The "Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour" offers an exhilarating journey through Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes. Travelers can explore the iconic Loch Ness, marvel at the picturesque Glencoe, and encounter the charming highland cattle. With an enthusiastic guide and a reasonable price tag, this highly-rated tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Those seeking to enjoy the captivating beauty of the Scottish Highlands won’t want to miss this opportunity.
Key Points
- Comprehensive 12.5-hour sightseeing tour of the Scottish Highlands departing from Edinburgh, covering iconic locations like Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Stirling Castle.
- Tour includes transportation, an English-speaking driver-guide, and has an overall rating of 4.5/5 from over 2,300 reviews.
- Optional activities like a Loch Ness boat cruise and visiting Urquhart Castle are available for an additional cost.
- Itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen events, and certain attractions may be inaccessible during the holiday season.
- The tour is suitable for children aged 3 and above, with guides praised for their enthusiasm, kindness, and humor.
Tour Overview
This Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that immerses visitors in the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of the Scottish Highlands.
The 12.5-hour tour departs from Edinburgh, with a special discounted price of $81.99 per person. Highlights include a coffee stop in Perthshire, an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, photo stops at Commando Memorial and Glencoe, and a view of Stirling Castle.
Transportation, a knowledgeable driver-guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance are included. With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from over 2,300 reviews, this tour offers excellent value for money.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins in Edinburgh, on the city’s historic Royal Mile.
Travelers get their caffeine fix at Caffè Nero before embarking on their Highland adventure.
The first stop is in Perthshire, where they enjoy a coffee break and try spotting local wildlife.
Next, they reach the iconic Loch Ness, with an optional boat cruise and visit to Urquhart Castle.
The tour pauses at the Commando Memorial for photos, then continues to the dramatic Glencoe landscape.
Before returning to Edinburgh, the group stops in Stirling to admire the castle and learn about William Wallace’s legacy.
Transportation and Guide
The tour includes transportation by a variety of vehicle sizes, as well as an English-speaking guide to lead the group.
The guide provides commentary throughout the day, sharing historical insights and local knowledge. Customers have praised the guides’ enthusiasm, kindness, and sense of humor.
The tour vehicles can accommodate groups of different sizes, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Children aged 3 and above are welcome, with valid proof of age required.
Customer Feedback
With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 2,300 reviews, the Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour has received overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.
Reviewers praised the enthusiasm and historical insights of guides like Paul, Alex, and Terri. The transportation and value for money also received high ratings, with customers enjoying the scenic views.
Typical comments include "Praised guide Paul for his enthusiasm and historical insights," "Enjoyed guide Alex’s commentary and the scenic views," and "Commended guide Terri for her kindness and humor."
More Great Tours NearbyOptional Costs
Although optional, visitors have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness cruise, which are available for £28 and payable directly to the driver-guide on the day of the tour.
These tickets provide access to the iconic Urquhart Castle and the chance to embark on a cruise across the legendary Loch Ness, in search of the famed Loch Ness Monster.
While not included in the tour price, these add-ons allow guests to further enjoy the region’s rich history and natural wonders, enhancing their overall experience of the Scottish Highlands.
Operational Changes
As the tour operates in various weather conditions and unforeseen events may arise, the itinerary may occasionally change. While the core highlights remain, minor adjustments may be necessary.
| Scenario | Impact |
| — | — |
| Inclement Weather | Certain photo stops may be skipped or adjusted for safety |
| Unexpected Events | Routing or timing may be modified to accommodate |
During August, the drop-off point will be St Andrew Square instead of the usual location. On top of that, no visits to Urquhart Castle or Loch Ness cruise are possible on December 26 and January 1 due to holiday restrictions.
Holiday Restrictions
Certain holiday periods restrict access to Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness cruise. On December 26th and January 1st, these attractions are closed, preventing visitors from experiencing them during the tour.
This is due to the holiday schedule and operational considerations. While the rest of the tour, including stops at Perthshire, Glencoe, and Stirling, remains unaffected, the inability to visit Urquhart Castle and take the Loch Ness cruise on those specific dates is an important consideration for travelers planning their trip.
Visitors should keep this in mind when booking their tour during the holiday season.
Key Highlights
The tour begins in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, providing a convenient starting point. From there, the journey ventures into the scenic Perthshire region, where travelers can enjoy a coffee break and wildlife viewing for 30 minutes. Next, the tour arrives at the iconic Loch Ness, with an optional boat cruise and a visit to the impressive Urquhart Castle.
| Stop | Duration | Highlights |
| — | — | — |
| Perthshire | 30 minutes | Coffee, wildlife viewing |
| Loch Ness | Varies | Optional boat cruise, Urquhart Castle |
| Commando Memorial | Photo stop | Scenic photo opportunity |
| Glencoe | Photo stop | Picturesque Highland landscape |
| Stirling | – | View of the castle, history of William Wallace |
The tour also includes stops at the Commando Memorial and Glencoe, providing opportunities for scenic photography. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Stirling, where participants can admire the castle and learn about the history of William Wallace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for the tour. Visitors are recommended to dress comfortably and wear appropriate clothing for the weather, as the tour involves outdoor activities in the Scottish Highlands.
Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available During the Tour?
The tour includes a coffee stop in Perthshire, but there are no other formal food or drink options provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the scenic drive and photo stops along the way.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop Along the Itinerary?
The tour allots approximately 30 minutes at each key stop, including Perthshire, Loch Ness, Commando Memorial, and Glencoe. However, the time spent at each location may vary depending on the itinerary and unforeseen events.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for This Tour?
The tour currently offers a 20% discount, now priced at $81.99 per person, down from the original $102.49. This promotional offer allows customers to save on the tour’s cost.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour vehicles have ample space to store personal items, so guests can enjoy their own refreshments during the journey.
The Sum Up
The "Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour" provides an opportunity to explore the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Travelers can marvel at iconic sites like Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle while enjoying insightful commentary from an enthusiastic guide. At $81.99 per person, this highly-rated tour offers an unforgettable adventure through Scotland’s captivating landscapes.
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