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Book Edinburgh To Loch Ness Tours
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Full-Day Guided Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh
- Venture on a one-day tour from Edinburgh through the mystical Highlands to the legendary Loch Ness, weaving through historical sites like Glencoe and Stirling Castle.
- Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle with live commentary from an experienced guide.
- Immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of Glencoe, magnificent views of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and the charming village of Fort Augustus.
- The experience also offers an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, with breathtaking views of Urquhart Castle. Look out for the elusive Nessie!
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Loch Ness
- Expert guides/driver
- Round-trip transfers
- Live commentary onboard
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions
- Entry to attractions
- Meal inclusions
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the iconic Highland cows during your stop at Kilmahog. They are quite a sight!
- Guided dogs are allowed on this tour.
- Bring along a packed lunch for this tour.
- Guests aged 4 and below are restricted from participating in this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Day Tour of Loch Ness from Edinburgh with Lunch & Optional Cruise
- Enjoy a day trip through some of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands, including the world-famous Loch Ness, with an English-speaking guide.
- Enjoy round-trip transfers from Edinburgh and a delicious picnic lunch while an additional multilingual audio guide provides insightful information.
- Learn about Scotland's rich and turbulent history, see the beautiful Glen Coe (also known as the Great Glen), and marvel at the Highlands of Perthshire.
- Take in the beauty of the mighty Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, and of Fort Augustus – a picturesque village.
- Upgrade your ticket to hop on a cruise across Loch Ness in search of the famous monster, a creature in Scottish folklore!
Inclusions
- Day tour of Loch Ness
- English-speaking local guide
- Round-trip transfers from Edinburgh
- Audio guide in 6 languages
- Picnic lunch
- Boat cruise on Loch Ness (optional)
- Loch Ness
- Fort Augustus
- Glencoe
- Caledonian Canal
- Great Glen
- Ben Nevis
- Tip: Scotland is home to a variety of wildlife including red deer, golden eagles, and otters so keep your eyes open during the tour, and you may be lucky enough to spot some of these animals in their natural habitat.
- The audio guide is available in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
- You will be informed in advance if your tour is canceled due to a lack of participants.
- Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated when accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark.
- This tour is restricted for those who are under 120 cm or 3 feet 9 inches.
- Please carry cash for extra expenses.
- 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 Lochness tour?
- To stand where dinosaurs roamed: Loch Ness is situated on the Great Glen Fault, which was created 500 million years ago when 2 continents collided. This area was once home to a variety of dinosaurs, including the Stegosaurus and the Diplodocus. If you're a fan of paleontology, you'll love exploring the geological wonders of Loch Ness.
- To see the world's largest freshwater waterfall: Steall Falls is located in Glen Nevis, just a short drive from Loch Ness. It is the largest freshwater waterfall in the United Kingdom and cascades down a series of cliffs for over 200 meters. The hike to the falls is challenging but rewarding, and the views are simply stunning.
- To visit a secret castle: Urquhart Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Loch Ness, but there's more to this castle than meets the eye. In the 17th century, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin. However, in the 19th century, a group of locals decided to restore the castle to its former glory. They built a secret staircase that led to a hidden chamber at the top of the castle keep. Today, visitors can climb the stairs and enjoy the panoramic views from the chamber.
- To spot a monster: Of course, no trip to Loch Ness would be complete without trying to spot the Loch Ness Monster. There have been over 1,000 sightings of the monster over the years, so who knows? You might be the lucky one to finally catch a glimpse of this mythical creature.
Which Edinburgh to Lochness tour is best for you?
If you want to dedicate a day to dive into the feels
Go for: Guided Tour
Duration: 12 hr. 30 min
- Venture on a one-day tour from Edinburgh through the mystical Highlands to the legendary Loch Ness, weaving through historical sites like Glencoe and Stirling Castle.
- Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle with live commentary from an experienced guide.
Recommended tour:
Full-Day Guided Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh
If you want to unleash the adventurer within
Go for: Guided Tour
Duration: 12 hr.
- Enjoy a day trip through some of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands, including the world-famous Loch Ness, with an English-speaking guide.
- Enjoy round-trip transfers from Edinburgh and a delicious picnic lunch while an additional multilingual audio guide provides insightful information.
Recommended tour:
Day Tour of Loch Ness from Edinburgh with Lunch & Optional Cruise
Your Edinburgh to Lochness tour options
Guided
A guided Edinburgh to Loch Ness tour is a great option for travelers who want to learn more about the area and its history. Guided tours typically include transportation from Edinburgh to Loch Ness and back, as well as stops at various attractions along the way, such as Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition.
Non-Guided
A non-guided Edinburgh to Loch Ness tour is a great option for travelers who want to have more flexibility and control over their itinerary. Travelers can choose to rent a car, take a bus, or join a tour group from Edinburgh. Once in Loch Ness, travelers can explore at their own pace and visit the attractions that interest them most.
What to see in Edinburgh to Lochness tour
Here are some of the attractions you will get to see as part of your day trip to Lochness.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness, a legendary freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands, is famous for the mythical Loch Ness Monster, Nessie. Tours include stops at the lake's shores for scenic views and visits to landmarks like Urquhart Castle.
Glencoe
Glencoe, a stunning glen surrounded by towering mountains, is known for its tragic history, particularly the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Day trips feature stops at viewpoints to appreciate the dramatic landscapes and learn about the historical events that unfolded here.
The Highlands
The Scottish Highlands, a vast and rugged region of mountains, lochs, and valleys, are traversed on the journey from Edinburgh to Loch Ness. Day trips offer panoramic views of the picturesque landscapes, rich in history and culture, with guides sharing insights into the traditions and stories of this captivating part of Scotland.
Plan your visit to the Lochness
Getting there
Best time to Visit
Dine
Stay
Nearby attractions
- Bus: CityLink, the primary bus company between Edinburgh and Loch Ness, departs from Edinburgh Waverley Bridge Station and reaches the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition in Drumnadrochit in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Car: The drive from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, involves taking the A9 road north to Inverness and then the A82 road west to Fort Augustus. For a more scenic route through the Cairngorms National Park, go north from Perth on the A93 road to Blair Atholl, then east on the A9 road to Pitlochry, and finally north on the A822 road to Loch Ness.
- Train: While there's no direct train to Loch Ness, you can take a 3-hour and 30-minute train from Edinburgh Waverley Bridge Station to Inverness. From Inverness, a 1-hour and 30-minute bus journey will take you to Loch Ness.
If you want to enjoy the scenery: The best time to visit Loch Ness for the scenery is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). The weather is mild during these months and the crowds are smaller. The wildflowers are in bloom in the spring and the leaves change color in the autumn, making for some stunning scenery.
If you want to avoid the crowds: The best time to visit Loch Ness to avoid the crowds is during the winter months (November-March). The weather can be cold and wet during these months, but the crowds are much smaller.
- The Boathouse Restaurant: The Boathouse Restaurant is located on the shores of Loch Ness and offers stunning views of the castle and the loch. The restaurant serves a variety of Scottish and Mediterranean dishes, as well as seafood and vegetarian options.
- The Loch Ness Inn Restaurant: The Loch Ness Inn Restaurant is located in the heart of Fort Augustus and offers a variety of Scottish and international dishes. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
- The Lock Inn: The Lock Inn is located at the southern end of Loch Ness and offers a variety of pub food, as well as seafood and vegetarian options. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends.
- The Fiddler's Restaurant: The Fiddler's Restaurant is located in the village of Drumnadrochit and offers a variety of traditional Scottish dishes. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere and is a great place to experience Scottish culture.
- Urquhart Castle: A large, ruined castle dating from 1509, overlooking Loch Ness, with visitor centre 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 exhibitions 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.
Can I buy same day tickets to the Cotswolds?
While it is possible to purchase same-day tickets, it is advised that you book tickets online, as most attractions follow the time slot ticketing process in order to get your preferred time slot for the visit.
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.