Tour Overview
Join our Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh, a one-day journey through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes. Travelling north from the capital, this small-group adventure combines dramatic scenery, Highland history and legendary locations.
Your journey begins with views of Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historic fortresses, before continuing into the heart of the Highlands. We pause in the Highland town of Callander, often known as the gateway to Rob Roy country.
From here, the landscape becomes increasingly wild as we cross the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor, one of Scotland’s last great wildernesses, before arriving in the dramatic valley of Glencoe, famous for its towering peaks and the tragic Glencoe Massacre of 1692.
Continuing north past Fort William and beneath Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, we follow the Great Glen to Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness.
Here you’ll have free time to explore the village, stroll beside the Caledonian Canal, enjoy lunch, or take an optional cruise across the mysterious waters of Loch Ness.
Your return journey travels through the spectacular scenery of the Cairngorms National Park and Perthshire’s famous “Big Tree Country” before arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening.
From Glencoe and the Great Glen to Fort Augustus and Loch Ness, this tour combines dramatic Highland scenery, iconic locations and legendary waters in one memorable day from Edinburgh.
Why Choose This Tour
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✔ Small Group Experience
Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach for a more personal small-group journey through the Scottish Highlands.
✔ Scotland’s Most Dramatic Landscapes
Visit Glencoe, the Highlands and Loch Ness in one memorable day.
✔ Optional Loch Ness Cruise
Enjoy free time in Fort Augustus with the chance to take a cruise on Loch Ness.
✔ Expert Driver-Guides
Our knowledgeable Scottish guides bring the landscapes and history to life.
Tour Highlights Video
Tour Route
Tour Itinerary
Departing Edinburgh
Your Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh begins with views of the iconic Stirling Castle, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and the backdrop to some of Scotland’s greatest battles.
We continue into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, stopping in the Highland town of Callander for morning refreshments. Known as Rob Roy country, your guide will share tales of the infamous outlaw whose legend still shapes Highland folklore.
Rannoch Moor & Glencoe
Cross the desolate beauty of Rannoch Moor, a vast wilderness of lochs and peat bogs, before arriving in the dramatic valley of Glencoe.
Surrounded by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls, this is one of Scotland’s most cinematic landscapes, forever marked by the tragic Glencoe Massacre of 1692. You’ll have time to explore, take photos, and hear the story behind this hauntingly beautiful glen.
Ben Nevis & the Great Glen
Journey north to Fort William, located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Weather permitting, you may glimpse its mighty summit.
From here, travel through the spectacular Great Glen, following the historic Caledonian Canal, a dramatic valley carved by glaciers and lined with lochs and mountains.
Loch Ness & Fort Augustus
At the southern tip of Loch Ness lies the Highland village of Fort Augustus, your stop for lunch and exploration.
Take a stroll beside the locks of the Caledonian Canal, enjoy the village atmosphere, or join an optional Loch Ness cruise. Glide across the mysterious waters surrounded by Highland mountains and keep your camera ready — Nessie sightings are never guaranteed, but always hoped for.
Cairngorms National Park & Perthshire
On your return south, travel through the wild beauty of Cairngorms National Park, home to ancient forests, rivers and mountain landscapes.
Continue through Monarch of the Glen country and alongside Loch Laggan before a final refreshment stop in Perthshire, often known as Scotland’s Big Tree Country.
Return to Edinburgh
As you approach Edinburgh, catch sight of the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge, one of Scotland’s greatest feats of Victorian engineering.
Your Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh concludes back in the capital, leaving you with lasting memories of Scotland’s landscapes, history and legends.
Tour Highlights
Stirling Castle Views
Enjoy views of Stirling Castle, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots and the backdrop to some of Scotland’s most famous battles.
Wild Rannoch Moor
Cross one of Scotland’s last great wildernesses, a dramatic landscape of peat bogs, lochs and wide Highland skies.
Dramatic Glencoe
Explore Scotland’s most famous glen and hear the tragic story of the Glencoe Massacre of 1692 surrounded by towering peaks.
Ben Nevis & the Great Glen
Travel beneath Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, and through the spectacular Great Glen carved by ancient glaciers.
Loch Ness & Fort Augustus
Enjoy free time beside the Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus, with the option to take a cruise across mysterious Loch Ness.
Cairngorms National Park
Return through the wild landscapes of Cairngorms National Park and Perthshire’s famous Big Tree Country.
With time for Glencoe, Fort Augustus and Loch Ness, this tour brings together Scotland’s most dramatic scenery in one rewarding day.
Ready to explore the Scottish Highlands?
Reserve your seat on our Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh today.
Before You Go
Your tour departs from Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, opposite Howies Restaurant.
Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
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Please arrive in good time before departure.
Check-in closes 15 minutes before departure to allow your driver-guide to complete the safety briefing.
Final Check-in closes at 07:30.
If you arrive after this time we may not be able to accommodate you on the tour.
Your Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh departs at 07:45.
The tour returns to Edinburgh at approximately 19:45.
Please note return times may vary slightly depending on traffic or weather conditions.
Passengers may bring one piece of luggage similar to an airline cabin bag, with a maximum weight of 15kg.
Suggested maximum size:
65cm × 45cm × 30cm
(25in × 18in × 12in)
You may also bring a small personal bag for items needed during the journey.
Due to vehicle weight limits this policy cannot be adjusted.
We regret that we cannot carry children under the age of 5 years on our scheduled tours.
- Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini coach
- Air-conditioned vehicle with onboard air purification system
- Experienced local driver-guide sharing stories and local knowledge throughout the tour
- Loch Ness boat cruise (optional)
- Meals and refreshments
Cruise tickets can be added during the booking process or arranged with your driver-guide earlier in the tour, subject to availability.
Scotland’s weather can change quickly, so we recommend bringing:
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers of clothing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- A camera to capture the scenery
Most places we visit accept card payments, but we recommend bringing some cash for smaller purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
This full-day tour lasts approximately 12 hours, departing Edinburgh in the morning and returning in the evening.
No. The Loch Ness cruise is not included in the tour price and is available as an optional extra. Guests who wish to take the cruise should purchase tickets from their driver-guide earlier in the tour, subject to availability. Sailings are popular and tickets may not be available on arrival at Loch Ness.
You will have free time at Loch Ness in the village of Fort Augustus, located at the southern tip of the loch. This allows time to explore the Caledonian Canal locks, enjoy lunch, or take the optional Loch Ness cruise.
Yes. This Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh operates with a maximum of 16 passengers, allowing for a more personal experience and more time to enjoy Scotland’s landscapes, viewpoints and photo stops.
Yes. There are several comfort stops during the Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh, including time for lunch in Fort Augustus beside Loch Ness. Coffee and refreshment stops are also made during the journey.
Scottish weather can change quickly, but the tour runs in most conditions. In fact, changing weather often makes the landscapes even more dramatic.
While we can’t guarantee a sighting of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monster has fascinated visitors for generations. Keep your camera ready — you never know what might appear beneath the mysterious waters of Loch Ness.
As this tour travels deep into the Scottish Highlands, there are sections of driving between destinations. However, your Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh includes several scenic stops throughout the day, allowing time to stretch your legs, take photographs and enjoy the Highland landscapes.
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