Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

Edinburgh , Scotland

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

Active

(5973 reviews)

12h

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable 12-hour adventure from Edinburgh and experience the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury mini-coach with a friendly, knowledgeable guide and a small group of no more than 16 people – ensuring a relaxed, personalised experience.
Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, steeped in history and surrounded by towering peaks. Continue your journey through rugged Highland scenery to the picturesque village of Fort Augustus.
Here, you’ll enjoy a cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, where you can soak up breath-taking views and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive Nessie! With the water stretching out against a backdrop of forested hills, this is a true highlight of the day.
Afterwards, travel through the stunning Cairngorms National Park, passing natural landmarks. Your final stop is the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you can enjoy a short stroll before the scenic drive back to Edinburgh.

Available options

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

What's included

Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach

Admission Fee - includes 50 minute cruise on Loch Ness

The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

The chance to see "Nessie", the Loch Ness monster

Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views.

Stop 2

Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.

Stop 3

*Cruise on Loch Ness is included in your ticket

Fort Augustus boasts the Caledonian Canal, which is a great spot to relax and watch the boats sail by into Loch Ness. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise

We'll take a short break here in the charming village of Spean Bridge, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This peaceful spot offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including glimpses of Ben Nevis on a clear day. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp Highland air, and take in the beautiful scenery.

Gradually, the dramatic mountains soften and become cloaked in lush forest. Among the towering trees of Perthshire, you'll take a final refreshment break in Pitlochry before continuing south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife.

Stop 6 Pass by

Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge on your way to Edinburgh.

Please note: Some tours may run in reverse You return to Edinburgh at approximately 8.00pm.

What's not included

Admission Fees unless specified

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop off

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

3,374 reviews

5★

2646

4★

496

3★

131

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

2,599 reviews

5★

2284

4★

183

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Check-in closes 15 minutes prior to departure. This tour will depart from Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ. Check-in will close at 07:30 (tour will depart at 07:45).

Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.

In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.

We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding.

Loch Ness cruise – We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.

Please note, this tour returns to Edinburgh around 20:00 PM

*The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice.

**This route may be reversed on some occasions.

Meeting point

Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ

(Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure)

Important notes

* Loch Ness cruise included in your tour price.

• This tour will depart from inside Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ. Check-in will close at 07:30 (tour will depart at 07:45).

• Minimum age is 5 years
• Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure.
• Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg of luggage per person; one piece of luggage similar (approximately 55cm x 45cm) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture