Full description
A day trip through the Scottish Highlands combining the Glencoe valley, an optional cruise on Loch Ness and a visit to Inverness, the Highland capital
The trip departs from the heart of Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile, and heads north towards the Highlands. Along the way it passes near Stirling, where the silhouette of the castle and the Monument to William Wallace, Scotland's national hero, can be admired from the bus window. The route then crosses the Trossachs National Park, passing through the town of Callander and making a short stop at Kilmahog, the gateway to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, where there is usually a chance to spot the classic Highland cows.
From there the scenery becomes wilder as the route crosses Rannoch Moor, and the highlight of the trip is the Glencoe valley, known both for its beauty and its clan history. At the Three Sisters viewpoint, travelers can admire its famous peaks, used as filming locations for Harry Potter and James Bond. If the schedule allows, an optional stop is added at the Commando Memorial, dedicated to the WWII elite troops who trained in the Highlands, from where Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Britain, can be seen on clear days.
The next stop is Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness. There is free time here to explore the town, grab a bite, or join the optional cruise on the loch in search of the legendary Nessie. The route continues to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, with time to walk through its Old Town, visit its Gothic cathedral, or stroll along the banks of the River Ness.
On the way back south there is a final stop in Pitlochry, a welcoming Victorian town where travelers can explore its streets, browse its traditional shops, or try the local whisky ice cream. Before reaching Edinburgh, the route crosses the River Forth, with views of the historic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in the city, the guide offers recommendations for making the most of the rest of the stay in Scotland's capital.
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Additional Information
● Please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes in advance
● This tour requires a minimum of 6 participants to operate. If the minimum is not reached, or due to unforeseen circumstances, the provider may cancel the activity and offer an alternative or a full refund
● The route covers approximately 550 km, spread across different stops throughout the day
● All stops are wheelchair accessible; travelers must have minimum mobility to get into the vehicle
● Suitable clothing is recommended for this type of trip, as the weather in Scotland can be cold even in summer, along with comfortable, waterproof footwear
● Minors must be accompanied by one of their parents
● The optional Loch Ness cruise in Fort Augustus is not included and can be booked separately
● Can be booked until the last minute
● The activity may be affected by external causes beyond the provider's control
● The provider is not responsible for any physical injury or loss or damage of personal belongings during the experience
Inclusions
✔ Professional driver and guide service
✔ Guide in English
✔ Transportation in vehicles of 8, 16, 19, 29, 37, 39, 53 or 55 seats, depending on group size
Exclusions
✖ Hotel pick-up or drop-off
✖ Transportation to the meeting point
✖ Optional Loch Ness cruise in Fort Augustus (not included, can be booked separately)
✖ Admission fees, food and drinks unless expressly stated in the tour inclusions
✖ Other unspecified services
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the activity.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance and no-shows are not eligible for a refund.
Meeting point
High Street 190, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1QX, Scotland