
Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 1,924 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh is a 12-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $61 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 1,924 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (1,924)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $61 per person
Explore the enchanting landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands with Gray Line Scotland’s 5-Star Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour. Our 12-hour adventure, covering over 500 km, will take you through the stunning mountains, enchanted glens, and to Scotland’s most legendary loch, bringing the mystery and magic of the Highlands to life.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the enchanting landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands with Gray Line Scotland’s 5-Star Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour. Our 12-hour adventure, covering over 500 km, will take you through the stunning mountains, enchanted glens, and to Scotland’s most legendary loch, bringing the mystery and magic of the Highlands to life.
What's included
Included
- Transport
- Driver/guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel drop-off
- Boat cruise
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
A morning stop in this town known as the "Gateway to the Highlands"
25 minutes here
Rannoch Moor
After our stop at Fort Augustus and Loch Ness, the tour will begin it’s return journey south. You will pass by Loch Laggan, the set for the internationally recognised ‘Monarch of the Glen’, before making a stop in picturesque Pitlochry, a delightful Victorian resort town.
30 minutes here
Glencoe National Nature Reserve
sometimes referred to as the Glen of Weeping, was the scene of the infamous 'Massacre of Glencoe' in 1692. The Glen has a number of viewing stops on the road through the valley, and the National Trust for Scotland has a visitor centre along the main route.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Loch Ness
Visit the world famous loch and join the boat trip if you are brave enough to look out for the the monster aka Nessie also our lunch stop
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Scottish Highlands
Highlands of Scotland
Pass by without stopping
Pitlochry
Out last stop of the day in this Victorian Town
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Our main departure point is opposite The Apex Hotel, Waterloo Place. The tour departs at 7.30am, please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our main departure point is opposite The Apex Hotel, Waterloo Place. The tour departs at 7.30am, please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line Scotland
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 6 years
- This tour operates with a minimum of 15 participants. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule if this requirement is not met."
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,923 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
1,923 verified traveler reviews for Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excelent
The trip was fantastic! It was absolutely worth it! I went with friends, and our guide, Mogamed, was always very friendly and empathetic. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience, Mohammad was fantastic!
Had a great time doing this day tour from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. Mohammad was a very good driver and tour guide! Big shoutout to him!
via Tripadvisor
Loch ness edimbourg
Our coach guide Mohammed was awsome that was an incredible day thank you so much
via Tripadvisor
Lacks communication
Lacks communication. This trip was canceled without notice. I was just checking my TripAdvisor app and noticed it was canceled, luckily we were able to book with another tour group and still see the sights we wanted.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry that your booking was cancelled and understand the disappointment this may have caused. However, as this review relates to a tour that was not taken, we feel it does not accurately reflect the experience we provide to our passengers. Cancellations are always a last resort, and we make every effort to avoid them. When bookings are made through third-party platforms such as TripAdvisor, our communication with passengers is managed through the contact details and messaging system provided by that platform. We would always encourage passengers to check these notifications and ensure their contact information is up to date. We’re pleased you were able to arrange an alternative tour and enjoy the sights of Scotland. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on one of our tours in the future and provide you with the experience our passengers know and enjoy.
via Tripadvisor
They cancelled the trip on us X2
My dad and I had booked this trip with anticipation; nothing was last-minute. We were super excited. On Monday, I got a notification that they had cancelled the trip on Wednesday; they did offer to basically change the trip to the day after (Tuesday) or just refund. We tried to accommodate, and on Monday night I changed it to be on Thursday. We even changed the visit to the castle, moved our whole schedule. But then again I get a cancellation, this time less than 24 hours before the trip. I understand that stuff happens or that you might not have enough people to take, but telling customers like 1 day before is irresponsible; we get no chance to rebook unless it's what they have, and if I wanted to choose another tour with someone else, I can't because they are all booked, which is why we booked with anticipation. They gave us a full refund, but still.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're very sorry for the disappointment and disruption caused by the cancellation of your tour, especially after you had already rearranged your plans to accommodate the first change. Please know that cancelling a tour is never a decision we take lightly. In cases where a departure has low booking numbers, we keep the tour open for as long as possible in the hope that additional bookings will allow it to go ahead. Unfortunately, if those bookings don't materialise, we sometimes have no option but to cancel. On occasion, unexpected staff shortages can also leave us with no alternative. We completely understand your frustration, particularly when you've booked well in advance and alternative tours are no longer available. While we were pleased to be able to provide a full refund, we appreciate that this doesn't make up for the disappointment or the inconvenience of having to rearrange your itinerary. We sincerely apologise for the experience and hope that, despite this setback, we hope you and your dad had a wonderful time exploring Edinburgh and Scotland. We truly appreciate your understanding and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on one of our tours in the future.
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
- $61 to $67
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 673
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day 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 Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $61 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 Scottish Highlands Day 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 Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,924 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 Scottish Highlands Day 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 Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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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 Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh?
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Around 673 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 Scottish Highlands Day 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 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?
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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.
What is included in Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh?
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Included: Transport; and Driver/guide. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel drop-off; Boat cruise; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh?
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Our main departure point is opposite The Apex Hotel, Waterloo Place. The tour departs at 7.30am, please arrive 10 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh?
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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.
What happens to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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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 Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh?
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Across 1,924 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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