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Book Edinburgh To Loch Ness Tours
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- Craving adventure? Set off on a full-day guided trip exploring the majestic mountains and endless moors of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands.
- Soak up the scenery as you cruise in an AC coach, ticking off 15 amazing sights, including the epic Glencoe, a valley carved out by glaciers.
- Get up close and personal with the Highland coo as you explore the charming town of Callander, and enjoy some light refreshments.
- Be awed by the ethereal beauty of the Scottish Highlands as you pass picturesque places like Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount.
- Unleash your inner explorer as you visit the mysterious Urquhart Castle and then set sail on Loch Ness on a quest to find the elusive Nessie.
- Craving adventure? Set off on a full-day guided trip exploring the majestic mountains and endless moors of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands.
- Soak up the scenery as you cruise in an AC coach, ticking off 15 amazing sights, including the epic Glencoe, a valley carved out by glaciers.
- Get up close and personal with the Highland coo as you explore the charming town of Callander, and enjoy some light refreshments.
- Be awed by the ethereal beauty of the Scottish Highlands as you pass picturesque places like Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount.
- Unleash your inner explorer as you visit the mysterious Urquhart Castle and then set sail on Loch Ness on a quest to find the elusive Nessie.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
- Expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Round-trip luxury AC coach transfers
- Digital translation in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)
- Pick-up from Green Ensign Ewart Pub in Edinburgh
Exclusions
- Tickets to Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness cruise (available for purchase on-site)
- Lunch and drinks
Meeting point
- Green Ensign Ewart Pub at 8am
Callander
- Part of Trossachs National Park, first stop, light refreshments at your own expense, spot Highland Coo
Glencoe
- Famous valley known for waterfalls and breathtaking trails, photo stop
Fort William
- Stop for a lunch at your own expense
Loch Ness
- Scotland’s most famous loch
- Visit Urquhart Castle, tickets can be purchased on-site
- Hop on a Loch Ness cruise, tickets can be purchased on-site
- Simply hang out on the pier and grab a coffee with gorgeous views
Pitlochry
- The Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, stop for refreshments at your own expense
Ending point
- Green Ensign Ewart Pub at 8:30pm
- Tip: You can carry a cold-packed lunch if you wish to make the most of your time at each stop.
- Keep in mind hot food & beverages are not allowed on the coaches.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 4 years.
- Parts of this experience are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on the coaches.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Indulge in a 2-day tour through Scotland's captivating sights, including the mysterious Loch Ness, serene Inverness, and the Highlands.
- With an expert guide and transfers, begin your tour in Luss, explore Rannoch Moor, and walk around Glencoe to uncover its haunting history.
- Stop for a quick lunch as you near Fort William, with a backdrop of towering Ben Nevis - the UK's highest peak.
- After a lovely meal, you will be mesmerized by the long shoreline of Loch Ness as you pass the 13th-century Urquhart Castle, and reach Inverness.
- Explore monumental sites like Culloden Battlefield and Ruthven Barracks, and enjoy free time in Inverness on day 2 of your tour.
- Indulge in a 2-day tour through Scotland's captivating sights, including the mysterious Loch Ness, serene Inverness, and the Highlands.
- With an expert guide and transfers, begin your tour in Luss, explore Rannoch Moor, and walk around Glencoe to uncover its haunting history.
- Stop for a quick lunch as you near Fort William, with a backdrop of towering Ben Nevis - the UK's highest peak.
- After a lovely meal, you will be mesmerized by the long shoreline of Loch Ness as you pass the 13th-century Urquhart Castle, and reach Inverness.
- Explore monumental sites like Culloden Battlefield and Ruthven Barracks, and enjoy free time in Inverness on day 2 of your tour.
Inclusions
- 2-day tour of Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Round-trip luxury AC transfers from Edinburgh
- Explore Luss, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Ben Navis
- Pass Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness
- Overnight stay at Inverness (based on option selected)
- Free time at Inverness
- Visit Ruthven Barracks
- Visit Culloden Battlefield & Dalwhinnie Distillery (based on availability)
- Tip: Try picking the option to taste some of the finest Scotch at Dalwhinnie Distillery. Remember, you're in the home of whisky!
- This tour does not include your stay at Inverness.
- A visit to the Culloden Battlefield and Dalwhinnie Distillery solely depends on availability.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 4 years.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Discover the magic of Loch Ness with this 50-minute cruise on the historic Caledonian Canal that the British Royal Navy once used.
- Pick the most convenient starting point from 3 locations! Then, kick back and relax with free WiFi and yummy snacks you can purchase on board.
- Board from the Clansman Harbor and start your hunt for the Nessie while taking in views of Urquhart Castle. Learn more with your audio guide.
- Choose the Fort Augustus starting point, start the cruise with your guide, and see the grand Fort Augustus Abbey and Cherry Island, the Loch's only island.
- With a guide, board at Dochgarroch Lock and be dazzled by the epic beauty of Aldourie Castle, the only inhabitable castle in Loch Ness.
- Discover the magic of Loch Ness with this 50-minute cruise on the historic Caledonian Canal that the British Royal Navy once used.
- Pick the most convenient starting point from 3 locations! Then, kick back and relax with free WiFi and yummy snacks you can purchase on board.
- Board from the Clansman Harbor and start your hunt for the Nessie while taking in views of Urquhart Castle. Learn more with your audio guide.
- Choose the Fort Augustus starting point, start the cruise with your guide, and see the grand Fort Augustus Abbey and Cherry Island, the Loch's only island.
- With a guide, board at Dochgarroch Lock and be dazzled by the epic beauty of Aldourie Castle, the only inhabitable castle in Loch Ness.
Inclusions
- 50-min Loch Ness cruise
- Boarding from Fort Augustus/Dochgarroch Lock/Clansman Harbour (as per option selected)
- Audio guide (as per option selected)
- Live guide (as per option selected)
- Sonar equipment
Exclusions
- Food & drinks (available for purchase)
- Tip: For photography enthusiasts, there's no better place than the top deck for capturing the panoramic views of Loch Ness.
- Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for people prone to seasickness.
- Facilities: Free WiFi
- Your pets and guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Soak up the stunning scenery of Loch Ness on this relaxing cruise, and choose to hop ashore to explore the ruins of the historic Urquhart Castle.
- Start your adventure at Dochgarroch Lock or Fort Augustus, and listen to thrilling tales of Nessie and a WWII plane crash from the optional audio guide.
- Cruise past Aldourie Castle, a 300-year-old Baronial Castle, spot Bona Lighthouse, a sentinel guarding the loch, and gaze at the mountains and fields of the Green Glen.
- After your cruise, give your inner history buff a treat by selecting to explore Urquhart Castle which appeared in the famous Netflix show Outlander.
- Soak up the stunning scenery of Loch Ness on this relaxing cruise, and choose to hop ashore to explore the ruins of the historic Urquhart Castle.
- Start your adventure at Dochgarroch Lock or Fort Augustus, and listen to thrilling tales of Nessie and a WWII plane crash from the optional audio guide.
- Cruise past Aldourie Castle, a 300-year-old Baronial Castle, spot Bona Lighthouse, a sentinel guarding the loch, and gaze at the mountains and fields of the Green Glen.
- After your cruise, give your inner history buff a treat by selecting to explore Urquhart Castle which appeared in the famous Netflix show Outlander.
Inclusions
- 1/2-hour Loch Ness cruise (as per option selected)
- 1-hour tour of Urquhart Castle (as per option selected)
- Boarding from Dochgarroch Lock or Clansman Harbour (as per option selected)
- Audio commentary (as per option selected)
- Sonar equipment
- Tip: Try the traditional Scottish snacks onboard to get a real taste of Scotland.
- Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for people prone to seasickness.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Experience a high-speed Loch Ness guided cruise, with a 1.5-hour ride to Urquhart Castle or a 1-hour Nessie hunt, perfect for history and adventure lovers.
- Join the hunt for the legendary Nessie and discover fascinating tales of mysterious Kelpies or shapeshifters and Loch Ness wildlife.
- Alternatively, you can zoom through the Scottish Highlands to the ruins of Urquhart Castle which stands tall overlooking the lake, surrounded by mountains.
- Uncover the mysterious side of Scotland as you sail past Cory's Cave, the hideout of a notorious outlaw, and the haunted Boleskine House.
- Experience a high-speed Loch Ness guided cruise, with a 1.5-hour ride to Urquhart Castle or a 1-hour Nessie hunt, perfect for history and adventure lovers.
- Join the hunt for the legendary Nessie and discover fascinating tales of mysterious Kelpies or shapeshifters and Loch Ness wildlife.
- Alternatively, you can zoom through the Scottish Highlands to the ruins of Urquhart Castle which stands tall overlooking the lake, surrounded by mountains.
- Uncover the mysterious side of Scotland as you sail past Cory's Cave, the hideout of a notorious outlaw, and the haunted Boleskine House.
Inclusions
- 1-hour speedboat ride tracking Nessie (as per option selected)
- 1.5-hour speed boat ride to and from Urquhart Castle (as per option selected)
- Experienced guide
- Tip: Keep your eyes peeled and you might just spot a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins!
- Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for people prone to seasickness.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the height of 110cm.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Unearth the allure of the Scottish Highlands on a full-day tour from Glasgow, visiting iconic sites like Loch Lomond and Glencoe Valley.
- Cherish an authentic Scottish experience with our expert guides, as we climb Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Scotland's haunting glens, Glencoe.
- Refresh at the beautiful Loch Lomond and indulge in lunch at Fort William and evening refreshments in Pitlochry, adding a touch of Scottish culinary delight.
- Enjoy free exploration time in Fort Augustus and an optional boat cruise across the enigmatic Loch Ness, expanding your adventure.
- Unearth the allure of the Scottish Highlands on a full-day tour from Glasgow, visiting iconic sites like Loch Lomond and Glencoe Valley.
- Cherish an authentic Scottish experience with our expert guides, as we climb Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Scotland's haunting glens, Glencoe.
- Refresh at the beautiful Loch Lomond and indulge in lunch at Fort William and evening refreshments in Pitlochry, adding a touch of Scottish culinary delight.
- Enjoy free exploration time in Fort Augustus and an optional boat cruise across the enigmatic Loch Ness, expanding your adventure.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Round-trip luxury AC transfers from Glasgow
- Visit Loch Lomond, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Pitlochry
- Lunch stop & evening refreshments (based on option selected)
Exclusions
- Loch Ness cruise
- Tip: Use the ride through the Highlands to glimpse Scotland's wildlife - you might spot red deer, golden eagles, or even the elusive Scottish wildcat.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Spend an exciting day at Loch Ness, explore the quaint Fort Augustus, admire the Falls of Foyers, and opt for some extra attractions too!
- This full-day tour from Inverness offers smooth transfers in a luxurious coach and insightful narrations from an expert guide for a wholesome time.
- Take part in the time-honored tradition of Nessie-hunting at Loch Ness and explore the charming village of Fort Augustus, a unique experience for this tour.
- Stand in awe at the majestic Falls of Foyer, a perfect relaxation spot before going to Dores to explore its sandy shore.
- Try to include a visit to Urquhart Castle or a Lochness cruise to get more from your day tour to this beautiful town.
- Spend an exciting day at Loch Ness, explore the quaint Fort Augustus, admire the Falls of Foyers, and opt for some extra attractions too!
- This full-day tour from Inverness offers smooth transfers in a luxurious coach and insightful narrations from an expert guide for a wholesome time.
- Take part in the time-honored tradition of Nessie-hunting at Loch Ness and explore the charming village of Fort Augustus, a unique experience for this tour.
- Stand in awe at the majestic Falls of Foyer, a perfect relaxation spot before going to Dores to explore its sandy shore.
- Try to include a visit to Urquhart Castle or a Lochness cruise to get more from your day tour to this beautiful town.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Loch Ness & the Highlands
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Round-trip luxury AC transfers from Inverness
- Visit Fort Augustus, Dores, Falls of Foyers
Exclusions
- Extra attractions
- Tip: If time permits, explore the local shops in Fort Augustus for some unique souvenirs, and consider trying traditional Scottish food during your lunch break.
- Keep in mind hot food & beverages are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 4 years.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
EdinburghEdinburgh To Loch Ness Tours
Top things to do in Edinburgh
Why take a Edinburgh to Loch Ness tour
- Spot a monster: Of course, no trip to Loch Ness would be complete without trying to spot Nessie. There have been over 1000 sightings of the monster over the years, so you might be the lucky one to finally catch a glimpse of this mythical creature.
- Stand where dinosaurs roamed: Loch Ness is not just a home for Nessie! Did you know it was born from a massive collision of two continents 500 million years ago, now the Great Glen Fault? Dinosaurs roamed these parts, even the Stegosaurus and the Diplodocus.
- UK's largest freshwater fall: Don't forget Steall Falls – a freshwater waterfall in Glen Nevis and the biggest in the whole of the UK cascading down 200 meters of cliffs. It's a bit of a hike, but worth it for the views.
- Ruins of castles: The 17th-century Urquhart Castle is another highlight. It’s got hidden staircases and chambers – built to its former glory after it fell to its ruins.
Which Edinburgh to Lochness tour is best for you
Day trips
- Swap the city for stunning mountains, ancient castles, and the mysterious Loch Ness on a day trip from Edinburgh!
- Travel in comfort in an AC coach, with a knowledgeable guide sharing tales of Scotland's history and legends, and see iconic spots like Glencoe and Stirling Castle.
Recommended tours:
- From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip
- From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and The Highlands Day Trip with Lunch & Optional Cruise
Cruises
- Want to experience the magic of Loch Ness? Hop on a boat and try your luck at spotting the elusive Loch Ness Monster, Nessie, while soaking up the stunning scenery.
- Plus, you'll get to explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, a star of the Outlander series, included with the 2-hour cruise ticket!
Recommended tours:
- 2-Hour Scenic Loch Ness Cruise
- High-Speed Loch Ness Cruise
What to see on a Edinburgh to Loch Ness tour
Here are some of the attractions you will get to see as part of your day trip to Loch Ness.
Loch Ness
Want to spot Nessie? This legendary Scottish lake is your best bet! Surrounded by stunning scenery, Loch Ness is famous for its mysterious depths and the rumored monster lurking below.
Glencoe
This dramatic valley has a dark and tragic history. Amidst towering mountains, a peaceful loch, and a story of betrayal, this glen is known for the Glencoe Massacre of 1692.
The Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are known for their rolling green hills, sparkling lochs, and ancient castles. On a day trip from Edinburgh, you'll hear tales of Scottish history and maybe even spot some local wildlife.
Plan your visit to Loch Ness
Getting there
Best time to visit
Dine
Stay
Visitor tips
Nearby attractions
- By bus: There are direct bus services from Edinburgh to the Loch Ness Centre. CityLink departs from Edinburgh Waverly Bridge Station and arrives at the Loch Ness Center and the ride takes about 3.5 hours.
- By car: If you love the open road, driving to Loch Ness is a great option. It takes about the same time as the bus, but you can stop wherever you like to take in the scenery. Take the A9 north of Inverness and then the A82 to Fort Augustus. For a more scenic route through the Cairngorms National Park, go north from Perth on the A93 to Blair Atholl, then head east on the A9 to Pitlochry, and finally north on the A822.
- By train: You can take a train to Inverness from Edinburgh Waverly Bridge Station, then hop on a 1.5-hour bus to Loch Ness. It's a bit more time-consuming, but you get to enjoy the train journey through the Scottish Highlands.
Love the great outdoors? Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are your best bets. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the scenery is stunning. Vibrant wildflowers are in full bloom in the spring or the fiery colors of autumn leaves are gorgeous.
Want to escape the crowds? Winter (November-March) might be for you. It's quieter but be prepared for colder and wetter weather.
- The Boathouse Restaurant: Enjoy delicious Scottish and Mediterranean dishes with a stunning view of the loch and the castle. Try the breaded scampi, karides guvec, and Nessies hot pot pie.
- The Loch Ness Inn Restaurant: Perfect for a cozy family meal, this restaurant at the heart of Fort Augustus serves up a mix of Scottish and international cuisine. The Black Isle rib eye steak, braised duck leg, and nduja with highland macaroni cheese are must-tries.
- The Lock Inn: If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, this pub offers classic pub food with a Scottish twist, with seafood and vegetarian options. The wild venison casserole is a local favorite.
- Fiddler's Highland Restaurant: Immerse yourself in traditional Scottish cuisine at this welcoming restaurant in Drumnadrochit. Don't miss the award-winning haggis here.
Budget hotels: Loch Ness Guest House (from £45 | 0.5 miles), The Loch Ness Inn (from £55 | 0.8 miles), Highland Bear Lodge & Bear Huts (from £99 | 6 miles)
Mid-range hotels: 1 Lochness Hostel, (from £100 | 1.2 miles), White House B&B (from £102 | 0.4 miles), GlamNess Contactless Shipping Containers (from £119 | 7 miles)
Luxury hotels: The Lovat Hotel & Restaurant (from £119 | 0.5 miles), Foyers Lodge (from £285 | 1.2 miles), Loch Ness Lodge - 5 Star (from £345 | 0.3 miles)
- Take a boat cruise on Loch Ness: There are a variety of boat cruises available on Loch Ness, ranging from short sightseeing cruises to longer cruises that include stops at Urquhart Castle and other attractions. If you're lucky, you might even spot Nessie herself!
- Visit Urquhart Castle: This ruined castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. It's located on the western shore of Loch Ness and offers stunning views of the lake. You can explore the castle ruins, learn about its history, and even visit the dungeon.
- Visit the Falls of Foyers: These beautiful waterfalls are located just a short drive from Loch Ness. You can take a walk to the falls and admire their power and beauty. There's also a cafe and gift shop on-site.
- Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct: This iconic railway bridge is located about an hour's drive from Loch Ness. It's famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. You can take a walk across the viaduct, ride the Jacobite Steam Train over it, or simply admire it from afar.
- Urquhart Castle: A large, ruined castle dating from 1509, overlooking Loch Ness, with a visitor center and cafe. It is located in Drumnadrochit, Inverness.
- Falls of Foyers: A stunning attraction with walking trails to a picturesque waterfall amid a lush, green landscape.
- Loch Ness Centre: A state-of-the-art exhibition about the geological formation of Loch Ness and its legendary monster.
- Nessieland: A family-friendly attraction with a variety of activities, including a Loch Ness monster boat ride, a Nessie museum, and a gift shop.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh to Loch Ness tours
What is the best way to see Loch Ness from a unique perspective?
One of the best ways to see Loch Ness from a unique perspective is to take a kayak or canoe tour. This will allow you to get up close and personal with the loch and its stunning scenery. You may even be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife, such as seals, otters, and even (if you're very lucky!) Nessie herself.
What is the best time of year to visit Loch Ness for a unique experience?
The best time of year to visit Loch Ness for a unique experience is during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). During these times, the crowds are smaller and the weather is still mild, making it ideal for exploring the loch and its surroundings.
What is a great activity to do in Loch Ness that is not on the tourist trail?
One great activity to do in Loch Ness that is not on the tourist trail is to visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition after dark. The center offers a special "Night Explorer" tour, which gives you the chance to experience the loch and its mysterious atmosphere under the cover of darkness.
I'm a vegetarian/vegan, can I find food options on a Loch Ness day trip?
Yes, there are a number of vegetarian and vegan food options available on Loch Ness day trips. Most restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, and there are also a few dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the area.
I'm traveling with young children, is a Loch Ness day trip suitable for them?
Yes, a Loch Ness day trip is suitable for young children. There are a number of family-friendly attractions in the area, such as the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, Nessieland, and the Falls of Foyers. You can also take a boat cruise on Loch Ness, which is a great way to see the scenery and learn about the loch's history.
What should I wear on a Loch Ness day trip from Edinburgh?
The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so it's best to dress in layers. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. You may also want to bring a rain jacket and umbrella, just in case
How much does a Loch Ness day trip or tour from Edinburgh cost?
The cost of a Loch Ness day trip or tour from Edinburgh will vary depending on the type of tour you choose, the time of year you visit, and the number of people in your group. However, most tours start at around £55.8 per person.
Do I need to book my Loch Ness day trip or tour in advance?
It's a good idea to book your Loch Ness day trip or tour in advance, especially if you're visiting during peak season. This will ensure that you have a spot on the tour of your choice.
Are there Edinburgh to Loch Ness guided tours available?
Yes, guided day trips and tours are available if you're planning to spend an entire day exploring the riches of the place.