Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glen Coe Day Trip from Edinburgh

Your full-day tour through the Scottish Highlands departs from central Edinburgh in the morning. Meet your friendly guide and settle in for the northbound ride toward Inverness. Along the way, pass the dramatic Forth Railway Bridge—a UNESCO-listed bridge that once boasted the largest cantilever span in the world – and pause in Pitlochry for some tasty refreshment (own expense). 

Continuing north, wind through Cairngorms National Park, catching lovely views of peaks and waterfalls rushing through craggy ravines. Soon arrive at the mythical Loch Ness, where you have free time to explore the surrounding countryside, visit Urquhart Castle, or grab lunch (own expense). Or purchase an optional cruise on the loch for some tranquil sightseeing and a cheeky search for the famed water monster, Nessie. 

Next, continue your coach tour to Glen Coe, a glen of breathtaking beauty that boasts high mountain peaks, ridges, bubbling rivers, and waterfalls. Hear about the historic MacDonald clan that resided here and suffered in the brutal massacre of 1692. 

From here, begin your return trip to Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh, where your full-day trip ends back at the starting point in the evening.