Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, beguiling mystery and dramatic history on this day trip from Edinburgh. Traveling to the Scottish Highlands, witness the stunning vistas of Cairngorms National Park and cruise along world-famous Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster and tour Urquhart Castle ruins. Admire an ancient castle in Stirling as you pass by, learn about the massacre at Glen Coe and the adventures of Scottish legend William Wallace, whose life is depicted in the film ‘Braveheart.’ Be sure to bring your camera to capture stunning views and maybe even a glimpse of ‘Nessie’!
Please note on December 26 there will be no castle or cruise available
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of ID may be required at check in.
The tour is guided in English
On 26th December and 1st January there will be no cruise or castle visit available
Please note this tour may operate in reverse
Check-in for the tour is 7.45am with departure at 8.00am sharp
Visit to Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness cruise £30 per adult and £21 per child with Highland Experience discount, cash required. No need to pre book.
We reserve the right to change the tour itinerary at any time due to weather, acts of God, and events out with our control.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
As we head north the first stop of the day is at this charming location nestled in the heart of Perthshire - a wonderful place for a refreshment stop and the chance to meet and feed Highland coo!
Cairngorms National Park
Through the Cairngorms and the wild wilderness. The Cairngorms are home to some of the highest peaks in the British Isles, including Ben Macdui and Braeriach. These mountains, with their rugged slopes and dramatic ridges, offer stunning vistas. You'll love taking in the landscapes as you continue to travel north.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local live driver guide who will share stories and history throughout the day
Panoramic windows
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Children under 3 years not accepted- valid ID may be required at check in
Entrance fees - Adult, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Tour- Cash only
Entrance fees - Child, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Tour- Cash Only
Options
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
Reviews
2,800 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Admiration to our lovely lady guide ❣️
593lilyanay,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There is so much beauty in one place, everything is like from the movies! I'll start by saying that we had an incredible tour guide. I admire this woman for driving this huge bus, showing us and explaining everything we passed by and entertaining us with her jokes. I forgot her name, but I hope she recognizes it. We are fascinated by everything we experienced on this tour. I highly recommend her to everyone!
Thank you, Ben :)
440suhanig,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience. Though I thought it was extremely expensive, I’d still do this again. The Guide- Ben was extremely fun & cracked funny jokes from time to time. It was a 12.5 hour tour. The Bus’ wipers had a problem in the beginning but it was fixed quite quickly and we got to visit an extra spot because of this :)) Didn’t feel extremely crowded. Lovely for Solo travellers.
Spectacular Highlands!!
H7165DKgiuliaf,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Steve guided and entertained us on a magical tour of the Scottish Highlands. He proposed music, anecdotes and history pills interspersed with beautiful landscapes. The weather was great and allowed us to make extra stops along the way to see additional vantage points beyond those provided by the trip. The only activity I found overrated was the Loch Ness cruise: the 1-hour tour was too close to the coast to have an idea of the size of the lake. Alternatively you can eat calmly and take a walk along the banks, the view is the same as from the cruise.
This was by far my...
Hernan S,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was by far my favorite tour we did on our trip to Europe. Absolutely beautiful up there in the highlands. Our guide and driver were the absolute best. Gabe us plenty of time for magnificent pictures.
Brilliant driver and tour guide
Barbara S,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing tour, Murray our guide was just brilliant, thank you so much. He was a very good driver and was very caring making sure that we were kept informed. We had regular stops at cafes etc that were very accommodating. Murray was very knowledgeable and informative , whilst also being fun We would recommend this day trip to everyone if you have a spare day. You get to do and see so much. The added trip to Urquart castle and the boat trip on Loch Ness was worth every penny Thank you for a wonderful day Murray , we made so many memories
Scotland-Highlands
Javier N,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Graham is one of the best tour guides and driver I have ever met. He did an exellent job explaining everything about Scotland and the Highland. Just an amazing experience. 200 % recommeded .
Highlands tour
Ruth L,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic Scottish Highlands tour, made truly special by our guide, Steven B. He was really informative and welcoming, and kept us entertained all day. The landscape was absolutely beautiful, and Steve’s knowledge of the Highlands and storytelling (and music) brought the whole experience to life. We would highly recommended this tour. Ruth and Mike
Good
Breanna W,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour and experience was brilliant, we had some minor vehicle trouble on our way back to Edinburgh but was handled alarmingly by the team. Definitely worth every penny
Incredible views and storytelling!
claudiakU1878QR,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had an absolutely amazing experience on this tour! I would recommend this to anyone who is trying to see as much of Scotland as they can in only one day. Our personal favorite parts were taking in all of the views that the highlands have to offer and the Loch Ness cruise! Brodie was an informative and engaging tour guid which elevated the tour even more.
It's just a bus ride all day, you don't see anything, there are only technical stops and nothing to see
AD A,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00It's a whole day inside a bus without stopping to see anything interesting, the lake and some ruins don't deserve 8 hours on the bus
From £54.00
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Operated by Highland Experience Tours