Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour With Lunch

Set out on a captivating journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands on this comprehensive tour from Edinburgh. Explore the mysterious Loch Ness, discover charming towns, and savor a delightful picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery. With comfortable transportation and insightful audio guides, this adventure promises a truly immersive experience, allowing you to explore Scotland’s rich history and natural wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to uncover the enchanting secrets of the Highlands.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Lunch Experiences In Edinburgh.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day tour from Edinburgh exploring the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, including Loch Ness, Callander, Glencoe, and Pitlochry.
• Opportunity to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster during an optional boat cruise.
• Discover the rich history and charming landscapes of Callander and Glencoe.
• Enjoy a hearty picnic lunch while immersed in the scenic beauty of the Highlands.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation and multilingual audio guides enhance the overall experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Touring the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands stretch across the northern part of Scotland, offering visitors a breathtaking landscape of towering mountains, serene lochs, and picturesque villages.

On this tour, travelers will journey through this stunning region, taking in the sight of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

Along the way, they’ll stop in charming towns like Callander, Glencoe, and Pitlochry, seeing the rich culture and history of the Highlands.

With scenic photo opportunities and an optional Loch Ness boat cruise, this tour provides an immersive experience of the Scottish Highlands’ natural wonders and captivating beauty.

Exploring Loch Ness and Beyond

Nestled within the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness stands as a captivating natural wonder. The tour includes an optional cruise along its mysterious waters, equipped with cutting-edge imaging technology to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Visitors can gaze upon the tranquil loch and surrounding landscapes, capturing breathtaking photographs. Beyond Loch Ness, the tour explores the charming town of Fort Augustus and the picturesque Pitlochry, offering ample opportunities to take in the region’s rich culture and history.

Loch Ness Highlights	Fort Augustus	Pitlochry
Optional Boat Cruise	Charming Town	Scenic Vistas
Legendary Monster Sightings	Historic Attractions	Cultural Heritage
Breathtaking Scenery	Scenic Waterfront	Quaint Shops

Discovering Historic Callander and Glencoe

As the tour continues, travelers encounter the historic town of Callander, a picturesque gateway to the Trossachs region.

This charming town boasts a rich history, from its medieval castle ruins to the impressive Callander Kirk. Visitors can stroll along the banks of the River Teith, admiring the stunning natural scenery.

The tour then ventures into the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, known for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and haunting history.

Highlights include:

• Striking geological formations and towering peaks
• Remnants of the Glencoe Massacre, a dark chapter in Scottish history
• Opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures
• Breathtaking vistas that inspired famous films and TV shows
• A deeper understanding of Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage.

Reaching Fort Augustus and Pitlochry

Departing Glencoe, the tour ventures northward, eventually arriving at the charming village of Fort Augustus, situated at the southern tip of the iconic Loch Ness.

Here, participants have the opportunity to join an optional boat cruise on the legendary loch, equipped with state-of-the-art imaging systems to enhance the chances of spotting the elusive Loch Ness Monster.

Continuing the journey, the tour makes its way to the quaint town of Pitlochry, known for its scenic landscapes and historic charm.

Guests have time to explore the town’s shops, attractions, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings before heading back to Edinburgh, completing a comprehensive day of discovering the Scottish Highlands.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Enjoying the Picnic Lunch

During the tour, participants enjoy a hearty picnic lunch featuring a selection of sandwiches, shortbread, and chips. This midday meal provides nourishment and energy for the remainder of the adventure.

The picnic setting allows travelers to take in the stunning Scottish landscapes while refueling. Some key benefits of the lunch include:

• Fueling the body for the active exploration ahead
• Providing a chance to rest and recharge
• Savoring regional specialties like shortbread
• Enjoying the scenic views while dining outdoors
• Bringing the group together for a communal experience

This well-timed lunch break ensures participants are ready to continue their immersive journey through the Scottish Highlands.

Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

The tour itinerary includes several scenic stops where participants can capture breathtaking photographs of the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands. These stops offer panoramic views of rolling hills, majestic mountains, and serene lochs. Guests will have the opportunity to immortalize the stunning landscapes, from the towering Ben Nevis to the picturesque Glencoe valley.

Location	Photographic Highlights	Suggested Compositions
Callander	Quaint town, River Teith	Architecture, reflections, street scenes
Glencoe	Dramatic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls	Wide landscape shots, close-ups of natural features
Loch Ness	Mysterious loch, historic Urquhart Castle	Lake views, castle silhouettes, wildlife
Pitlochry	Charming town, scenic River Tummel	River landscapes, flora and fauna, town center

These scenic stops provide ample time for guests to explore and capture the essence of the Scottish Highlands.

Transportation and Audio Guides

For the duration of the tour, you will be transported via air-conditioned buses that cover over 300 miles (500 km) through the Scottish Highlands. This ensures a comfortable and efficient journey, allowing guests to fully enjoy the stunning scenery.

Plus, the tour provides audio guides available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. This caters to the diverse needs of the international audience, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the tour.

The combination of modern transportation and multilingual audio guides contributes to an enriching and accessible experience for all participants.

• Comprehensive transportation coverage of over 300 miles
• Air-conditioned buses for maximum comfort
• Multilingual audio guides for diverse audience needs
• Efficient journey to maximize time exploring the Highlands
• Accessible experience for participants from various backgrounds

Participant Details and Customer Reviews

Suitable for adults (17-59), children (5-16), seniors (60-99), and students with ID (18-99), the tour caters to a diverse range of participants.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 5 or unaccompanied minors, who’ll need to be accompanied by an adult. Participants should arrive 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start.

With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 1776 reviews, the tour earns high praise for its scenic views, engaging guides, and enjoyable experiences, though some guests suggest improvements to the lunch options.

The guide rating of 4.6/5 and transportation rating of 4.4/5 indicate a high level of satisfaction with the key tour components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Requirements?

Yes, the tour can accommodate special dietary requirements. Participants can notify the tour operator in advance, and they’ll work to provide suitable meals or snacks to meet any specific dietary needs or restrictions.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Activities?

The tour doesn’t offer options to extend the duration or activities. However, customers can inquire about additional services or customizations with the tour provider. They may be able to accommodate special requests, subject to availability and additional fees.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for Last-Minute Changes?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows flexibility for last-minute changes to participant’s plans. However, there’s no option to extend the tour duration or activities once booked.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings or Online Purchases?

There are discounts available for group bookings of 10 or more people, as well as online purchases. Customers can save up to 10% by booking online in advance rather than purchasing the tour on the day.

Can the Tour Be Booked as a Private Experience for a Specific Group?

The tour can be booked as a private experience for a specific group. Customers have the option to arrange a private tour, which offers more flexibility and customization to meet the group’s preferences and needs.

Recap

This Edinburgh to Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands tour offers an enchanting exploration of Scotland’s natural wonders. Travelers can enjoy the region’s captivating landscapes, historic towns, and the legendary Loch Ness. With a picnic lunch, scenic stops, and insightful audio guides, this adventure promises a memorable experience amidst the country’s breathtaking beauty and rich heritage. Whether searching for the Loch Ness Monster or simply admiring the stunning vistas, this tour delivers an unforgettable journey through the Scottish Highlands.

You can check if your dates are available here: