The "Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel Tour" offers an unforgettable adventure through Scotland’s stunning landscapes. With a 12-hour journey, it includes a scenic drive, stops for refreshments and lunch, and the chance to witness the Jacobite Steam Train. Priced at $86.92 per person, the tour promises a memorable highland experience with hotel pick-up, an English-speaking guide, and meals included. Discover the captivating beauty and rich history that await.
Key Points
- This 12-hour tour from Edinburgh takes visitors to iconic Scottish landmarks like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, and Loch Shiel.
- The tour includes free hotel pick-up and drop-off, a driver-guide, and meals, with an additional cost for entry to the Glenfinnan Monument.
- The itinerary features scenic drives, photo stops, a visit to the Turf House, and views of the Jacobite Steam Train (April-October).
- With a 4.8/5 overall rating, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guide, transportation quality, and value for money.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old, and participants should check availability for starting times and group size.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, titled "Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel," is priced from $86.92 per person.
It’s a 12-hour excursion that’s likely to sell out. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes free hotel pick-up and drop-off, a driver-guide, and covered costs for morning refreshments, lunch, and final stops.
This 12-hour tour includes free transportation, a driver-guide, and meals throughout the day for a seamless highland experience.
However, entry to the Glenfinnan Monument costs an additional £5.50 per adult and £4.00 per senior/child.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 22 reviews, this tour provides excellent value and an immersive highland experience.
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Itinerary and Highlights
Starting at Waterloo Place (Stop ZJ), the tour kicks off with a 30-minute stop in Callander for morning refreshments.
After, it’s a scenic drive through Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, with photo stops along the way.
The group then enjoys a 1-hour lunch at the Glencoe Visitor Centre before visiting the Turf House for 17th-century Scottish history.
At Glenfinnan, they’ll view the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the iconic viaduct (April-October) and explore the Glenfinnan Monument.
The final stop is Loch Shiel, offering scenic views and historical insights, before returning to Edinburgh via Pitlochry.
Transportation and Inclusions
Transportation for the tour is provided by an air-conditioned mini-coach. The tour includes an English-speaking driver-guide who’ll provide commentary throughout the journey.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also included, ensuring a seamless experience. Lunch and refreshments at various stops along the way are covered in the tour price.
The only additional cost is the entry fee for the Glenfinnan Monument, which is £5.50 per adult and £4.00 per senior/child, payable on the day.
With comfortable transportation and all key inclusions, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Scottish Highlands.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Based on the 22 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Customers praised the guide’s performance, rating it 4.8/5, and the transportation quality at 4.8/5. Value for money was rated 4.7/5.
The tour’s guide and transportation received high praise, with 4.8/5 ratings, and its value for money was also well-received at 4.7/5.
Reviewers highlighted the guide, Jamie, as "wonderful and knowledgeable," and described the tour as offering a "great day in the highlands with enough time to explore nature" in a "detailed" and "friendly" atmosphere.
The tour appears to provide an excellent experience, with high-quality transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and good value for money, as reflected in the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Logistics
The meeting point for the tour is Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place (opposite Howies Restaurant) in Edinburgh.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old. Participants should check availability for starting times and group size. The itinerary may be subject to change.
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Pickup and drop-off are included, with hotel pickup available.
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The tour duration is approximately 12 hours.
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Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Booking and payment can be done in advance, with no upfront cost.
Exploring the Glenfinnan Viaduct
As the tour reaches the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the guide provides commentary on the iconic 19th-century railway bridge that has become a popular filming location for the Harry Potter movies.
The viaduct’s 21 arches span 1,000 feet across the dramatic landscape, offering breathtaking views of Loch Shiel below.
Visitors can explore the Glenfinnan Monument, which commemorates the 1745 Jacobite rising, before watching the Jacobite steam train chug across the famous bridge, bringing scenes from the wizarding world to life.
This is a highlight of the tour, allowing travelers to enjoy Scotland’s rich history and natural beauty.
Discovering the Beauty of Glencoe
Departing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the tour winds its way through the dramatic landscapes of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe.
Departing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the tour winds its way through the dramatic landscapes of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe.
The scenic drive offers several photo stops, allowing visitors to capture the breathtaking scenery:
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Rannoch Moor’s vast expanse of rugged moorland and lochs.
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Glencoe’s towering mountains and cascading waterfalls.
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The Glencoe Visitor Centre, where the group enjoys a lunch break.
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The Turf House, providing insights into 17th-century Scottish history.
This part of the tour immerses travelers in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Scottish Highlands, setting the stage for the upcoming visit to Loch Shiel.
Taking in the History of Loch Shiel
After exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, the tour heads to Loch Shiel, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the rich historical significance of this captivating location. Guests will gain insights into the Jacobite Rebellion and the famous Glenfinnan Monument, which commemorates the raising of the Jacobite standard in 1745.
| Historic Event | Year | Significance |
| — | — | — |
| Jacobite Rebellion | 1745 | Attempted to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne |
| Raising of Jacobite Standard | 1745 | Marked the start of the Jacobite rising |
| Glenfinnan Monument Erected | 1815 | Honors those who fought and died for the Jacobite cause |
With stunning vistas and rich history, Loch Shiel captivates visitors on this unforgettable highland adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tour Cancellation Policy?
The tour has a free cancellation policy. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility and allows customers to change their plans if needed.
Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on This Tour?
The tour company can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Customers should notify the company of any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.
Are There Any Discounts Available for This Tour?
There are no specific discounts mentioned for this tour. However, some tour operators may offer general discounts for seniors, students, or groups. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly to inquire about any available discounts or promotional offers.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch at the Glencoe Visitor Centre, but guests are welcome to supplement this with personal snacks and beverages during the journey.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Each Location?
The tour provides time for exploring each location, with 30 minutes in Callander, 1 hour for lunch at Glencoe Visitor Centre, and the opportunity to visit the Glenfinnan Monument during the stop there. The time allocated for each stop allows guests to sightsee comfortably.
The Sum Up
The Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich history. With breathtaking scenery, engaging sights, and convenient inclusions, this 12-hour journey provides a memorable highland adventure for travelers seeking to explore the Highlands. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a captivating day trip, this tour is an excellent choice.
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