Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 835 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh is a 12-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $86 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 835 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (835)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $86 per person
Join this very small group tour (average group size of around 12 passengers) for a classic one day tour to Loch Ness. Traveling through spectacular Highland scenery, this tour is the perfect way to see lots of Scotland a
What you get
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
- Live commentary on board
- Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers
About this experience
Join this very small group tour (average group size of around 12 passengers) for a classic one day tour to Loch Ness. Traveling through spectacular Highland scenery, this tour is the perfect way to see lots of Scotland and search for the famous Loch Ness monster. Highlights include stunning Glen Coe and an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, the world’s most mysterious stretch of water. This twelve hour adventure represents great value for money.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach
- Live commentary on board
- Very small group tour - average group size of around 12 passengers
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Attraction Entrance Fees
What you'll see and do
Linlithgow Palace
Catch a glimpse of Linlithgow Palace - birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
Pass by without stopping
Stirling Castle
Pass by historic Stirling Castle on its rocky crags.
Pass by without stopping
National Wallace Monument
The National Wallace Monument was built to honour our great Scottish hero - William Wallace.
Pass by without stopping
Doune Castle
Doune Castle is famous for its appearance in Monty Python's Holy Grail, Game of Thrones and Outlander.
Pass by without stopping
Enjoy a morning coffee stop within Scotland's first National Park. The options here include the Highland gateway village of Callander or the mountain views at beautiful Loch Lubnaig.
30 minutes here
Glencoe National Nature Reserve
The notorious massacre of the MacDonald Clan was carried out amidst this beautiful and dramatic scenery on the 13th February 1692. You may recognise this part of the Highlands, used in the movie 'Skyfall' and 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'. A majestic setting in any season!
10 minutes here
Rannoch Moor
Travel across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
Pass by without stopping
Commando Monument
View Ben Nevis (highest mountain in Britain at 1344 m) from the famous Commando Memorial. Here you can admire the spectacular views over the rugged landscape of Lochaber.
10 minutes here
Ben Nevis
Enjoy views from the bus of Britain's highest mountain at 1344 m
Pass by without stopping
Caledonian Canal
Travel alongside the Thomas Telford designed Caledonian Canal.
Pass by without stopping
Loch Ness
Stop in Fort Augustus for lunch and to explore the largest loch in Scotland either from the shore or on an optional boat cruise (own expense).
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Cairngorms National Park
As you enter the Cairngorms National Park there may be time for a short woodland walk and talk.
15 minutes here
Scottish Highlands
Our final stop is in the heart of the Highlands (Big Tree Country in Highland Perthshire) where you can enjoy an early evening stroll through one of the picturesque villages or a quick refreshment before the final journey home.
Pass by without stopping
Forth Road Bridge
Return to Edinburgh crossing over the river Forth.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
This tour departs from (and returns to) Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie's Restaurant). Please arrive no later than 07.45
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour departs from (and returns to) Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie's Restaurant). Please arrive no later than 07.45
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Heart of Scotland Tours Ltd
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Small group tour - average group size of 12 passengers
- Minimum age is 5 years old
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions (unless it is unsafe to do so), please dress appropriately
- Please inform us 7 days in advance if you are bringing a service animal
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 835 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
835 verified traveler reviews for Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Scottish Bliss
This was a great tour! So much fun! Got to see so much plenty of stops Roddy was an excellent and friendly tour guide. He was so knowledgeable and I learned so much from him. First class Individual!
via Tripadvisor
Highlight of our trip!
Roddy was a wonderful tour guide. He was extremely personable and knowledgeable. We took many stops along our route and got to see and feed Highland Cows and get coffee/breakfast, lunch and plenty of restroom breaks. It was a very intimate experience and he was able to provide answers to all of our questions. The views on this tour were breathtaking and we had many opportunities to stop for pictures. I highly recommend this tour, it has been a highlight of our trip!
via Tripadvisor
Highlands High! A beautiful day trip with no responsibility!
What a wonderful experience we had! We are normally not 'book a tour' people, but we had one day to experience the Highlands and wanted to relax and let someone else do the work! Our guide/driver - Roddy - was amazing. His historical knowledge of everywhere we went was impressive, and he made us feel very comfortable during our 12-hour day (bathroom breaks, temperature control within the bus, etc). We loved that there were only 13 people on the bus, versus a giant group where you feel herded. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining Roddy on his small group tour to Loch Ness. The wee red bus is the way to go!
via Viator
WonderfulHighlands and Loch Ness tour
This tour is a long day but well worth the time. Roddy was a very knowledgeable guide.. Seeing the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness was marvelous.
Response from the operator: Thanks for taking the time to review Roddy and Heart of Scotland Tours.
via Viator
A Wee Wonderful Adventure!
Wonderful day trip to the Highlands. Our guide - Roddy - was so knowledgable and considerate of everyone on our bus we liked the small group environment (only 13 people), and appreciated all of the attention to detail. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review and it's great to hear you enjoyed your day out to Loch Ness and the Highlands.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $86 to $94
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 292
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $86 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 Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh take?
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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 Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 835 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 Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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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 Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 12-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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Around 292 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?
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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 Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
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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?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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