Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour

Discover the captivating landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands and Loch Ness on this comprehensive day tour from Edinburgh. With flexible payment options and knowledgeable guides, this 12-hour adventure showcases the country’s breathtaking natural beauty, from the iconic peaks of Ben Nevis to the serene waters of Loch Ness. Explore charming towns, go on scenic drives, and even embark on a boat cruise – all while learning about the region’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will have you eager to discover more of Scotland.

Key Points

• This 12-hour tour from Edinburgh takes visitors through the Scottish Highlands, including stops at Callander, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, and Pitlochry.
• The tour offers an optional 50-minute boat cruise on Loch Ness and provides views of the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.
• Discounted pricing is available, with a 10% savings, and a full refund is offered for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
• Live tour guides provide commentary in English, and audio guides are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and French.
• The tour covers over 300 miles (500km) and has a minimum age requirement of 5 years, with children under 17 required to be accompanied by an adult.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour offers an opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Scotland.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Scotland on the Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour.

Priced from $67.72 to $75.24 per person, the 12-hour tour provides great value with a 10% savings. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour takes visitors through the Scottish Highlands, including stops at Callander, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, and Pitlochry. Highlights include a photo stop at Glencoe and an optional Loch Ness boat cruise.

Knowledgeable guides lead the tour in English, with audio guides available in multiple languages.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a 1.5-hour bus/coach journey to Callander, where guests spend 45 minutes exploring the town.

The coach then travels to Glencoe, where there’s a 10-minute photo stop.

After, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to Fort Augustus, followed by 115 minutes to see Loch Ness, with an optional 50-minute boat cruise.

The tour continues to Pitlochry for a 30-minute break and photo stop before returning to the starting point.

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy views of the Scottish Highlands, including Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and Cairngorms National Park.

Tour Experience

Travelers embark on a scenic journey through the Scottish Highlands, taking in the breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

The tour explores Glen Coe and the Three Sisters, offering a glimpse into the region’s dramatic landscapes. An optional Loch Ness boat cruise provides the opportunity to view underwater life using hi-tech imaging systems. Guests can relax on board with drinks available.

The journey continues through Perthshire and Cairngorms National Park, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of the Scottish countryside.

Guides and Reviews

Live tour guides on the Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour provide commentary in English, with audio guides available in several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.

Positive traveler reviews highlight the guides’ knowledgeability and friendliness, with an overall rating of 4.6/5. The tour’s transportation also receives high praise, earning a 4.4/5 rating.

While the value for money is rated 4.1/5, the tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore the scenic Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness at a reasonable price.

• Live tour guide commentary in English

• Audio guides available in multiple languages

• Knowledgeable and friendly guides, rated 4.6/5

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Important Information

Although the tour covers over 300 miles (500km), children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 5 years.

Travelers should arrive 15 minutes before departure for check-in. Return times are approximate, so plan for an additional 3 hours for onward travel.

The tour accommodates collapsible wheelchairs with assistance. However, extreme weather may lead to the cancellation of the optional Loch Ness boat cruise, in which case refunds will be available.

Getting to the Starting Location

Where’s the starting location for this tour?

The tour starts at the Highland Explorer Tours office, located at 1 Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG, Scotland.

The tour starts at the Highland Explorer Tours office, located at 1 Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG, Scotland.

Getting there’s easy:

1. By bus: Take the Lothian Bus 1, 16, or 34 to Canning Street.

2. By train: Arrive at Waverley Station and walk 15 minutes to the starting point.

3. By car: There’s limited parking available near the office, so it’s best to use public transportation if possible.

Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to check in and board the coach.

The tour covers over 300 miles, so plan accordingly for onward travel.

What to Bring and Wear

Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes for this tour.

Layers are recommended, as the Scottish climate can be unpredictable. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella, as light rain is common.

It’s also advisable to pack a small backpack or bag to carry any personal items or snacks. Cameras are encouraged to capture the stunning scenery.

Since the tour involves walking, comfortable, broken-in footwear is essential.

Finally, don’t forget sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen, as the Highlands can get quite sunny at times.

Additional Options and Upgrades

Along With the standard tour, there are several optional upgrades and add-ons available.

These include:

1. Loch Ness Boat Cruise: Visitors can enhance their Loch Ness experience by taking a 50-minute cruise on the iconic loch. The cruise features hi-tech imaging systems to provide a glimpse of the underwater life.

2. Whisky Tasting: For those interested in Scotland’s renowned whisky culture, a stop at a local distillery can be arranged for a guided tasting session.

3. Private Transfer: Guests can opt for a private transfer service to and from their accommodations, ensuring a seamless and personalized travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Edinburgh Day Trips?

Based on the tour details provided, it appears this Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands tour can be combined with other Edinburgh day trips. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator about any potential scheduling conflicts or restrictions.

Is There an Option to Visit Stirling Castle During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include a visit to Stirling Castle. However, there are options to customize the itinerary or book separate tours to visit Stirling Castle. Guests should check with the tour operator for any add-on options or recommendations.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Lunch or Are Meals Provided?

The tour does not provide meals, so you’ll need to bring your own lunch. There are breaks during the tour where you can purchase food and drinks from local establishments.

Can I Extend the Time at Loch Ness to Explore Further?

The tour provides 115 minutes to explore Loch Ness. Guests can’t extend this time, but they can opt for an additional 50-minute Loch Ness boat cruise for an extra fee. The tour’s schedule doesn’t allow for further independent exploration at Loch Ness.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Students receive a 10% discount, while seniors aged 60 and above get a 5% discount off the regular tour price. These can be applied at the time of booking.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour offers an unforgettable 12-hour journey through Scotland’s stunning landscapes. Priced reasonably between $67.72 and $75.24, the tour includes stops at iconic locations, a scenic drive, and a Loch Ness cruise. With knowledgeable guides and flexible payment options, this adventure showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Highlands, making it a must-do for visitors to Scotland.

You can check availability for your dates here: