Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 105 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh worth booking?
Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh is a 12-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $1,130 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 105 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (105)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $1,130 per person
Join us on a truly magical journey through the heart of Scotland with our Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands tour from Edinburgh, on a day full of awe-inspiring natural wonders, rich history, and folklore. Witness the breath-taking beauty of Loch Ness, as its broody waters reflect the surrounding natural scenery. Marvel as we drive through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, where towering mountains and fast-flowing cascading waterfalls create a picturesque backdrop. Immerse yourself in the captivating history, culture and fauna of the Highlands, as we visit and drive past many iconic sites, from the UNESCO heritage site of Forth Road Bridge, to Stirling Castle, from charming little towns like Pitlochry to the desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor. We hope this will be your most memorable experience of Scotland at its best.
What you get
About this experience
Join us on a truly magical journey through the heart of Scotland with our Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands tour from Edinburgh, on a day full of awe-inspiring natural wonders, rich history, and folklore. Witness the breath-taking beauty of Loch Ness, as its broody waters reflect the surrounding natural scenery. Marvel as we drive through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, where towering mountains and fast-flowing cascading waterfalls create a picturesque backdrop. Immerse yourself in the captivating history, culture and fauna of the Highlands, as we visit and drive past many iconic sites, from the UNESCO heritage site of Forth Road Bridge, to Stirling Castle, from charming little towns like Pitlochry to the desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor. We hope this will be your most memorable experience of Scotland at its best.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Loch Ness Cruise admission
What you'll see and do
Forth Road Bridge
The Forth Road Bridge is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site that joins the historic settlements of North and South Queensferry. The oldest bridge dates back to 1890 and is an iconic symbol of Scotland's 19th century bold engineering.
Pass by without stopping
Pitlochry
Pitlochry is a delightful Scottish Perthshire Town, making it an ideal stop for refreshments and bathroom facilities.
15 minutes here
Dalwhinnie Distillery
Dalwhinnie Distillery, famous for its single malt, is the highest distillery in Scotland at over 1000 feet above sea level.
Pass by without stopping
Commando Monument
The Commando Monument is a large three-figure bronze statue commemorating the service and sacrifice given by thousands of Allied troops during the Second World War, with Ben Nevis looming in the background.
15 minutes here
Loch Ness View Point
Arriving in Fort Augustus just after midday, it will give you time to explore the town, including the famous 'Neptune's staircase', which is a series of locks that lower or raise boats from one altitude to another. Fort Augustus has many quaint little cafes for lunch. Loch Ness is renowned worldwide for its incredible beauty, and of course the legendary Loch Ness Monster. There is an optional cruise of the loch with a 1pm sailing. (Cruise price starts from £19.00 per person, with family tickets available. Not included in the tour price.)
120 minutes here
Fort William
Rising above all other mountains in the UK, Ben Nevis is the tallest, and overshadows Fort William. We will take you to a vantage point where you will be able to take in the scenery and take in those captivating photos.
15 minutes here
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Time permitting, we will stop over at Glencoe Visitors Centre, which contains a host of information on this famous valley's geology, history and wildlife. The highlight of the centre is a reconstruction of a traditional 18th century Turf and Creel house from the Glencoe Valley, which you can enter to experience how the inhabitants of the valley lived 300 years ago.
30 minutes here
The Three Sisters
The Three Sisters of Glencoe - the most photographed place in Scotland - are three mountain peaks formed 420 million years ago by a super volcano, and the valley below carved by glaciers over millions of years. There is a hidden glen behind it that was used by the MacDonald clan to hide cattle stolen from their neighbours.
15 minutes here
Rannoch Moor
Rannoch moor is often referred to as the most desolate place in the UK, due to being the largest bog expanse in the British isles. It was also used as the setting for the filming of scenes of two Harry Potter movies.
Pass by without stopping
Loch Tulla Viewpoint
A spectacular vantage point over looking 'everything Scottish', rugged mountains, Lochs and pine forests
15 minutes here
Breaking up the journey home, we will make a brief stop to hand feed the Highland Hairy 'Coos' at Callander Woolen Mill.
15 minutes here
Doune Castle
Doune Castle is an important Scottish historic castle, which was also a filming location for popular TV and cinema pictures, such as Outlander, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
5 minutes here
Stirling Castle
One of the most important and largest castles in Scottish history, Stirling Castle sits on top of a hill of volcanic rock above the town of Stirling.
Pass by without stopping
The Kelpies & The Helix
The Kelpies are the largest equine statues in the world, and were commissioned not only as a homage to the horses used in the Scottish coal mines, but also as a representation of the mythical Kelpies from Scottish fairy folklore.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Minivan
Up to 6 passengers Pickup included
Large People Carrier
Up to 8 passengers Pickup included
Sedan/SUV
Up to 4 passengers Pickup included
Tour in Spanish
Spanish-speaking guide Pickup included
Standard People Carrier
Up to 7 passengers Pickup included
Tour in Portuguese
Portuguese-speaking guide Pickup included
Tour in French
Sedan/SUV French-speaking guide Pickup included
Luxury/Executive Vehicle
Luxury/Executive vehicle Pickup included
Tour in German
People Carrier German-speaking guide Pickup included
Tour in Italian
Italian-speaking guide Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pa, de, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- E2G Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel time is included on the total tour duration
- Uk cars are smaller than our American counterparts, please be aware of this when booking for 4 adults
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 104 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
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
104 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highland Highlights
It’s a MUST all day Highland tour and ask for Ryan Riley or his Dad George! Ryan’s enthusiasm and knowledge of Scotland made our experience truly memorable. His personal touches and suggested “photo opportunity stops” were greatly appreciated.
via Viator
Shak is the Man!
Shak was an incredible guide through the highlands! Highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in getting a good overview of the area. It’s a long day but 1000% worth it and if you get Shak as your guide it’ll be even better. The views were stunning and the accommodation from Shak was excellent aswell. He gave us great information and took us to the best viewing spots. The highlight for me was that he helped me plan my proposal to my now fiancée. Scottish weather can be very temperamental in the fall months but Shak did his absolute best to get to an excellent proposal spot when the sun came out for us. The moment couldn’t have been any better and Shak made it happen. If you’re thinking about doing ANY kind of tour through the highlands look no further than this private tour. If you can, ask for Shak specifically!
Response from the operator: Its always nice to hear that our guests have had such a fantastic tour to Loch Ness from Edinburgh. Shak will be really grateful for you mentioning him and many thanks for the 5 stars. Congratulations on your engagement.
via Tripadvisor
Shak is the Man!
Where to start? Shak was an EXCELLENT guide on our trip through the highlands. A few days before the trip he reached out and I told him my plans to propose to my girlfriend while we were in the highlands. He was incredibly accommodating and went above and beyond to help me find the perfect spot. Scottish weather is temperamental but he made me well aware when the iron was hot to strike and we got a perfect moment of sunshine and an unforgettable experience. The tour itself was wonderful and we saw so much and wouldn’t have had such a great experience if it wasn’t for Shak. Yes it was a long day but the views and experiences made it 1000% worth it.
Response from the operator: Congratulations Russell on your engagement and many thanks for your praise for your guide Shak, I know he will appreciate it.
via Viator
Highland Tour
Interesting tour through a variety of points. Our tour guide suggested going to Loch Lemond instead of Loch Ness as he felt there were more sites to see. I was happy that we decided to take his suggestion. Be aware that this is a very long day. I’m glad that I selected the private tour as we decided to cut the tour short and skip one place as it was getting really late in the day and we wanted to get back before 8 pm. The one thing that irritated us was that our tour guide was 45 minutes late to pick us up. We were supposed to be picked up at 8:30 am but he didn’t arrive until 9:15 am. He did text us about this and apologized, but when you have jet lag and get up early to eat breakfast and be ready at 8:30 am, it was a bit irritating. It also added to the length of an already long day.
Response from the operator: Many thanks for your fantastic feedback, we are truly sorry your guide was late for you, we do encourage punctuality on all of tours and have addressed this with your guide.
via Viator
Memorable Day
My husband and I only had one day in Edinburgh and were excited to find this tour of the Highlands. It truly was worth the time. We were fortunate to get a wonderful guide, Shak who made this a memorable day. He was friendly, patient and kind. His knowledge and enthusiasm for Scotland were infectious. The vehicle was extremely comfortable and clean. I have recommended this tour and specifically Shak to other family members that will be traveling there next year.
Response from the operator: What a thoughtful and complimentary review of our Edinburgh Loch Ness tour, many thanks for taking the timeout to write this.
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
- $1,130 to $1,300
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 37
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by E2G Travel, who run 24 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.4.
See everything E2G Travel runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $1,130 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 Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands 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 Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 105 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 Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands 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 Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands 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 Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh?
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Around 37 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 Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands 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 Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Snacks; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Gratuities; Lunch; and Loch Ness Cruise admission. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 214 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh offered in?
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It is offered in Punjabi, German, Portuguese, 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 Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands 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.
Is Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh?
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Across 105 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Private Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands from Edinburgh?
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There are 10 options to choose from, including Minivan, Large People Carrier, Sedan/SUV, Tour in Spanish. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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