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

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
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Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Gear up for many picturesque stops while on the road through the Scottish Highlands.
Decide for yourself whether or not the Loch Ness monster is real in the mythic highlands of Scotlands.
Quaint Scottish towns like Callander are just moments away from vast natural reserves.
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From $74.56

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Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon12 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds

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Overview

Take a personalized tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness on this day trip to the Scottish Highlands. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy an optional boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group limited to 16 passengers.
  • Small-group day trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands from Edinburgh
  • Visit Glencoe and explore the famous Cairngorms National Park
  • Take in spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands as you travel
  • Enjoy a chance to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, on an optional Loch Ness cruise
  • Small-group tour for a more personalized experience
  • Travel comfortably in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

This tour crams a lot into one day, but travel time between stops is never more than two hours.
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From $74.56

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Driver/guide
The chance to see "Nessie", the Loch Ness monster
Modern Mercedes minivan with air conditioning (maximum 16 people)
Loch Ness Cruise
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Food and drinks
Rabbie's Cafe Bar , 6 Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EG, UK
Open in Google Maps
8:00 AM
This activity will end right where it started.
Get comfortable inside your top of the range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and depart central Edinburgh to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands, stopping along the way to hear insightful commentary from your guide.

Pass by Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and Linlithgow Palace—the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots—en route to Glencoe, a Highland glen filled with eerie tales about the Clan MacDonald massacre of 1692.

Journey onward through the 18th-century Fort William, and gaze out at the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen. Reaching Fort Augustus, disembark on the shores of Loch Ness, where you can opt for a seasonal boat ride on the loch and listen for the Loch Ness Monster ‘Nessie’ on the sonar system. (Cruises run from Easter to the end of October.) 

After you purchase lunch (own expense), continue your drive to Cairngorms National Park via Spean Bridge village. Take in the views of Loch Laggan and the windswept mountains, including Craig Meagaidh, where the TV series 'Monarch of the Glen' was filmed. 

Your tour concludes with the return drive to Edinburgh.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Rabbie's Cafe Bar
Check-in at least 15 mins prior to published departure time and meet with your driver for the day.
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Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Glencoe Mountain
Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Fort Augustus Abbey
Fort Augustus boasts the Caledonian Canal, which is a great spot to relax and watch the boats sail by. You stop here for nearly 1hour 30min to give you time for lunch and time to take in the scenery around Scotland's most famous loch.
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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
Stop At:  
Loch Ness
Take a chance to go on an optional boat cruise or wander around this alluring and eerie loch.
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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
Pass By:  
Cairngorms National Park
Travel through thick pine-clad slopes and take in views of fast-flowing rivers.
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  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Minimum age to participate is 5 years old. We do not carry children under the age of 5.
  • Check-in closes 15 minutes prior to departure
  • 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.
  • Near public transportation
  • 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.
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Loch Ness cruise – We reserve tickets for you. If you want to join the cruise, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Rabbies Trail Burners
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the departure point for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:The tour departs from Rabbie's Cafe Bar, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh.
Jun 2021
Q:
Is parking available near the departure point for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:Parking can be difficult to find in the center of town. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of the excellent public transportation that is available.
Jun 2021
Q:
How early should I arrive for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:Check-in closes 15 minutes before your departure time. The tour departs on time, so please do not arrive late.
Jun 2021
Q:
Can I bring luggage with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:You may bring up to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. 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) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Jun 2021
Q:
What should I bring with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your camera and spending money for lunch, optional admission tickets, etc.
Jun 2021
Q:
Are admission fees included in the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:No. You pay for access to sites such as castles and museums as you arrive. Most of these locations accept both cash and card.
Jun 2021
Q:
What type of vehicle is used during the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:The tour is conducted in a 16 seat Mercedes Mini-coach. There are three steps up into the coach – each 150mm in height. There are grab handles on both sides, the step edges are clearly marked and the treads are non-slip.
Jun 2021
Q:
Can I bring a wheelchair on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:The bus is not wheelchair accessible, however, there is storage available for a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Guests must be able to get on/off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a companion as guides cannot assist physically.
Jun 2021
Q:
Are restrooms available on the bus during the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:There are no restrooms on board the bus, however, the group does make regular breaks to use the restroom during the tour.
Jun 2021
Q:
Can I bring my small child with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:All guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this tour. If your child is 5 or older, but under 1.35m (4.4 ft.) tall, please notate this in the "Special Requirements" box so a booster seat can be arranged.
Jun 2021
Q:
Should I bring my own lunch during the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:There is no need to bring lunch. The group will make a lunch stop where you can purchase a meal suitable to your taste and budget.
Jun 2021
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
See all safety measures taken by Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
See all safety measures taken by Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "You have to understand that you are covering a great deal of the country in just 12 hours - so dress appropriately and bring your camera." See review
  • "Final tip would be wearing comfy shoes and a warm coat as the forecast can change quickly, and especially on the boat as it can be windy." See review
  • "However, it's worth it, as the beautiful scenery of Glencoe and Loch Ness are not to be missed." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
3,847 Reviews
5 stars
3,120
4 stars
508
3 stars
108
2 stars
54
1 star
57

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 3,847 reviews
star-5
Beautiful trip
Dan_L
, May 2022
Jim Scot did a very good job on this day tour. He was humourous and provided tips on taking beautiful pictures, we enjoyed absolutely.
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star-5
Fantastic tour!
Katherine_H
, May 2022
Fantastic tour! Ally has a wealth of knowledge about an incredible array of topics-and he has managed to match a song to each of them!! Not a dull moment, and tons of fascinating facts as well as breathtaking beauty. Highly, highly recommend this tour!
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star-5
Amazon
Reba_M
, May 2022
Graeme is an extremely knowledgeable and pleasant tour guide and a wonderfully safe driver. This was such a beautiful tour, and a pleasant surprise for us since we had no clue what to expect. Rabbie's cafe is a wonderful coffee shop pick up location that is run by this store. The seats on the bus are a little uncomfortable, and I wish they would have assigned them ahead of time so that people in the same tour could be sat together, But nonetheless was a great tour. Ps. Definitely recommend picking up snacks and desserts from Mhor Bread during the first stop! Amazing treats that we had throughout the day and food for lunch.
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star-5
Top class Highlands tour
Liam_R
, May 2022
Seeing the beautiful landscapes in the Highlands. Having an outstanding tour guide in Kevin, so kind, humerous, informative and professional.
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star-5
Dream tour
Bill_A
, May 2022
The historical perspectives from Graeme. His driving was also perfect! Very courteous and thoughtful. Mad the whole day easy!
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star-5
Cool trip
Marc_B
, May 2022
Jim was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and kept the trip fun. Made good stops and learned lots about Scotland
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Absolutely Amazing
Anja_Z
, May 2022
Barbara, our tour guide, was an excellent story teller, great guide and an absolutely amazing driver! I can’t stress this enough, I normally do not feel safe when driving with someone else but she handeled the streets and maneuvers so well that I felt completely at ease! The trip itself is amazing. Enough stops for pictures and taking in the scenery. I recommend everyone to take the cruise at loch ness since the guides on that boat are absolutely hilarious. The tour is quite long so don’t forget to pack some water and snacks. Also don’t forget to charge up your cameras, the views are great and you will want to remember it forever!
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star-5
Experience of a lifetime
Thomas_M
, May 2022
Great adventure. Be ready for a long day but worth it. The Highlands are spectacular. We added the boat tour and it was wonderful. Every one was helpful and knowledgeable. Our guide Mac was fantastic and we came back more informed on Scottish history and maybe some tall tales. Would strongly advise this as a great day trip. Dress for the weather as it changed about 1000 times.
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star-3
Long ride, little Loch Ness
Charles_D
, May 2022
The Loch Ness part of the trip is way too long. You finally get there only to have a crappy lunch with a peek of the lake. Bring your own knowledge of the folk lore around this famous lake because we didn’t get any from our guide. We did get plenty of legitimate history to be fair. Our guide was really knowledgeable…I appreciated his comments. Glencoe was definitely worth the trip. This part of the highlands was ruggedly beautiful. Bo matter what, this is a long 12 hour day…mostly in the coach. I for one, was hoping for more activity.
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Many thanks for your feedback and we're sorry the tour didn't fully meet your expectations. As Loch Ness is a significant distance from Edinburgh there is a lot of travel time here. We provide as much time of the mini-coach as possible within the time and our guides do share history and stories to make the journey a valuable and enjoyable part of the experience. Although most customers do enjoy this tour, it's not for everyone and we do recommend that those who want a more relaxed pace and more time of the bus consider shorter tour routes or the 2-day Loch Ness tour instead. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
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star-5
Excellent tour of the Highlands
Ahmar_S
, May 2022
Keith gave us a fabulous tour of the Highlands. He had a plethora of Scottish knowledge to share, from history to geology to ecology to politics to music and cukture. His delivery was warm and good natured. He really helped us get into the mindset of the people, from the Iron Age to the present, and gave context to the breathtaking environment. Even aftsr a twelve hour tour, we were sad to leave the highlands.
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