Authentic Highland whisky distillery visit, a stunning glen, and a scenic walk in The Hermitage forest.
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Use code SAVE20 at checkout and save 20% on this trip if you book by 12 June 2026 and travel by 31 October 2026.
Enjoy a fantastic full day adventure in the Highlands, visiting mysterious Loch Ness, where you can go monster spotting on the shores of the loch or on a boat cruise. Learn about our turbulent history while you soak in all the classic scenery for which Scotland is famed: Glen Coe, the Great Glen, Highland Perthshire and maybe even catching a glimpse of the mighty Ben Nevis along the way!
* Save 20% with code SAVE20 until 12 Jun 2026.
Tour Highlights
Fort Augustus
The village of Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Wander along one of the most picturesque sections of the Caledonian Canal and look down the length of the loch from the Loch Ness Viewpoint.
Glen Coe
This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.
Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Look out for ‘Nessie’ as you explore the southern tip of Loch Ness by boat. Soak up the scenic surroundings and learn about the history of the area, as well as the famous legends of the Loch Ness Monster.
Views of Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest peak. This majestic mountain rises up from the landscape at 1345 meters above sea level. On a clear day the summit can be seen from the area around Fort William.
The Caledonian Canal
The Caledonian Canal is a super-scenic waterway which stretches 60-miles through four lochs in the Great Glen, from Fort William to Inverness. Marvel at this epic feat of engineering, as boats pass through the impressive lock system.
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Foreign Language Audio Guide Available
Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones
What Other Explorers Say
Great tour of the Highlands with many interesting stops along the way. Sophia was a great tourguide, she was very informative, told many interesting facts. Great Scottish music on the bus too, all the while she was also telling jokes. Overall 10/10 for her, she deserves the praise!
David
11/05/2026Tom was an amazing guide!! Awesome comentary, charismatic and a real gentleman! Plus, his driving skills are unmatched. Not to mention his narration abilities. He managed to be informative, whilst not overwhelming. Communicative whilst not talkative. All while being kind, patient and charming.
Tato
05/01/2026The tour was great! We saw so many spectacular areas of the Scottish Highlands and of course the mythical Loch Ness, which was one of the most exciting moments of the trip. Our guide Tom was extremely knowledgeable, engaging and really passionate: he told us a lot of fascinating stories and curiosities about Edinburgh and the history of Scotland, making the experience even more special.
Federica
03/01/2026It’s was amazing a experience with Tim such a nice guy, I appreciate his confidence and amazing knowledge about the history of Scotland
Adnan
05/01/2026I cannot recommend our guide, Torva (or Lord Torva Farqard) , highly enough! This was more than just a tour of the Scottish Highlands; it was an immersive journey brought to life by a true storyteller. From the moment we set off, Torva captivated us with a treasure trove of fascinating stories, rich history, and captivating legends connected to every glen and loch we passed.
Stefania
11/12/2025The tour was really nice, we had some lovely views during the trip and the Loch Ness was absolutely stunning. Dave was amazing and shared with us a lot about the history of Scotland and some interesting facts as well. We totally recommend it!
Valentina
15/09/2025Dave was amazing! The trip flew by while Dave gave us all kinds of good facts/ stories about this beautiful country! I highly recommend
Macy
15/09/2025The trip was outstanding! Can’t recommend it enough. Cliff was a fantastic tour guide and the views were breathtaking. Highly recommend, especially if you’re limited for time and you want solid exposure to the gorgeous Scottish highlands.
Hunter
13/09/2025Wonderful tour guide (Nestor), very entertaining and engaging. Our guided tour through the Scottish Highlands with Nestor was truly unforgettable. From the moment we boarded the bus, his warm personality, enthusiasm, and humor set the perfect tone for the day. His storytelling skills brought the rich history, culture, and legends of the Highlands vividly to life, making each stop even more meaningful.
Ahmed
12/08/2025Great day trip and great driver and guide Keith. Super interesting stories and professional preparation. 12 hours passed in a pleasant atmosphere.
Rafal
09/08/2025Keith was absolutely fabulous! A great driver, super interesting stories, considerate and perfect communication! Transparent time scheduling made sure that everyone was on time. Would do another tour with Keith as guide anytime. This tour was long but a lot was covered within a day and if you’re pressed for time in Scotland, this is a good option to squeeze a lot in hence recommend it and give it a 10/10
Tina
07/08/2025Excellent tour and the guide Ry was great! He was very knowledgeable, funny, and everything was exactly on time to the minute. He added a few extra stops he thought we would like. I’ll definitely tour with them again when I come back.
Brett
18/07/2025Ry was an amazing guide. Compelling storytelling and great music. He points out many sites not on the itinerary. The 12 hours go by fast. Perfect addition to an Edinburgh holiday. Gets you out of the city and into the Highlands.
William
18/07/2025Keith was our guide. He interacted with us and shared a ton of information about the sites on the tour! He played great music on the tour during the driving parts where there was nothing in particular to point out. I got some great photos. Highly recommend.
Dustin
19/07/2025Take a day & do this tour if you can! Gorgeous views of the highlands - The Three Sisters vantage point being my favorite! The boat ride is totally worth it too!! We had Dave as our guide & he ROCKED!! So funny, knowledgeable & a great story teller + music taste! Wonderful ambiance & tour start to finish - so happy we got this memory!!
Sydney
15/06/2025Dave was excellent from start to finish. Our first time in Scotland couldn’t have been better! His driving was smooth, guide was very informative/entertaining and overall character was pleasant.
Timothy
15/06/2025Great experience with Alistair, our tour guide. Very informative and learnt many things from him, including his witty commentaries. Enjoyed the lochness boat ride and the stops along the way. The three sisters of mountain at Glencoe is so scenic.
Madgalene
12/06/2025Keith was an informative, friendly tour bus driver. He gave us a great Scottish history lesson while safely driving us to many locations. Highly recommend!
Leticia
15/05/2025Every May we bring university students on this Day Trip to the highlands and every year its a phenomenal experience. We had Alistair again this year and as always, he didn't disappoint. He's great at keeping the students engaged with the culture and history of Scotland. A big thank you to the Highland Explorer team and Alistair.
Loyola
14/05/2025Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh – Let’s Go! @HighexTours
Tag or mention @HighexTours on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our channels, website, and in our brochure.
Highland Explorer ToursThe wonderful @thescottishkiwi joined us on tour to visit Loch Ness and explore the Isle of Skye with us recently. We love their wintry look - best prepared for a cosy winter getaway in the Highlands ❄️
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Highland Explorer ToursDuring our 2-hour stop at Fort Augustus, @rohitgora spent his time capturing the shores of mysterious Loch Ness... perhaps on the lookout for deep-diving creatures?👀
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Highland Explorer Tours@itsjessicacarrillo has been on her first solo trip ever!
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Highland Explorer Tours @iamcarljensen on their recent 1 Day Loch Ness Explorer tour from Edinburgh.
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Highland Explorer Tours Captured by our wonderful driver guide 📸@sophs_on_tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Your Loch Ness tour departs from Edinburgh city centre. For departure details and pick-up location, visit our Departure Info page.
How long is a day tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness?
With plenty of comfort breaks and photo stops along the way, our Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh is approximately 12 and a half hours long*.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Is the Loch Ness boat tour included in the price?
The Loch Ness boat cruise is an optional add-on and is not included in the tour price.
You can add a ticket for the Loch Ness boat tour at the time of booking, at an additional fee. The journey on the Loch Ness boat cruise is approximately 50 minutes long and offers spectacular views of the loch and the chance to learn about the mysterious Loch Ness Monster.
What if I choose not to do the Loch Ness boat tour?
If you don’t do the boat cruise then you have free time for a relaxed walk along the shores of Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal, or around the Highland village of Fort Augustus.
Will I see Nessie?
Since Nessie has been a bit camera-shy lately, we can't make any promises. Your Loch Ness tour offers stunning views and intriguing stories about this legendary creature. However, capturing a selfie with Nessie might require a touch of Loch Ness magic!
If you are still determined to see Nessie, consider adding the Loch Ness boat tour as an optional add-on (reserve at the time of booking). The boat comes equipped with a sonar system, giving you a peek beneath the waves for any monster-related activity!
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
Discover More Ways to Visit Loch Ness
You can visit Loch Ness on a short day tour or as part of a longer Highland adventure, depending on the kind of trip you’re looking for.
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Highland Explorer Tours
Loch Ness Explorer
1-Day Itinerary
Tour Route
Day 1
Loch Ness
Day 1 | Loch Ness
Starting our Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh, we pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle and drive through the Trossachs National Park, Rob Roy country. We cross the wilds of Rannoch Moor before stopping at dramatic Glen Coe, the scene of the infamous massacre in 1692. We drive through Fort William, passing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before entering the Great Glen.
Next, your tour continues to Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, you have the chance to take a boat cruise on the loch, go for a scenic walk or simply relax by the Caledonian Canal in this charming Highland village.
We journey past shimmering Loch Laggan before climbing over the wild and lonely Drumochter Pass in the Cairngorms National Park. Heading south, we enter Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We continue south over the Firth of Forth with views of the spectacular Forth Bridges, arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening.
Next, your tour continues to Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, you have the chance to take a boat cruise on the loch, go for a scenic walk or simply relax by the Caledonian Canal in this charming Highland village.
We journey past shimmering Loch Laggan before climbing over the wild and lonely Drumochter Pass in the Cairngorms National Park. Heading south, we enter Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We continue south over the Firth of Forth with views of the spectacular Forth Bridges, arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening.
HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS
highlandexplorertours.com
1 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
View Map
Itinerary | Loch Ness
Starting our Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh, we pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle and drive through the Trossachs National Park, Rob Roy country. We cross the wilds of Rannoch Moor before stopping at dramatic Glen Coe, the scene of the infamous massacre in 1692. We drive through Fort William, passing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before entering the Great Glen.
Next, your tour continues to Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, you have the chance to take a boat cruise on the loch, go for a scenic walk or simply relax by the Caledonian Canal in this charming Highland village.
We journey past shimmering Loch Laggan before climbing over the wild and lonely Drumochter Pass in the Cairngorms National Park. Heading south, we enter Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We continue south over the Firth of Forth with views of the spectacular Forth Bridges, arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes
7:15 AM
Departs
7:30 AM
Returns
7:45 PM
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
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Loch Ness Cruise
Reserve at the time of bookingGet the chance to explore the depths of the mysterious Loch Ness and search for the legendary monster that is Nessie. The boat uses the very latest high-tech colour sonar and underwater imaging systems to enhance the search for the monster. Sit back and marvel at the bonnie banks of the loch while enjoying a hot drink or a dram of whisky in the onboard bar. Reserve your cruise at the time of booking to guarantee your seat. Cruise duration is approximately 1 hour.
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