Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

Visit Loch Ness from Edinburgh

© Experience Scotland's Wild

Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh: Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands

A day of Highland scenery, woodland waterfalls and Loch Ness, returning through Glencoe and Loch Lomond with no more than 16 travellers.

A day of Highland scenery, woodland waterfalls and Loch Ness, returning through Glencoe and Loch Lomond with no more than 16 travellers.

Loch Ness might be the name you know, but there’s a whole Highland journey to enjoy getting there. On this Loch Ness day tour from Edinburgh, walk beneath the towering trees of The Hermitage, travel through the Cairngorms and stop for a taste of Scotland’s whisky tradition before reaching Fort Augustus.

Here, choose an optional cruise on Loch Ness or enjoy the shoreline and village at your own pace. The route back takes you through the Great Glen, past Fort William and into Glencoe, before continuing through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Your expert guide brings the scenery to life with Highland history and folklore, while woodland walks and scenic stops give you plenty of reasons to put the camera down and take it all in.

At a glance

  • Duration: 1 day (approx. 12 hours)
  • Departs: Edinburgh, 8:00am (back approx. 8pm)
  • Group size: Max 16 (small scheduled group)
  • Ages: 12+ (younger? ask about a private tour)
  • Walking: Short walks (woodland walk ~30 min, uneven paths)
  • Guide: Expert local guide (stories, history, folklore)

Itinerary

Edinburgh to The Hermitage — Forth Bridges · Perthshire · Ancient woodland

Leave Edinburgh and travel north past the famous Forth Bridges as the city gives way to the landscapes of Perthshire.

At The Hermitage, enjoy a short walk beneath towering trees to the rushing waterfalls of the River Braan — your first chance to step into the Highland landscape.

Highland whisky & the Cairngorms — Whisky stop · Mountain scenery · Highland stories

Continue into the Highlands for a stop connected with Scotland’s whisky tradition, with the chance of an optional dram when available. The route then crosses the Cairngorms National Park, with mountain passes and wide-open scenery on the way north.

This is a short whisky stop rather than a full distillery tour. Tastings and drinks are optional and paid separately.

Fort Augustus & Loch Ness — Lochside time · Optional cruise · Lunch

Arrive in Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, with time for lunch and to enjoy the famous loch from the shoreline. If you’d like to get out on the water, choose the optional Loch Ness cruise and hear more about the loch’s history, landscape and enduring mystery.

The cruise is optional and not included in the tour price; it can be affected by availability and conditions.

Fort William, Glencoe & Loch Lomond — Great Glen · Glencoe · Trossachs · Edinburgh

Travel south through the Great Glen towards Fort William, then into Glencoe — one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes and the setting for one of its most powerful stories. Continue towards Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, with an optional traditional fish-and-chip stop and, when conditions and timing allow, a chance to see Highland cows.

Back in Edinburgh at approximately 8:00pm (normally closer to 7:00pm from November to March). Highland cow stops depend on route, timing and conditions and can’t be guaranteed.

The itinerary is a guide and may change because of weather, road conditions, seasonal access, attraction availability or circumstances beyond our control.

Included

  • Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for the day
  • Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
  • Guided woodland walk at The Hermitage
  • Time beside Loch Ness at Fort Augustus
  • Highland whisky stop, the Cairngorms and Glencoe
  • Small group — maximum 16 travellers

Not included

  • Loch Ness cruise ticket (optional)
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Evening fish and chips (optional)
  • Whisky tastings and other drinks

Departure

Outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT

Please arrive by 7:45am so your guide can check everyone in before the 8:00am departure — scheduled tours can't wait for late guests. The meeting point is outside; the bar itself may not be open that early.

Check-in: 7:45am · Departs: 8:00am · Back: approx. 8pm

From £120 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

January — December

Contact details

Experience Scotland's Wild

Strathleven House
West Dunbartonshire
Scotland
G82 3PD

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh

Length

1 Day

Transport

  • Boat
  • Driver guide
  • Minibus
  • Walking

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Adventure
  • History
  • Landscapes
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Wildlife

Tour prices


From £120 Per Adult £105 Per Child

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Experience Scotland's Wild

Tour company information

Experience Scotland's Wild

Experience Scotland's Wild is an award-winning, 5 Star Tour Operator that goes above and beyond so every guest has a wonderful time exploring Scotland. We run small-group day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, with no more than 16 travellers on each scheduled tour, plus fully private tours tailored to your group. Expect expert local guides, short Highland walks, castles, standing stones, islands such as Skye, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, and plenty of stories along the way.

Opening times

We run tours all year round
Contact us from 7am to 9pm daily

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.