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
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
Entrance fees - Child, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Tour
Options
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
Reviews
2,777 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing day around the...
Jim M,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing day around the historical and breathtaking Scottish Highlands.We had a great guide calling Alan full of knowledge, historical facts and very professional at his job
New Years Day in the Highlands
Martin L,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful day experiencing beautiful locations and experiences in the Highlands. This has to be the best way to see the most in one day.
We had an amazing time on...
Dalia A,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time on this trip with our guide, Ben! He was a very entertaining and well-informed guide, which made the trip that much better. The trip itself was absolutely beautiful, with amazing views of the scottish highlands and nochs. It was an amazing way to explore Scotland on a day trip from Edinburgh. Would definitely recommend, especially with Ben!
fun day exploring the highlands
Doug R,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we enjoyed the gorgeous Scottish views and our guide Jamie had such interesting stories to share about Scotland and the many sites we stopped at. a fun way to spend the day!
A must do when in Scotland
Karen H,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing trip. Very interesting history and beautiful scenery. Although it is a full day trip, you don’t get bored or tired. Comfortable bus and excellent driver and tour guide.
Loch Ness, Hot Chocolate, and the Patience of Saints (Terri & Alan!)
Lorraine J,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A long but fun 12-hour day! Quick stops along the way and a Loch Ness cruise that’s basically 30 minutes of sipping Highland hot chocolate while pretending to hear the narration — just a bucket-list boat ride. Terri and Alan, our guides, are saints, endlessly patient despite chasing stragglers who ignore their pleas to be on time. Great if you’ve only got a day and want ideas for a proper return trip, plus they share top tips for sights, food, and experiences along the way.
Great tour to the Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe
Rmellegers,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bob was our tour guide on this tour and he thought us more information than I could ever learn at schools. Great passionate storyteller. Thanks Bob for a great day for me and my family.
Tourist scam
Matelle84,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Very expensive and disappointing. Bus to tourists, we only do from the bus, I expected to see waterfalls, small squirrels as indicated in the description , to take beautiful photos and well not possible, all this passing on the bus, being French, we do not understand all the stories because I do not understand their accent, the breaks are just bus gatherings with 2 toilets so either we take 2 photos on bus stops or put in the endless queue to pee. Regarding the castle very expensive for ruin and regarding loch Ness still a nice scam very expensive
A Must Do Experience.
David W,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a MUST DO! It was an amazing trip into the Highlands. This shouldn’t be missed! Our guides gave us so much history, showed us breathtaking views of Scotland, and took amazing care to make the day phenomenal. Shout out to Brody and Jaclyn for a day well spent!
Great tour but carry, lots of food.
Sean M,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00We started too early to get breakfast st the hotel. But good coffee and pastries st the Cafe meet up. Alex our driver was great. Very knowledgeable. However the stops are short. When food is available there are 10 other busses there and you have 30 minutes total to use the bathroom, eat, and look around. That's it. Every stop is this way. Lunch was 1 restaurant with 5 bused of 40 people each. Got my meal had 5 min to eat. Every stop was like this, so carry food.
From £54.00
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Operated by Highland Experience Tours