Loch Ness & Glenfinnan Viaduct tour from Edinburgh

• Small-group tour: Max. 16 guests mean a friendlier, more personal experience.
• Free time to explore: Explore each location at your own pace.
• Accommodation & transport included: Your tour includes en-suite hotel accommodation, comfortable minibus transportation, and a friendly, expert driver-guide.
• Reserve your seat: Book your place with a 25% deposit and pay the remaining balance 30 days before your departure date.

Our small-group Loch Ness & Glenfinnan Viaduct tour begins by departing Edinburgh and travelling north, leaving the city behind for the rugged, dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands; a land of legendary monsters, soaring mountains, and epic history.

DAY ONE - Glencoe & Glenfinnan Viaduct

We’ll leave Edinburgh behind and travel north-west, passing the mighty walls of Stirling Castle, once the seat of Scotland’s kings and queens. Continuing through the Trossachs National Park, our first break comes in the pretty town of Callander, often called the 'Gateway to the Highlands,' where we can enjoy refreshments.

From here we press on into the mountains, crossing the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor before descending into the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe. With its soaring peaks and haunting beauty, this glen is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric places. We’ll stop here for lunch, with time to relax and absorb the spectacular views. Next, our route leads through Spean Bridge, where the Commando Memorial offers stirring views towards Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains, then onwards into the Great Glen.

By late-afternoon we'll arrive at Glenfinnan Viaduct. It was here in 1745 that Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite Rising, and today the Glenfinnan Monument stands proudly on the shores of Loch Shiel. From the hillside viewpoint, we’ll watch the famous Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwart's Express) crossing the sweeping arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct – a magical sight for Harry Potter fans and travellers alike.

Then we'll make the short journey to Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, our base for the night. The evening is free to explore and enjoy dinner in a welcoming local pub or restaurant.

OVERNIGHT: Fort William

DAY TWO - Loch Ness & the Highlands

The second day of our tour begins by departing Fort William towards the village of Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal steps down through a series of locks into the loch. Next, we reach the legendary Loch Ness, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch, explore the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle, and perhaps take a cruise across the loch in search of the elusive Nessie, aka the Loch Ness Monster! 

This afternoon we'll travel around Loch Ness through Inverness and east into the Cairngorms National Park, passing through some of the Highlands’ most majestic scenery. We'll again in the charming town of Pitlochry, a favourite Victorian resort surrounded by forested hills. 

Next we'll continue the journey south, and take a stop in the beautiful riverside village of Dunkeld, where you can stretch your legs beside the River Tay or visit the historic Dunkeld Cathedral, one of Scotland’s hidden gems. From here, it’s a relaxed drive back into the Lowlands, with the silhouette of the Forth Bridges welcoming us as we return to Edinburgh by early evening – our two-day adventure complete.

Return To Edinburgh

The Loch Ness & Glenfinnan Viaduct tour returns to Edinburgh by approximately 6:00 pm.

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Local driver-guide
• Flexible cancellation
• Best price guarantee
• Small-group guaranteed

NOT INCLUDED

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities

Cairngorm Coffee Shop, 1 Melville Pl, Edinburgh, EH3 7PR

The meeting point is Cairngorm Coffee Shop, near Edinburgh Castle and Haymarket Station (0.5 mile walk). Guests are welcome to use the coffee shop facilities.

The tour departs by 8.25am, but please arrive to check-in by 8.15am.

This activity ends back at the meeting point by approximately 5.30pm.

En-suite accommodation is included in the price for a seamless, stress-free journey.

HOTEL OPTION
For larger rooms, comfort, and additional on-site facilities like lifts and restaurants, our selected Hotels (minimum 3* standard) offer an excellent stay. Breakfast is included.

ROOM PREFERENCE
Select room preference at checkout:
Single Room – A private room with a bed for one person.
Double Room – A room for two people sharing one bed, which may be a standard double, queen, or king size.
Twin Room – A room for two people with separate beds.
Combination – We’ll be in touch to find out which rooms your group require.

PICK-UP & DROP-OFF
Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation are always included.

Unlike many operators, we do not take commission from hotels, allowing us to focus on quality over profit. If you have accessibility needs, dietary requests, or special requirements, just let us know at booking—we’re happy to help!

• There is a maximum of 16 passengers per tour

NOT SUITABLE FOR

• Children under 7 years
• Wheelchair users

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable shoes

Each person may bring one suitcase and one carry-on item, such as a backpack. We ask that your suitcase does not exceed 15kg in weight, due to our minibus weight restrictions. If your luggage is too heavy, then we may not be able to accept it. Excess luggage can be stored at the Holiday Inn Hotel.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
• Accommodations cater for various dietary requirements (e.g. gluten-free, vegetarian).