Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Ness and the Great Glen Small Group Tour
Discover four of the Highlands’ most famous sights in just one day - Ben Nevis, Urquhart Castle, Glenfinnan and Loch Ness.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Ness and the Great Glen Small Group Tour - 1 day tour
About this Tour
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Ness and the Great Glen
One day tour
Start the day with a drive along the banks of Loch Ness, where legendary tales of Nessie come to life. Pause for stunning views of Urquhart Castle before continuing to Invermoriston, home to the historic bridge and JM Barrie's Neverland inspiration. Journey through the Great Glen, admiring its vast lochs and mountains, before reaching Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Harry Potter films. Return to Loch Ness, where you can relax in Fort Augustus, then enjoy a scenic drive along the eastern shore route as we return to Inverness.
Urquhart Castle - discover the turbulent history of this impressive fortress
The Great Glen - enjoy panoramic views of lochs and mountains
Glenfinnan - see the real Hogwarts Express puff its way across the famous viaduct
Ben Nevis - stop to admire the towering peak of Britain's tallest mountain
Fort Augustus - enjoy time relaxing in this historic loch-side village
Loch Ness - soak up stunning views of the mysterious waters
Movie locations - Loch Ness, Harry Potter and Skyfall
Full Tour Itinerary
After leaving Inverness, our adventure starts with a drive along the legendary shores of Loch Ness, where we’ll discover the myths of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
We pause at Urquhart Castle to capture views of the striking ruins perched on the water’s edge, overlooking the deepest waters of the loch. Continuing south, we reach Invermoriston, home to the historic stone bridge and Summer House, with stunning views over the falls - believed to have inspired Neverland in Peter Pan.
Our route takes us through the Great Glen, a dramatic geological fault line that divides Scotland. It is flanked by vast lochs and towering mountains.
We stop for lunch at the glen’s base before arriving at Glenfinnan, a true highlight of the tour. Here, marvel at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter.
At Glenfinnan, we’ll also see the poignant Glenfinnan Memorial commemorating the many highlanders who died in the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. Here, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (popularly known as Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed at the start of his ill-fated campaign to capture the Crown for the Stuart dynasty.
The day's last visit will be to Fort Augustus, a bustling village where the Caledonian Canal enters Loch Ness. Visitors can watch the boats descend through an impressive flight of five locks as they head towards the loch to continue their journey.
The final part of our tour takes us along the less-travelled eastern side of Loch Ness. We stop at Dores to enjoy the stunning panoramic views before returning to Inverness.
Details
What's Included
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
What's NOT Included
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure Information
25 Union Street
Inverness IV1 1QA
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured
Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 48 hours notice before travel. Click here for more information.
Small Group Tour
Enjoy a more personal travelling experience with a maximum of just 16 passengers.
Jacobite Steam Train
Tour departures between 07 April and 24 October 2025 are planned to allow customers to view the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The train timetable is subject to change or cancellation. The operation of the train cannot be guaranteed.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HEX 04133
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Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Ness and the Great Glen Small Group Tour
Discover four of the Highlands’ most famous sights in just one day - Ben Nevis, Urquhart Castle, Glenfinnan and Loch Ness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Small Group Tour?
With a maximum of just 16 passengers, a Small Group Tour provides a more personal and flexible travelling experience. You’ll enjoy more time off the bus, with freedom to explore free from the crowds.
While you will see all the highlights, these tours are carefully planned to travel off the highways, so you’ll discover quaint villages and picturesque vistas that other tours cannot reach.
Small group tours are operated by purpose-built mini-coaches with air-conditioning, panoramic windows and comfortable seating.
Each group is led by an experienced driver/guide who will entertain and inform you with stories of our history, nature and folklore.
Many travellers prefer small group touring as it’s considered more authentic and there is a better chance to connect with locals as well as their fellow explorers.
Will I see the Jacobite Steam Train?
The Jacobite Steam Train operates from 7 April to 24 October 2025. During these dates, the tour is scheduled to allow passengers to watch the real Hogwarts Express cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Outwith these dates the tour will still make a stop so you can view the viaduct, but there will be no viewing of the train.
The Jacobite Steam Train is run by an independent train operating company. Despite careful planning, unforeseen circumstances mean it's not possible to guarantee that the tour will arrive at Glenfinnan in time to observe the train.
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.
If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.
Vegetarian food is widely available.
What sort of weather can I expect?
Ah, this is the $64,000 question! It may surprise you to know that we have a very temperate climate in Scotland. The geography of Scotland means that it does rain more frequently in the west of the country and there are stronger winds in the east. If it does rain on your tour we will not be too concerned and neither should you be – we need it to make our whisky!
I’ve missed my tour because I was late, can I get a refund?
We’re sorry but refunds or credits won’t be issued if you miss your tour because you are not at the departure point on time.
In fairness to all our passengers coaches will not wait if you are late.
