Category The Scottish Highlands

UNITED KINGDOM · THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

The 15 Best Scottish Highlands Tours

57 reviewed

Most Highland trips are day trips, and the difference between a good one and a long one is the driver, the route and the number of stops. Here are the best Scottish Highlands tours out of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness: which go by Glencoe, which reach Loch Ness with time for the boat, what each costs and how long a day it really is.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour - Callander coffee and the chance to spot hairy coos

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour - Choosing the right coach option: boat, distillery, or Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour - Glencoe: short stop, big feelings, fast photos

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise - Stop 2: Glencoe, the famous tragedy, and why people get quiet

Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip - Eilean Donan Castle, postcard pretty, and worth the time window

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands - Loch Tulla Viewpoint: The Quick Photo Window That Keeps Moving

6.Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,771 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $62

Coach day trip from Edinburgh to Glencoe, Loch Ness, and the Highlands, with photo stops, Highland cows, and optional Loch Ness cruise.

“This is long but beautiful day trip. Our driver/ guide Anthony was great...he knows so many things, had so much patience and he was so funny; he made the day to be a truly unforgettable time.”

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Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh - Passing the UNESCO Forth Railway Bridge, then Perthshire Highland coos

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour - Perthshire coffee, wildlife viewing, and the Hairy Coos moment

8.Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,539 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $72

12.5-hour Highlands day trip from Edinburgh: Cairngorms, Loch Ness monster hunt, Urquhart Castle, Glencoe, and William Wallace stories.

“We did the trip with Brodie super great tour guide. It was very informational and very nice. My only issue is really didn’t stop anywhere for lunch and it was a very long tour. The only place they did stop long enough for us to order a hot meal. The restaurant was closed.”

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From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour - Day 1: From Edinburgh to Glencoe, Glenfinnan, and Inverness

9.From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,405 reviews · 3 days · from $244

3 days from Edinburgh to Skye and the Highlands with a guide-driver, Glenfinnan and Glencoe plus optional Loch Ness boat cruise.

“It's always hard to prepare for Scotland weather wise but my wife and I were extremely lucky and enjoyed every minute of our trip. Steven, our guide was absolutely delightful with his historical anecdotes, references and insights, delivered with a typical Scottish banter and a pinch of dark humour. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful bonnie Scotland. While it might not feel like there's adequate time in many places (as there's a lot to do in many places), this is definitely one of those trips where you learn most of everything so you can go on more targeted adventures of your choosing in the future. Thank you Hairy Coo.”

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From Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour - From Stirling and the Trossachs to Rannoch Moor: the drive sets the tone

From Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle

From Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle - On the water: what the Loch Ness cruise really feels like

11.From Inverness: Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,241 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $76

From Inverness, ride by coach to Urquhart Castle, then cruise Loch Ness for Nessie stories and winter access to Loch Ness Centre.

“The guide was top-notch. Very knowledgeable, but not too much kitsch, which I appreciate. The boat trip to Loch Ness and Urquart Castle site visit were well organized. The longer trip back was beautiful, picturesque, and packed with great historical information. I would have loved enough time to stop in at some of the smaller towns and sites, but I would book again. Thanks! Great value. book again. Thank”

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Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh - Glencoe photo stop: atmosphere, clan country, and the heavy note

12.Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,233 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $85

Spend a full day with live guide commentary driving Edinburgh to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands, plus optional Urquhart cruise.

“(Lord) Brian was an excellent tour guide. He told interesting stories and gave factual information along the way! His jokes were not too bad either ☺️. Even though the weather was quite bad and extremely windy, Brian drove us safely. We also made interesting stops with plenty of food and drink options. All in all, It made for an entertaining bus tour and was amazing to see the beautiful Scottish highlands and countryside. Highly recommended!! Sandra and Shayne (from South Africa)”

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From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour - Morning pickup and getting out of Edinburgh

13.From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,130 reviews · 12 hours · from $53

Edinburgh to Loch Ness and the Highlands in 12 hours, with Glen Coe photos, Loch Ness time, optional cruise, and guided storytelling.

“Our tour of Scotland Highlands with Danny was absolutely outstanding! From the moment we were picked up, he made us feel welcome and ensured we had the best experience possible. The vehicle was comfortable, spotless, and perfect for the Danny was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about Scotland’s history, legends, and breathtaking landscapes. He took us to must-see landmarks like the Highlands, Loch Ness, and external boat tour, as well as some hidden gems we never would have found on our own. His professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail made the trip truly special. Whether it was recommending the best local spots for a meal or adjusting the itinerary to…”

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From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour - Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint: a short pause with big mood

14.From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,123 reviews · 10.5 hours · from $39

Full-day Glasgow tour to Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Oban, Glencoe, and castles with loch views, clan stories, and guided photo stops.

“Such a good trip. I was a little worried about having high expectations after reading all the other reviews but they are all accurate this is an excellent trip and I highly recommend. Our tour guide Stevie was friendly, funny and knowledgeable and was able to adapt to the changing weather to make sure we all still had an excellent time. The bus is comfy for the trip. The stories and knowledge shared is brilliant and I really enjoyed having Scottish music playing whilst travelling through the beautiful sites. Even though the weather was not on our side we left feeling very satisfied with the whole day out.”

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Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle - Getting There Comfortably: Vehicle, Guide, and the Pace You Should Expect

15.Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,039 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $58

Inverness to Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle in one full day, with guide-led stops at Portree, Storr, Kilt Rock, and viewpoints.

“Great full-day tour of the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, and other areas in between from Inverness! First and foremost, I simply cannot express how lovely, professional, and knowledgeable Fiona (our tour guide and driver) was at all times! She was truly exceptional! This tour will give you a good sense of what the Isle of Skye has to offer, and without a doubt, it will make you want to come back to spend a much longer stay! (Something that I believe we will definitely do in the not-too-distant future). Even though the weather was a little unpredictable, we still managed to enjoy the whole experience and appreciate the…”

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