The Original Loch Ness Tour
This is the Original Loch Ness and the Highlands tour from Edinburgh. Created in 1985 and still offering the very best of Scotland!
The Original Loch Ness Tour - 1 day tour
About this Tour
The Original Loch Ness Tour
One day tour
Explore some of the finest scenery in Europe - The Scottish Highlands, a land of sky-high mountains, tranquil sea lochs and fairy-tale castles. The main attraction of this popular tour is the leisurely stop at Loch Ness. Discover the highlights of Scotland in just one day!
Rannoch Moor - experience Scotland’s natural wilderness at its very best
Glen Coe - savour the views when we stop in this legendary valley
Ben Nevis - admire the soaring peak of Britain’s tallest mountain
Loch Ness - during our leisurely visit, explore impressive Urquhart Castle and enjoy a cruise on the loch
Cairngorms National Park - enjoy a scenic drive through this beautiful land of mountains and lochs
Highland Perthshire - say hello to some Hairy Coos!
Movie locations - Loch Ness, Restless Natives and Centurion
Full Tour Itinerary
Leaving Edinburgh behind, we head towards Stirling with its ancient Castle then stop for morning coffee at Kilmahog.
Next, it’s Rob Roy Country and dramatic Rannoch Moor before arriving at the Weeping Glen – Glen Coe, the infamous site of the 1692 Massacre of the resident MacDonalds by Government troops of the Campbell Clan.
After a short drive, we arrive at Fort William, which sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
After time for lunch, there’s a photo stop at Spean Bridge before we enter the scenic beauty of the famous Great Glen, a landscape of soaring mountains and shimmering lochs.
Our journey follows the route of the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness and the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle.
The Castle provides an excellent vantage point to see the deepest part of the loch. Here you can enjoy an optional visit to the Castle and take a short cruise on the loch.
On our homeward journey, we pass by Inverness then enter the wild beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.
Our descent through the Grampian Mountains takes us into scenic Perthshire, “Big Tree Country”, where we will stop for refreshments.
The last part of our tour takes us through the ancient Kingdom of Fife to the famous Forth Rail Bridge and the conclusion of our tour in Edinburgh.
Please note that this tour may operate in reverse.
Check out our Scotland Weather page for helpful information on what to expect weather-wise during your visit.
Details
What's Included
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced guide or 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
From 1 Parliament Square
Royal Mile/High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Check-in: 07:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 20:00 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.
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
HEX 00758
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From £70.00
The Original Loch Ness Tour
This is the Original Loch Ness and the Highlands tour from Edinburgh. Created in 1985 and still offering the very best of Scotland!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Day Tour?
Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.
During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more.
Travel is provided by air-conditioned vehicle and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English.
There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks.
Tell me more about the optional visit to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise?
You can maximise your time at Loch Ness by purchasing the optional Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Cruise combination ticket.
Visit hauntingly beautiful Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland’s largest castles. The castle boasts a commanding presence overlooking the loch.
After time to explore the castle and admire the views take to the water for a cruise on Loch Ness. The cruise boat is equipped with on-board sonar, comfortable seating inside and out as well as toilets.
Refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring packed food.
You can purchase this combination ticket from your driver/guide on the day of the tour and payment is in cash only.
For operational reasons it’s not possible to purchase the cruise or admission to Urquhart Castle separately.
Do you offer a hotel pick-up service on this tour?
We know that you will want to start your tour straight away rather than spending valuable time travelling around hotels.
By offering a single centrally located departure point we can get you to Scotland’s best scenery as quickly as possible .
Can I book seats on the coach?
The seating on the coach is not allocated so you are free to sit in any vacant seat.
We recommend that you and your party arrive at the boarding point together so that you can be seated in the same part of the coach.
I am travelling on a budget. Can I do the same trip by public transport?
Almost certainly not!
Our tours are designed to maximise your sightseeing opportunities so we frequently head off the main road and take routes where there is little or no public transport available.
Please also bear in mind that the tour commentary that you will enjoy is designed to bring Scotland’s history, nature and scenic beauty to life as you travel around.
Reading about your surroundings from a guide book will just not be the same!
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating: (5 /5) 13 Sep 2025
This was great our guide was wonderful. I would recommend this tour. Comfortable ride, plenty of restroom breaks. Wonderful memories.
Brenda from ALVIN, US
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Rating: (5 /5) 18 Jul 2025
Terry was very knowledgeable and shared interesting information. She also maintained high energy levels throughout the day
Kristie from FARNHAM, GB
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Rating: (5 /5) 04 Jul 2025
In one word: Breathtaking. We had Mr Ben as our driver, curator and guide. As thorough as he was knowledgeable and witty, he made sure the entire trip was utterly comfortable, well timed and always alive: through the provision of piquant nuggets of history, geography and general lore. Not to mention lively folk and folk rock music. It covers almost half of Scotland in about 12 hours with some of the most gorgeous locations in Europe. As one of the longest day tours around, it would leave you with a rare combination of exhilaration and exhaustion, but worth years of conversations and memories afterwards.
Bishaldeb from Navi Mumbai, IN
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