Glencoe
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Glencoe

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

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, relax on our air-conditioned luxury coach and listen to the guide’s entertaining commentary and music as you’re driven through the highlands. Visit the Callander area for our first stop of the day, where you can get a coffee and may also get the opportunity to meet some of our famous Highland Cows (depending on the time of year). Next, we continue our adventure further into the highlands towards Glencoe. As we pass through, you will hear stories of the Clan massacres together with some atmospheric traditional music. There will be opportunity to pause briefly for a photo stop, where you can capture your very own breathtaking images and selfies of those unforgettable highland views. Arriving in the Fort William area we will stop for lunch, where your guide can advise you on options of where to eat. If you're interested in the mysteries of the kilt, you can even get a ‘wee’ kilt introduction here. After lunch, we are whisked away to the magical Loch Ness itself where you have options to customise what you do. Your guide will advise on the various optional activities. You could visit the 16th century, Urquart Castle which sits on the waters edge and hop on board a 30 min boat cruise in search of “Nessie”! Alternatively, you could choose not to visit the castle but take an extended 1-hour coat cruise on the Loch. The cruise offers outstanding views of both Loch Ness and the castle. You may prefer to spend your time simply exploring the area - such as the Old Coffin trail walk and view point that begins at the hotel car park where we stop or simply enjoy the views of Loch Ness from the pier where there is a souvenir shop and a café. Departing, we travel along the final section of the 23-mile Loch shoreline, passing through Inverness before turning south towards home. On the way home, we make a short snack stop in Pitlochry, a beautiful Victorian village in the heart of the country, before the final stage of the tour, returning to Edinburgh city centre around 20.30hrs. Top tip: to save time at the stops and ensure you get to make the most of every minute there, bring along a cold packed lunch!

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

Explore the incredible nature and beauty of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh! Departing on an air-conditioned luxury coach we pass by Stirling Castle, hear your tour guide tell tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and the bloody battles fought out on these lands. First, pass through Callander town, nestled at the foot of the Trossachs. If you have joined the Tour with Whisky Distillery option, we'll stop at Deanston Distillery for an optional distillery tour and tasting. Next, we'll make a visit to the local Highland Cows when possible, or as we like to call them - hairy coos! Drive through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Your Scottish guide will tell you about Rob Roy MacGregor, the infamous Highlander. 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 Clan MacDonald massacre of 1692. Travel through Fort William, home to Ben Nevis, which at 4,409 feet is the highest mountain of the British Isles. Arrive on the south bank of Loch Ness in the charming village of Fort Augustus, where lots of cafes, shops, and restaurants offer a relaxing lunch. Stroll along the banks of the Caledonian Canal and try to catch a glimpse of "Nessie," the legendary Loch Ness Monster. For those joining the Tour with Boat Cruise option, experience Loch Ness on the optional 1-hour boat cruise. Pro tip: Bring a packed lunch to avoid queuing and make the most out of the stops! Admire the impressive Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with views of the Nevis Range. Enter the Cairngorms National Park and discover "Monarch of the Glen" country. Drive along Loch Laggan before the roads climb above the Grampian Mountains. Travel over the Pass of Drumochter, linking the northern and southern Central Highlands. Experience the majesty of a mountain pass created by glacial activity during successive Ice Ages. Finally, stop briefly in the beautiful Victorian town of Pitlochry before heading back to Edinburgh city center, arriving at approximately 8:30 PM. Please note that during the winter season, we may be arriving earlier than estimated. *Please note, to meet demand and to prevent overcrowding in smaller Scottish towns, this tour will be provided in reverse in our peak season. **This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland.

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands Day Trip

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands Day Trip

Take in the stunning Highland locations made famous by the Harry Potter and James Bond film series on a full-day trip from Edinburgh. Pass famous landmarks such as Linlithgow Palace, the mythical Kelpies, and the dramatically perched Stirling Castle. Head north through Glencoe while your driver/guide points out the film locations for the James Bond and Harry Potter franchises. Stop in the Fort William area for lunch before a short drive to the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was made famous from its scenes in the Harry Potter movies from the filming of the Hogwarts Express. Take a short walk to the viewpoint where you will have unparalleled views over Loch Shiel and across to the viaduct in time for the Jacobite Steam train crossing*. The road home will be time to relax and take in the Highland scenery. The final stop is at the historic town of Pitlochry before continuing home over the Firth of Forth alongside UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge en route back into Edinburgh. *Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train is operated by separate company and although our tour is scheduled around seeing this we cannot guarantee train will run on the day of your tour. This service is seasonal and runs from Monday 7th April to Friday 24th October 2025.

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Highlands Day Trip

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Highlands Day Trip

Embark on a day tour to the scenic Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. Visit Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Fort William and take in the scenery of Hollywood movies, including the Harry Potter series. See the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct (see dates). Depart Edinburgh's bustling streets as you travel by bus past some of its most iconic sights like Edinburgh Castle on your way out of the city. Admire the scenery on the journey north into the rugged Scottish Highlands, with a stop for refreshments at the gateway to the Highlands in Callander. Drive through the rugged landscapes to Glencoe, where James Bonds' Skyfall was filmed. See the backdrop to some scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Pause here for photos and to learn about the history of Glencoe, including the massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. From the atmospheric Glencoe, travel further along the banks of Loch Linnhe to the Highland town of Fort William, which sits at the foot of Britain's tallest mountain - Ben Nevis. Stop here to stretch your legs and have an early lunch break. Next, continue to the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, which served as the scenic route of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter series. Discover the setting for the Triwizard Tournament from the movie, and the loch from the grounds of Hogwarts. Visit the Glenfinnan Monument, which symbolizes one of the most important events in Scottish history; the 1745 Jacobite uprising. Next, departing Glenfinnan, sit back and relax on your journey to Edinburgh, passing through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park and stopping for refreshments at the small village of Pitlochry on the way.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip

Embark on a breathtaking journey through Scotland on a day trip from Edinburgh. Head northwest passing famous landmarks such as Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, the mystical Kelpies, and the dramatically perched Stirling Castle. Continue north and arrive in Glencoe for some photos of the dramatic ridges called the Three Sisters. Stop in the Fort William area for lunch before heading into the natural beauty of the Great Glen as you pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Head further into the Scottish highlands and arrive in the small picturesque village of Fort Augustus at the south-west end of Loch Ness. Choose to take part in an optional boat cruise here. On the way back to Edinburgh, relax and take in the Highland scenery. Stop for a final refreshment at the historic town of Pitlochry before continuing the journey home over the Firth of Forth alongside the UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour

Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour

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.

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

Embark on a 3-day guided tour of the Scottish Highlands and visit highlights, including Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Learn the history of this lush region from your guide and spend two nights in Inverness. Day 1: Departing Edinburgh, we will drive by the famous Forth Bridges before making a short stop at the mysterious Kelpies. We continue north, to the historic village of Pitlochry. From there we drive through the east edge of the dramatic Cairngorms National Park to stop at the Highland Folk Museum (seasonal April - October). Here you'll experience highland life in the 17th century. See the buildings, the clothes and weapons, and how people lived 300 years ago. Continue north, to visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last Jacobite Rising, then 'Clava Cairns', incredible 4,000-year-old, Bronze-Age standing stones. A short drive onwards, we arrive at the Capital of the Highlands, where you'll stay for 2 nights, choosing from a local guesthouse, hostel, or hotel (accommodation not included). We arrive at approximately 6:30 PM to dour drop-off/meeting point at Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street, IV3 5NN. Day 2: After breakfast, depart Inverness and drive across the Kessock Bridge to the Black Isle and marvel at the spectacular scenery of Achnasheen and Loch Carron. Arriving on the Isle of Skye, venture north to explore the highlights of the island, including; the Cuillin Mountains, Trotternish Peninsula, Portree, the Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock and the famous Quiraing. In late afternoon, stop for photographs of the most beautiful castle in Scotland, "Eilean Donan Castle." Backdrop to many famous films, such as 'Highlander' and 'Made of Honor', this castle is another must-see iconic landmark! A scenic drive through stunning Glen Shiel follows, returning to Inverness to stay your final night at approximately 7:30 PM. The evening is free for you to do as you wish. Day 3: Depart Inverness for an optional morning cruise of the famous Loch Ness. Drive south to admire the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct and the breath-taking views of the Nevis Range at the Commando Memorial. Discover beautiful Glencoe, the most famous valley in Scotland, and hear of its tragic history. Continue south, into the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, while enjoying the scenery on the journey back to Edinburgh, arriving at approximately 7 PM. ** Please note that during the winter season, we will be swapping Day 1 and Day 3’s itineraries to enable us to visit as many places as possible while it is still light outside. Due to weather and/or road conditions during the winter season the route may change at the driver/guide’s discretion. **

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands Day Tour

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands Day Tour

Embark on a journey from Edinburgh to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a filming location for the Harry Potter series. Pass by iconic sights, including The Kelpies and Stirling Castle as you head north to the Scottish Highlands. Embark on a breathtaking journey through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe and make a short stop in the beautiful Victorian town of Pitlochry. Leave the lively streets of Edinburgh and pass by iconic sights, including The Kelpies, as you begin your journey northward into the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. After crossing into the Scottish Highlands, pause for refreshments before continuing north. During the summer season we stop in Balquhidder, while during the winter we stop at Callander. Move onward to Glencoe, a dramatic and renowned glen featured in films such as “James Bond’s Skyfall”, "Monty Python and The Holy Grail" and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. This stunning location sets the perfect atmosphere for visiting the famous “Harry Potter Bridge” later in the tour. Stop for photos and delve into Glencoe’s history, including the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Depart the scenic Glencoe and follow the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William, a Highland town situated at the base of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Britain. Pause here to enjoy the fresh Highland air before continuing to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Drive west to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, best known for its scenes in the Harry Potter film series, which is beautifully set among mountains on the shores of Loch Shiel. This enchanting location is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, often compared to the Hogwarts Express. We aim to arrive in time to watch the train cross the viaduct during it's afternoon service. Please note that the Jacobite Steam train is run on a seasonal basis (schedule is set by the train operator and is subject to change). Loch Shiel also plays the role of the “Black Lake”, used as the backdrop to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in several of the films — look out for the “Giant Squid” stirring up trouble! As you depart from Glenfinnan, your scenic journey back to Edinburgh begins. Your first stop is the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, where you can take in the stunning views of the Nevis Range. Continue along the picturesque Loch Laggan and then ascend above the Grampian Mountains. Travel through the western regions of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park and pause in the charming village of Pitlochry for refreshments. Take this opportunity to stretch your legs and grab a quick bite to eat before making your way back to Edinburgh, arriving at approximately 7 PM for tours departing 7 AM, and 8:30 PM for tours departing at 8:30 AM.. **This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland.**

From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

Departing from Glasgow you travel northwest along the shores of Loch Lomond. Here you will cross the Highland Boundary Fault Line where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically - the flat fertile plains of the Lowlands giving way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops, and forest-filled glens. It's easy to forget that this was once thought of as a dangerous frontier fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans such as the MacGregors, made famous by highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. You will then take a leisurely drive over the at 'Rest and Be Thankful' mountain pass. It was given its name in 1753 by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the old military road up through Glen Croe (not to be confused with Glencoe which you will visit later in the day). From here you will travel through the steep-sided mountains, known as the Arrochar Alps, to the picturesque harbour town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne, home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. The town is a classic 18th-century planned village with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses, designed by Robert Adam, famous for his architecture in Edinburgh’s New Town. From here you will drive along the shore of Scotland’s longest loch, Loch Awe, where you stop to take your photos of Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will then continue to the harbour town of Oban, gateway to the Isles, for lunch of your choice. After lunch you will then travel north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and into Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe. Stunningly beautiful, with its dramatic cliff faces and steep slopes, Glencoe is infamous as the site of the Glencoe massacre in 1692. Following orders from King William, Scottish soldiers under the leadership of Captain Robert Campbell slaughtered 38 men, women and children of the Macdonald clan. This was especially shocking as the soldiers had been living with the people of Glencoe for two weeks and killed them in their own homes. Nobody was ever punished for this crime, as the King himself had signed the order, but the Highlands would never be the same again. Travelling south, as you pass the majestic peak of Buachaille Etive Mor (meaning 'the great shepherd of Etive'), you descend towards the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. At an altitude of over 1000ft, covered by heather and peat-bogs and dotted with dozens of lochs, it's a unique landscape. From here you will then travel through Glen Falloch, and then drive south towards Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. From here you return to Glasgow.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands Tour in Spanish

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands Tour in Spanish

We leave early in the morning to enter the territory of the Highlands. We stopped at the old farm of Kilmahog to meet the famous 'Hairy Cows'. It will be the time to grab a coffee or have some breakfast. We arrive at the majestic valley of Glen Coe to admire its beauty. We will stop at up to 3 different points to take the perfect photo. The Three Sisters are waiting for us! Once in Fort Augustus, a charming village on the shores of Loch Ness, we will have the opportunity to go sailing in search of Nessie, the 'monster' of the lake. Fort Augustus is also the place where to take a photo of the famous Loch Ness sign to immortalize the moment. Enjoy the different restaurants and take aways of the area. Recharge your batteries! We travel the 37kms of the lake to reach its northern end where the city of Inverness sits. We can walk through its streets next to the River Ness and discover the capital of the Highlands. The last stop will take place in the charming Victorian village of Pitlochry. If everything runs smoothly, we will be back at 20:30h.

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Glencoe?

The best day trips and excursions from Glencoe are:

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What people are saying about Glencoe

Overall rating

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars
(13,757 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

All in all, a great way to get to know and love the Highlands in one day. The bus could have been a bit more modern and the time at the Glenfinnan Viaduct could have been longer. Overall, a wonderful trip with the Highland cows as the highlight!

5 out of 5 stars

A truly unique experience and a must do if you don't want to miss out on some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland! Our guide Gary was amazing and made this experience a lifetime memory!!

5 out of 5 stars

Aila is a fantastic guide and extremely knowledgeable and very personable! We had a very enjoyable time. It was lovely being in such an intimately size group.

5 out of 5 stars

The driver explained the whole story very well, stunning landscapes, it was an excellent trip

5 out of 5 stars

Shafiq and mark are very nice! We enjoyed the tour so much💓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿