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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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 during the summer one coach per day 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.*
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)
Options
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 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+
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+
Reviews
7,001 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This tour was badly...
Ercilia A,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00This tour was badly organized and highly deceiving. None of the stops advertised were stopped at like we did not go to Callander, Fort Augustus, or Pitlochry. We did not go to any of the cute highlands towns instead we went to a gas station stop under renovation for an hour and a motel stop(why?!) with a restaurant for an hour(total waste of my time and no where near a reasonable substitute for Pitlochry). We also did not stop at commando memorial and only drove past it. The castle stop was super rushed only 45 min to explore castle and get lunch(the only lunch stop on the tour) while the gas station stops were an hour. Also, the boat cruise isnt really optional because if you dont take it you’re stuck at the harbor with a gift shop and cafe only while you wait for the boat people. Extremely disappointed do not recommend.
Fantastic
A3177BQjohng,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! Scotland was beautiful and our tour guide "Fraser" was knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommend!!
Nice but Not for an adventurer
Joseph O,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The guide was lovely but to be honest i felt like i wasnt experiencing these places just quickley driving by. So while its nice to see everything alot of the beauty was from a window. I wish there was more time to really experience these locations. But overall a nice sampling of the highlands
Unwelcome and uncomfortable
Stacy B,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00This was one of the most concerning guided tour experiences we’ve had anywhere in the world. Our biggest concern was the driver’s behavior and professionalism. He repeatedly mentioned that he could not multitask and had a very low tolerance for any conversation while driving, which made the atmosphere tense and uncomfortable for a long, 12-hour tour. Even more troubling, we could see him in the rearview mirror frequently picking his nose and wiping his face throughout the trip, which was unhygienic and difficult to ignore. At times, his demeanor and behavior made us question whether he was fully fit for the job. Another major issue was his habit of vaping directly in front of the bus door at every stop. He wouldn’t step aside, forcing guests to walk through the vapor to exit and re-enter the bus. It felt inconsiderate and unprofessional, and it made us question whether stops were being extended for guest experience or for his personal breaks. While he did attempt some storytelling and humor, it often lacked structure and clarity. Stories would start without clear direction and end abruptly, making it hard to stay engaged. More importantly, his overall tone came across as grumpy and unapproachable, as if he didn’t enjoy working with people. We understand that managing a large group requires firmness, but there’s a difference between being organized and making guests feel unwelcome. To be fair, he did drive safely and seemed knowledgeable about the routes and drop-off points. The destinations themselves were beautiful and worthwhile—but they were the only redeeming part of the experience. If it weren’t for the locations we visited, this would easily be a one-star tour. Fair warning: it’s worth spending a bit more for a different company or a smaller group tour. You’ll likely have a far more enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Uncomfortable and unwelcome
StacyB8500,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00This was one of the most concerning guided tour experiences we’ve had anywhere in the world. Our biggest concern was the driver’s behavior and professionalism. He repeatedly mentioned that he could not multitask and had a very low tolerance for any conversation while driving, which made the atmosphere tense and uncomfortable for a long, 12-hour tour. Even more troubling, we could see him in the rearview mirror frequently picking his nose and wiping his face throughout the trip, which was unhygienic and difficult to ignore. At times, his demeanor and behavior made us question whether he was fully fit for the job. Another major issue was his habit of vaping directly in front of the bus door at every stop. He wouldn’t step aside, forcing guests to walk through the vapor to exit and re-enter the bus. It felt inconsiderate and unprofessional, and it made us question whether stops were being extended for guest experience or for his personal breaks. While he did attempt some storytelling and humor, it often lacked structure and clarity. Stories would start without clear direction and end abruptly, making it hard to stay engaged. More importantly, his overall tone came across as grumpy and unapproachable, as if he didn’t enjoy working with people. We understand that managing a large group requires firmness, but there’s a difference between being organized and making guests feel unwelcome. To be fair, he did drive safely and seemed knowledgeable about the routes and drop-off points. The destinations themselves were beautiful and worthwhile—but they were the only redeeming part of the experience. If it weren’t for the locations we visited, this would easily be a one-star tour. Fair warning: it’s worth spending a bit more for a different company or a smaller group tour. You’ll likely have a far more enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Traveller
728 inht,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Colin was great and very informative! However, the company should look into shortening the tour slightly and addressing language barrier. Guests talking while he spoke; it wasn't that they were being rude, they just didn't understand English.
The trip was...
Eileen C,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The trip was disappointing we didn't visit all the places we were told we were visiting we went to some different places which were not advertised on the website. It was a ver long time on the bus which we did expect but the places we did stop in had nothing of interest to take photos of or explore. We stopped for 2 hours and 20 minutes at Loch Ness but at a section of the Loch that had nothing to experience there. We couldn't go to the castle if we weren't going on the boat and this was not made clear on the website. The castle was only 11 minutes on the bus from where we stopped but we were told it was a half an hour bus journey away. There was only a restaurant and gift shop to spend the 2 hours 20 minutes and the food in the restaurant was not very good. Overall a very disappointing trip that I couldn't recommend to others.
All good
MinhAnh N,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a long day trip but the road was very scenic and we got to see a lot of things. However at the town near Lochness where we stopped, there weren't many options so I recommend travelers to bring their own food.
B dog was a wonderful...
Martina D,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00B dog was a wonderful guide! Very knowledgeable and entertaining. He knew when to tell us to be ready for a sight or a stop and gave us a reasonable estimate of time for when we needed to be back on the bus.
Very recommended!
OnAir62993249022,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the tour with Fraser and it was amazing experience! We were very lucky with the weather and saw all the beautiful landscapes under the sun. And the stories and explanations during the bus ride were very interesting!
From £59.00
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Operated by The Hairy Coo