1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 4,502 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh worth booking?
1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh is a 12-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $94 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4,502 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (4,502)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $94 per person
Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey through the Highlands, where breathtaking landscapes and legendary tales await. Stand on the shores of mysterious Loch Ness or take to the water on a boat cruise, in search of its elusive resident. Travel through Scotland’s most iconic scenery, from the dramatic beauty of Glen Coe to the sweeping Great Glen and the wilds of Highland Perthshire. Along the way, you might even catch a glimpse of the mighty Ben Nevis, standing tall over it all.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey through the Highlands, where breathtaking landscapes and legendary tales await. Stand on the shores of mysterious Loch Ness or take to the water on a boat cruise, in search of its elusive resident. Travel through Scotland’s most iconic scenery, from the dramatic beauty of Glen Coe to the sweeping Great Glen and the wilds of Highland Perthshire. Along the way, you might even catch a glimpse of the mighty Ben Nevis, standing tall over it all.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional boat cruise on Loch Ness (from £22 for an adult) - can be purchased at check-in.
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Stirling Castle
Pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle and drive through the Trossachs National Park, Rob Roy country
Pass by without stopping
Callander
Enjoy a comfort stop in Callander, a small highland town
45 minutes here
Glencoe
We cross the wilds of Rannoch Moor before stopping at dramatic Glencoe, the scene of the infamous massacre in 1692.
20 minutes here
Ben Nevis
We drive through Fort William passing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before entering the Great Glen.
Pass by without stopping
Fort Augustus
Once in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness, you have the chance to take a boat cruise on the loch, go for a walk or just relax by the Caledonian Canal in this charming Highland village. Cruise is approx. 50 minutes.
100 minutes here
Cairngorms National Park
We journey past shimmering Loch Laggan before climbing over the wild and lonely Drumochter Pass in the Cairngorms National Park.
Pass by without stopping
Pitlochry
Heading south, we enter Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We enjoy a stop in Pitlochry, or a similar town in the area.
30 minutes here
Forth Bridge
Pass by the infamous Forth Bridge on our way back in to Edinburgh.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
This tour will depart at 7:30 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour will depart at 7:30 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Options you can book
Tour Incl. Loch Ness Cruise
Loch Ness Cruise: The boat uses the very latest hi-tech colour sonar and underwater imaging systems to enhance the hunt! Cruise duration 1 hour
Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, cmn, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Highland Explorer Tours Ltd
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
- Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
- It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
- In cases of extreme weather, the Loch Ness boat cruise may be cancelled on short notice. If you have purchased ticket for this you will be refunded.
- The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
- The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
- Not recommended for travellers with mobility difficulties
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4,502 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
4,502 verified traveler reviews for 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Dad’s trip
A great day was had. The meet up point was straight forward to get to and we left bang on time, which made the day of travel smooth. Laurie was our tour guide, full of knowledge around the history of Scotland. She was friendly and made our day easy. We particularly enjoyed the landscape travelling around via the minibus and steam train. This time of the year in particular made our visit special, the colours of the leaves and sceneries were beautiful. Thanks for having us - dad.
via Tripadvisor
Long coach ride with toilet breaks, not what the map promises
SUMMARY I booked the one-day "Loch Ness Explorer" tour from Edinburgh (12 October 2026). The route map on the website shows five places, but we only stopped at two of them. There was no photo stop all day, and the toilets were closed at two stops and cost money at another. Overall, it was a long coach ride with toilet breaks and a boat trip, not the highlights tour the website suggests. I cannot recommend it if you expect what the map and description promise. DETAILS The tour: I booked the one-day "Loch Ness Explorer" tour from Edinburgh directly with Highland Explorer Tours. The map: The route map on the website shows Stirling, Perth, Fort William, Glen Coe and Fort Augustus. We only stopped at two of these: Glen Coe and Fort Augustus. When I complained, I was told that the places on the map are route points, not necessarily stops. This is not clear from the website, and the map suggests something different. Our five stops: 1) in the middle of nowhere, toilets closed; 2) Glen Coe; 3) Fort Augustus, toilets closed again; 4) a short 10-minute stop just for a toilet break; 5) Pitlochry, where we had to pay for the toilets. Photo stops: The website promises "plenty of comfort breaks and photo stops along the way". We did not stop at a single photo point or viewpoint all day. The driver: I understand that drivers need breaks, and I do not want to criticise the driver. My complaint is about the planning of the tour and about how it is described on the website. Result: A very long coach ride with toilet breaks and a boat trip. When I raised this with the company, they declined any compensation. I was disappointed.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are very sorry to hear that our popular Loch Ness, Glen Coe & The Highlands day tour did not meet your expectations. Having carefully reviewed the itinerary advertised on our Viator listing, via other approved third party sellers and directly via our website highlandexplorertours.com including the accompanying route map(s), we are confident that the tour operated as described. The listing clearly identifies four guaranteed stops included in the itinerary: Callander (comfort break), Glen Coe (photo stop), Fort Augustus (extended stop for lunch, free time and Loch Ness), and Pitlochry (final comfort break). While the tour passes through areas such as Stirling and the Trossachs National Park and Fort William these locations are not advertised as dedicated stops but are described as "pass by/ driver through" locations en route. We therefore believe there may have been some misunderstanding regarding the route map, as towns and cities displayed on the map are not necessarily included as tour stops. The numbered locations correspond to the featured stops detailed within the full itinerary description. This tour is designed as a scenic introduction to the Scottish Highlands, covering a significant distance in a single day and showcasing a variety of landscapes and attractions, with Loch Ness serving as the principal destination. This format is particularly popular with travellers wishing to maximise sightseeing during a limited stay in Scotland. Our review of live vehicle tracking data confirms that all advertised stops were completed as scheduled. Regarding toilet facilities, the tour visits locations that offer a mixture of free and paid public facilities. Where public toilets require a small fee, nearby cafés, restaurants and other businesses are generally available for customers wishing to use their facilities. While we appreciate that this style of tour may not suit every traveller's preferences, we are satisfied that the experience delivered was consistent with the itinerary and expectations set within the tour description and this was why your request for compensation was denied. We nevertheless thank you for your feedback and wish you the very best in your continued exploration of Scotland! Kind regards, Amy
via Tripadvisor
Great experience and guide service was excellent
We have nice experience and nice trip. We recommend to others
via Tripadvisor
Alistair 👏
Absolutely brilliant!!! Alistair is amazing!!
via Tripadvisor
Charlie was great ten starts
Was so nice trip, I will recommend it for all
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $94 to $108
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,576
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd, who run 24 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.9 and 6 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Highland Explorer Tours Ltd runsWhy this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh cost?
+
Prices start at $94 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh take?
+
Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4,502 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
+
Around 1,576 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
+
On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
+
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Local English Speaking Guide. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Optional boat cruise on Loch Ness (from £22 for an adult) - can be purchased at check-in; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
+
This tour will depart at 7:30 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh offered in?
+
It is offered in German, Portuguese, Chinese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted; and Not recommended for travellers with mobility difficulties. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
+
Across 4,502 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour Incl. Loch Ness Cruise, Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh.
Pick your date
