Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
Overview
Available languages
12 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Mythical beasts, tall tales and dramatic scenery: explore the beauty of Scotland in a day on this one day coach tour.
Leaving from Edinburgh, we head northwest passing famous landmarks such as Linlithgow Palace: birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, the mystical Kelpies, and the dramatically perched Stirling Castle.
Continuing north we arrive in Glencoe for some photos of the dramatic ridges called the Three Sisters.
We stop in the Fort William area for lunch before heading into the natural beauty of the Great Glen as we pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Heading further into the highlands we arrive in the small picturesque village of Fort Augustus - you can choose to take part in an optional boat cruise here.
The road home will be time to relax and take in the Highland scenery. Final refreshment stop is at the historic town of Pitlochry before continuing the journey home over the Firth of Forth alongside UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge enroute back into Edinburgh.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel time is added to the total duration.
If you suffer from travel sickness, we advise bringing medication or supplements.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Callander
Our first stop for refreshments and a comfort break is Callander, where you will have a chance to grab a snack and stretch your legs. If you're lucky enough, you may have the chance to meet the Highland Cows (season dependant).
Loch Tulla Viewpoint
We make a brief stop in this scenic location to take in the views across Loch Tulla and Glen Orchy
What‘s Included
Regular stops for photos and rest breaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Services of an English-speaking driver guide
Food and drink
Individual hotel / multi-point pick-ups and drop-offs
Children under the age of 5 are not permitted. You will be turned away if unable to prove age
Children under the age of 5 are not permitted. Bring ID (passport or birth certificate) to prove age
Admission fee
Options
Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
Reviews
4,590 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The perfect experience!
Ruby1596,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience from start to end, well worth it! Journey was nice and smooth, great driving by Leon who was our tour guide for the day, extremely knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and funny! Definitely an entertaining journey to each of the destinations. Perfect views, so picturesque and gorgeous. The day went by so quickly, didnt feel like 12.5 hours. Thank you so much to Leon for amazing driving skills and history knowledge, it was so informative to know and for being one of the more entertaining guides that's for sure! If you're looking to book a tour in Scotland to see The Highlands, Glencoe, Loch Ness then I would definitely recommend this experience!
Memorable experience of Scottish Highlands
L7256DJthomasj,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the tour from the US, through Viator. Viator had a few tour options with slightly different itineraries. We chose the Stewart Tour based on the rating. We made a very good choice. The tour left from West Register House, Edinburgh, on April 22, 2026, at 7:31 AM. We had stops at Kilmahog (where there was a petting area with three hairy coos), Loch Tulla viewpoints, Three Sisters Peaks, Fort Williams, Commando Monument, and Pitlochry, before returning to Edinburgh at 8:27 PM. Alaistar, our tour guide and bus driver, was very pleasant and knowledgeable about the locations on the itinerary and their history. He gave us specific recommendations on restaurants, which was quite helpful. As we should expect he had a nice Scottish accent, sometimes a bit difficult for tourists unfamiliar with the accent, but he was always patient in clarifying and helping answer questions. His recommendation for whiskey & raspberry ice cream at Makenzie's was much appreciated. I recommend Stewart Tours and you'll do well if you get driver Alaistar.
Great Way to See the Highlands When You’re Short on Time
d3ttyd00,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently went on a Highlands tour with Alastair as both the driver and guide, and he did an excellent job. We left at 7:30 AM and got back around 8:30 PM. Throughout the day, he shared clear, informative stories about the history of the Highlands and pointed out areas used in popular films, all while driving safely. The first stop was a bathroom break and a chance to see the Highland coos. We had a few photo stops along the way with great views. Lunch in Fort William was just enough time. Signal was spotty for most of the journey, so it’s worth looking up places to eat ahead of time. I liked The Geographer for their fresh local mussels. At Fort Augustus, there’s an optional Loch Ness cruise. It’s an extra £22 per adult, cash only, and you can buy the tickets from the driver/guide. Personally, I didn’t find the cruise worth it — the commentary was hard to hear from the upper deck, and we didn’t see Nessie. The last stop was Pitlochry for a quick toilet break (50 pence) and whisky ice cream, which Alastair recommended. Overall, it was a long day but a good way to see the Highlands if you’re tight on time and only have one day.
Exceeded the expectations 🤩
Crina S,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on this tour with ny boyfriend. We enjoyed it very much and actually exceeded our expectations. Fantastic views of mountain ranges and various lochs and of course the highlight being Loch Ness with the boat trip. Our driver Alistaire was excellent. He made the trip much more enjoyable with his stories and explanations.
A day with Alastair and Nessie
matthewk698,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the day trip to Loch Ness with Alastair. This was a great experience all around! Alastair was very knowledgeable, friendly and patient. He also had solid recommendations (whisky ice cream was delicious) and lots of historical tidbits we hadn’t heard before. He made the trip very enjoyable and Easy all around. I would without a doubt recommend his tour experience! Great playlist too !
Loch Ness Trip with Alistair.
Sarah Jane M,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a lovely day trip with Alistair today. Learned more about Scottish history on the way to Loch Ness! This guy can tell a story! Long day but definitely worth the money. Lots of “pit stops” along the way added to a very enjoyable day!!
Good Vibe
S2064RKlilya,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My aunt and I had a good time, Leon has a great taste in music!
Brilliant day
O6091WXpaulinea,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day, Leon was a great driver and very funny. He explained a lot of the history and was very informative. Brilliant
A great trip to the Highlands
892aksanan,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day with Leon - definitely the experience to cherish! Highly recommended 👍
Amazing tour of the Scottish Highlands
Tracey O,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing tour of the Scottish Highlands. Leon was brilliant. Great driver. Funny and knowledgeable.
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Operated by Stewart Tours