2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh provided by Highland Experience Tours
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh
2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh
5
Book in advance
from
$201.52
per adultRecommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Free cancellation
Free Cancellation up to 7 days in advance
Full view
Tour snapshot
Get expansive, photo-friendly views of the Scottish Highlands
Duration:
2 days
Group size:
32
Stroller accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
- Duration:2 days
- Group size:32
- Stroller accessible
- Ticket type:Mobile
About
The lakes, glens, and historic landmarks of the Scottish Highlands are within easy reach of Edinburgh. On this 2-day Highlands tour, enjoy more time to take photos and admire the region’s natural beauty than compared with a day trip. Visit Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis; discover the legend of Loch Ness; and enjoy optional tours of Culloden Battlefield and a whisky distillery (own expense).
Know before you go
- Duration: 2 days
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
- If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
- If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
Available languages
English
Highlights
- Optional Loch Ness cruise, whisky tour, and Culloden visit (own expense)
- Choice of accommodations to suit all budgets
- Hassle-free round-trip transport from Edinburgh
What to expect
On the first day, meet in central Edinburgh to board your air-conditioned bus or coach and, after stopping in Glasgow to pick up the rest of your group, continue to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Stop at Luss Beach for views across Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond Mountain, and continue to Loch Tulla, for more photo opportunities.
Continue north to Glen Coe, where you take in the scenery and learn more about the region’s history, including the 17th-century MacDonald Clan Massacre, from your guide. Next, stop in Fort William to see Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and enjoy lunch (own expense).
In the afternoon, journey east to Loch Ness and your accommodation for the evening (depending on tour option selected).
Begin the second day by exploring Loch Ness, where you can opt to cruise around the lake or tour the lakeside Urquhart Castle (both optional, own expense). Continue to the notorious Culloden Battlefield (entrance fees not included), and visit a traditional Scotch whisky distillery, where you can tour the distillery and sample a dram of whisky (own expense).
Make a final stop at a village in Perth and Kinross, before returning to Edinburgh.
Know before you go
- Duration: 2 days
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
- If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
- If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
Highlights
- Optional Loch Ness cruise, whisky tour, and Culloden visit (own expense)
- Choice of accommodations to suit all budgets
- Hassle-free round-trip transport from Edinburgh
What to expect
On the first day, meet in central Edinburgh to board your air-conditioned bus or coach and, after stopping in Glasgow to pick up the rest of your group, continue to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Stop at Luss Beach for views across Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond Mountain, and continue to Loch Tulla, for more photo opportunities.
Continue north to Glen Coe, where you take in the scenery and learn more about the region’s history, including the 17th-century MacDonald Clan Massacre, from your guide. Next, stop in Fort William to see Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and enjoy lunch (own expense).
In the afternoon, journey east to Loch Ness and your accommodation for the evening (depending on tour option selected).
Begin the second day by exploring Loch Ness, where you can opt to cruise around the lake or tour the lakeside Urquhart Castle (both optional, own expense). Continue to the notorious Culloden Battlefield (entrance fees not included), and visit a traditional Scotch whisky distillery, where you can tour the distillery and sample a dram of whisky (own expense).
Make a final stop at a village in Perth and Kinross, before returning to Edinburgh.Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 5256P20
Important information
Inclusions
- Overnight accommodation as per selected
- Breakfast
- Breakfast
- Driver/guide
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry/Admission - Loch Ness
- Entry/Admission - Culloden Battlefield
Duration
2 days
Departure details
- 1 Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 8.15am
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age 3 years old
- Luggage restriction: 1 suitcase 55x40x20cm - 15 kg & 1 backpack/handbag per person
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers
Inclusions
- Overnight accommodation as per selected
- Breakfast
- Breakfast
- Driver/guide
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry/Admission - Loch Ness
- Entry/Admission - Culloden Battlefield
Departure details
- 1 Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 8.15am
Duration
2 days
Return details
- Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1, UK Please note: During August, and other times when there are events taking place at Edinburgh Castle we will use an alternative end point in Edinburgh's New Town.
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age 3 years old
- Luggage restriction: 1 suitcase 55x40x20cm - 15 kg & 1 backpack/handbag per person
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers
Itinerary
Overview
Full Map
5 stops
Day 1
Into the Highlands
Day 2
History and Whisky
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–
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
75 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Stephanie H
2 contributions
Couples
This day tour is the best way to explore the beautiful and scenic highlands of Scotland and the Loch Ness all in one day. Our tour guide, Steven B, entertained us with background stories, music and history to understand the contexts of the places we were visiting and driving by. It was very entertaining and would definitely recommend.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your incredible 5* review. We definitely agree - it's a great way to explore the Scottish Highlands. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to Steven B!
Kind regards,
Highland Experience
Written July 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Josseline Lopez
1 contribution
I had an amazing time! It was a wonderful experience. Our guide Steven B was very knowledgeable and always tried to keep a good spirit and environment. The van was comfortable, clean. The accommodation was great ( I stayed at the bank B&B) the host was incredibly nice, friendly and sweet, the breakfast was on time and delicious. I really don't have anything negative to say. It was one of the best tours I had. Very organized and everything on time... The places we visited were breath taken, you won't regret it.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We're very glad to hear you had such a nice experience on our tour! Thank you so much for your feedback, we hope to see you on board with us again!
Written August 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
World Nix
1 contribution
Our first visit to Edinburgh was fantastic and the Highlands tour was amazing! We enjoyed the trip to Glasgow and the scenery at Loch Ness was superb. The most impressive view was at the Island of Skye and the spectacular Skye Bridge.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi there,
I'm so glad to hear that you had a great time whilst on tour - The Isle of Skye is definitely a must visit for anyone coming to Scotland! It sounds like you managed to see a lot of the beautiful scenery whilst on your tour!
We would love to welcome you back on another tour one day!
Kind Regards,
Kirsty
Written January 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sunanda B
2 contributions
The bus was in good condition, our Driver James was an experienced driver, polite, knowledgeable and well versed in the history of Scotland. However, he did not follow the itinerary and could have organized the trip better. key stops on the tour like visit to Distillery & some castle tours were omitted as they were not planned ahead of time which was disappointing.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bikramjot
Delhi1 contribution
Family
Don't take any multiple day tours from Highland experience, they highly overcharge for the accommodation.
I took 2 day Loch Ness tour with accommodation, they overall charged me £489 with B&B accommodation.
If I would have booked only the tour without accommodation, the rate for the tour would have been £260 (as I was getting a 10% discount online). This means that I was made to pay £229 for the stay at the B&B. I did not get any discount when I booked tour and accommodation together.
I was surprised when I checked into the B&B (Loch Ness Guest House at Fort Augustus) as I found out that their per night charge for a family room was £140. All the members of the tour were staying in the same B&B and since they would have made a bulk booking in advance the rate that they would have paid would have been less than this.
When I enquired the reason for the heavy overcharge, they told me absurd reasons which were hard to digest. They said that they took median of all the prices for the B&B providers and they provided me pick and drop from B&B.
If someone actually paid less for booking the accommodation it is unethical and unprofessional on their part to charge me more for the same that too approximate £90.
If someone plans to book a multiple day tour book your accommodation yourself separately. You would save a good amount of money.
I took 2 day Loch Ness tour with accommodation, they overall charged me £489 with B&B accommodation.
If I would have booked only the tour without accommodation, the rate for the tour would have been £260 (as I was getting a 10% discount online). This means that I was made to pay £229 for the stay at the B&B. I did not get any discount when I booked tour and accommodation together.
I was surprised when I checked into the B&B (Loch Ness Guest House at Fort Augustus) as I found out that their per night charge for a family room was £140. All the members of the tour were staying in the same B&B and since they would have made a bulk booking in advance the rate that they would have paid would have been less than this.
When I enquired the reason for the heavy overcharge, they told me absurd reasons which were hard to digest. They said that they took median of all the prices for the B&B providers and they provided me pick and drop from B&B.
If someone actually paid less for booking the accommodation it is unethical and unprofessional on their part to charge me more for the same that too approximate £90.
If someone plans to book a multiple day tour book your accommodation yourself separately. You would save a good amount of money.
Written September 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi there,
As discussed throughout our earlier email conversations, when you chose to book the tour with the accommodation package, you were offered a number of options for accommodation, between B&B, B&B Ensuite and Hotel packages, and were quoted accordingly. You were also offered to book this as Tour Only, and the Terms & Conditions of this option were explained to you by a member of our sales staff, after you stated you were going to book your overnight stay in a town over 1 hour away from the overnight location of this tour.
With all of this information provided in email to you, you made the decision to book the tour with B&B Ensuite packaged accommodation, at a discounted rate.
As I have explained in our email conversations, we charge a package price as opposed to charging for the tour and accommodation separately, so the cost of the accommodation package is based on a median of room prices. Added to this, guests which select the accommodation packages receive a drop off and pick up each day during the tour, as well as the convenience of paying one price and having the entire tour organised for them, and the time which is involved in this for numerous members of staff is also factored into the price.
A number of other providers offer to organise accommodation separately on their multi-day tours and give an approximate price range, which is not guaranteed. Once their guests arrive at the accommodation, they are required to pay this separately to the accommodation provider and the cost may be higher or lower than originally quoted at time of booking. We therefore believe that our one package price is a much more convenient option for our guests.
Kind regards,
Erin
Written October 24, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nandini Sarkar
8 contributions
Family
Except the great accommodation at Loch Ness, this was an eminently forgettable trip.
1.Cold & unfriendly reception by staff at the start of trip
2.Bus was late beyond the start time of 8.30am
3.Driver cum guide was rude & unfriendly
4.Very little explanation of tour points
5.Broad Scots accent, fast talker & difficult to understand
6.Dropped back ahead of the 7pm timeline
Not at all worth the money we paid for it
1.Cold & unfriendly reception by staff at the start of trip
2.Bus was late beyond the start time of 8.30am
3.Driver cum guide was rude & unfriendly
4.Very little explanation of tour points
5.Broad Scots accent, fast talker & difficult to understand
6.Dropped back ahead of the 7pm timeline
Not at all worth the money we paid for it
Written June 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi there,
I am sorry to hear you didn't have a great experience with us on tour.
I have sent you a private message to investigate into this matter further.
We take all feedback that we receive seriously so we can constantly improve our tour services.
Kind Regards,
Natalie
Written June 9, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hertha O
Hong Kong, China37 contributions
The tour was very informative however sometimes the timeframe was to short. For example Urquhart castle and Culloden was way to little time.
The other problem was our driver Chick. He was quite rude and telling dirty jokes.
The other problem was our driver Chick. He was quite rude and telling dirty jokes.
Written July 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve C
3 contributions
Hi was a great trip but the tour guild Michael made it for us all , a great guy and full of knowledge from the start to finish would highly recommend and if you get Michael as your guild your in for a treat :)
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katy Bracelin
Brentwood, CA13 contributions
Couples
This trip to the Highlands was absolutely amazing. Beautiful setting, great history and landmarks, delicious food, and wonderful overnight stay at the Inch. Steven B., our guide, couldn’t have done a better job. His stories along the way were captivating. I highly recommend this tour.
Written October 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Larde75
1 contribution
We went on a one-day-tour of the Highlands and it was great! The views were just breathtaking, it is an unbelievably beautiful place. Spectacular views, especially if you manage to sit at the front of the bus, as we did. Our driver Jason and especially our guide John were very professional. They made the tour both interesting and fun.The tour takes 12 hours, so it's a long day, but well worth it!
Written October 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stavros K
91 contributions
hello 2 days is enough ? where are staying the 1st night ? did you arrnage with a greek tour operator ?
Neeta
Goregaon East, India
We are on a trip to London and Scotland and will have lot of luggage. If we were to take this trip it would cross the luggage restriction. Is there anywhere we can keep our luggage in Edinburgh before boarding on to this trip. We will be boarding at any of the edinburg hotels before this trip
Yan97
Bern, Switzerland2 contributions
Good question, I’m sorry I don‘t know. We didn‘t have much luggage. We took just few things with us for this trip. The rest we let in our Hotel in Edinburgh.
Hi, we are a group of 10 people very interested in this trip but I notice that we can only book up to 9 people. Is it possible to add just one more..? It's for 20 or 21 December 2018. Thank you
Fabiane A
Aracaju, SE2 contributions
Boa noite! Estaremos em uma viagem de 20 dias e levaremos uma mala de 23 kg e duas de bordo! Pela descrição vi que difere das especificações permitidas. Gostaria de saber se é cobrado alguma taxa para poder embarcar minhas malas? Não terei onde deixa las...
SRluv2travel
Pleasanton, CA38 contributions
Hello,
Was wondering if anyone remembers what time the tour returns to Edinburgh in the evening. Thanks!
hshaunty
Palm Springs, CA15 contributions
Due back in Edinburgh just before 700pm
SRluv2travel
Pleasanton, CA38 contributions
Hello,
Do you think this tour is suitable for 3 year olds?
Based on reviews it seems like it is a great tour and minimum age is 3.
Just wondering if anyone had or saw toddlers on their tour and if toddlers would enjoy .
Thank you :)
Natalie S
9 contributions
It’s a lot of driving so if they like long car rides then yes!
Mariana Soledad B
Buenos Aires, Argentina63 contributions
Hola! Realizan tours con guÃas en Español? saludos y gracias!
We have an infant of 1.5years, will it be possible to carry him
Mary-Ann M
Greater Adelaide, Australia7 contributions
I think it would be tiring carrying an 18month old for the many stops and walks that are part of the tour. It may be worth checking whether the tour company can hire you a pusher for the trip. You could then carry your child for the quick stops but for the more leisurely visits to towns and tourist spots you could use the pusher. Hope that helps.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Highland Experience Tours
pillerpam
00Terrible
Supply what is paid for. Minibus not large bus that was overcrowded. Do not use the 2 middle seats of the back row …
theodorab434
00Edinburgblackcabtours
My best friend and I had a great time touring Scotland w/Edinburgblackcabtours. Steve, Kevan and Stephan are all am…
Chanah S
00Stunning and green Highland Scotland
Best part of this tour was the stunning scenery of the Highlands. A really nice intro to the area. Our driver guide…
Jared N
00Absolutely wonderful
Scenic, beautiful and relaxing trip to see sights I’d only ever seen on television. The guide was knowledgeable and…
judybryant
00Wonderful tour
Jamie was the best guide I’ve ever had on any company’s tour. The Outlander tour had lots of history that Jamie was…
cindie0301
00Must Do!!
Great experience visiting Glen Coe, Loch Ness, and the Highlands. Maj was informative and entertaining while provid…
wc0x
00Great tour at reasonable price.
Our tour guide, Rob Hall, was the best guide we ever had on any tour. Very knowledgeable with a great and humorous…
shaun c
00Just what we were looking for!
On our 3-week trip to Scotland and Ireland we are mostly visiting cities but also wanted to get up to the Highland…
miskvk
00Good value one day tour
Our tour was on a small bus (I think you can call it a mini van, but I am not sure) which was small and narrow, the…
TimsCheapFlights
00Great day trip for those with limited time to see the Highlands
Our time in Scotland was short, but we wanted to explore the Highlands at least a bit instead of just staying put i…
anaclaracastilho
00Outlander, highlands and Jamie!
We were a small group of 5. Our guide was Jamie (yes, really), and he was great. He knew a lot about both the show …
haleyLaBouane
00Amazing - worth every penny
The day was lovely Steven B was our tour guide and he was fantastic all the recommendations he gave were great. Hig…
CPR1232014
00Amazing full day excursion to Loch Ness
An amazing full day excursion from Edinburgh to the highlands and Loch Ness. Our tour guide and driver, Brian, made…
Culture301703
00A must do if visiting Edinburgh for a few days
A fantastic day trip to the beautiful highlands of Scotland. Highly recommended if you are staying in Edinburgh for…
jeffmK2902JW
00Great tour and tour guide (Maj!)
We saw incredible things. Well worth it and a great way to see the Highlands and Loch Ness. Our tour guide Maj was …
Frequently Asked Questions about 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh will start at 8:30 AM. Discover and book 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh price starts from $202.96. Discover and book 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
- 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh cancellation policy: If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee. Discover and book 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh on Tripadvisor