Loch Ness Day Tour
Overview
An incredible family-friendly day tour to Loch Ness, taking in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. We travel through stunning landscapes — Stirling Castle, Loch Lubnaig, Glen Orchy and the dramatic glen of Glencoe — with a knowledgeable guide sharing fascinating stories and historical insight throughout the journey. Once at Loch Ness you can choose to enjoy a Loch Ness cruise, keep watch for the mysterious Nessie, or explore the shoreline at Fort Augustus on foot, before a stop at the picturesque Falls of Pattack on the way home. This private tour is ideal for anyone who wants to see as much of Scotland as possible in a single day, with a private vehicle, a flexible itinerary, and door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup, Edinburgh
Your driver-guide collects you and your group directly from your Edinburgh hotel in our private, air-conditioned executive minibus. Please have your exact pickup address ready in advance — your driver will wait at the closest possible stopping place.
Stirling Castle
We catch incredible views as we pass by the magnificent Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument on our way north into the Highlands.
Loch Lubnaig
Our first stop, to enjoy the stunning scenery and beautiful views of Loch Lubnaig — a comfort break with a photo opportunity and a short walk along the lochside.
Glen Orchy & Loch Tulla
We pause here to take in an expansive panoramic view over the hills, glens and rivers towards Loch Tulla.
Glencoe
Perhaps Scotland's most famous and most scenic glen — voted the country's most romantic, and a favourite base for hillwalking and mountaineering in the Highlands.
Fort Augustus & Loch Ness
Time at Loch Ness to enjoy an optional loch cruise, explore the Caledonian Canal locks and the shoreline of charming Fort Augustus, and keep watch for Nessie from hidden vantage points — plenty of opportunities for unforgettable family photos. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants here to enjoy a quick lunch.
Falls of Pattack
A picturesque waterfall hiding in the trees. A short hilly walk winds up the side of the river to spectacular viewing platforms over the falls.
Return Journey to Edinburgh
A relaxed drive back through the Highlands, with further photo stops along the way, arriving back at your Edinburgh hotel in the evening.
As this is a private, flexible tour, your driver-guide can amend the itinerary or add extra stops along the way, time permitting, based on what you'd like to see or do.
What's Included
- Private vehicle for your group only
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned executive minibus
- Complimentary bottled water
- Complimentary Scottish biscuits
- Free baby seat and child seat (reserve in advance)
- Knowledgeable local driver-guide
Not Included
- Loch Ness cruise boat ticket (optional, bookable on request)
- Lunch and other meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
What to Bring
Scotland can see four seasons in one day, so we recommend packing:
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Good walking shoes or boots
- Light scarf
- Duration
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (approx. 11 hours)
- Max guests
- 8 people
- Pickup
- Edinburgh
Pickup from outside Edinburgh available on request.