From Edinburgh: 1-Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands Tour

Head into the Highlands

Leave Edinburgh and travel north towards the Highlands, passing the impressive Forth Bridge which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will share stories and music throughout the day, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. We continue past Perth and stop at Taste Perthshire where you can enjoy refreshments and even meet Highland cows.

Cairngorms National Park

Continue through the vast wilderness of Cairngorms National Park. This is the largest national park in Britain and home to several of the highest mountains in the country. Pass Aviemore which is famous for outdoor activities before reaching Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Arrive at the world famous Loch Ness and wander along its scenic shores. You can also choose the popular optional extra that includes a cruise on the loch and a visit to the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle which offers the best views across the water. This combined experience can be purchased on the day (adult £31, child £22). Keep your camera ready in case Nessie makes an appearance.

The Great Glen and Ben Nevis

Travel through the Great Glen and pause at the Commando Memorial which honours the Royal Marine Commandos who trained here during the Second World War. Enjoy a fantastic photo stop with clear views of Ben Nevis which is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.

Glen Coe

Glen Coe is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland. This steep glen sits within the remains of an ancient volcano. Your guide will share the story of the Glen Coe massacre which shaped Highland history. On the far side of the glen we pass the vast landscape of Rannoch Moor. It is also where part of the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ was filmed.

Drive Past Stirling Castle

The route home takes you past the beautiful city of Stirling where you will see the stunning Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important historic and architectural landmarks. You will also catch a glimpse of the Wallace Monument as we pass by. We arrive back in Edinburgh at around 8.30pm.

Please note: this tour operates in reverse during the winter months.

11 hours and 45 minutes door to door. Check-in is 07:45, the coach leaves at 08:00, and you are back in central Edinburgh by 21:00 with your evening free.

You can. The tour drives the full length of the loch, and you can add a boat cruise plus entry to Urquhart Castle as an optional extra. From the water you get the view of the castle ruins that you cannot get from the road, and 227 metres of dark water under the hull to wonder about.

Yes. You drive through Glencoe on the return leg, past the peaks left behind by an ancient volcano and the site of the 1692 massacre your guide will tell you about as you go. There is time to stop for photographs.

Usually, yes. The route includes a stop where the hairy coos come to the fence, which is why it ends up on more camera rolls than Loch Ness does.

There are stops where you can buy food, but options are limited on this route, so bring a picnic if you are particular about lunch. Most attractions take card, though some smaller places are cash only.

Children aged three and up are welcome and pay a reduced fare. It is a long day on a coach with short walks at each stop, so bring what keeps your child comfortable between stops.

The tour runs, and Glen Coe in low cloud is a sight in itself. Occasionally the route runs in reverse depending on conditions, so you see everything on the itinerary in a different order. Bring a waterproof and shoes that handle uneven ground.

Check-in

Check-in: Caffè Nero, 1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE, beside St Giles’ Cathedral.

Departure: 1 Parliament Sq, Royal Mile, EH1 1RE. Our staff will direct you to the bus.

Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure. Please arrive in good time.

Please note: Seats are unreserved and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours depart promptly and cannot wait for late arrivals.

Drop-off

Drop-off: 22 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AF.

• On 26 December and 1 January the cruise and castle visit are not available
• Food options are limited on these days so we recommend bringing a picnic
• At times the tour may run in reverse depending on conditions
• Fully narrated by award-winning driver-guides
• Comfortable, luxury coach travel: plenty of stops, space to stretch, and well planned for photo moments

• No matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland), sunglasses and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person (no more than 15kg), along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.