Things to do in Perthshire

This full day tour is perfect for seeing as much of bonnie Scotland as possible in a relaxing manner while taking in dramatic landscapes, history, and personal stories from the local, passionate guide as the gorgeous scenery rolls by. Leaving Edinburgh behind, we journey north, passing the imposing Stirling Castle and rolling into the heart of the Trossachs National Park, Rob Roy country. Crossing the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, we pause at hauntingly beautiful Glen Coe, where echoes of the infamous 1692 massacre still linger. Our route takes us through Fort William, beneath the towering peak of Ben Nevis, before we enter the Great Glen. Reaching Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness, you’ll have time to take a boat cruise in search of Nessie, enjoy a scenic walk in this Highland village, or simply soak up the Highland charm by the Caledonian Canal. If choosing the cruise, your boat is equipped with the latest hi-tech color, sonar, and underwater imaging system, giving you a fascinating view of the underwater terrain and life. You might even see Nessie! You can also relax with a coffee or beer in the onboard bar. If you choose to sail along the waters of Loch Ness, it really is an unforgettable experience. We then head south past the shimmering waters of Loch Laggan and climb through the dramatic Drumochter Pass in the Cairngorms National Park. Travelling through Perthshire’s stunning landscapes of forests, rivers, and mountains, we cross the Firth of Forth, taking in views of the spectacular Forth Bridges, before returning to Edinburgh in the evening.

Embark on a full-day guided bus tour of the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow. Marvel at the wild beauty of the Scottish countryside and visit highlights, including Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. Head north towards the Highlands and admire the lush pastures of the Scottish countryside from an air-conditioned bus. Stop for a cup of tea or coffee at a café on the shores of Loch Lomond before ascending into the Highlands. Traverse the desolate landscape of Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Glencoe, the site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Learn about the events and history of the area from your guide. After lunch in the Fort William area, pass beneath Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and into the Great Glen. At Loch Ness, opt for a sightseeing cruise on the loch or choose to admire the views from the shore. On your way back to Glasgow, cross the Grampian Mountains and admire the woodland scenery of Perthshire, including the Forest of Atholl.

You depart Glasgow and travel towards the Highlands along the “bonnie, bonnie” banks of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain, Ben Lomond, on the eastern shore. You cross the ancient natural fault line that runs across Scotland and venture into the majestic Highlands where the scenery changes dramatically. The flat plains of the Lowlands transform into shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, and forest-filled glens. The alluring beauty makes it easy to forget this was once a battleground of the fiercely territorial Highland clans. Travelling north through Breadalbane (meaning the 'High Country of Scotland'), you climb towards Rannoch Moor. This 1000ft plain is covered by heather, peat bogs, and dozens of lochs. You’ll love how it contrasts with the spectacular mountain scenery of Buachaille Etive Mor (meaning 'the great shepherd of Etive'). You then head down to Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe, where you’ll be mesmerised by the beautiful cliff faces and steep slopes. After Glencoe, you enter a deep glacial valley, known as the Great Glen. Passing through the town of Fort William you travel under Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, before arriving at Fort Augustus on the shore of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus boasts the Caledonian Canal, which is a great spot to relax and watch the boats sail by. You stop here for one hour to give you time for lunch. After your lunch, you get the opportunity to take a five-star Cruise Loch Ness boat cruise from Fort Augustus*. Taking to the waters is the best chance you'll get to spot the monster and admire the beauty of this mysterious loch. You leave the scenic village and begin your journey back towards Glagsow, but not to worry, there are many lovely stops along the way for photos and views, including the quiant town of Pitlochry. You continue south through the forests of Perthshire before finally reaching Glasgow in the evening. *The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice.

You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle. This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore. If you keep a look out, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed. Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views. After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative. Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans. You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years. You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland. You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise,* wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat. Your journey south is packed full of classic Highland scenery. You travel through the curvy Cairngorms National Park, along Loch Laggan, and past Blair Castle. Amongst the tall trees of Perthshire, you have a final refreshment break before journeying alongside the UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge and back into Edinburgh. *The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice. This route may be reversed on some occasions.

Setting off from Edinburgh, our small group Ultimate Whisky Tour of Scotland begins with a scenic drive north to Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, the first whisky-themed stop of the day. Since 1898, this distillery has been producing the world-famous Highland Single Malt Aberfeldy whisky. We’ll spend two hours here, enjoying the Whisky and Chocolate Tasting tour (optional extra - £22.95 per person), which includes a guided distillery tour, an interactive heritage exhibition, and an optional tasting of Aberfeldy's 12-year-old single malt whisky. After touring Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, we head to the charming village of Aberfeldy for lunch. Take some time to explore the quaint streets and soak in the picturesque surroundings, with plenty of opportunities to grab a meal. Once refreshed, we’ll continue our whisky journey to the historic Glenturret Distillery. Located on the Turret River, just outside of Crieff, Glenturret Distillery is Scotland's oldest working distillery and still hand crafts its whisky using the last remaining hand operated mash tun in Scotland. Here, we enjoy a tour and tasting at £15 (optional extra). We then begin our return journey to Edinburgh, passing by the majestic Forth Bridges where there may be time for a photo stop.

Day 1: You depart Edinburgh and travel west. This part of your journey is a history lover’s dream. You pass Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and Doune Castle, before stopping in Callander for refreshments. Next, we venture north through the splendid scenery surrounding Loch Lubnaig and up to the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. You continue through the spectacular mountain pass of Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan MacDonald in 1692. And after lunch we pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and head into the Great Glen. Travelling west, you head past the Five Sisters of Kintail. You then stop at the famous Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, you follow the dramatic coastline, towards the island’s capital, Portree. And after all this breath-taking beauty, you’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening with enough time to go out and explore the town. Day 2: Today is a flexible day on Skye; and your driver-guide ensures you take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and your group's interests. You can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here you find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. Or your guide may take you back in time and teach you about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. You return to Portree in the evening. Day 3: You travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You visit Loch Ness for lunch and the chance to spot "Nessie"!* Heading south through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dalwhinnie and onwards past Blair Castle. We stop for refreshments in one of the Perthshire villages before heading past Perth, over the Firth of Forth, and back to Edinburgh.

Meet your professional guide at Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow and travel north to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Enjoy some time by the loch while you take in the views of the country voted the most beautiful in the world in 2019. Travel deeper into the Highlands and through desolate Rannoch Moor, one of last remaining wildernesses in Europe. Then, Glencoe will open up in front of you, with a haunting history and dramatic scenery it's an essential place to visit to see the true heart of the country. Next it's lunchtime, with a stop in Fort Augustus. This town at the southern tip of Loch Ness has a great choice of cafes and restaurants as well as local shops to browse. You can choose to purchase a ticket for a Loch Ness cruise and spend some time hunting Nessie. Afterwards, it's time to travel across the country and though the Grampian Mountains as you head to the forests of Perthshire. A final stop is enjoyed in the Victorian town of Pitlochry before the tour returns to Glasgow.

Enjoy a fabulous day trip from Edinburgh on this small group tour to experience Scotland’s beautiful countryside just minutes from the capital. Drive to the stunning Highlands, and stop to sample a drop of the national drink to get a complete taste of Scotland. Leaving Edinburgh, the tour makes its way to the majestic Kelpies of Falkirk, the world's largest equine structures. Heading further into the Highlands, pass the shimmering waters of Loch Earn, before stopping for lunch at the Glenturret, one of Scotland’s best-known whisky distilleries. Once revived, enjoy a “wee dram” of Scotch whisky and drink the “Water of Life”. Continue to the Hermitage in the heart of Perthshire for a short woodland walk to see the spectacular Black Linn Falls on the River Braan. On the return journey, visit the quaint village of Dunkeld, an area associated with Macbeth, where the stunning cathedral sits on the banks of the River Tay. Pass the iconic Forth Bridge on the way back into Edinburgh, admiring the fantastic 19th-century feat of engineering.

Our journey north begins in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city and industrial hub. As you depart from the city, your driver-guide will share captivating stories about Glasgow's rich history. Our first stop will be in the heritage village of Luss, nestled within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee or take in the breath-taking views of Loch Lomond, Scotland's largest freshwater loch. As you travel along the picturesque Bonnie Banks, your driver-guide will delve into the history and legends behind the famous Scottish song named after the loch, enhancing your appreciation of this stunning landscape. As we venture further north, we'll arrive at Glen Coe, a place of brooding beauty and rich history. This glen, situated in the remnants of an ancient volcano that erupted millions of years ago, now boasts rugged mountains and dramatic landscapes. Standing at the mouth of the glen, surrounded by majestic peaks and mesmerizing waterfalls you’ll feel history come alive as our guide recounts the tragic massacre of the MacDonald Clan. beauty and mystery. Loch Ness is the largest body of water by volume in Britain, capable of holding all the lakes and rivers of England and Wales within its depths. Given its vastness, it's no wonder legends of a monster, known as "Nessie," have persisted. The first recorded sighting was by St. Columba in the mid-6th century, but it wasn't until the 1930s that the creature gained widespread fame when an American couple reported seeing it. Since then, thousands of sightings have been reported, and who knows? You might be the next to spot Nessie. At Loch Ness, we'll visit the charming village of Fort Augustus. Here, you have the option to embark on a cruise for a chance to hunt for the monster while enjoying stunning views of the loch, Cherry Island, and the striking Fort Augustus Abbey. If you prefer to stay on land, you can explore the town or walk along part of the 60-mile Caledonian Canal, which connects Inverness to Fort William. After this stop, we’ll begin our journey south. Enjoy the stunning scenery as we journey through the breath-taking wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and home to a quarter of Scotland’s native forests. Marvel at the highest area in Scotland, which boasts five of the six tallest mountains in the UK. We might even see some snow, as these mountains are the most popular ski destination in the UK. Continuing south, we’ll head to the geographical centre of Scotland for a final stop in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Here, you can sample some fantastic local produce and meet Hairy Coos. As we make our way back, you'll pass by the historic city of Stirling, catching glimpses of Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.

After departing from Edinburgh your tour will travel past Stirling and its stunning hill-top castle. Then, stop for refreshments in the Highland town of Callander. From Callander, you’ll travel north through the Trossachs National park and the desolate Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. Stop for photographs in Glencoe which has very dramatic scenery and a dark past. Travel through Fort William with the sublime mountain Ben Nevis looming overhead. Continue on and follow the Great Glen Canal to Fort Augustus which is at the southern top of Loch Ness. You’ll have time to enjoy some lunch here and explore the town. There is also the option to take a 1-hour monster spotting cruise on the loch. Once back on dry land, your tour will travel through the Grampian Mountains and south through Perthshire. Arrive at the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, favoured by Queen Victoria and Scots novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. This will be your evening refreshment stop. Finally, you’ll return to Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, ending your Loch Ness tour via the Queensferry Crossing. As you cross, look left for a great view of one of Scotland’s most iconic structures, the Forth Rail Bridge which has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.