Activity description
Journey through the Scottish Highlands on our monstrous day tour. Immerse yourself in its beautiful landscapes while listening to legendary stories.
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour - Departing from Edinburgh
Leave Edinburgh's cobblestone streets and pass Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle. This region is rich in history, so relax as your driver-guide regales you with stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot the Kelpies. These 30-meter-tall horse-head sculptures are a must-see.
Your first stop will be the town of Callander, on the edge of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. You can enjoy a coffee here and enjoy the delicious local delicacies on offer. After this stop, it's time to get your camera ready. As you travel north towards the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative.
Shimmering lakes, rugged mountains, forested valleys: it's all so beautiful it's easy to forget these were once the battlegrounds of fiercely territorial Highland clans.
Your stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful region boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide will reveal the tragic history that has haunted this valley for over 300 years. Next, you'll enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
After this visual feast of imposing climbs, you arrive at Fort Augustus, on the shores of Loch Ness. At 37 kilometers long and over 213 meters deep, Loch Ness is the largest lake in Scotland by volume. You'll have about an hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat ride, stroll the lakeshore at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat.
Your journey south is filled with classic Highland scenery. You'll pass through the winding Cairngorms National Park, along Loch Laggan, and past Blair Castle. Among the tall trees of Perthshire, you'll stop for a final snack before heading back to Edinburgh over the UNESCO-listed Forth Railway Bridge.
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Tour - Departing from Glasgow
Departing from Glasgow, you'll travel to the Highlands, along the "beautiful, beautiful" shores of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and takes its name from Ben Lomond, a mountain on its eastern shore.
You cross the ancient natural fault line that runs through Scotland and venture into the majestic Highlands, where the landscape changes dramatically. The plains of the Lowlands transform into shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, and forested valleys. The alluring beauty makes it easy to forget that this place was once a battleground for the fiercely territorial Highland clans. Traveling north through Breadalbane (meaning the Scottish Highlands), you ascend towards Rannoch Moor. This 300-meter plain is covered in heather, peat bogs, and dozens of lochs. You'll love the contrast with the spectacular mountainous landscape of Buachaille Etive Mor (meaning the great shepherd of Etive).
Next, descend to Scotland's most famous glen, Glencoe, where you'll be captivated by the beautiful cliffs and steep slopes. After Glencoe, you enter a deep glacial valley known as the Great Glen. Passing through the town of Fort William, you'll pass beneath Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, before reaching Fort Augustus, on the shores of Loch Ness.
Fort Augustus boasts the Caledonian Canal, a great spot to relax and watch the boats sail by. You'll stop for an hour for lunch. Afterward, you'll tour the entire lake and have the opportunity to take a five-star Jacobite cruise. Enjoying the waters is your best chance of spotting the monster and enjoying the view of Urquhart Castle.
From Loch Ness, head south, crossing the mountains of Cairngorms National Park. Continue south through the forests of Perthshire, stopping briefly for a snack before returning to Glasgow.
Notes:
Schedule: English Tour:
Days of operation: daily
Check-in: 7:45 am
Departure time: 8am
Return time and location:
Edinburgh Tour - 8pm (approximately) at Rabbie's Café
Glasgow Tour - 7:45pm (approx) at Buchanan Bus Station
Mandarin Tour:
Departs from Edinburgh only.
Opening days: Saturdays and Sundays
Departure Point: Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance J & K) - St Andrew's Square - Edinburgh EH1 3DQ
Check-in: 7:45 am
Departure time: 8am
Return time and location: 8pm (approximately) at Praça de Santo André
Tours will not take place between December 24th and 26th and between December 31st and January 1st.
Unfortunately, we do not have restrooms on board, but you will have regular rest breaks.
We regret that we do not take children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
Baggage allowance: You are limited to 14 kg (31 lbs) of baggage per person. This must be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm / 22 in x 17 in x 10 in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Meeting point
Ponto de partida em Edimburgo: Rabbie's Café - 6 Waterloo Place - Edimburgo EH1 3EG Ponto de partida em Glasgow: Estação Rodoviária de Buchanan, Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW (os passeios partirão de uma parada entre as paradas 23 a 32)
