Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trip

Day trips in Edinburgh

In a nutshell

A full day into the Highlands, passing Glencoe and ending at Loch Ness, with stops for scenery and a short cruise.

Rating & popularity

#4 of 11

in our Edinburgh guide

Visit duration

Full day

Book ahead

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A full day into the Highlands, passing Glencoe and ending at Loch Ness, with stops for scenery and a short cruise.

Know before you go

It is a very long day, with around ten hours on the coach. Bring layers and a rain jacket.

What to book

A tour with a small-group minibus, which allows more stops than a large coach.

What to check before you pay

Confirm total time on the coach versus time at each stop.
Check whether entrance fees and lunch are included.
Look for a pick-up point close to your hotel, not just a central meeting spot.

Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trip tours & tickets

Related tours, tickets & activities

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands (opens in a new tab)

7,030 12 h 30 min

Mythical beasts, tall tales and dramatic scenery: explore the beauty of Scotland in a day on this one day coach tour. Leaving from Edinburgh, we head northwest passing famous landmarks such as Linlithgow Palace: birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, the mystical Kelpies, and the dramatically perched Stirling Castle. Continuing north we arrive in Glencoe for some photos of the dramatic ridges called the Three Sisters. We stop in the Fort William area for lunch before heading into the natural beauty of the Great Glen as we pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Heading further into the highlands we arrive in the small picturesque village of Fort Augustus - you can choose to take part in an optional boat cruise here. The road home will be time to relax and take in the Highland scenery. Final refreshment stop is at the historic town of Pitlochry before continuing the journey home over the Firth of Forth alongside UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge enroute back into Edinburgh.

from$61.08Details & Booking

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

2,986 13 h

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

from$74.65Details & Booking

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour (opens in a new tab)

7,407 12 h 30 min

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible scenery and photo-worthy moments. Escape the city to explore dramatic mountains, glens and unspoiled landscapes. Travel by comfortable coach as your guide brings Scotland’s rich history, folklore and legendary tales to life along the way. Two tour options are available, each operating on a separate coach. Select your preferred experience when booking: Boat Cruise – Enjoy extra time in Fort Augustus and the option to cruise the waters of Loch Ness (not included). Whisky Distillery – Discover Scotch whisky with an optional tour & tasting at Deanston Distillery (not included). Not planning to join any optional activities? We recommend the Boat Cruise option to enjoy some extra free time! Minimum age for this tour is 7 years.

from$66.51Details & Booking

Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

2,682 12 h

This 12 hour tour will fit in as much of Scotland as can possibly done in one day! You will witness the stunning scenery of Glencoe and Ben Nevis before you make your way to Loch Ness for a cruise across its deep waters looking for evidence of its renowned resident, Nessie. Enjoy traveling in comfort on one of our luxury, modern, air-conditioned coaches as you witness the stunning sights that Scotland has to offer. Please note: This tour is designed to pack into one day as much as possible of Scotland’s highlights! While much of the journey is enjoyed from the comfort of the coach due to the distance covered, you will experience breathtaking views and scenery along the way.

from$78.45Details & Booking

Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

236 12 h

Departing Edinburgh, travel north into Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with a relaxed morning refreshment stop in the Highland town of Callander. The journey continues through Rannoch Moor, one of Scotland’s most remote landscapes, before stopping in Glencoe to admire its dramatic scenery and learn about the events that shaped this iconic glen. Travelling through Fort William, there is an opportunity to view Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, from the minibus on clear days, before following the Great Glen to Fort Augustus, at the southern end of Loch Ness. This is the main stop of the day, allowing time for lunch, exploring the village, watching boats pass through the Caledonian Canal locks, or joining an optional Loch Ness cruise (available on the day, payable locally). The return journey travels through the Highlands and Perthshire, with an evening refreshment stop before arriving back in Edinburgh, with views of the Forth Bridge on the approach.

from$90.94Details & Booking

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