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    9 top things to do in the Scottish Highlands

  • Explore Scottish Highlands
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  • Outside Scottish Highlands

Loch Ness

Balmoral Castle

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Ben Nevis

Urquhart Castle

Glenfinnan

Isle of Mull

Cairngorms

The Glenlivet Distillery

Iona

Loch Linnhe

Staffa

Day trips

Multi-day trips

Shore excursions

Churches & cathedrals

Glencoe

Fort William

Stirling

Fort Augustus

Inverness

Kyle of Lochalsh

Portree

Oban

John o' Groats

Dalwhinnie, Scotland

Nearby destinations

Leinster tours

Perth and Kinross tours

North West England tours

Connacht tours

County Galway tours

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park tours

Nearby sights

Royal MileAttraction in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh CastleAttraction in Edinburgh, Scotland

Giant's CausewayAttraction in Bushmills, Northern Ireland

Dunluce Castle

Dublin CastleAttraction in Dublin, Ireland

Trinity College DublinAttraction in Dublin, Ireland

  • Top experiences
  • Interests

Bus & minivan tours

Whiskey tours

Distillery tours

Outlander tours

Loch Ness Monster experiences

Hiking

Harry Potter tours

Rail tours

Canoe & kayak tours

River rafting

Bike tours

Dolphin & whale watching

Sightseeing

Nature & adventure

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Driving experiences

Safaris & wildlife activities

  • Articles

9 top things to do in the Scottish Highlands

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour

4.5763617 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.5763617 out of 5 stars
2056 reviews
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From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour
4.5763617 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.5763617 out of 5 stars
2056 reviews

Take the ultimate Scotland tour, experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and see for yourself if the Loch Ness Monster is lurking under the water.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

E
Eva – Jamaica

Brendan was the BEST tour guide. He took us through the beautiful Highlands and to Loch Nest with stories and history from centuries to now. It was 12 enjoyable hours, exploring and we highly recommend this tour. 5 stars to Brendan

A
Ariana – United States

Brandon was lovely! He was an amazing tour guide, and we had an amazing time. He took lots of stops for pictures and was a wealth of knowledge and tips.

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

  • Bus/coach

    (1 hour)

  • Callander

    Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Coffee, Breakfast, Free time, Shopping (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Glencoe

    Photo stop

  • Bus/coach

    (80 minutes)

    Loch Ness

    Photo stop, Visit, Lunch, Free time, Boat cruise, Shopping, Sightseeing, Walk, Local snacks, Scenic views on the way (2 hours)

    Optional, Extra fee

  • Bus/coach

    (2 hours)

  • Pitlochry

    Break time, Coffee, Free time, Shopping (30 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (1.5 hours)

  • Arrive back at:

    Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a photos stop at Glen Coe
  • Travel through the Highlands and enjoy spectacular views
  • Stop near Fort William
  • Walk along the banks of Loch Ness, or take an optional cruise
  • See the Forth Road and rail bridges

Full description

Gray Line Scotland’s Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour is a dream for anyone looking to experience the heart of Scotland's breath-taking landscapes. Here's an overview of what makes this tour so captivating:

Tour Highlights:
Scenic Adventure: Covering over 500 km in just 12 hours, you'll be immersed in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, crossing dramatic mountains and magical glens, and arriving at the iconic Loch Ness.

Callander: A cozy stop in this charming village sets the perfect tone for your journey, offering a peaceful respite before diving deeper into Scotland’s stunning winter landscapes.

Great Rannoch Moor: This vast wilderness introduces you to Scotland’s rugged, untamed natural beauty, with its sweeping, desolate views providing a sense of serenity and awe.

Glen Coe: Known for its dramatic, towering mountains, Glen Coe is as much about history as it is about beauty. The tragic tales surrounding this region make it all the more fascinating, and its landscape will leave you speechless.

Loch Ness: No trip to Scotland’s Highlands is complete without a visit to this legendary loch. You’ll be surrounded by an atmosphere of mystery as you gaze upon the misty waters, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the famous “Nessie.” It’s a peaceful yet thrilling stop that combines natural beauty with the intrigue of Scotland’s most famous myth.

Loch Laggan & Pitlochry: On the return journey, you’ll encounter more serene landscapes, including Loch Laggan’s still waters and the picturesque Victorian village of Pitlochry, which is sure to make you feel like you've stepped into a postcard.

Why Choose This Tour:
Comfort & Convenience: With comfortable travel arrangements, easy booking options, and the flexibility of free cancellations, this tour is designed to provide you with a hassle-free experience.
Expert Guide: The knowledgeable driver-guide will not only take you to the most iconic spots but will also enrich your journey with tales of Scotland’s history, culture, and folklore.
Flexible Vouchers: You can use both mobile and printed vouchers, making the tour even more convenient to book and join.

Perfect for Those Who Love:
Stunning landscapes
Rich history and legends
Mystery and folklore, especially the Loch Ness legend
Cosy escapes in charming villages
Learning about Scotland's heritage in a relaxed, scenic environment
Whether you're a photography enthusiast, history buff, or simply someone looking to escape into a winter wonderland, this tour will take you through Scotland’s most captivating and mysterious locations.

Does this sound like the type of adventure you'd love to go on?

Includes

  • Pickup from many departure points in central Edinburgh
  • Scenic tour through the Highlands
  • Journey through Glen Coe
  • Refreshment stops
  • Stop at Loch Ness
  • Driver/Guide
  • Transportation
  • Lunch or refreshments
  • Loch Ness Cruise (Optional, payable to driver on the day)

Not suitable for

  • Children under 6 years

Meeting point

Our main pickup is outside The Apex Hotel on Waterloo Place Please arrive at 7.20am for departure at 7.30am

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Camera
  • Snacks
  • Cash

Know before you go

  • Boat cruise tickets are available for purchase on the day from your driver/guide.
  • Bringing some snacks or a packed lunch is advisable, but there are places to buy food on the day
  • A large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, enjoying the views of the Highlands with tales from the driver/guide
  • A small number of participants are required to run the tours. In the unlikely event this is not met and your tour is cancelled, a refund, rescheduled date, or an alternative tour will be offered
  • Several city center drop-off points are available at the end of your tour and your driver-guide will discuss the best options
  • Our main departure point is outside The Apex Hotel on Waterloo Place at 7:20 AM

From $67 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 2056 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

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E
Eva – JamaicaMay 8, 2025 – Verified booking
Brendan was the BEST tour guide. He took us through the beautiful Highlands and to Loch Nest with stories and history from centuries to now. It was 12 enjoyable hours, exploring and we highly recommend this tour. 5 stars to Brendan
A
Ariana – United StatesApril 17, 2025 – Verified booking
Brandon was lovely! He was an amazing tour guide, and we had an amazing time. He took lots of stops for pictures and was a wealth of knowledge and tips.
V
Vidhi – IndiaApril 2, 2025 – Verified booking
Our guide Brendan was the real highlight of this day trip. His humour and stories made the 12 hours journey so enjoyable. Do yourself a favour and book this trip for the best highlands day trip!

Product ID: 3403

Activity provider:Gray Line Scotland
  • United Kingdom
  • Scottish Highlands
  • Caledonian Canal

Top Attractions in Scottish Highlands

  • 1Jacobite Steam Train
  • 2Loch Ness
  • 3Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • 4Urquhart Castle
  • 5Balmoral Castle
  • 6Stirling Castle
  • 7Isle of Mull
  • 8Ben Nevis
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  • 10Eilean Donan Castle
  • 11Culloden Battlefield
  • 12Cairngorms
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  • 14Iona
  • 15The Glenlivet Distillery
  • 16Caledonian Canal
  • 17Doune Castle
  • 18Calanais Standing Stones
  • 19Wallace Monument
  • 20Dunrobin Castle

Experiences in Scottish Highlands

  • 1Scottish Highlands Rail tours
  • 2Scottish Highlands Day trips
  • 3Scottish Highlands Multi-day trips
  • 4Scottish Highlands Hiking
  • 5Scottish Highlands Cruises & boat tours
  • 6Scottish Highlands Outlander tours
  • 7Scottish Highlands Private tours
  • 8Scottish Highlands Whiskey tours
  • 9Scottish Highlands Harry Potter tours
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  • 17Scottish Highlands Nature & adventure
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  • 20Scottish Highlands Solo travelers' tours

Tours in Scotland

  • 1Edinburgh Tours
  • 2Glasgow Tours
  • 3Inverness Tours
  • 4Aberdeen Tours
  • 5Fort William Tours
  • 6St Andrews Tours
  • 7Stirling Tours
  • 8Oban Tours
  • 9Glencoe Tours
  • 10Portree Tours
  • 11Pitlochry Tours
  • 12Balloch Tours
  • 13Queensferry Tours
  • 14Fort Augustus Tours
  • 15John o' Groats Tours
  • 16Kyle of Lochalsh Tours
  • 17Inchcolm Tours
  • 18Aberfeldy Tours
  • 19Killiecrankie Scotland Tours
  • 20Craigellachie, Scotland Tours

Things to do in Scotland

  • 1Things to do in Edinburgh
  • 2Things to do in Glasgow
  • 3Things to do in Inverness
  • 4Things to do in Aberdeen
  • 5Things to do in Fort William
  • 6Things to do in Invergordon
  • 7Things to do in St Andrews
  • 8Things to do in Stirling
  • 9Things to do in Oban
  • 10Things to do in Glencoe
  • 11Things to do in Portree
  • 12Things to do in Pitlochry
  • 13Things to do in Perth, Scotland
  • 14Things to do in Balloch
  • 15Things to do in Ullapool
  • 16Things to do in Falkirk
  • 17Things to do in Queensferry
  • 18Things to do in Falkland
  • 19Things to do in Fort Augustus
  • 20Things to do in Mallaig

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  • United Kingdom
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