
Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 6,324 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise worth booking?
Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise is a 12-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $140 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 6,324 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (6,324)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $140 per person
Embark on an unforgettable 12-hour adventure from Edinburgh and experience the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury mini-coach with a friendly, knowledgeable guide and a small group of no more than 16 people – ensuring a relaxed, personalised experience. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, steeped in history and surrounded by towering peaks. Continue your journey through rugged Highland scenery to the picturesque village of Fort Augustus. Here, you’ll enjoy a cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, where you can soak up breath-taking views and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive Nessie! With the water stretching out against a backdrop of forested hills, this is a true highlight of the day. Afterwards, travel through the stunning Cairngorms National Park, passing natural landmarks. Your final stop is the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you can enjoy a short stroll before the scenic drive back to Edinburgh.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable 12-hour adventure from Edinburgh and experience the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury mini-coach with a friendly, knowledgeable guide and a small group of no more than 16 people – ensuring a relaxed, personalised experience. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, steeped in history and surrounded by towering peaks. Continue your journey through rugged Highland scenery to the picturesque village of Fort Augustus. Here, you’ll enjoy a cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, where you can soak up breath-taking views and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive Nessie! With the water stretching out against a backdrop of forested hills, this is a true highlight of the day. Afterwards, travel through the stunning Cairngorms National Park, passing natural landmarks. Your final stop is the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you can enjoy a short stroll before the scenic drive back to Edinburgh.
What's included
Included
- Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Admission Fee - includes 50 minute cruise on Loch Ness
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers)
Not included
- Admission Fees unless specified
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views.
30 minutes here
Glencoe
Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.
45 minutes here
Loch Ness
*Cruise on Loch Ness is included in your ticket Fort Augustus boasts the Caledonian Canal, which is a great spot to relax and watch the boats sail by into Loch Ness. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise
60 minutes here · Admission included
Spean Bridge
We'll take a short break here in the charming village of Spean Bridge, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This peaceful spot offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including glimpses of Ben Nevis on a clear day. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp Highland air, and take in the beautiful scenery.
20 minutes here
Pitlochry
Gradually, the dramatic mountains soften and become cloaked in lush forest. Among the towering trees of Perthshire, you'll take a final refreshment break in Pitlochry before continuing south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife.
30 minutes here
Forth Road Bridge
Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge on your way to Edinburgh. Please note: Some tours may run in reverse You return to Edinburgh at approximately 8.00pm.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes prior to 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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rabbies Trail Burners
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Check-in closes 15 minutes prior to departure. This tour will depart from Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
- Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
- In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
- We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding.
- Loch Ness cruise – We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
- The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice.
- This route may be reversed on some occasions.
- Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6,317 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.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
6,317 verified traveler reviews for Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The best tour guide
Dear Ally, Thank you for an absolutely amazing day exploring Scotland with Rabbie’s! 🏴✨ Your wonderful stories, your passion, and all the beautiful tales you shared made this tour truly unforgettable. You have so much energy and enthusiasm — something I can only wish for myself! 😊 Never change, Ally. Keep being the amazing person you are. You’re a real star! ⭐ Warmest wishes, Brenda (Dutchie) 💛
via Tripadvisor
Perfect day
Perfect small group experience with the perfect tour guide, Derek. We weren’t keen on renting a car to drive to the Highlands, so this was an excellent choice. Plenty of beauty, laughter and knowledge to fill the day. I will definitely book again on my next trip. Everything was punctual and well planned.
via Tripadvisor
10/10 recommend
Amazing experience and tour guide!! Paul our tour guide was amazing. He was super kind and informative. He made us very comfortable the whole time and was an absolute pleasure. Would love to do another tour with him again. The tour itself was awesome. Long time on the bus but the sight seeing from the bus makes it worth it.
via Viator
Excellent and truly enjoyable
Lauren was a spectacular guide. She had a lot of excellent stories which contained massive amounts of information, but was never boring. We managed to see everything wanted in spite of some sketchy weather. It was truly enjoyable.
via Tripadvisor
It’s a very long day. The...
It’s a very long day. The views are spectacular. Kieran was an awesome driver and tour guide. He told a lot interesting stories and knew a ton of history.
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
- 2,213
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Rabbies Trail Burners, who run 61 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.1 and 9 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Rabbies Trail Burners runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $140 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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise 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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 6,324 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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise?
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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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise 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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise?
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Around 2,213 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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise 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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise?
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Included: Top range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach; Admission Fee - includes 50 minute cruise on Loch Ness; The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide; and Small Group Tour (maximum 16 passengers). Not included: Admission Fees unless specified; Gratuities; Hotel pickup and drop off; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise?
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Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes prior to departure) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise 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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise?
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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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise 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 & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise?
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Across 6,324 reviews averaging 4.7 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 comment on how the schedule is paced.
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