Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
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September 2026
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Who is going?
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
4.6/5
Based on 2,943 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh worth booking?
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh is a 13-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $53 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 2,943 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (2,943)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $53 per person
Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, beguiling mystery and dramatic history on this day trip from Edinburgh. Traveling to the Scottish Highlands, witness the stunning vistas of Cairngorms National Park and cruise alo
What you get
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local live driver guide who will share stories and history throughout the day
- Panoramic windows
About this experience
Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, beguiling mystery and dramatic history on this day trip from Edinburgh. Traveling to the Scottish Highlands, witness the stunning vistas of Cairngorms National Park and cruise along world-famous Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster and tour Urquhart Castle ruins. Admire an ancient castle in Stirling as you pass by, learn about the massacre at Glen Coe and the adventures of Scottish legend William Wallace, whose life is depicted in the film ‘Braveheart.’ Be sure to bring your camera to capture stunning views and maybe even a glimpse of ‘Nessie’! Please note on December 26 there will be no castle or cruise available
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local live driver guide who will share stories and history throughout the day
- Panoramic windows
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Children under 3 years not accepted- valid ID may be required at check in
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
As we head north the first stop of the day is at this charming location nestled in the heart of Perthshire - a wonderful place for a refreshment stop and the chance to meet and feed Highland coo!
30 minutes here
Cairngorms National Park
Through the Cairngorms and the wild wilderness. The Cairngorms are home to some of the highest peaks in the British Isles, including Ben Macdui and Braeriach. These mountains, with their rugged slopes and dramatic ridges, offer stunning vistas. You'll love taking in the landscapes as you continue to travel north.
Pass by without stopping
Loch Ness
Highlight of the day is Loch Ness. Known worldwide for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as "Nessie." This deep, freshwater loch stretches approximately 23 miles long and is surrounded by stunning scenery, we stop so you can explore its mysteries and enjoy its natural beauty. You have the option to enjoy a cruise on the loch for some monster spotting combined with a visit to Urquhart Castle (£30.00 extra per adult, cash only) Alternatively, you could enjoy the views from the shores of the loch.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Urquhart Castle
Enjoy clambering around the ruins of the castle perched right on the banks of Loch Ness. Urquhart Castle is a historic fortress steeped in centuries of intrigue and offers panoramic views of the iconic loch. Entrance is combined with the cruise option; your driver guide will give you more details on the day!
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Glencoe National Nature Reserve
Glen Coe, a breathtaking valley in the Scottish Highlands, is renowned for its rugged beauty, towering peaks, and tragic history, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Listen to the tale of murder and massacre from your driver-guide before you stop for those all important photographic memories.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 07:45
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Highland Experience Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of ID may be required at check in.
- The tour is guided in English
- On 26th December and 1st January there will be no cruise or castle visit available
- Please note this tour may operate in reverse
- Check-in for the tour is 7.45am with departure at 8.00am sharp
- Visit to Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness cruise £31 per adult and £22 per child with Highland Experience discount, cash required. No need to pre book.
- We reserve the right to change the tour itinerary at any time due to weather, acts of God, and events out with our control.
- Due to the distance travelled on this tour, the itinerary involves substantial driving time.
- There are multiple stops for food. The lunch stop is Loch Ness with cafes at both Urquhart Castle and the Clansman Hotel.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $53 to $65
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,030
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $53 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 Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 13 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 Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip 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 (4.6/5 across 2,943 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 Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip 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 Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 13-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh?
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Around 1,030 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 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip 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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