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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

4.8 Great 7359 reviews
|
12h 30m
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
7359 reviews
5
6466
4
509
3
205
2
98
1
81
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 95% of travellers: 6975 four- and five-star reviews

Overview

Guidekin summary

This Loch Ness and Glencoe route offers separate cruise, castle and cruise, or distillery versions. Air-conditioned coach travel, commentary and comfort stops are included; tickets for the chosen activity cost extra, and much of the day is spent on the bus. 4.79 from 7,359 reviews at €58 per person for 12h 30m.

From the guide

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure through Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy stunning scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and a chance to escape the bustle of modern life.

Immerse yourself in Scottish culture through captivating myths, legends, and historical landmarks. Every winding road reveals new photo opportunities, stories, and memories.

This tour is available in three different versions, each version on a separate coach. When booking, please make sure you select the option that includes the experience you're most interested in:
- Boat Cruise – Take the opportunity to join an optional Cruise on Loch Ness (not included)
- Whisky Distillery – Stop at Deanston Distillery, for an optional distillery tour & tasting (not included)
- Castle & Cruise Combo – Take an optional shorter cruise combined with a visit to Urquhart Castle (not included)

Don't want any of the activities? We recommend booking the Boat Cruise version!

Minimum age on tour is 7 years.

Tour options

The operator sells this tour in 3 versions. Prices are the operator's current list for two travellers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date and party.

With optional Boat Cruise

from €58 / person
Guide: English

Optional Loch Ness Boat Cruise: This tour will not stop at Deanston distillery. Tickets for optional boat cruise not included. 7 years+

With optional Distillery Visit

from €58 / person
Guide: English

Stop at Deanston Distillery: This tour will not stop at Callander or include boat. Tickets for optional distillery tour & tasting not included. 8 years+

Optional Castle & Cruise Combo

from €67 / person
Guide: English

Route driven in reverse: This tour will not stop at the distillery or Fort Augustus. Tickets for optional boat cruise & castle not included. 7 years+

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 07:30, 07:45, 08:15
Scheduled through October 2027

This tour runs daily, departing at 07:30, 07:45, 08:15. Scheduled through October 2027. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked October 1, 2026.

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Regular Comfort Breaks
In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout

What's Not Included

No Food and drinks
No Toilet/Restroom on board. There are no public toilets available by the departure point.
Admission fees: Boat Cruise version: Loch Ness Boat Cruise tickets not included (Adults £22, Children £15)
Admission fees: Whisky Distillery option: Deanston Distillery tour & tasting not included (£19.50 for adults, £6 for children)
Admission fees: Castle & Cruise option: Cruise and entry to Urquhart Castle not included (£32 per adult, £23 per child)

Itinerary

Callander Stop 1
For those joining the Boat Cruise Option, our first stop of the day will be in the town of Callander; “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled at the foot of the Trossachs Callander offers its guests plenty of place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and views toward the Trossachs. **Please note that Castle & Cruise version will drive the route in reserve and will make an alternative comfort stop due to limited opening hours in Callander**
30 min
Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre Stop 2
Passengers joining the Whisky Distillery Option, your journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery instead of Callander. Housed in a former cotton mill and nestled on the banks of the River Teith, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies. Enjoy an optional guided tour through the distillery (tickets not included), where you’ll learn about the traditional whisky-making process and the history behind this unique location. Finish with a tasting of Deanston’s finest malts, guided by an expert who will explain the distinct flavours and characteristics of their whiskies. *Please note that the minimum age on the distillery tour is 8.*
1h 30m
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Stop 3
As we enter The ‘Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park’ our bus weaves through hills, mountains and Glens. These remote places were once inhabited by Highland Clans, not to mention Scotland’s most famous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, whom some consider The Scottish Robin Hood. Look out across the landscape and picture what it was like as you hear the remarkable bloodthirsty stories of betrayal and revenge as told by your guide.
Pass by
Fort William Stop 4
The tour then takes you through Fort William and past the spectacular Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. The Nevis Range towers over the winding road as you continue your journey to Loch Ness.
Pass by
Glencoe Stop 5
We stop for a short visit to Glencoe, which was the scene of one of Scotland’s most shocking massacres. As you gaze at the haunting hills, you notice the Glen is eerily silent. In the 17th century one of the worst acts of betrayal occurred here. Your guide will recount the details of this betrayal for you. You can almost feel the sorrow in the mountains of the ‘weeping valley’. Above all though, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. A highlight of any tour to the Scottish Highlands!
10 min
Loch Ness Stop 6
Castle & Cruise version: Arrive at the north bank of Loch Ness. Join an optional cruise and castle visit. Disembark at Urquhart Castle to explore these magnificent ruins. Please note that this version will not stop at Fort Augustus. Boat Cruise and Whisky Distillery versions: We arrive in Fort Augustus, a charming, Highland village on the Southern shores of the loch. If you booked the Boat Cruise Option you will have the chance to take a 1-hour cruise on the loch with our friends at Cruise Loch Ness. Those not joining the optional cruise and those on the Whisky Distillery version, you will have time to explore the village and the beautiful Caledonian Canal, that descends through the heart of the village into Loch Ness. Walk further along the canal and if there is time, into the surrounding countryside to enjoy mountainous views. **The Whisky Distillery option will have a shorter stop in Fort Augustus, approx. 45-60 minutes.**
1h
Commando Monument Stop 7
Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. *Please note that the Castle & Cruise version of the tour may not make this stop, due to time limitations.* In 1942, this setting became the training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Harsh, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. A statue of our heroes overlooks the Nevis range. Bring a camera – this is undoubtedly one of our favourite photo-stops in all of Scotland. Here, weather permitting, you could also spot Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain in The United Kingdom.
10 min
Cairngorms National Park Stop 8
Heading south we travel through the Cairngorm National Park where Red squirrels, roe deer, red deer, soaring buzzards, pine martens, golden eagles and osprey can be found. Our final stop of the day is Pitlochry
Pass by
Pitlochry Stop 9
On our way south, we stop by the town of Pitlochry to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air. This picturesque town is situated in the heart of the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. It sits below Beinn Bhracaigh (Ben Vrackie), the speckled mountain and beside the River Tummel, in some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland. With a backdrop of surrounding hills and beautiful woodlands, it is wonderful walking country.
30 min
Forth Bridge Stop 10
As we re-enter Edinburgh from the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.
Pass by
Edinburgh Stop 11
We drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 8:30 PM. Please note that during the winter season, we may be arriving earlier than estimated. We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations in case of delayed, and that we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.
10 min

Departure & Return

Start point

We meet in front of Burns Monument, on Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time / start time on your ticket.

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End point

We meet in front of Burns Monument, on Regent Road, Edinburgh. What3Words: ///allow.topped.joined Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time / start time on your ticket.

Additional Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: the Castle & Cruise version will run the route in reverse.
  • Minimum age to travel is 7 years old (8 for Whisky Distillery option). Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
  • There are three versions of this tour, please ensure you pick your preferred option when booking. Tickets to activity can be purchased during the tour.
  • Feel free to bring a packed lunch and/or snacks to avoid spending time queuing. There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that suit most dietary requirements
  • This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. Any time not accounted for in the itinerary is spent travelling through Scotland on the bus.
  • Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.
  • We do not allow bookings for more than 8 passengers, please reach out if you are looking to book a larger group.
  • Scottish weather is unpredictable, we recommend bringing suitable clothing and footwear.

Cancellation Policy

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

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Compared with other Day Trips from Edinburgh

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #64 of 90€5812h 30m4.79 (7359)shared
Stirling, Highlands & Distillery in Spanish€7712h4.98 (405)shared
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William€5412h4.93 (6417)shared
Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands€5412h 30m4.92 (6699)shared

Ranked #64 of 90 in Day Trips from Edinburgh by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €54 to €940, median €77; typical length 10h. 26 of 90 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 90 Day Trips from Edinburgh

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