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
• Visit Urquhart Castle with our optional Cruise & Castle Day Trip, take a 1-hour round-trip Cruise on Loch Ness
• Enjoy free time at the Clansman Hotel, with the option to experience the Donald Fraser – Illicit Whisky Experience
• 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 will pass through the pretty village of Fort Augustus 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 take part in the Donald Fraser – Illicit Whisky Experience where guests can enjoy a film about the history of illicit whisky distilling, paired with a dram of the Donald Fraser blend. 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 makes 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.