Top things to do in Edinburgh

Why choose a Glencoe tour

Covers Glencoe and multiple key sights

Includes round-trip transfers from Edinburgh or Glasgow

An expert local guide provides live commentary

Perfect for those with a tight schedule

What to expect on a Glencoe tour

Private air-conditioned transfer vans parked by the waterfront in Edinburgh.
Rock formations and green hills in Glencoe, Scotland, with a distant view of a lake and mountains.
Ruins of Loch Ness Castle overlooking the lake in Scotland.
Steam train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Line, Scotland, with mountains in the background.
Eilean Donan Castle by the water on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
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Start in Edinburgh or Glasgow

Your adventure begins as you meet your guide and fellow travellers at your departure point. Board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, the perfect way to begin one of the most exciting Glencoe tours. Your expert driver-guide will set the scene for the day with live commentary and stories about the region.

Glencoe & Fort William

Journey through the dramatic Glencoe Valley, a highlight of these tours, where your guide will share fascinating tales of clan history and the valley's role as a famous movie location. You'll then enjoy a stop in the Fort William area, with time to grab lunch and explore the local surroundings.

Loch Ness

A common inclusion for most Glencoe tours, arrive at Loch Ness, with time to soak in the views. Your guide will bring the landscapes to life with tales of the famous Loch Ness Monster. Enjoy free time to walk around and take in the dramatic views of the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Some tours take you to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic location for any Harry Potter fan. You'll have time for photos and to soak in the incredible views before the scenic return journey to Edinburgh, concluding a packed day of discovery.

Multi-day tours

See more on a two or three-day tour for diving deeper into the history of the Highlands. Explore significant sites like the Culloden Battlefield and the ruins of Ruthven Barracks. Or spend the day immersed in the mystical Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle. You can also opt for a tasting at a local whiskey distillery.

Things to know before booking Glencoe tours

  • Duration: Most tours are full-day guided trips, so be prepared for an early start and a full day of travel. There are also multi-day tours that provide more time to explore Glencoe and the wider Highlands.
  • What’s included: The tour includes luxury air-conditioned coach transfers from Edinburgh, ensuring a comfortable journey. Your expert driver-guide will provide live commentary, and the tour also offers digital translations in multiple languages for added convenience. However, entry fees to attractions and meals are not included in most tours.
  • Accommodation: For multi-day tours, overnight accommodation is an important factor to consider, and is an additional upgrade available.
Why just see one glen when you can conquer the whole region?

For the ultimate Highland adventure, the three-day guided tour is a standout among Glencoe tours. Drive through Glencoe and learn about the valley's history, spend a day in the Isle of Skye, and visit Eilean Donan Castle and the legendary Loch Ness before returning to Edinburgh.

Highlights of Glencoe tours

Glencoe Valley

Explore the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, a place of natural beauty and historical significance. Learn about the infamous 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan.

Glencoe filming locations

Walk through the landscapes that served as the backdrop for movies like James Bond's Skyfall and several Harry Potter films.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

On the Glenfinnan, Glencoe & Fort William day trip, you can visit the famous "Harry Potter Bridge" and the Glenfinnan Monument, which marks a significant event in Scottish history.

Loch Ness

Many Glencoe tours include free time at the legendary Loch Ness, where you can search for the mythical Nessie or simply enjoy the views.

Ben Nevis

Pass by to see Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, a highlight on several of these Glencoe tours.

Fort William

Stop for lunch in Fort William, a town nestled in the heart of the Highlands and a common stop on these Glencoe tours.

Inverness & Isle of Skye

On multi-day Glencoe tours, you will also get to visit the Highland capital of Inverness and the landscapes of the Isle of Skye, including sites like the Old Man of Storr.

How to make the most of your Glencoe tours

  • To optimise your adventure, book your spot in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date for the Glencoe tour. 
  • Consider bringing snacks and a reusable water bottle, as food and drinks are not included. If you would like a lunch included, book the Loch Ness and the Highlands day trip with lunch.
  • While transfers are included, bring extra money for food, drinks, and any optional activities like Loch Ness cruises or distillery visits.
  • If you're interested in booking a tour that covers the Loch Ness area, be sure to pre-book the Loch Ness cruise. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Glencoe tours

How long are the Glencoe tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow?

Most day-long glencoe tours from Edinburgh or Glasgow last between 11 and 13 hours. Multi-day tours, of course, extend over two or three days for a deeper experience.

What is typically included in the tour price?

Most Glencoe tours include round-trip transfers in a comfortable coach and the services of an expert English-speaking driver-guide. Entry fees to attractions and meals are usually not included.

Are these tours suitable for families?

Yes, one-day and multi-day Glencoe tours are suitable for families with children, though some have a minimum age requirement of 4 or 5 years. Check the specific tour details for age restrictions.

Are meals and accommodation included in multi-day tours?

Accommodation and meals are typically not included in the multi-day tour price, but are an additional upgrade option. This gives you the flexibility to choose your own lodging.

Are audio guides available on the tours?

Yes, while most tours provide live commentary in English, many tours provide digital or audio translations in multiple languages, including French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Chinese.

Are there any physical requirements for these tours?

Most Glencoe tours require a moderate amount of walking at stops and a reasonable level of fitness. Passengers should be able to board and disembark the coach themselves, as guides cannot provide physical assistance.

What optional activities are available on the tours?

On some Glencoe tours, you can choose to take a cruise on Loch Ness or visit a whisky distillery for a tasting. These optional activities are typically paid upgrades to your tour.

How much free time is provided on the tour?

The itineraries include dedicated free time in Highland towns like Fort Augustus and Fort William. You can use this time to grab lunch, explore local shops, or take a scenic walk along the canals and loch shores.

Can I see the "Harry Potter" train on these tours?

The Glenfinnan, Glencoe & Fort William day trip is scheduled to give you a chance to see the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, but this is not guaranteed as the train is operated by a separate company and is seasonal.

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