Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh
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Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh

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(36 reviews)
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join us on a truly magical journey through the heart of Scotland with our Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands tour from Edinburgh, on a day full of awe-inspiring natural wonders, rich history, and folklore. Witness the breath-taking beauty of Loch Ness, as its broody waters reflect the surrounding natural scenery. Marvel as we drive through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, where towering mountains and fast-flowing cascading waterfalls create a picturesque backdrop. Immerse yourself in the captivating history, culture and fauna of the Highlands, as we visit and drive past many iconic sites, from the UNESCO heritage site of Forth Road Bridge, to Stirling Castle, from charming little towns like Pitlochry to the desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor. We hope this will be your most memorable experience of Scotland at its best.

Available options

Up to 6 passengers

Minivan<br/>Pickup included

Up to 7 passengers

Mid-Range People Carrier<br/>Pickup included

Up to 8 passengers

Large People Carrier<br/>Pickup included

Up to 4 passengers

Saloon<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Snacks in the form of Scottish delicacies
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1 Pass by

The Forth Road Bridge is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site that joins the historic settlements of North and South Queensferry. The oldest bridge dates back to 1890 and is an iconic symbol of Scotland's 19th century bold engineering.

2

Pitlochry is a delightful Scottish Perthshire Town, making it an ideal stop for refreshments and bathroom facilities.

3
Stop 3 Pass by

Dalwhinnie Distillery, famous for its single malt, is the highest distillery in Scotland at over 1000 feet above sea level.

4

The Commando Monument is a large three-figure bronze statue commemorating the service and sacrifice given by thousands of Allied troops during the Second World War, with Ben Nevis looming in the background.

5

Arriving in Fort Augustus just after midday, it will give you time to explore the town, including the famous 'Neptune's staircase', which is a series of locks that lower or raise boats from one altitude to another. Fort Augustus has many quaint little cafes for lunch.

Loch Ness is renowned worldwide for its incredible beauty, and of course the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

There is an optional cruise of the loch with a 1pm sailing. (Cruise price starts from £19.00 per person, with family tickets available. Not included in the tour price.)

6

Rising above all other mountains in the UK, Ben Nevis is the tallest, and overshadows Fort William. We will take you to a vantage point where you will be able to take in the scenery and take in those captivating photos.

7

Time permitting, we will stop over at Glencoe Visitors Centre, which contains a host of information on this famous valley's geology, history and wildlife. The highlight of the centre is a reconstruction of a traditional 18th century Turf and Creel house from the Glencoe Valley, which you can enter to experience how the inhabitants of the valley lived 300 years ago.

8

The Three Sisters of Glencoe - the most photographed place in Scotland - are three mountain peaks formed 420 million years ago by a super volcano, and the valley below carved by glaciers over millions of years.

There is a hidden glen behind it that was used by the MacDonald clan to hide cattle stolen from their neighbours.

9

Rannoch moor is often referred to as the most desolate place in the UK, due to being the largest bog expanse in the British isles. It was also used as the setting for the filming of scenes of two Harry Potter movies.

10

A spectacular vantage point over looking 'everything Scottish', rugged mountains, Lochs and pine forests

11

Breaking up the journey home, we will make a brief stop to hand feed the Highland Hairy 'Coos' at Callander Woolen Mill.

12
Stop 12

Doune Castle is an important Scottish historic castle, which was also a filming location for popular TV and cinema pictures, such as Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

One of the most important and largest castles in Scottish history, Stirling Castle sits on top of a hill of volcanic rock above the town of Stirling.

14
Stop 14 Pass by

The Kelpies are the largest equine statues in the world, and were commissioned not only as a homage to the horses used in the Scottish coal mines, but also as a representation of the mythical Kelpies from Scottish fairy folklore.

What's not included

Gratuities
Lunch
Loch Ness Cruise admission

Available languages

Guide guide
PA PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
16 reviews
5★
15
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
20 reviews
5★
20
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel time is included on the total tour duration
Uk cars are smaller than our American counterparts, please be aware of this when booking for 4 adults

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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