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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

6,687 Reviews 4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 6,687 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 96% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland

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On average, this is booked 19 (9.83) days in advance.

12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure through Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands. This jam-packed tour offers stunning scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and a chance to escape the bustle of modern life.

This tour comes in three different versions. Book the Boat Cruise option if you’d like to stop in Fort Augustus and join a boat cruise on Loch Ness, the Whisky Distillery option if you’d like to do the distillery tour, or the Castle & Cruise combo option if you’d prefer a shorter cruise and to visit Urquhart Castle. Please note that some versions are only available on specific days.

Immerse yourself in Scottish culture through captivating myths, legends, and historical landmarks. Visit the mysterious Loch Ness, marvel at the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and (season permitting) meet the iconic Highland Cows.

Every winding road reveals new photo opportunities, stories, and memories.

What's Included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Regular Comfort Breaks
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • No Food and drinks
  • No Toilet/Restroom on board. There are no public toilets available by the departure point.
  • Boat Cruise version: Loch Ness Boat Cruise tickets not included (Adults £22, Children £15)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

1759 Regent Road
Edinburgh EH8 8DR, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Callander

For those joining the Boat Cruise Option, our first stop of the day will be in the town of Callander; “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Nestled at the foot of the Trossachs Callander offers its guests plenty of place to stock up on refreshments, gifts and views toward the Trossachs.**Please note that Castle & Cruise version will drive the route in reserve and will make an alternative comfort stop due to limited opening hours in Callander**
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre

Passengers joining the Whisky Distillery Option, your journey begins with a visit to Deanston Distillery instead of Callander. Housed in a former cotton mill and nestled on the banks of the River Teith, the distillery produces a range of premium single malt whiskies.Enjoy an optional guided tour through the distillery (tickets not included), where you’ll learn about the traditional whisky-making process and the history behind this unique location. Finish with a tasting of Deanston’s finest malts, guided by an expert who will explain the distinct flavours and characteristics of their whiskies.*Please note that the minimum age on the distillery tour is 8.*
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (pass by)

As we enter The ‘Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park’ our bus weaves through hills, mountains and Glens. These remote places were once inhabited by Highland Clans, not to mention Scotland’s most famous outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor, whom some consider The Scottish Robin Hood. Look out across the landscape and picture what it was like as you hear the remarkable bloodthirsty stories of betrayal and revenge as told by your guide.
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Fort William (pass by)

The tour then takes you through Fort William and past the spectacular Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. The Nevis Range towers over the winding road as you continue your journey to Loch Ness.
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Glencoe

We stop for a short visit to Glencoe, which was the scene of one of Scotland’s most shocking massacres. As you gaze at the haunting hills, you notice the Glen is eerily silent. In the 17th century one of the worst acts of betrayal occurred here. Your guide will recount the details of this betrayal for you. You can almost feel the sorrow in the mountains of the ‘weeping valley’. Above all though, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes. A highlight of any tour to the Scottish Highlands!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Loch Ness

Castle & Cruise version: Arrive at the north bank of Loch Ness. Join an optional cruise and castle visit. Disembark at Urquhart Castle to explore these magnificent ruins. Please note that this version will not stop at Fort Augustus.Boat Cruise and Whisky Distillery versions: We arrive in Fort Augustus, a charming, Highland village on the Southern shores of the loch. If you booked the Boat Cruise Option you will have the chance to take a 1-hour cruise on the loch with our friends at Cruise Loch Ness.Those not joining the optional cruise and those on the Whisky Distillery version, you will have time to explore the village and the beautiful Caledonian Canal, that descends through the heart of the village into Loch Ness. Walk further along the canal and if there is time, into the surrounding countryside to enjoy mountainous views. **The Whisky Distillery option will have a shorter stop in Fort Augustus, approx. 45-60 minutes.**
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Commando Monument

Along the route, we’ll stop at the Commando Memorial. *Please note that the Castle & Cruise version of the tour may not make this stop, due to time limitations.*In 1942, this setting became the training ground for Britain’s Special Forces. Harsh, unforgiving, and breathtakingly beautiful. A statue of our heroes overlooks the Nevis range. Bring a camera – this is undoubtedly one of our favourite photo-stops in all of Scotland.Here, weather permitting, you could also spot Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain in The United Kingdom.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cairngorms National Park (pass by)

Heading south we travel through the Cairngorm National Park where Red squirrels, roe deer, red deer, soaring buzzards, pine martens, golden eagles and osprey can be found. Our final stop of the day is Pitlochry
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Pitlochry

On our way south, we stop by the town of Pitlochry to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air. This picturesque town is situated in the heart of the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire. It sits below Beinn Bhracaigh (Ben Vrackie), the speckled mountain and beside the River Tummel, in some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland. With a backdrop of surrounding hills and beautiful woodlands, it is wonderful walking country.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Forth Bridge (pass by)

As we re-enter Edinburgh from the North, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.
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Edinburgh

We drop you off in the city centre, our estimated arrival time is 8:30 PM. Please note that during the winter season, we may be arriving earlier than estimated.We recommend leaving 2 hours between the expected arrival time and any onward travel or reservations in case of delayed, and that we are not able to offer individual drop-offs.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age to travel is 7 years old (8 for Whisky Distillery option). Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. Any time not accounted for in the itinerary is spent travelling through Scotland on the bus.
  • Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: What type of transport is available to get us there?

A: You will board your coach and settle in for the journey north. Read more Apr 2024

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-30740P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.84
6,687 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 6,686 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6,012
4 stars
432
3 stars
138
2 stars
68
1 star
36

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (9.83) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Regular Comfort Breaks
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Experienced 'Hairy Coo' Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
  • No Food and drinks
  • No Toilet/Restroom on board. There are no public toilets available by the departure point.
  • Boat Cruise version: Loch Ness Boat Cruise tickets not included (Adults £22, Children £15)
  • Whisky Distillery option: Deanston Distillery tour & tasting not included (£15.50 for adults, £6 for children)
  • Castle & Cruise option: Cruise and entry to Urquhart Castle not included (£32 per adult, £23 per child)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please note: the Castle & Cruise version will run the route in reverse.
  • Feel free to bring a packed lunch and/or snacks to avoid spending time queuing. There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that suit most dietary requirements
  • There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
  • There are three versions of this tour, please ensure you pick your preferred option when booking. Tickets to activity can be purchased during the tour.
  • Minimum age to travel is 7 years old (8 for Whisky Distillery option). Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. Any time not accounted for in the itinerary is spent travelling through Scotland on the bus.
  • Please note: To manage demand and protect smaller towns during peak season, the route may run in reverse. A significant portion of the tour is spent on the bus, allowing you to relax and soak in the breathtaking Highland views.
  • We do not allow bookings for more than 8 passengers, please reach out if you are looking to book a larger group.
  • Scottish weather is unpredictable, we recommend bringing suitable clothing and footwear.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 52 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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