Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise From Edinburgh

Exploring the enchanting landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands is an alluring prospect for many travelers. The Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors through verdant glens and past towering mountains. With a captivating boat cruise on the legendary Loch Ness, this tour promises to unveil the region’s captivating history and natural wonders. Whether you’re in search of the elusive Loch Ness Monster or simply eager to soak in the stunning scenery, this day-long adventure may just be the perfect addition to your Scottish itinerary.

Key Points

• This 12-hour tour from Edinburgh includes a 50-minute boat cruise on Loch Ness and visits to charming towns, scenic mountain views, and Cairngorms National Park.
• The tour is highly rated with 94% recommendation and provides a small-group experience with an English-speaking driver-guide.
• Key stops include 30 minutes in Callander, 15 minutes at Glencoe Mountain, and 1.5 hours in Fort Augustus for the Loch Ness cruise.
• Luggage allowance is 14kg per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
• The Loch Ness boat cruise is subject to weather conditions, and the tour route may be reversed occasionally to optimize the experience.

Tour Overview

The Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour is a popular excursion that departs from Edinburgh, Scotland. Rated 5,627 reviews with a 94% recommendation, this 12-hour tour transports guests in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.

Beginning at 7:45 AM, the tour includes stops at Callander, Glencoe Mountain, Fort Augustus, and the Cairngorms National Park. The highlight is a 50-minute boat cruise on Loch Ness.

Guests can enjoy scenic views, storytelling by the guide, and opportunities for snacks and coffee. The tour includes admission for the Loch Ness cruise and an English-speaking driver-guide, but food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t covered.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights several captivating stops along the way.

Travelers spend 30 minutes in the charming town of Callander, taking in scenic views. Next, they stop for 15 minutes at the stunning Glencoe Mountain.

The highlight is a 1 hour and 30 minute stop in Fort Augustus, allowing time to explore the town and take the included 50-minute boat cruise on the legendary Loch Ness.

The tour also passes through the majestic Cairngorms National Park.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide provides storytelling and opportunities for snacks and coffee.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes the admission fee for a 50-minute cruise on Loch Ness as well as an English-speaking driver-guide to provide a small group experience.

However, food, drinks, gratuities, hotel pickup/drop-off, and any additional admission fees aren’t included.

The tour has a 14kg (31lbs) luggage allowance per person, with one piece similar to an airline carry-on plus a small personal item.

Booking policies include free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and a maximum of 8 passengers from one party.

The Loch Ness boat cruise may be canceled due to weather conditions, and the route may be reversed on occasion.

Customer Feedback

What do customers have to say about this Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour? Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the history and landscapes to life through storytelling.

Many appreciate the comfortable travel experience and scenic stops, especially the Loch Ness boat cruise.

However, some find the day a bit long, with limited time to explore certain attractions. Some suggest including more breaks or extending the time at key locations.

Additional Information

Booking policies for the Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and a maximum booking cap of 8 passengers from one party.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old. Weather conditions may cancel the Loch Ness boat cruise.

Additionally:

• The tour route may be reversed on occasion.
• Luggage allowance is 14kg (31lbs) per person, one piece similar to an airline carry-on plus a small personal item.
• Food, drinks, gratuities, and admission fees (unless specified) aren’t included.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t provided.

Booking Policies

The Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour offers several flexible booking policies to accommodate travelers.

Passengers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The tour has a maximum booking cap of 8 passengers per party, ensuring a small group experience.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old. While the Loch Ness boat cruise is included, it may be canceled due to weather conditions.

The tour route may also be reversed on occasion, providing flexibility in the itinerary.

Weather Dependence

Although the Loch Ness boat cruise is included in the tour, it may be canceled due to weather conditions. The tour operator closely monitors the forecast and will make the call to cancel or proceed with the cruise based on safety considerations.

Factors that could lead to a cancellation include:

• High winds
• Heavy rain or storms
• Fog or poor visibility
• Rough water conditions
• Extreme temperatures

In the event of a cancellation, the operator will adjust the itinerary accordingly and provide alternative activities to ensure customers still enjoy a memorable Highland experience.

Tour Flexibility

While the standard itinerary is followed on most tours, the operator may occasionally reverse the route due to traffic conditions or other logistical considerations.

This allows them to optimize the tour experience and avoid delays. The order of stops may change, but the key attractions, including the Loch Ness cruise, remain.

Passengers should be prepared for a flexible schedule and understand that the route may vary from the original plan.

The tour will still provide the opportunity to explore the magnificent Scottish Highlands and witness the iconic Loch Ness within the allotted timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Clothing Is Recommended for the Tour?

Visitors should dress in layers, with comfortable walking shoes and rain gear. The weather in the Scottish Highlands can be unpredictable, so adaptable clothing is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the day’s activities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, any food or drinks purchased during the tour are not included in the tour price and must be paid for separately.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, customers can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the tour’s stops and breaks.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

No, participants cannot leave the tour group to explore on their own. The tour operates as a small group experience, and the itinerary is designed to be followed collectively for the safety and convenience of all passengers.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Day?

The tour involves some moderate walking at the various stops, but the durations are limited to around 15-30 minutes. Guests can explore the sights at their own pace, but shouldn’t stray too far from the group.

The Sum Up

The Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh offers an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s stunning landscapes. Travelers can enjoy a comfortable mini-coach ride, scenic stops, and a boat cruise on the iconic Loch Ness, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Despite the possibility of weather-related changes, the tour’s flexibility ensures a memorable experience for all.