--- title: Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh lang: en type: tour city: Edinburgh country: United Kingdom price: 65 currency: EUR price_unit: per_person availability: bookable rating: 4.65 reviews: 2965 duration_minutes: 780 languages: [en] free_cancellation: true rank_in_category: 88 of 90 (Day Trips from Edinburgh) schedule_checked: 2026-10-01 data_updated: 2026-10-01 canonical: https://guidekin.com/uk/edinburgh/tours/scottish-highlands-loch-ness-and-glencoe-day-trip-from-edinburgh/ --- # Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh **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 2965 reviews at €65 per person for 13h. ## Overview Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, beguiling mystery and dramatic history on this day trip from Edinburgh. Traveling to the Scottish Highlands, witness the stunning vistas of Cairngorms National Park and cruise along world-famous Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster and tour Urquhart Castle ruins. Admire an ancient castle in Stirling as you pass by, learn about the massacre at Glen Coe and the adventures of Scottish legend William Wallace, whose life is depicted in the film ‘Braveheart.’ Be sure to bring your camera to capture stunning views and maybe even a glimpse of ‘Nessie’! Please note on December 26 there will be no castle or cruise available ## Before you book - Meeting point: Please check in with Highland Experience… - Entry ticket not included: buy it separately - Starts 07:15, 08:00: 2 departures a day - Food not included: bring or buy your own - Strollers OK: infants accepted - Children from €63: ages 3 to 15 ## Key facts - Price: from €65 per person - Duration: 13h - Rating: 4.65/5 from 2965 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor) - Free cancellation (see policy below) - Recommended by 91% of travellers (share of four- and five-star reviews) - Operator: Highland Experience Tours ## What's included - Air-conditioned vehicle - Local live driver guide who will share stories and history throughout the day - Panoramic windows ## Not included - 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 ## Itinerary 1. **As we head north the first stop of the day is at this charming location nestl...** (30m) - As we head north the first stop of the day is at this charming location nestled in the heart of Perthshire - a wonderful place for a refreshment stop and the chance to meet and feed Highland coo! 2. **Cairngorms National Park** (pass by, no stop) - Through the Cairngorms and the wild wilderness. The Cairngorms are home to some of the highest peaks in the British Isles, including Ben Macdui and Braeriach. These mountains, with their rugged slopes and dramatic ridges, offer stunning vistas. You'll love taking in the... 3. **Loch Ness** (1h) - Highlight of the day is Loch Ness. Known worldwide for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as "Nessie." This deep, freshwater loch stretches approximately 23 miles long and is surrounded by stunning scenery, we stop so you can explore its mysteries and enjoy... 4. **Urquhart Castle** (1h) - Enjoy clambering around the ruins of the castle perched right on the banks of Loch Ness. Urquhart Castle is a historic fortress steeped in centuries of intrigue and offers panoramic views of the iconic loch. Entrance is combined with the cruise option; your driver guide will... 5. **Glencoe National Nature Reserve** (15m) - Glen Coe, a breathtaking valley in the Scottish Highlands, is renowned for its rugged beauty, towering peaks, and tragic history, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Listen to the tale of murder and massacre from your... ## Schedule - Runs: daily - Departures: 07:15, 08:00 - Schedule last checked: 2026-10-01 - These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout. ## Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. ## Meeting point Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 07:45 Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJeUQBaoXHh0gR2xisBknRHo8 ## Good to know - Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller - Service animals allowed - Public transportation options are available nearby - Suitable for all physical fitness levels - Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of ID may be required at check in. - 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 £31 per adult and £22 per child with Highland Experience discount, cash required. No need to pre book. - We reserve the right to change the tour itinerary at any time due to weather, acts of God, and events out with our control. - Due to the distance travelled on this tour, the itinerary involves substantial driving time. - There are multiple stops for food. The lunch stop is Loch Ness with cafes at both Urquhart Castle and the Clansman Hotel. Booking asks for: dates of birth ## Compared with other Day Trips from Edinburgh | Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group | |---|---|---|---|---| | **This tour · #88 of 90** | €65 | 13h | 4.65 (2965) | shared | | [Stirling, Highlands & Distillery in Spanish](/uk/edinburgh/tours/stirling-highlands-distillery-in-spanish/?format=md) | €77 | 12h | 4.98 (405) | shared | | [Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William](/uk/edinburgh/tours/edinburgh-glenfinnan-viaduct-glencoe-fort-william/?format=md) | €54 | 12h | 4.93 (6417) | shared | | [Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands](/uk/edinburgh/tours/edinburgh-loch-ness-glencoe-and-the-highlands/?format=md) | €54 | 12h 30m | 4.92 (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 €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. 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