Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
Overview
Available languages
12 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure through Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. This jam-packed tour offers stunning scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and a chance to escape the bustle of modern life.
This tour comes in three different versions. Book the Boat Cruise option if you’d like to stop in Fort Augustus and join a boat cruise on Loch Ness, the Whisky Distillery option if you’d like to do the distillery tour, or the Boat Cruise and Castle option if you’d prefer a shorter cruise and to visit Urquhart Castle. Please note that some versions are only available on specific days.
Immerse yourself in Scottish culture through captivating myths, legends, and historical landmarks. Visit the mysterious Loch Ness, marvel at the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and (season permitting) meet the iconic Highland Cows.
Every winding road reveals new photo opportunities, stories, and memories.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: the Cruise & Castle version will run the route in reverse.
Feel free to bring a packed lunch and/or snacks to avoid spending time queuing. There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that suit most dietary requirements
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
There are three versions of this tour, please ensure you pick your preferred option when booking. Tickets to activity can be purchased during the tour.
Minimum age to travel is 7 years old (8 for Whisky Distillery option). Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. Any time not accounted for in the itinerary is spent travelling through Scotland on the bus.
Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.
We do not allow bookings for more than 8 passengers, please reach out if you are looking to book a larger group.
Scottish weather is unpredictable, we recommend bringing suitable clothing and footwear.
What To Expect
Callander
For those joining the Boat Cruise Option, our first stop of the day will be in the town of Callander; “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled at the foot of the Trossachs Callander offers its guests plenty of place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and views toward the Trossachs. **Please note that Cruise & Castle version will drive the route in reserve and will make an alternative comfort stop due to limited opening hours in Callander**
Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre
Passengers joining the Whisky Distillery Option, your journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery instead of Callander. Housed in a former cotton mill and nestled on the banks of the River Teith, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies. Enjoy an optional guided tour through the distillery (tickets not included), where you’ll learn about the traditional whisky-making process and the history behind this unique location. Finish with a tasting of Deanston’s finest malts, guided by an expert who will explain the distinct flavours and characteristics of their whiskies. *Please note that the minimum age on the distillery tour is 8.*
Options
With optional Distillery Visit
Stop at Deanston Distillery: This tour will not stop at Callander or include boat. Tickets for optional distillery tour & tasting not included. 8 years+
Optional Cruise & Castle visit
Route driven in reverse: This tour will not stop at the distillery or Fort Augustus. Tickets for optional boat cruise & castle not included. 7 years+
With optional Boat Cruise
Optional Loch Ness Boat Cruise: This tour will not stop at Deanston distillery. Tickets for optional boat cruise not included. 7 years+
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Regular Comfort Breaks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
No Food and drinks
No Toilet/Restroom on board. There are no public toilets available by the departure point.
Boat Cruise version: Loch Ness Boat Cruise tickets not included (Adults £22, Children £15)
Whisky Distillery option: Deanston Distillery tour & tasting not included (£15.50 for adults, £6 for children)
Cruise and entry to Urquhart Castle not included (£32 per adult, £23 per child)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
7,127 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Brendan is a fun and great guide :)
Relax59301671653,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brendan used light-hearted humour and stories to introduce the sights, making the experience very enjoyable and entertaining. Would recommend Brendan and The Hairy Coo to anyone looking for tours in Edinburg!
Absolutely loved it!!!
Mike H,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience on a comfortable bus. John our driver was funny, informative and more importantly a retired veteran of the Royal Air Force. As an American visiting Scotland he treated my wife and I like we were neighbors. The views of the Scottish Highlands, the Harry Coos and Loch Ness were sights I will never forget. Thank you John for sure a great adventure!!
Must choose Lochness and Castle
Victor N,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Long day but fabulous tour! Our guide/ Bus driver, Brenden, was awesome, a bit like having Benny Hill as a tour guide. Very funny and very informative at the same time. The optional boat ride trip to the castle is a must; it was the best part of the really great day trip. The right amount of stops and the most beautiful scenery. The Scottish Highlands is among the prettiest places on earth. Loch Ness is a beautiful lake and huge. Was a great trip.
Do the lake cruise!
Jessie M,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was fantastic. Neil was awesome. Very entertaining and full of knowledge and jokes! We thoroughly enjoyed Loch Ness and the glencoe. The only complaint Pitlochry was for the most part closed other than a couple of souvenir shops and ice cream. It was a long stop for there to be nothing to do but walk 1/10 mile back and forth. Would love to have had longer in Loch Ness and used Pitlochry for a shorter stop seeing as it was pretty much shut down by 6:00
Good tour, great guide!
melisaj987,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Did the 1-day with Marco and he was great! So kind and extremely knowledgeable. Provided great information throughout the entire tour and always had a calm and positive attitude. Would definitely recommend! You will leave well informed if you get Marco. Thank you!!
Highland, 1 day trip
jasminebQ7367WP,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hannah was an amazing tour guide, she spoke throughout the drive there and mentioned various points of views and stories, the tour overall was really good we stopped at various places where we could have breakfast or lunch ect.
Exceptional Highlight Tour of the Scottish Highlands
650siobhans,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you only have one day to see Scotland's wild landscapes, this tour is a masterclass in efficiency. It packs centuries of history, jaw-dropping geography and scenery, and local culture into a single, unforgettable 12-hour journey. The route travels seamlessly from Edinburgh deep into the Highlands. Watching the scenery transition from the rolling Lowlands to the dramatic, jagged peaks of Glencoe is spectacular. The tour balances heavy historical narratives—like the tragic 1692 Glencoe massacre—with lighthearted folklore - ask Ross about the story of the couple from Cork. Arriving at Loch Ness feels like a true milestone, and the optional boat cruise offers breathtaking panoramic views of the deep water and surrounding hills. The guide, Ross, does not just recite facts. He uses humor, passion, and a perfectly timed Scottish soundtrack to bring the landscape to life. Spending hours on a bus can be daunting, but the coaches are modern, spotlessly clean, and equipped with vital USB charging ports. Despite the massive distance covered, the itinerary builds in frequent, well-timed stops for bathroom breaks, food, and photos with local Highland coos! This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families who want a stress-free, comprehensive introduction to Scotland without renting a car. It is a long day, but the incredible views and world-class guiding make it worth every single minute.
Lovely experience with...
Paul A,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely experience with Ben. He really knew the history and was a great storyteller throughout the journey. It was a long day, but you get to see a ton and did not feel hurried at all. Thanks for the trip!
A definite!
Alice S,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Neil is awesome!!!!!! Abundance of history of Scotland and humor!!!! Beautiful view of Scotland and true history.
Amazing tour and wonderful guide
Maria L,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was absolutely wonderful! Truly the highlight of our trip to Edinburgh. We saw so many gorgeous sites with plenty of time at each stop, and drove through some of the most stunning and dramatic countryside I’ve ever seen. Neil, our guide, was INCREDIBLE. He was so knowledgeable, entertaining, and was the final touch on an already great tour. Would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to explore the highlands on a tight schedule, and if you are lucky enough to travel with Neil it’s sure to be a fantastic experience.
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