Day trip

Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour with Lunch

Activity provider: Highland Explorer Tours
Day trip

Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour with Lunch

Activity provider: Highland Explorer Tours
Likely to sell out

From US$ 61.16 per person

Likely to sell out
Eco-certified

Look out for Nessie on a full-day tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, and see Ben Nevis which is the highest mountain in the UK. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Highlands, then find Nessie on a cruise! Head back to Edinburgh via beautiful Perthshire.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Audio guide included
Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese

Experience

Highlights
  • Drive through the Scottish Highlands on a full-day tour to Loch Ness
  • See Ben Nevis; the highest mountain in the United Kingdom
  • Go monster watching on an optional Loch Ness boat cruise
  • See the underwater life at Loch Ness via hi-tech imaging systems
  • Enjoy Scottish shortbread and sandwiches with a complimentary lunch
Full description

Embark on a full-day guided trip to Loch Ness from Edinburgh and tour the Scottish Highlands. See the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, keep an eye out for Nessie on a boat cruise and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Head north from Edinburgh and pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle. Skirt the Trossachs Rob Roy country, and cross the wilds of Rannoch Moor before stopping at dramatic Glencoe; the scene of the infamous 1692 massacre.  Your journey takes you through Fort William. Pass Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before entering the Great Glen. Arrive at the pretty Highland village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness, and enjoy a lovely picnic with freshly made sandwiches, shortbread, and chips. If you fancy something more substantial, your guide will happily recommend some great local cafes.  Take an optional boat cruise on the loch, go for a scenic hike, or just relax by the Caledonian Canal. If you choose to sail along the waters of Loch Ness, it really is an unforgettable experience. Your boat is equipped with the latest hi-tech color, sonar, and underwater imaging system, giving you a fascinating view of the underwater terrain and life. You might even see Nessie! You can also relax with a coffee or beer in the onboard bar. Having seen the best of the Scottish Highlands, it's time to head back to Edinburgh via shimmering Loch Laggan and the wild and lonely Drumochter Pass.

Head south and enter Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers, and mountains. See the spectacular Forth Bridge before arriving back in Edinburgh at around 20:00.

Includes
  • Local Scottish guide
  • Transportation by air-conditioned bus with WiFi
  • Picnic lunch
  • Loch Ness boat cruise (if option is selected)
  • Downloadable Audio Guides Available
  • Hotel pickup
Not suitable for
  • Children under 5 years

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Tours depart from the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, not far from the intersection of the Bridges and the Royal Mile. For tours departing after the 1st of April 2023, the departure point will be at Edinburgh Bus Station on 26 Elder Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • This tour involves a long day of driving, and covers over 300 miles (500km) in 12 hours
  • Travel insurance is recommended
  • Anyone aged 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 793 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Service
    4.2/5
  • Organization
    4.3/5

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Our guide Tim was exceptionally knowledgeable of Scottish history. He brought all the bits and pieces I knew as a foreigner having lived in Scotland for years together, and now I feel I have a much better understanding of the succession of events. As well as history, he also made us aware of recent events and highlights of the beautiful landscape we were driving through.

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March 27, 2023

We had a great day in the Highlands. Our tour guide / driver was very knowledgeable and outgoing, he shared interesting tips about sightseeing in Scotland and Edinburgh and we used them even after the trip. The trip itself was fairly well organised, although the stops are rather short and there isn’t much time for shopping or ordering food. I was a bit disappointed with the Loch Ness cruise, so I’d rather skip it and spend the time roaming around Fort Augustus and getting fish and chips. The lunch provided was tasty, but more of a snack than actual meal. It helps you save time if you get on the cruise, though. Remember that hot food is not allowed to take on the boat. The best part of the trip we’re the views and the photo stop near Glencoe.

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March 27, 2023

It was a rainy day but our driver was so interesting and told us about extra details along the route to Glencoe and Loch Ness. The only challenge was we had inconsiderate other riders who talked the whole way making it difficult for some of us to hear him. I don’t think he could hear them, but maybe drivers could just remind bus riders to consider others if they wish to converse. I moved to the back of the bus behind the rude passengers where I could hear his comments/answers better.

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March 27, 2023

Product ID: 21518