Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands With Lunch From Edinburgh

Exploring the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the enigmatic Loch Ness from Edinburgh is a captivating adventure. This full-day tour whisks visitors through scenic landscapes, from the expansive Rannoch Moor to the picturesque Glen Coe, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. The highlights include a tranquil boat cruise on the famous Loch Ness, where the elusive Loch Ness Monster has captured the imagination of countless travelers. With a locally-sourced picnic lunch in the charming village of Fort Augustus, this tour promises an immersive experience that delves into the rich history and natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands. The journey, however, holds more than just stunning scenery – it’s an opportunity to uncover the mysteries that have long captivated the hearts and minds of explorers worldwide.

Just The Basics

• Comprehensive full-day tour from Edinburgh that visits Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands, including a scenic drive through Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, and the Great Glen.
• Panoramic views of the Caledonian Canal, Perthshire, and the Forth Bridge, with an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness to search for the Loch Ness Monster.
• Locally-sourced picnic lunch served in the quaint village of Fort Augustus, providing an opportunity to relax and explore the scenic surroundings.
• Suitable for travelers aged 5 and above, though not recommended for those with significant mobility difficulties.
• Maximum group size of 57 travelers, allowing for flexible and adaptable scheduling, personalized attention, and a shared experience.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour whisks travelers from Edinburgh to the renowned Loch Ness and the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural wonders and historical landmarks.

Departing at 7:30 am, the tour travels by coach through the stunning landscapes of Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, and the Great Glen, providing panoramic views of the Caledonian Canal, Perthshire, and the iconic Forth Bridge.

At the quaint town of Fort Augustus, a locally-sourced picnic lunch is served. Plus, guests have the option to embark on a boat cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, searching for the elusive Loch Ness Monster, known as ‘Nessie’.

With an expert local guide, this tour offers an immersive experience of the Scottish Highlands.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Along the picturesque journey, travelers are treated to a scenic drive through the rugged landscapes of Rannoch Moor, the dramatic vistas of Glen Coe, and the breathtaking expanse of the Great Glen. En route, they’ll witness the stunning engineering feat of the Caledonian Canal and marvel at the rolling hills of Perthshire and the iconic Forth Bridge. The highlight of the tour is the optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, where passengers can search for the legendary creature, "Nessie." The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Scottish Highlands, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and the opportunity to experience the local culture.

Highlight	Location
Rannoch Moor	Scenic Drive
Glen Coe	Dramatic Vistas
Great Glen	Breathtaking Expanse
Caledonian Canal	Stunning Engineering
Loch Ness Boat Cruise	Search for "Nessie"

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide, a picnic lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

An optional Loch Ness boat cruise is available for an additional fee. This gives travelers the chance to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as ‘Nessie.’ While the boat cruise isn’t included in the base tour price, it’s an excellent opportunity to fully take in the mystique of Loch Ness.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility difficulties, as the itinerary involves a significant amount of walking and exploration.

Meeting Point and Departure

The tour departs at 7:30 am from the Royal Mile at 60 High Street in Edinburgh, providing a convenient starting point for the day’s adventure in the Scottish Highlands.

This central location on the iconic Royal Mile ensures easy access for participants, making it a hassle-free meeting point.

From there, the tour travels by coach, allowing visitors to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands.

With a punctual departure time, the tour ensures a smooth and efficient start to the day, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of Loch Ness and the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Tour Duration and Age Requirement

The tour’s duration spans approximately 12 hours, allowing ample time to fully take in the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands.

Participants must be a minimum of 5 years old, ensuring the tour’s accessibility to a wide range of age groups.

However, it’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for travelers with significant mobility difficulties, as the itinerary involves navigating various terrain and environments throughout the day.

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, providing a comprehensive exploration of the Scottish Highlands.

The minimum age for participants is 5 years old, making it suitable for families with children.

The tour may not be recommended for travelers with mobility issues due to the physical nature of the activities.

Accessibility Considerations

While the extended tour duration allows for an immersive Highland experience, the itinerary’s physical aspects may pose challenges for some travelers with mobility difficulties. The tour’s activities, which involve navigating varied terrains and environments, may not be suitable for all participants. To help assess the accessibility of this tour, the following table outlines key considerations:

Consideration	Low Impact	Moderate Impact	High Impact
Walking Distance	Short walks on paved areas	Longer walks on uneven terrain	Extensive hiking on rugged paths
Stairs/Steps	Few or no stairs	Moderate number of stairs	Numerous stairs with no alternative
Mobility Aids	Easily accommodated	Limited accommodation available	May not be feasible
Vehicle Access	Easily boarded/exited	Some assistance required	Significant challenges

Individuals with mobility concerns should carefully review these details to determine if the tour is a suitable fit for their needs and abilities.

Group Size

A maximum of 57 travelers can be accommodated on this tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized Highland experience.

This small group size allows for:

• Flexible and adaptable scheduling that can cater to the needs and interests of all participants.
• Opportunities for more personalized attention and interactions with the knowledgeable local guide.
• An enhanced sense of camaraderie and shared experience among the group members as they explore the stunning Scottish Highlands together.

With a maximum capacity of 57 travelers, this tour provides an optimal balance between enjoying the beautiful scenery and landscapes of the region while maintaining a comfortable and engaging group dynamic throughout the day.

Picnic Lunch in Fort Augustus

During the tour, participants can enjoy a locally-sourced picnic lunch in the charming town of Fort Augustus, nestled along the banks of the Caledonian Canal.

The picnic spread features a variety of delicious Scottish specialties, from hearty sandwiches to fresh seasonal salads and sweet baked goods. Guests can relax and savor their meal while taking in the scenic surroundings of the Highlands.

The picnic provides a welcome respite and sustenance during the day’s adventures. After lunch, there’s time to explore the quaint village and its canal locks before continuing the journey through the stunning Scottish landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code for this Scottish Highlands tour. Guests should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

Layers are recommended, as the weather can be unpredictable in the Highlands. Bringing rain gear such as a waterproof jacket or poncho is also advised.

The tour involves some walking, so dressing for comfort and mobility is key. Overall, casual, practical attire is the best choice for this outdoor adventure.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While travelers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, a locally-made picnic lunch is provided as part of the tour package.

The tour operator recommends that travelers focus on enjoying the scenic drive and sights, rather than preparing their own meals.

Bringing snacks or beverages to supplement the provided lunch is generally acceptable, but the tour doesn’t allow for extensive self-catering during the journey.

Are There Restroom Stops During the Tour?

The tour includes several restroom stops throughout the day to accommodate travelers’ needs.

These stops typically occur at various points during the scenic drive, such as at viewpoints or small towns along the route.

Participants can use the restroom facilities at these designated stops to ensure they’re comfortable during the full-day excursion through the Scottish Highlands.

The tour operator give you a convenient and comfortable experience for all travelers.

Can I Extend or Shorten the Tour Duration?

Customers generally can’t extend or shorten the tour duration. The tour is a set itinerary lasting approximately 12 hours.

While the tour operator aims to be flexible, the schedule and logistics are designed to provide the best experience within the allotted time frame. Customers should plan accordingly and arrive at the designated meeting point on time.

Any requests to modify the tour duration would need to be discussed with the tour operator in advance, though accommodations may be limited due to the group nature of the activity.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

For this scenic Scottish Highlands tour, no special equipment is necessary. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves some walking and you’ll be outdoors for much of the day.

The tour provides a locally-made picnic lunch, so you don’t need to bring your own food.

As long as you’re prepared for the weather, you’re all set to enjoy the stunning landscapes and sights on this full-day adventure.

Sum Up

This full-day tour from Edinburgh provides an immersive experience in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Travelers will witness panoramic vistas, explore the Caledonian Canal, and have the opportunity to search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

The tour includes a locally-sourced picnic lunch, ensuring a well-rounded and authentic highland adventure.

Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes or a brush with the mythical, this tour is a must-do for visitors to Edinburgh.