Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Exploring the captivating landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands is a must-do for any traveler. This tour offers a chance to take in the region’s natural beauty and rich history. From the serene waters of Loch Ness to the dramatic cliffs of Glencoe, each destination promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you seek adventure or simply wish to soak in the tranquility, this comprehensive tour is designed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Key Points

• Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Trossachs National Park, on a full-day tour from Edinburgh.
• Visit historic sites like the Commando Memorial and charming towns such as Callander and Pitlochry during the tour.
• Enjoy the option to take a cruise on Loch Ness to spot the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation with experienced driver-guide and regular comfort breaks throughout the day.
• Tour open to participants aged 7 and above, with accessibility considerations for those with mobility constraints.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This full-day tour from Edinburgh showcases the stunning Scottish Highlands.

Explore the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Fort Augustus. Journey through Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, admiring the scenic vistas.

Stop at historic sites like the Commando Memorial and picturesque towns like Callander and Pitlochry.

Cruise on Loch Ness for a chance to spot the legendary monster.

With comfortable coach transport, regular breaks, and an experienced guide providing live commentary, this tour offers an immersive experience of the Highlands’ natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Transportation and Logistics

Comfortable air-conditioned coaches transport travelers throughout the tour, with regular comfort breaks provided along the way.

The meeting point is at 22 St Andrew Square in Edinburgh, where guests can check-in from 7:15 AM to 7:55 AM. The tour departs promptly at 8:00 AM and returns to the same location at the end of the day.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 57 travelers, with no groups over 8 allowed. While restroom facilities aren’t available on the coach, public toilets can be accessed during the scheduled stops.

The tour doesn’t provide food or drinks, so travelers are encouraged to bring their own packed lunches.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes all applicable taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Travelers will enjoy the services of an experienced driver-guide who provides live commentary throughout the journey.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, so it’s recommended to bring a packed lunch.

An optional Loch Ness cruise is available for an additional cost of £20 for adults and £12 for children.

It’s important to note that there are no restroom facilities on the coach, and public toilets may not be readily available at the departure point.

Age and Accessibility Restrictions

While the tour is open to participants aged 7 and above, children aged 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility constraints may find it challenging. Plus, no animals are allowed on the tour.

The minimum age requirement and lack of wheelchair accessibility may exclude certain travelers, but the tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the stunning Scottish Highlands.

Guests should consider these age and accessibility restrictions when booking the tour to ensure it aligns with their needs and abilities.

• Minimum age: 7 years
• Children 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult
• Tour not wheelchair accessible

Exploring Glencoe and Loch Lomond

As the tour departs Edinburgh, it journeys through the scenic Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, offering captivating vistas of the serene lochs and rugged mountains. The first stop is the charming town of Callander, where travelers can explore the quaint streets and local shops. From there, the tour continues to the stunning Glencoe, a dramatic glacial valley renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Travelers have the opportunity to wander through the rugged landscape, taking in the awe-inspiring views and learning about the region’s rich history and cultural significance.

Loch Lomond	Glencoe
Serene loch	Dramatic glacial valley
Rugged mountains	Breathtaking scenery
Quaint town of Callander	Rich history and culture
Opportunity to explore	Opportunity to wander
Captivating vistas	Awe-inspiring views

Discovering Loch Ness and Fort Augustus

After exploring the stunning Glencoe, the tour journeys onward to the renowned Loch Ness.

The highlight of this leg of the journey is the opportunity to take an optional cruise on the loch, where travelers can:

• Spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster
• Admire the dramatic landscapes surrounding the lake
• Learn about the history and mythology of this iconic destination

From Loch Ness, the tour continues to the charming town of Fort Augustus, nestled at the southern end of the loch.

Travelers can wander the picturesque streets, visit the Caledonian Canal, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this Highland hub.

Visiting the Commando Memorial

From Fort Augustus, the tour heads to the Commando Memorial, a poignant monument situated in a stunning location. The memorial honors the brave men of the British Commando Forces who fought and died during World War II. Visitors can admire the bronze statues and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Category	Details
Location	Near Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire
Dedicated	To the Commandos who died in WWII
Erected	1952
Highlights	Bronze statues, panoramic vistas

The tour provides an opportunity to reflect on the heroism and sacrifices of these courageous soldiers while enjoying the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Discovering Pitlochry

The tour then heads to the charming town of Pitlochry, a popular gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Known for its picturesque Victorian architecture and bustling high street, Pitlochry offers visitors a chance to explore local shops, sample traditional Scottish cuisine, and discover the town’s rich history.

Key attractions include:

• The Pitlochry Festival Theatre, a renowned performance venue hosting plays, music, and cultural events year-round.
• Blair Athol Distillery, where visitors can tour the facilities and enjoy a dram of the renowned single malt whisky.
• Pitlochry Dam and the nearby salmon ladder, offering insight into the area’s hydroelectric power and wildlife.

Ask Away

Will We Have Opportunities to Sample Local Scottish Cuisine?

While the tour does not include meals, it provides ample opportunities to sample local Scottish cuisine. Travelers are encouraged to bring packed lunches, and there may be stops at local cafes or restaurants during the tour.

Can We Stop at Any Local Shops or Markets During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include scheduled stops at local shops or markets. However, there may be opportunities during comfort breaks to explore small local shops or grab a bite to eat at cafes along the route, time permitting.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Personal Exploration at Each Stop?

The tour allows approximately 30-45 minutes for personal exploration at each stop, providing ample time to wander, take photos, and visit any local shops or points of interest. The schedule is designed to balance sightseeing with freedom for independent discovery.

Are There Any Dress Code Recommendations for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Dressing in layers is advisable, as the weather in the Highlands can be unpredictable.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Visit Additional Sites?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option to extend the duration or visit additional sites. The tour itinerary and schedule are fixed, providing a comprehensive full-day experience within the set timeframe.

Final Words

This unforgettable tour of Loch Ness, the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Pitlochry offers a captivating blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and authentic Scottish culture. Travelers can explore the mysterious Loch Ness, enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Glencoe, and discover the charming town of Pitlochry, creating lasting memories of their Scottish adventure.