Edinburgh to Loch Ness Day Trip
Book with 50% deposit
Hunt for the Loch Ness Monster after travelling through the best of the Highlands hearing the history & legends that make it come alive!
Interactive Loch Ness Tour Map
Hunt for Nessie on a Loch Ness Day Tour from Edinburgh
Loch Ness brings thousands of visitors from around the world every year, and no wonder, it’s GORGEOUS! But that’s not all you can expect on this Scotland day tour from Edinburgh.
Head up through the best of the Highlands; see the majestic Glencoe, Rannoch Moor & back down through the Cairngorms National Park. Witness breathtaking views at every turn and learn the history & legends from your expert Scotland guide!
Key Highlights:
Cruise on Loch Ness
Discover Highland waterfalls
Sample Scotch whisky at a Highland Distillery (Not a Distillery Tour)
Drive through the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park
Visit Glencoe & the Highlands of Scotland
Eat traditional Scottish Fish and Chips Shop
Get emotional around Highland cows (likely but not always guaranteed)
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Edinburgh to Loch Ness Tour
Check-in time 7:45am
Departure from Edinburgh 8:00 AM
Your day begins with a scenic drive from Edinburgh, over the Firth of Forth and the Queensferry Crossing and deep into the heart of the Highlands. Relax and enjoy stunning views of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and historic towns.Stop 1: Hermitage Waterfalls
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Hermitage, a breathtaking spot with cascading waterfalls within a stunning forest. Take a short walk along the trails and admire the natural beauty of this hidden gem on this beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands Tour.Stop 2: Scotch Whisky Distillery
Visit a Highland Scotch Whisky Distillery for an opportunity to purchase a dram in the Scottish Highlands. (Not a Distillery Tour)Drive Through Cairngorms National Park
Cruise through the majestic Cairngorms National Park, home to rugged mountains, serene lochs, and diverse wildlife. Capture panoramic views of one of Scotland’s most cherished landscapes.Stop 3: Loch Ness – Optional Cruise and Lunch
Arrive at the world-famous Loch Ness, steeped in mystery and legend. Opt for a boat cruise to search for the elusive Nessie or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the loch. Follow this with a lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional Scottish fare.Stop 4: Glencoe & Highlands of Scotland
As you travel south, take in the sights of Fort William and the dramatic glens of Glencoe.
This Glencoe scenic drive is a must before stopping for stories of legend and history. The region, used over and over for movies such as James Bond’s Skyfall, Braveheart, Harry Potter and much more, is a photographer’s paradise with its towering peaks and moody landscapes.Stop 5: Traditional Scottish Fish and Chips
Indulge in a classic Scottish dinner at a traditional fish and chips shop.Explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Drive through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. Marvel at the beauty of this iconic region, known for its picture perfect lochs and natural beauty.Stop 6: See Highland Cows
As you explore on this tour from Edinburgh, we’ll constantly be on the look out for an opportunity to get up close and see our iconic Scottish Highland Cows. From Easter to the end of October, we will be able to get close and potentially even feed them!
During the winter months, it’ll be unlikely we’ll be able to see or feed these beautiful animals.Return to Edinburgh for approx. 8pm
Arrive back in Edinburgh, filled with memories of Scotland’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality.Book Your Edinburgh to Loch Ness Tour Today
Don’t miss the chance to explore Scotland’s must-see destinations on this expertly crafted 12-hour tour.*During Winter Months Nov 1st - 31st March, you may arrive back in Edinburgh any time around 7pm
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Arrive at 7:45am, departure at 8am from Edinburgh.
Meet your guide outside the Jolly Botanist
256-260 Morrison Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 8DTReturn back to Edinburgh for approx 8pm.
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Edinburgh to Loch Ness Day Tour
Included
Visit to Loch Ness
Fun & Friendly Driver/Guide
Visit to Highland Waterfalls
A Fully Air Conditioned Vehicle
Beautiful Highlands Scenery
Chance to spot Nessie
Not Included
Lunch & Snacks
Loch Ness Boat Cruise Tickets
Evening dinner at Traditional Fish and Chips Shop
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We are committed to delivering exceptional value, ensuring you have the best experience possible as you explore Scotland and travel with us!
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Most importantly, our clients consistently rate us as a 5-star tour operator on:
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Every year, we are reviewed by Visit Scotland, the national tourism organisation, and are consistently awarded 5 stars for all aspects of your Edinburgh to Loch Ness Tour and other Scotland tours.
★★★★★
We provide Small Group Tours of no more than 16 people to ensure a more personal and enjoyable experience as you travel around Scotland.
★★★★★
#Sightdoing
Our sightseeing tours are designed to get you out of the minibus and into the Scottish Highlands on foot, so you can fully immerse yourself in Scotland’s stunning countryside.
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Single day tours
To secure a single day tour, a 50% payment is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 8 days before your tour start date.Payment of the remaining balance will be taken automatically at that time.
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What Makes a Loch Ness Tour Special?
Our Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh stands out from typical “bus tours” by offering an immersive, hands-on experience of Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes. Instead of just sightseeing, we emphasize "sightdoing"—enjoy scenic walks, delve into local history, embrace Scottish culture, and connect with fellow travelers along the way.
Is the Loch Ness & Highlands of Scotland Group Day Tour Right for Me?
Our Loch Ness Day Tour is an Active Sightseeing experience, featuring a short walk (approximately 30 minutes)
Ask yourself:
Can I, and everyone in my group, comfortably walk for up to 30 minutes on varied terrain?
If yes, this tour is perfect for you!
What Should I Bring for the Loch Ness & Highlands Day Tour?
Scotland's weather can be unpredictable, so we recommend packing:
Light, waterproof clothing
Comfortable shoes for short walk
Seasonal essentials:
Midge repellent (April–September)
Sun cream for sunny days
Warm clothing, gloves, and a hat for colder months
When Should I Arrive for the Tour?
Please arrive at 7:45 for check-in to ensure a prompt start. If you’re running late, please call us immediately on +44 131 241 8292. We’ll do our best to reschedule you on another tour if space is available, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Is Parking Available Near the Departure Location?
No, parking is not available near the departure point.
Tip:
Edinburgh is best navigated on foot or by public transport. If you need to drive, private parking options are limited and fill up quickly. On-street parking is also available but comes with charges.Will my dietary requirement be catered for?
For your evening dinner stop at the Traditional Fish and Chips shop, there are separate vegan, vegetarian and Gluten Free options available. This is part of their Gluten free policy “processes and training in place to ensure the requirements of Coeliac UK’s Gluten Free Standard are met”
For the lunch stop at Loch Ness, we are very limited on lunch options for dietary requirements and if you are Celiac Gluten Free, then we recommend that you bring your own packed lunch with you for the day. If you are vegetarian or vegan, there are options for you and your tour guide will point you in the right direction.
Why is the Loch Ness Cruise price not included?
We don’t include the price of the Loch Ness cruise in the tour price as it allows you the flexibility to travel as you enjoy. We’ve found that many clients are quite happy to enjoy Loch Ness from the banks as other clients like to experience Loch Ness by being on it.
How Much Time Will we Spend Outside the Vehicle?
We prioritize time outside the vehicle, with stops for a short walk, a Loch Ness cruise (optional), a Scotch Distillery visit, scenic waterfalls, photography opportunities, a relaxing lunch amidst the stunning Highland landscapes and visit for a meal at a traditional Scottish Fish and Chips shop.
Are There Any Age Restrictions?
Yes, our Loch Ness day tours have a minimum age requirement of 12 years.
For families with younger children, contact us at info@scotlandswild.com to arrange a private tour tailored to your group.
Should I bring Lunch?
There will be no need to bring any lunch as you’ll be stopping off for some delicious lunch near Loch Ness. Your Scotland Tour Guide will point you in the direction of some places to get a delicious lunch
Can I Bring Luggage?
Each guest can bring a rucksack or handbag for essentials. For larger luggage, please email us at info@scotlandswild.com before booking to check storage availability.
Will There Be Bathroom Breaks?
Absolutely! We’ve planned plenty of restroom stops throughout the day. If you choose to take the Loch Ness cruise, restrooms are also available onboard.
Should I tip my Scotland Tour Guide/Driver?
If you believe your Scotland Tour Guide/Driver provided you with a great experience then I know they will always appreciate a wee bonus, though it is completely up to you on how much tip or if you’d like to provide one
What’s the Cancellation Policy for the Loch Ness Day Tour?
8+ days before departure: Full refund
4–7 days before departure: 50% refund
Within 3 days of departure: No refund
For full terms and conditions, visit our T&Cs page
What Happens If I Miss My Tour?
If you miss your departure, the standard cancellation policy applies. Contact us immediately at +44 131 241 8292, and we’ll do our best to find a solution. Note: This is not guaranteed.
Do I have Travel Insurance Provided?
We don’t provide travel insurance, though we highly recommend taking out appropriate travel insurance for any vacation to Scotland
I still have more questions, how can I get answers?
We’re always happy to answer any question and would love to help you as much as possible before you arrive in Scotland, so do get in touch if you think we can help info@scotlandswild.com
*During Winter Months Nov 1st - 31st March, you may arrive back in Edinburgh earlier than 8pm*
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