
Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 235 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh is a 12-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $91 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 235 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (235)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $91 per person
Departing Edinburgh, travel north into Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with a relaxed morning refreshment stop in the Highland town of Callander. The journey continues through Rannoch Moor, one of Scotland’s most remote landscapes, before stopping in Glencoe to admire its dramatic scenery and learn about the events that shaped this iconic glen. Travelling through Fort William, there is an opportunity to view Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, from the minibus on clear days, before following the Great Glen to Fort Augustus, at the southern end of Loch Ness. This is the main stop of the day, allowing time for lunch, exploring the village, watching boats pass through the Caledonian Canal locks, or joining an optional Loch Ness cruise (available on the day, payable locally). The return journey travels through the Highlands and Perthshire, with an evening refreshment stop before arriving back in Edinburgh, with views of the Forth Bridge on the approach.
What you get
About this experience
Departing Edinburgh, travel north into Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, with a relaxed morning refreshment stop in the Highland town of Callander. The journey continues through Rannoch Moor, one of Scotland’s most remote landscapes, before stopping in Glencoe to admire its dramatic scenery and learn about the events that shaped this iconic glen. Travelling through Fort William, there is an opportunity to view Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, from the minibus on clear days, before following the Great Glen to Fort Augustus, at the southern end of Loch Ness. This is the main stop of the day, allowing time for lunch, exploring the village, watching boats pass through the Caledonian Canal locks, or joining an optional Loch Ness cruise (available on the day, payable locally). The return journey travels through the Highlands and Perthshire, with an evening refreshment stop before arriving back in Edinburgh, with views of the Forth Bridge on the approach.
What's included
Included
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 16 travellers
- Comfortable air-conditioned mini-coach transport
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
Not included
- Food and Refreshments
- Optional Loch Ness cruise (available on the day, payable locally)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Callander
Our first stop of the day is in the Highland town of Callander, where we pause for refreshments before continuing north.
30 minutes here
Glencoe
One of Scotland’s most iconic and atmospheric valleys, Glencoe is renowned for its dramatic scenery and powerful history. We stop here to allow guests to step off the minibus, take photographs, and admire the landscape while learning more about the events that shaped this famous glen.
15 minutes here
Fort William
As we pass through Fort William, enjoy views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, from the minibus on clear days.
Pass by without stopping
Fort Augustus
Our main stop of the day is in Fort Augustus, located at the southern end of Loch Ness. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch, explore the village, watch boats pass through the Caledonian Canal locks, or relax by the loch.
75 minutes here
Loch Ness
While in Fort Augustus, guests have the option to join an optional 50-minute Loch Ness cruise (available on the day and payable locally). Those who do not take the cruise can enjoy additional free time in the village or along the loch shoreline.
50 minutes here · Admission not included
Cairngorms National Park
As we travel south along the A9, passing through the Cairngorms National Park, enjoy views of wide open Highland landscapes and mountain scenery from the minibus.
Pass by without stopping
Perthshire
We stop in the Perthshire area for evening refreshments before returning to Edinburgh.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Our tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (opposite Howie's Restaurant). what3words:///decay.laws.likes. Check in closes at 07:30am as the tour will depart at 07:45am sharp. IMPORTANT: There are 2 Howie's in Edinburgh, we depart from Waterloo Place only.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (opposite Howie's Restaurant). what3words:///decay.laws.likes. Check in closes at 07:30am as the tour will depart at 07:45am sharp. IMPORTANT: There are 2 Howie's in Edinburgh, we depart from Waterloo Place only.
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 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discover Scotland Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We cannot accommodate children under the age of 5
- Maximum of 16 travellers
- Our tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (opposite Howie's Restaurant). what3words:///decay.laws.likes. Check in closes at 07:30am as the tour will depart at 07:45am sharp. IMPORTANT: There are 2 Howie's in Edinburgh, we depart from Waterloo Place only.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 234 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
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
234 verified traveler reviews for Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highland Highlights.
This was well-paced tour, with lots of toilet breaks (very important at our age!) Brian got us to some great spots with enough time to enjoy! It was a pleasure!
via Viator
Discover Scotland Tours...
Discover Scotland Tours was great and responsive when I called lost trying to find the meeting spot. The driver and guide Dougie was fantastic, kindly regularly checking on everyone, making himself available to take photos/answer questions/etc, as well as being very knowledgeable, fun, frank, and a safe driver. He was also savvy and familiar enough with the route/area to adapt to traffic and timing as needed. The tour was as advertised and packed with Scottish history. The stops/timing were well planned and not too crowded (vice other bigger buses we saw and where they stopped). At the shared stops where everyone goes, we often just beat the bigger groups, making it a better experience than I’m sure they had. The smaller van also came in handy when navigating traffic. But I’d echo other commenters that it’s like a long scenic drive with photo stops. Recommend visiting the meet up spot beforehand or to build in some leeway in case you get lost. As someone generally good with navigating, the inclines and multiple pathways going the same direction are confusing if you’ve never been to the area Suggestions: 1) At the Loch Ness stop, it wasn’t clear that we had time to explore/eat before the cruise. I actually beelined for the terminal and asked the cruise folks myself before realizing 2) I’d be interested in other offerings from Discover Scotland Tours exploring other (maybe closer and shorter trips?) sights such as Dougie’s idea of the Falkirk Wheel
via Viator
A day with Stevie
Stevie was an awesome guide, funny, knowledgeable, and very entertaining.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour - great guide
Wonderful to make our way through the highlands with Kyle. He was knowledgeable and informative infusions commentary with facts and humor. The (optional) Loch Ness boat ride was a letdown, but other than that, a top notch tour. And seeing the highland coos was icing on the cake.
via Viator
Unforgettable experience!...
Unforgettable experience! The scenery through Glencoe and Loch Ness was breathtaking, and our tour guide made the long journey thoroughly entertaining with amazing history and stories.
via Viator
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 82
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Discover Scotland Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.2 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Discover Scotland Tours runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Loch Ness, Glencoe and 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, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $91 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, Glencoe and 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, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 235 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Loch Ness, Glencoe and 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, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group 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, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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Around 82 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, Glencoe and 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 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, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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Included: Small-group tour with a maximum of 16 travellers; Comfortable air-conditioned mini-coach transport; and Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide. Not included: Food and Refreshments; Optional Loch Ness cruise (available on the day, payable locally); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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Our tour departs from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh (opposite Howie's Restaurant). what3words:///decay.laws.likes. Check in closes at 07:30am as the tour will depart at 07:45am sharp. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group 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, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group 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, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group 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, Glencoe and Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh?
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Across 235 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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