Scottish Highlands Day Trip: Experience Loch Ness, Glen Coe & Cairngorms National Park
4.6
1,930 Ratings
Edinburgh
Embark on a thrilling day trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. Explore Loch Ness, Glen Coe, and Cairngorms National Park, and uncover the mysteries of the Loch Ness Monster. Discover ancient castles, learn about Scottish history, and capture breathtaking views on this unforgettable adventure!
Duration: 13 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Pitlochry - The first stop of the day is in this charming little town - time to stretch your legs and grab that all important coffee or tea.

  • Cairngorms National Park - Through the Cairngorms and the wild wilderness.

  • Loch Ness - Highlight of the day is Loch Ness where you can enjoy an option cruise on then loch for some monster spotting combined with a visit to Urquhart Castle. Alternatively, you could enjoy the views from the shores of the loch.

  • Urquhart Castle - Enjoy clambering around the ruins of the castle perched overlooking Loch Ness, entrance is combined with the cruise option; your driver guide will give you more details on the day!

  • Glencoe National Nature Reserve - Listen to the tale or murder and massacre from your driver/ guide before you stop for those all important photographic memories.

What's Included
  • Local live driver guide
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Panoramic windows
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Tour, £28 cash
  • Gratuities
  • Children under 3 years not accepted
Additional Information

Engage in a tour from Edinburgh that’s packed with breathtaking landscapes, intriguing lore and historical marvels. Venture to the Scottish Highlands, soak in the magnificent scenes of the Cairngorms National Park and embark on a boat tour of the renowned Loch Ness in the hope of spotting the elusive Loch Ness Monster amidst touring the remains of Urquhart Castle. As you travel, take in the sight of Stirling’s medieval castle, and hear the tales of the Glen Coe massacre and Scottish hero William Wallace, immortalized in the movie ‘Braveheart.’ Don’t forget your camera as you might have a chance to capture the beauty around and probably even a sight of ‘Nessie’!

Please be aware there will be no castle or cruise options available on December 26

  • 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 £28 with Highland Experience discount, cash required. No need to pre book.
Location
1 Parliament Square
Parliament Square
Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 07:45
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(1930 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Apolline_l
Apr 18, 2024
I spent a day out of time... - I spent a day out of time : magical moments, unforgettable landscapes... The excursion was really well organised! I learnt a lot about Scottish history, the explanations and the anecdotes did make the experience even more unique. I would totally recommend it!
Review provided by Viator
X_z
Apr 11, 2024
An amazing experience - Amasing country. Beautiful scenery and steeped in history. Brody an excellent driver and guide! Pointed out and informed us about history in a light and upbeat manner. Graham did a great job in supporting Brody. The office staff was fantastic. We missed our booked trip - but they phoned us - AND then move our booking to the next day! We are indebted to you. Super group all round. Thank you for an unforgetable experiance. Mooi loop.
Review provided by Viator
Rachel
Apr 11, 2024
Brilliant tour - Although weather was not on our side, we can’t thank Terry & Ian enough for a wonderfully organised day. A full 12hrs from start to finish from being greeted at 8am to drop off after 8pm there was always a friendly smile/demeanour. We were travelling with a 14 & 11yr old and both found the history/facts given during the Scottish Highland tours to be interesting. I also personally liked the Scottish music/bands played on the coach which helped pass the time. Coach was both clean & comfortable and the visiting points were well executed/timed. I recommend ensuring you buy food during these pit stops. Loch Ness boat trip was also worth going on. There was never any hanging around & everything was timed to perfection! Thanks guys a great day out & kids enjoyed it to. Definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking to see the beautiful Scottish highlands. Word or warning though, Ian’s jokes are awful !!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daytrip21994927844
Apr 6, 2024
Great tour guide! - Keith was amazing! Super insightful! Made it an immersive experience with his own stories, the music was great and helped put a picture to every story he told. Very nice and a smooth drive through the highlands. Definitely want to come back to do one of the multi-day tours with Keith! The 12 hour day flew by and can’t wait to Be back
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure08229405781
Apr 4, 2024
A brilliant way to explore Scotland! - A fantastic way to see the Scottish Highlands and more. Keith is a fantastic tour guide. Glencoe is a must see for anyone exploring Scotland.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alex_m
Mar 26, 2024
Five stars - Excellent trip to the Scottish Highlands! Keith and Christina were fantastic guides. Highly recommend the experience!
Review provided by Viator
Eric_s
Mar 20, 2024
Great experience, great tour guide - Ian was a great tour guide. He did an amazing job keeping things entertaining and informational over the course of the day. The coach was comfortable throughout the day. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to see the most of Scotland
Review provided by Viator
Sylvia_g
Mar 15, 2024
Great overview! - Car sickness due to winding roads, but the tour itself was great! We purchased the additional boat tour from the driver. He only accepted GBP cash.
Review provided by Viator
William_r
Mar 7, 2024
Good trip but boat ride overrated - Great guide (David) but the castle and boat ride for 24 pounds was way over rated and not worth the price
Review provided by Viator
Azadeh_a
Apr 6, 2024
Not a very exciting tour - This was a 12.5 hour long tour of the highlands in a bus. The only long stop (2 hour) was for Loch Ness for which the tickets were actually not included in the tour. The rest of the stops were for bathroom breaks and snacks. I would not recommend this tour for anyone expecting to get out of the bus and explore the area on foot. The commentary was ok, but a bit boring. The music was nice. Not worth a day long trip in my opinion.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today