Scottish Highlands

Day Trips

Our most recommended Scottish Highlands Day Trips

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  1. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

  Head for the Highlands, whether in search of the Loch Ness Monster or just a scenic day trip from Edinburgh. After pickup from the meeting point, relax on your group’s bus and listen to the guide’s entertaining commentary.

  Your first stop is Kilmahog for an introduction to the famous Highland Cows and a cup of coffee. If you’ve ever asked yourself what a ‘hairy coo’ is, this is a real treat. 

  Next, travel up the road to Glencoe. Enjoy a 10-minute photo stop here as the unforgettable Highland views wow you.

  Lunch is then in Fort William, where your guide can advise you on where’s best to eat. If interested in the mysteries of the kilt, you can even get a ‘wee’ kilt introduction here. Then be whisked to Loch Ness itself.

  Best of all, customize your experience at Loch Ness with perso...

  It was really amazing. The tour guide (Neil) was very accommodating and most importantly, he is very informative about the places that we're going to. It was a smooth sailing tour and would recommend it to my friends as well.

  Reviewed by zharrel, United Kingdom, 9/28/2021
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  2. From Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Tour

  Explore the Isle of Skye from Inverness and marvel at some of the most dramatic landscapes Scotland has to offer. See Loch Ness, visit Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Kilt Rock, and much more.

  Depart Inverness and travel South, along the shoreline of Loch Ness to Invermoriston. Stop for a short break at Loch Ness which is 24 miles long, over 700ft deep, famous for its sightings of the Loch Ness monster.

  Continue to the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, situated on its own island at the head of Loch Duic. Take time to explore one of Scotland’s most photographed castles and its atmospheric surroundings.

  Journey to the Isle of Skye, passing over the Skye Bridge and on to the small village of Portree for a lunchtime stop. Portree, although a small harbor village, is the capital of Skye, and is surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills.

  Tour was a fantastic day to see Scotland in one day. The tour bus had lots of amazing and interesting facts and stories the trip memorable.

  Reviewed by Ruth, United Kingdom, 9/28/2021
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  3. From Inverness: Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour

  Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands and board the Jacobite Steam Train. Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct for a scenic tour of Loch Ness and stop for lunch in a local fishing town.

  Begin your journey along the world-famous Loch Ness, stopping for photos above the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Continue south and visit the Commando Memorial, overlooking the Nevis Range — home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

  Next, set your sights on the Jacobite Steam Train and hop on board at Fort William. Your journey through magnificent landscapes will end in the fishing port of Mallaig, where you can try fresh seafood for lunch or explore the town.

  Take the scenic ‘Road to the Isles’ to Glenfinnan viaduct for stunning views. Admire beautiful scenery as you ride to Fort Augustus, the Caledonian Canal, and Loch Ness. Finish your ...

  Great trip with lots of stop offs to see the sights. The trip was made by the really knowledgeable driver, who was full of great info. He was also a really great driver on the Scottish roads.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, United Kingdom, 9/27/2021
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  4. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis

  Hop on an air-conditioned luxury coach (up to 32-34 seats) for the start of your tour. Depart Edinburgh and first pass the fortress that is Stirling Castle. Hear your tour guide tell tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and the bloody battles fought out on these lands. Arrive at your first stop of the day, the town of Callander nestled at the foot of the Trossachs. Enjoy the views towards the Trossachs and make the most of the opportunity to stock up on refreshments and gifts here. Next, drive through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Your Scottish guide will tell you the story of Rob Roy MacGregor, the most famous (or infamous) Highlander to ever live. Follow in the footsteps of James Bond ("Skyfall") and Harry Potter ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban") as you travel to the stunning Highland valley of Glencoe. Hear the eerie story of the C...

  Already recommended this tour to those who’ve asked. Highly recommend as a solo traveller as I would never have done this trip on my own - all the stress of organising out of my hands, good amount of history and story telling and well organised.

  Reviewed by Kimberley-Rose, 9/5/2021
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  5. Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh

  Spend a day discovering the land and legends of Scottish heroes William Wallace and Rob Roy, and experience the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Begin with a photo stop at The Kelpies. Enjoy a memorable visit to Stirling Castle, explore the pretty villages of Aberfoyle and Loch Lomond Shores, and set off on a spectacular cruise across Loch Lomond. Departing Edinburgh, head to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, one of the prettiest and largest lochs in the whole of Scotland. Here you can enjoy an hour-long cruise taking in spectacular views of the loch’s many islands and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a stroll through the picturesque loch-side conservation village of Loch Lomond Shores, with its quaint houses, cafes, and stunning views across the loch’s western shoreline.  Enter The Trossachs National Park, also known as “The Highlands in mini...

  Having already done the Loch Ness Highlands tour we had an idea what to expect and it was as we expected the journey itself was very informative and the Kelpies were very interesting the Loch Lomond cruise was ok guite interesting not up to Loch Ness but ok all the same unfortunately I forgot to books the Stirling castle part of the trip so can’t comment

  Reviewed by Anonymous, United Kingdom, 9/28/2021
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  6. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Highlands Full-Day Trip

  Explore the beauty of Scotland’s Highlands on a 12-hour scenic driving tour by comfortable coach. See historic sights and unforgettable landscapes on this guided day trip from Edinburgh.

  Following a hotel pick-up in central Edinburgh, you will head towards Stirling, catching views of the Castle and Wallace Monument. Continue towards Callander, and stop for morning coffee, and the chance to meet “Hamish the Hairy Coo.” Head northwards over Rannoch Moor, and reach the dark, brooding Pass of Glencoe. Stop to learn the story of the massacre of 1692, before crossing Loch Leven. Stop for lunch in Fort William, then follow the Caledonian Canal up the Great Glen to Loch Ness. Here, you have the option to cruise on the Loch for approximately 1 hour, or relax in the tranquil village on its banks. After Loch Ness you will head South East and take in magnificent views of Loch Lagg...

  I really enjoyed the trip, loved the jacobite history as we went and the music curated to the stories and the scenery. Really worth the money, probably worth more.

  Reviewed by Farrell, 9/27/2021
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  7. From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour

  From Glasgow, travel north towards the Scottish highlands. Our first stop is for a cup of tea or coffee at a café on the shores of Loch Lomond. We then climb up into the Highlands over the unique, desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. After lunch in the Fort William area, we continue beneath Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis and into the Great Glen. At Loch Ness, take a 1-hour cruise on the loch or enjoy the beautiful views at its shores.

  Begin your return journey from Inverness, Capital of the Highlands. Before arriving back in Glasgow, we will cross the Grampian Mountains and the woodland scenery of Perthshire, including the Forest of Atholl.

  It wa great single day tour which covers a lot of scenic beauties of Scotland. The driver was very knowledgeable and informative. Over all a excellent experience.would recommend.

  Reviewed by Lalit, 9/14/2021
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  8. From Inverness: Isle of Skye Scenery Tour with Fairy Pools

  Depart from a central meeting point in Inverness, where you will meet your guide and board the mini-bus. First, stop at Eilean Donan Castle and take plenty of photos as you admire the majestic beauty of this iconic sight in its wonderful coastal location. Upon arrival in Portree, make your way to the harbor viewpoint where you can see the pretty pastel-colored houses. Enjoy a short stop here, where you can also purchase a light lunch. Next, stop at a loch-side viewpoint, and discover the unique rock formation of the Old Man of Storr. See the 50-meter high pinnacle that juts out from the Trotternish Ridge and is recognizable from blockbuster films including Ronin 47, Snow White & The Huntsman, Prometheus, and The BFG. Continue to Kilt Rock, an exposed sea cliff that resembles the traditional Highland kilt. Be amazed by the imposing waterfall that cascades 60ft (180m) into the Sound of Ra...

  We had Robert for our guide he was fantastic good knowledge, good stories and terrible jokes but kept the bus a happy bus. There was enough breaks for food and toilet.

  Reviewed by Roberta, 9/16/2021
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  9. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands Day Tour

  Your day begins on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, where a coach will pick you up for your day of adventure. As you head towards the Highlands, you will see the amazing Forth Bridges. Then try some delicious home baking in the beautiful Highland town of Pitlochry. From there, continue on through the Cairngorms National Park, where you will enjoy stunning scenery amidst the unique wilderness of the National Park. Take a break for lunch at Loch Ness, which is famous all over the world for its beauty and mystery. From here, you will have the chance to take a 'monster spotting' cruise and visit Urquhart Castle (optional extra ticket) and look for the famous monster for yourself! After lunch, visit Glen Coe, a broodingly beautiful spot that is steeped in history. As you stand at the mouth of the glen, you'll feel the past come to life as your guide tells you about the terrible massacre of the...

  Rory your a legend, absolutely loved this tour! Great history lessons fantastic views and funny jokes. Would definitely book again next year with this company.

  Reviewed by caroline, United Kingdom, 9/26/2021
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  10. From Inverness: Complete Loch Ness 1-Day Experience

  Depart Inverness and journey to the deep freshwater lake of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, where, on arrival, you will head to the Clansman Hotel for an optional boat trip across the water. Cruise around the loch for stunning views of the surrounding scenery, and get the chance to see Urquhart Castle from a different perspective. Look for the legendary Loch Ness Monster to work up an appetite, and then enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant. Venture on with a gentle drive to Invermoriston, where you can go on a scenic stroll that showcases flowing rivers, an ancient summerhouse and the ruins of a picturesque stone bridge. Continue to the wee village of Fort Augustus, nestled between Loch Ness and the 60-mile Caledonian Canal. Journet back towards Inverness, stopping for short walks and coffee breaks at the scenic villages of Foyers and Dores before your estimated arrival ...

  Excellent tour. Duncan was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and even played a few tunes! Would recommend

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 9/18/2021