Legendary Loch Ness with optional boat cruise, Glen Coe, and the Highlands.
Head north-west from Edinburgh for a jam-packed day of extraordinary mountain ranges, lochs, and Highland castles. This tour takes you through historic Stirlingshire to the famous Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and on to the West Highlands. Explore the charming Highland villages of Inveraray and Luss, travel through Campbell country to Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe, and soak in some of the most stunning views of the Scottish Highlands along the way.
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is an area of rich history and vast, natural beauty. Here you will find Scotland’s wild scenery at its best; from soaring peaks and serene lochs, to gorgeous glens and lush forests.
Kilchurn Castle
Situated on the shores of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute, Kilchurn Castle is a historic gem dating back to the 15th century. This well-preserved fortress offers a captivating glimpse into Scotland's medieval past, boasting impressive stone walls and fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
Rest and Be Thankful
Rest and Be Thankful is a popular viewpoint and picnic spot offering breath-taking views of the Arrochar Alps. As you pause here, take a moment to appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery before continuing your journey.
Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)
Doune Castle is a remarkably well-preserved medieval structure, complete with an impressive Great Hall and a 100ft gatehouse tower. The castle has been featured in Outlander, Game of Thrones, Outlaw King, and Monty Python & The Holy Grail.
Inveraray
Inveraray is a picturesque town situated on the western shore of Loch Fyne. Known for its stunning Georgian architecture, including the iconic Inveraray Castle, you can explore its many historic sites, enjoy scenic walks, and savour fresh seafood.
Luss
Located on the western shore of Loch Lomond, Luss is a quaint village known for its postcard-perfect scenery and traditional charm. Once you walk along its serene streets lined with stone cottages, you’ll understand why Luss is recognised as a conversation village. It provides an authentic glimpse into Scotland’s cultural and environmental characteristics!
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Foreign Language Audio Guides Available
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Where does the tour depart from?
Your West Highlands, Castles & Loch Lomond tour departs from Edinburgh city centre. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
How long is the tour?
Your West Highlands, Castles & Loch Lomond tour lasts around 9 hours* – an ideal duration for enjoying the breathtaking views and exploring historic castles and villages. Expect a comfortable mix of coach travel and stops for photos and breaks.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Is the entrance fee to Doune Castle included in the tour price?
Doune Castle is not included, but you have the option to add it at the time of booking, allowing you to tailor your west highlands tour to your liking.
Is there time to visit both Inveraray Castle and Inveraray Jail?
During your stop in Inveraray, you will have approximately two hours. This time allows for lunch at a local café or restaurant and an optional visit to either Inveraray Castle or Inveraray Jail. To fully enjoy the experience and avoid time constraints, we recommend choosing one attraction.
Please note, Inverary Castle is open to visitors Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday).
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Although our tours follow a structured plan with key stops, part of the excitement comes from unexpected surprises! We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined here, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. Trust that your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other!
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
