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Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh: Is It Worth It?
- Elijah
- Aug 11
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Scotland has over 30,000 lochs, but arguably the most famous of them all is Loch Ness. From ancient folklore to pop culture references like Scooby-Doo, the legend of Nessie, the mysterious monster said to haunt the loch, has captivated imaginations for generations.
If you're as into cryptids and the unknown as we are, this spot is probably high on your Scotland bucket list. And if you're also hoping to experience the dramatic beauty of the Scottish Highlands, this Highlands and Loch Ness Day tour from Edinburgh offers a chance to do both, without needing to rent a car or plan a multi-day route. Here’s what we experienced on this full-day tour, what we loved, what we’d change, and whether or not it’s worth your wallet.
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Tour Basics: Pickup, Drop-off, Duration & Price
Quick takeaway: Expect a long day of driving with limited free time, but the views are worth it.
Who Operates This Tour?
While this tour is sold through Viator, it's operated by Rabbie’s, a respected small-group tour company based in Scotland. Rabbie’s is known for using 16-passenger Mercedes mini-coaches, which offer a more comfortable, personalized experience compared to larger tour buses. We’ve now done multiple Rabbie’s tours, and they’ve consistently delivered clean, reliable transportation and knowledgeable guides who provide context without overwhelming you. On this Highlands and Loch Ness tour, our guide was professional, engaging, and did a great job balancing narration with quiet time to enjoy the views.
Tip: When booking through Viator, always check the “Additional Info” section to see who the tour is operated by. Rabbie’s is a company we now actively look for when booking small-group experiences.
Cost of the Tour
The Viator Highlands and Loch Ness Day tour costs USD 120.05 or GBP 117.06 per person at the time of booking. Some versions of the tour include the Loch Ness cruise, while others do not. Luckily, our tour included the price of the Loch Ness cruise. The price of the tour does not include any food or beverages, but there will be opportunities throughout the tour for you to find something.
Tour Duration
This is a full-day tour, running from early morning to evening. We were picked up around 7:45 AM and didn’t return until after sunset. Be prepared for a long but scenic journey. We are accustomed to long tours, as we have taken a lot of them, but they can be a lot! There can be minimal breaks between long stretches of driving, so plan your bathroom and food breaks accordingly.
Tip: If you are worried about a lengthy tour, but want to include one on your trip, book the tour in the middle of your schedule. This way, you have time to adjust to the time zone, and don't come off a long flight to sit in a car all day!
Pickup Location in Edinburgh
Pickup was scheduled at the Edinburgh Bus Station (EH1 3AY, UK), which is centrally located and easy to reach by public transport. Look for the group near the designated tour bus bay. We felt that the tour company was fairly punctual but also easy to communicate with. Several passengers did not speak English, but the staff was able to help them find the location. If you are decently comfortable with Google Maps, do not be too stressed about the pickup location
Vehicle for the tour
The bus is a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. We thought the seats were comfortable and decently spacious. The coach was equipped with heat and AC. The tour guides were attentive to our comfort level and were willing to make accommodations. The overall experience was smooth, but the roads can get a little narrow and curvy. We did not notice any other passengers having issues
Drop-off Point After the Tour
While Viator lists the return drop-off as the same as the pickup location, we were dropped off nearby at George Street, close to St. Andrew Square. It’s still central, but if you're arranging dinner or transportation afterward, just keep this slight shift in mind. Taxis, Ride-share, and public transportation were available from the drop-off location
Scottish Highlands Tour Itinerary
This full-day tour covers a wide stretch of the Scottish Highlands, with a mix of quick scenic stops and longer breaks at key points like Loch Ness and Glencoe. Here’s what our day looked like, including helpful info about restrooms, meals, and what to expect at each location.
Quick takeaway: You’ll visit famous Highlands landmarks, but most of your time will be spent in the van.
Pitlochry – Breakfast & Bathroom
Our first real stop of the morning was
Pitlochry, a charming little town where most travelers grab breakfast and pick up a packed lunch. There are cafes and bakeries to choose from, as well as public restrooms (30p per use). We recommend grabbing a meal here, as options later in the day can be limited.
If you are looking for pastries or something to eat later on the coach, we recommend this bakery. We got a coffee, a loaf of bread, and a pastry from here. We thought the place was charming, and the employees working there were nice. They were talkative and were curious about where we were from.
Drive-By: Blair Castle
As we continued north, we passed Blair Castle, but didn’t stop. Our guide gave us a bit of history from the van, but this one is purely a drive-by. If you’re set on visiting castles, consider pairing this tour with a dedicated castle day trip from Edinburgh.
Laggan Dam – Quick Photo Stop
Next up was a short stop at Laggan Dam, a peaceful viewpoint overlooking Loch Laggan and the surrounding landscape. It’s mainly a photo op and a chance to stretch your legs, but the scenery is worth it: dense green foliage, calm water, and sweeping views of the hills.
Our guide also gave a brief explanation of why hydroelectric dams like this are important in Scotland: they play a major role in supplying renewable energy across the country, especially in remote areas where traditional power infrastructure is limited. It was a small but thoughtful touch that added context to what might otherwise have felt like a simple roadside stop.
Spean Bridge – Scenic Rest Stop (Twice)
We stopped at Spean Bridge twice. Once on the way to Loch Ness, and once on the return trip. There’s a café, a gift shop, and free bathrooms here, plus scenic views of the nearby hills. It’s a good place to grab a coffee or snack if you skipped breakfast. We also noticed a distillery nearby, which our tour guide mentioned many passengers return for!
Fort Augustus – Walk Along Loch Ness (Optional Cruise)
Our main stop of the day was Fort Augustus, a scenic town at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Here, you’ll have about 1.5 to 2 hours to:
Walk along the shoreline
Take the optional Loch Ness cruise
Buy lunch at one of the local restaurants or takeaway spots
We loved the little town and noticed that there were lots of tourists and tour groups here taking a break. There were plenty of genres for food and shops to get something that interests you. The town felt vibrant, but was also in a beautiful, scenic location.
Cairngorms National Park – Scenic Highlands Drive
On the way back, we passed through the Cairngorms National Park region, including views of Craig Meagaidh, a mountain famously featured in Monarch of the Glen. This was a drive-only section, but the landscapes were striking. If you tend to get sleepy in vans, this is the leg where many passengers napped. However, we were awake and took the opportunity to go through photos and notes of what we had already seen on the trip.
Glencoe & The Three Sisters – History, Landscape, and a Whole Lot of Weather
By the time we reached Glencoe, most of us were starting to feel the effects of a long day in the van, but this is one stop where it’s worth perking up. We visited the Glencoe Visitor Centre, which offered a helpful look into the area's dramatic history and geology. It’s one of the better educational stops on the tour and a great place to understand how Scotland’s landscapes were shaped, both by nature and by conflict.
Afterward, we made a quick stop at the Three Sisters Viewpoint, one of the most photographed sights in the Highlands. Surrounded by towering peaks, this spot is especially known for its waterfalls during the rainy season. In our case, the rain arrived with us, fast, heavy, and paired with gusty wind. We got pelted stepping out of the van and had to brace ourselves just to get a decent photo, but even that didn’t take away from the view. If anything, it added drama to an already epic landscape. Even if you're feeling a bit road-weary by this point, take a few moments here; rain or shine, it’s one of the most breathtaking scenes of the trip.
Return to Edinburgh
We returned to the city just after sunset. Instead of being dropped off at the bus station, our guide let everyone off at George Street, near St. Andrew Square, still a central location and easy to navigate.
Loch Ness Cruise: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
We recommend taking the Loch Ness boat tour if your ticket doesn’t already include it. The cruise fits comfortably within the tour’s schedule and gives you a unique perspective of the loch, without cutting into your lunch break or causing any time pressure.
The cruise is not automatically included in all versions of the tour. If yours doesn’t include it, you can purchase it on the spot for £20 (about USD 20.51). It’s a short but memorable ride that offers a peaceful break from the van and adds extra depth (literally and figuratively) to the experience.
What You’ll See on the Cruise
The cruise lasts around 50 minutes and is operated by Cruise Loch Ness. You’ll ride along a portion of the loch with views of the surrounding Highlands and hear stories about the area's mysterious history, yes, including the famous Loch Ness Monster.
The lower deck features a live presentation, where staff explain the science, geography, and history of the loch. They cover fascinating facts about the loch’s depth, show sonar maps, and give insight into why Loch Ness has captivated imaginations for generations. On the upper deck, you’ll get sweeping views, perfect for photos. There’s also a bar on board offering wine, beer, and local Scottish whiskies for purchase. While you can bring snacks, hot food is not allowed on the boat. We found the crew to be attentive, friendly, and informative, and the entire experience ran smoothly.
What to Pack and Know Before You Go
This day trip packs a lot into a single itinerary. Here’s what you’ll want to bring (and know) to stay comfortable and make the most of your experience.
1. Be ready for any kind of weather. The Highlands are known for rapid weather changes. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Even in spring or summer, it can get chilly and damp in the mountains.
2. Bring your snacks and water. There are food stops, but options are limited and can be crowded. We recommend picking up snacks and drinks before the tour, or during the Pitlochry stop early in the day. Keep in mind that hot food isn’t allowed on the Loch Ness cruise boat.
3. Don’t forget some coins. The bathrooms at Pitlochry cost 30p, and not all places accept cards for small purchases. A few pounds in coins can come in handy throughout the day.
4. Budget for extras. Not all tickets include the Loch Ness cruise (£20), and lunch is not provided, so bring extra cash or a card for food and souvenirs.
5. Consider your timing. This is a long day; if you're arriving in Edinburgh the day before or flying out the next morning, build in buffer time to avoid travel stress.
Pros and Cons of the Viator Loch Ness Tour
Pros
Stunning views of iconic Highland landscapes, including Glencoe and Loch Ness
Small-group format makes the experience more personal than big bus tours
Knowledgeable and friendly guides who share stories, history, and recommendations
The tour is well-organized, with clean vans and clear scheduling
Great option if you’re short on time and want to see a lot in one day
Cons
Long hours on the road, with limited time at each stop
Some stops are just photo ops or drive-bys (like Blair Castle and Laggan Dam)
No included meals, so planning is essential
If you don’t upgrade or add the cruise, the Loch Ness portion may feel underwhelming
Final Verdict: Is the Highlands and Loch Ness Tour Worth It?
Yes, we think this Highlands and Loch Ness tour is worth it, especially if you're staying in Edinburgh and want to experience the Scottish Highlands without renting a car. It’s not a deep dive into any one destination, but it gives you a broad, scenic introduction to Scotland’s natural beauty and history in just one day. The optional Loch Ness cruise was a highlight for us, and we recommend including it if your ticket doesn’t already cover it. Just know that much of your time will be spent in the van; it’s the trade-off for seeing so many places in one day.
Looking for more iconic Scotland experiences? Check out our post on the best castle tour from Edinburgh, it’s a great companion to this Highlands day trip.
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