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Loch Ness & the Highlands Day Tour from Glasgow (*inc. Cruise from 1 April 2023)
Badge of ExcellenceGlasgow City, United Kingdom
From $72.47
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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Glasgow Tours
Attractions
Recommendations
- 12 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Experience rugged and mythical Scotland on this full-day trip from Glasgow. In a small group, explore the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park and the famous Loch Ness—fabled home of the elusive water monster, Nessie. Visit historic battle sites like Glencoe, Fort Augustus, and Stirling Castle, where legendary hero William Wallace commanded an infamous fight against the British. Along the way, enjoy free time for optional cruises or tours.
- Small group tour for a more personalized experience
- Visit Loch Ness, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, and Pitlochry
- Gain intimate knowledge of the Scottish Highlands - Europe's last great wilderness
- Travel in a top of the range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
What's Included
- Admission Fee - From 1st April 2023 tour price includes 50 minute cruise on Loch Ness)
- Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
- Small group tour (max 16 people)
- Admission Fees - Until 1st April 2023 tour price does not include cruise on Loch Ness (optional)
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
- Buchanan Bus StationKillermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW, UK
Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street, Glasgow G2 3NW (Tours will depart from a stance located between Stances 23 to 32).
Start time
08:00 AM
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Meet your guide bright and early in central Glasgow for your full-day tour. Grab a comfortable seat in a top of the range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach for the northbound ride toward the Glencoe, a glen of breathtaking beauty that boasts high mountain peaks, ridges, bubbling rivers, and waterfalls. Along the way, pass the ‘bonnie, bonnie’ banks of Loch Lomond for some stunning views of Scotland’s largest loch.
In Glencoe, enjoy a scenic stroll to stretch your legs, and learn about the historic MacDonald clan that resided here and suffered in the brutal massacre of 1692. Afterward, hop back in the coach to continue your journey through Great Glen and past Fort William, a key military post during the 18th-century Jacobite Rebellions.
Sidle up to the banks of Loch Ness, where the tour breaks for some free time. Explore Fort Augustus, grab some lunch or take an hour-long cruise on the loch for a chance spotting of the famous Loch Ness monster (all activities at own expense).
After your lunch-time break, continue back toward Inverness and wind through Cairngorms National Park. Catch lovely views of peaks and waterfalls, and hear about the series Monarch of the Glen that was filmed here. Head over Drummochter Summit and soon arrive at the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you have free time to explore before heading to Perthshire.
From here, begin your return trip to Glasgow, passing Stirling Castle on the way. Snap some photos of the historic site—former residence of Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots—and learn about its colorful history, riddled with warfare such as the Battle of Stirling Bridge led by William Wallace.
Then relax for the return ride to Glasgow, where your trip ends back at the starting point in the late evening.
In Glencoe, enjoy a scenic stroll to stretch your legs, and learn about the historic MacDonald clan that resided here and suffered in the brutal massacre of 1692. Afterward, hop back in the coach to continue your journey through Great Glen and past Fort William, a key military post during the 18th-century Jacobite Rebellions.
Sidle up to the banks of Loch Ness, where the tour breaks for some free time. Explore Fort Augustus, grab some lunch or take an hour-long cruise on the loch for a chance spotting of the famous Loch Ness monster (all activities at own expense).
After your lunch-time break, continue back toward Inverness and wind through Cairngorms National Park. Catch lovely views of peaks and waterfalls, and hear about the series Monarch of the Glen that was filmed here. Head over Drummochter Summit and soon arrive at the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, where you have free time to explore before heading to Perthshire.
From here, begin your return trip to Glasgow, passing Stirling Castle on the way. Snap some photos of the historic site—former residence of Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots—and learn about its colorful history, riddled with warfare such as the Battle of Stirling Bridge led by William Wallace.
Then relax for the return ride to Glasgow, where your trip ends back at the starting point in the late evening.
Buchanan Bus Station
Your tour will depart from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station (Stance between 23 to 32), Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NW. Check-in 15 mins prior to published departure time and meet with your driver for the day.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Glencoe Mountain
Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Min. age 5 years old. We do not accept children under the age of 5 years.
- Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before departure
- Loch Ness cruise – We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour. Included in tour price from 1st April 2023
- In order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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Q:What is the departure point for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:The tour departs from the Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont Street, Glasgow.
Jun 2021
Q:Is parking available near the departure point for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:Parking can be difficult to find in the center of town. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of the excellent public transportation that is available.
Jun 2021
Q:How early should I arrive for the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:Check-in closes 15 minutes before your departure time. The tour departs on time, so please do not arrive late.
Jun 2021
Q:Can I bring luggage with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:You may bring up to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
Jun 2021
Q:What should I bring with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your camera and spending money for food, optional admission tickets, etc.
Jun 2021
Q:Are admission fees included in the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:No. You pay for access to sites such as castles and museums as you arrive. Most of these locations accept both cash and card.
Jun 2021
Q:What type of vehicle is used during the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:The tour is conducted in a 16 seat Mercedes Mini-coach. There are three steps up into the coach – each 150mm in height. There are grab handles on both sides, the step edges are clearly marked and the treads are non-slip.
Jun 2021
Q:Can I bring a wheelchair on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:The bus is not wheelchair accessible, however, there is storage available for a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Guests must be able to get on/off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a companion as guides cannot assist physically.
Jun 2021
Q:Are restrooms available on the bus during the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:There are no restrooms on board the bus, however, the group does make regular breaks to use the restroom during the tour.
Jun 2021
Q:Can I bring my small child with me on the Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour?
A:All guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this tour. If your child is 5 or older, but under 1.35m (4.4 ft.) tall, please notate this in the "Special Requirements" box so a booster seat can be arranged.
Jun 2021
Traveler Photos
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Traveler Tips
Full day of activities so don't schedule anything at night.
I sincerely think that going up to the Loch Ness and taking the boat ride is not worth it as there is nothing spectacular to see and no time to stop to visit the castle there.
If you only have a day for the Highlands and the Lochs, this tour is perfect.
Reviews
5.0
908 reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 908 reviews
Recommended for all ages
Gerald_C, Dec 2022
Given hours that is needed to cover miles, tour had right mix of viewing and breaks for folks to stretch their legs, in my view.
The guide, asa Graham adding humour to his bits of quick history made the long journey fun.
Unforgettable Experience!
Lacy_M, Nov 2022
What an amazing trip! It was extremely beautiful and well worth the money. The tour guide was nice and funny. We didn't mind being in the car because the tour guide played a lot of fun music and we were surrounded by the sheer beauty of the highlands. I will never forget this trip. A must if you are visiting Glasgow!
Our Best Day in Scotland
DEBORAH_W, Nov 2022
It was a very long day, but was the best day of my trip here in scotland.
We lucked out and had absolutely incredible weather. We weren't able to get on the boat trip at Loch Ness, but we were happy to explore the town a bit.
We stopped several times throughout the day for gorgeous views and the longest stretch was at the end of the day for a little over 2 hours of driving, but it was dark by that point and we were able to fall asleep.
Our guide was brilliant and kept us on track all day long. He even was able to get us to see some highland cattle!!!!
This trip was the best.
Bad experience
dvhzm268m9, Nov 2022
The worst trip I ever had in my life.
Never will try this company again.
Totally a waste of money.
It's like just sit in the car.
Great tour!
Maura_F, Nov 2022
My sister, nephew and I loved this trip. In one day we saw the highlights of amazing Scotland. Our tour guide Jim was funny and knowledgeable. I highly recommend it.
It may be only a day, but it was amazing!
Karen_S, Nov 2022
Our tour guide Grant was great, friendly, knowledgeable and a careful driver in the rain! And he played great music to go with it.
Do it!
Anna_C, Oct 2022
It was amazing!!!! Sign up if you can! Even going alone felt like I’m traveling with friends (after 2 hours). Loved it!!!
Wonderful trip
Felicia_L, Oct 2022
The scenery was fantastic ic and learning some of the history in such an entertaining way, from our guide Fraser was the icing on the cake!
Lochness, highlands, Inverness
Lesley_A, Oct 2022
Great trip! Our guide was amazing! Very knowledgeable and fun! Got to take it beautiful scenery at the highlands and lochs.
Despite a long journey,...
Matthew_S, Oct 2022
Despite a long journey, scenery and weather made it enjoyable and memorable: perfect introduction to what Scotland has to offer.
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Product code: 225013
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