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Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

4.7 · 2,965 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 91% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Edinburgh Operated by Highland Experience Tours Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
13h
Group
Shared tour
Guide languages
English
Start & pickup
07:15, 08:00 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Tickets
Admission not included, pay on site
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

Cairngorms National Park, Glen Coe and Loch Ness feature on this coach route, with an optional cruise and Urquhart Castle visit.

Air-conditioned transport, panoramic windows and live commentary are included; cruise and castle tickets require extra payment in cash. 4.65 from 2,965 reviews at €66 per person for 13h.

In our comparison: #88 of 90 in Day Trips from Edinburgh, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Price and inclusions

One price for every traveller: €66 per adult.

Included and not 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- Cash only
  • Entrance fees - Child, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Tour- Cash Only

Children from €63 (ages 3 to 15). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 3 October 2026.

Reviews

4.7
2,965 ratings
Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor

91% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 2,703 of 2,965

Star breakdown of all 2,965 ratings

5 stars
2,410 · 81%
4 stars
293 · 10%
3 stars
113 · 4%
2 stars
64 · 2%
1 star
85 · 3%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the guides and scenery; some find the bus travel excessive and the sightseeing stops too brief.

Praised

  • Many praise the guides' Scottish history, humour and storytelling
  • Highland landscapes, especially Glencoe and Loch Ness
  • Loch Ness cruises and visits to Urquhart Castle are frequent highlights
  • Scottish music complements the stories and scenery
  • Skilled drivers handle narrow roads with care

Complaints

  • Some found the bus travel excessive and stops rushed, while others liked the pace
  • Some were surprised by the extra cruise charge; alternatives at Loch Ness felt limited
  • Limited food choices and little time to buy lunch at rest stops
  • Some found the bus comfortable, while others reported cramped seating

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (15 May 2026 to 3 October 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 07:45 · Open in Google Maps
Departure
07:15, 08:00 daily; scheduled through September 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Highland Experience Tours; booking and payment are completed on Viator

Itinerary

About this tour, from the operator

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of ID may be required at check in.
  • Visit to Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness cruise £31 per adult and £22 per child with Highland Experience discount, cash required. No need to pre book.

Accessibility

  • Strollers OK
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Good to know

  • Food not included bring or buy your own
  • Children from €63 ages 3 to 15

The booking form will also ask for: dates of birth

Cancellation policy

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

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

Compared with other Day Trips from Edinburgh

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #88 of 90€6613h4.65 (2965)shared
Stirling, Highlands & Distillery in Spanish€7812h4.98 (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 #88 of 90 in Day Trips from Edinburgh by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €54 to €944, median €78; 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

From €66 per adult