Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Highlands & Glencoe Day Trip
Scottish Highlands Tour Highlights
- Depart from Edinburgh
- Stop at Kilmahog for refreshments and a chance to see Highland Coos
- Continue through Rob Roy Country, Rannoch Moor, and Black Mount to Glencoe
- Take stunning photos in Glencoe
- Travel through the Fort William area for lunch and pass beneath Ben Nevis
- Reach Fort Augustus and choose to visit Urquhart Castle via cruise and castle excursion
- Option to explore the Clansman Hotel area or take a one-hour round-trip cruise on Loch Ness
- Return journey through Cairngorms National Park and Pitlochry
- The Loch Ness tour ends back in Edinburgh after a total of 12.5 hours
Tour Itinerary: What to Expect
After meeting up in Edinburgh, our Loch Ness tour embarks northwest on a scenic road trip, passing the grand Stirling Castle. Our first stop takes place at Kilmahog in the highlands, offering a chance for a quick break and perhaps a sighting of a Highland "coo" or cow, depending on the season. We'll then venture through the captivating Clans MacGregor and Campbell territory, known as Rob Roy Country. Crossing the dramatic landscapes of Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount, we'll arrive at Glencoe, a renowned Scottish glen. It holds the dark history of the 1692 massacre of the Clan MacDonald. Here, we take a moment to walk around and take pictures, soaking in the eerie ambience.
We'll then drive along Loch Linnhe and pause in the Fort William area for lunch. The journey unfolds through the stunning Great Glen, passing beneath Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Continuing onwards, we reach Fort Augustus, a picturesque village, before reaching our destination: Urquhart Castle. Here, you have the option to take a ferry and do the castle excursion if you wish. If you choose not to go to the castle, we'll move ahead to the Clansman Hotel, granting you an hour to explore or unwind before our return journey to Edinburgh. You can engage in a gin tasting courtesy of Great Glen Gins, along with a 10% shop voucher. Alternatively, you can venture along Old Coffin Road from the hotel car park. Or, you can embark on a one-hour round-trip Loch Ness cruise, getting great views of the legendary Urquhart Castle.
As our Loch Ness tour begins its way back to the Scottish capital, we'll traverse the Cairngorms National Park and the scenic woodlands of Perthshire, including the enchanting Forest of Atholl.
Before arriving in Edinburgh, we'll make a quick stop in the Victorian-era resort town of Pitlochry. Finally, the journey will come to an end back at the starting point after a total of 12.5 hours.
Loch Ness Cruise
Loch Ness spans 24 miles (39 km) and plunges over 700 feet (213 meters) deep. It's renowned for its mysterious inhabitant, Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. During our time spent by the loch, you'll get the option to partake in a captivating cruise so that you can search for Nessie and get to know the ins and outs of this famous loch.
Urquhart Castle
Likewise, during the stop at Loch Ness, you'll be able to add a visit to the dramatic Urquhart Castle if you wish. This iconic fortress will offer you a taste of the best of the Scottish Highlands like no other.
More Information
Duration
12h 30m.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
Knowledgeable driver guide
Luxury air–conditioned coach
Written translations (on request)
Not included
Entrance to Urquhart Castle: Adults: £ 31.50 (US$ 42.31), Children aged 4–16: £ 21 (US$ 28.20)
Loch Ness Cruise: Adults: £ 20 (US$ 26.86), Children aged 4–16: £ 15 (US$ 20.14)
Meals
When to book?
You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
- Promotes local employment.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Are there toilets available on board the bus?
A - The coaches we use on our tours do not have toilets on board. However, we stop every 2 – 3 hours at locations with easily accessible toilets.
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Q - Are the Loch Ness cruise and visit to Urquhart Castle covered in the tour fee?
A - No, expenses for optional extras such as attraction entrance fees, loch cruises, meals, and drinks are not covered by the tour price. This approach allows our guests the freedom to choose which optional extras they'd like to enjoy during the tour and thus customize their experience.
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Q - Do we have to reserve the entrance tickets or cruise ahead of time?
A - No, you don't need to worry about pre-booking any of the optional extras. All the optional extras can be booked on the same day, and your guide will advise you on how to book. We recommend bringing enough cash to pay for your attraction tickets.
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Q - Will we see the Loch Ness Monster?
A - While the elusive Loch Ness Monster, fondly referred to as "Nessie," has intrigued many over the years, sightings are exceptionally rare and still unproven. However, the mystique of Loch Ness adds to the excitement of the journey, and there's always a chance you might catch a glimpse of this legendary creature. Even if you don't spot Nessie, the remarkable scenery and history of the area will make for an unforgettable experience!
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Q - Can you get to Loch Ness without a car?
A - On this activity, transport is covered, so you don't need a car!
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Q - Is it worth going to Loch Ness?
A - Loch Ness is worth visiting for the wonderful views, as well as its cultural significance.
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 6 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
Castle Terrace
