures are both a tribute to Scotland’s horse-powered heritage and a captivating piece of modern art.

You’ll love the way the sunlight hits these towering figures, creating perfect photo moments. It’s a fitting end to your day, combining Scotland’s historic past with contemporary artistic expression. The Kelpies are a popular backdrop for Instagram shots and are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Transportation & Flexibility

Traveling in an executive Mercedes V Class makes all the difference. It’s a quiet, comfortable vehicle that allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without the noise and crowds of a larger bus. Plus, the private nature of the tour means you can decide how long to linger at each site, an advantage highlighted repeatedly in reviews.

Guides are known for their personable approach—many guests mention guides like Ricky, James, or Donnie for their attentiveness and storytelling skills. They’re happy to answer questions or modify stops based on your preferences.

Duration & Timing

The tour runs as a full-day experience, with the flexibility to customize stops. Pick-up is right outside your accommodation, and the entire day is designed to maximize sightseeing without feeling hurried. You’ll likely spend several hours at each main location, with time for breaks and photos.

Cost & Value

While $441 per person is on the higher end for a day trip, reviews strongly suggest that the quality of the experience justifies the expense. The private format, expert guidance, and scenic stops provide a level of personalization and comfort that large group tours struggle to match.

What’s Not Included

Food and drink are not included, so it’s worth bringing snacks or planning to stop for lunch along the way. Your guide can often recommend local spots or arrange for quick snacks during your breaks.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Reviewers

Guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and friendly manner. “Donnie, our guide was just awesome,” one reviewer said, “Full control of our stops and duration of them – no rushing.” Others highlight the storytelling, with Richard being singled out as a great storyteller.

The chance to feed Highland cows and explore filming sites from Harry Potter and James Bond films makes the tour feel authentic and fun. Many reviews mention how the landscapes exceeded expectations—waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, and ancient buildings all feature prominently.

Final thoughts

This tour offers a compelling blend of comfort, flexibility, and stunning scenery—ideal for travelers who want a personalized way to explore Scotland’s highlights. The private vehicle means you avoid the crowds, and the expert guides ensure you leave with stories and photos that will last a lifetime.

While the price might seem steep, many guests believe the quality of the experience, including the ability to tailor stops and enjoy the scenery at your own pace, makes it worth every penny. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good storytelling, scenic beauty, and a touch of luxury during their Scottish adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed, customizable day with knowledgeable guides and breathtaking landscapes, this tour is a strong choice. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or small groups who want to avoid the hustle of bigger tours. Travelers who love taking photos and want to feed Highland cows will find this especially delightful.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer large group experiences, there are more affordable options. But if you value comfort, flexibility, and storytelling, this private tour offers excellent value.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included right outside your accommodation, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

What type of vehicle is used?
The tour uses an executive Mercedes V Class, ensuring comfort and space for your group.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, your guide will allow you to have input on stop durations, making the experience more tailored to your interests.

How long is the tour?
It’s a full-day experience, with time allocated at each major site—Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and The Kelpies—and extra stops like Highland cows.

What’s the price?
The tour costs $441 per person, which reflects its private, flexible nature and luxury transportation.

Is food included?
No, food and drink are not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan to stop for lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 4 years, but older kids and teenagers who enjoy scenery and storytelling will likely enjoy it.

This guided trip from Edinburgh offers a high-quality Scottish experience—balancing scenic beauty, personal attention, and cultural stories. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone looking to explore at a relaxed pace, it’s a memorable way to see Scotland’s most iconic sights.