Visit Glen Coe and ride the Jacobite Steam Train along the West Highland Coast.
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- Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness
1 Day
24 Hour Cancellation
Use code WINTER20 at checkout and save 20% on this trip if you book by 27 February 2026 and travel by 31 March 2026.
Join our Loch Ness tour from Glasgow for an unforgettable full-day adventure, starting with a visit to the breathtaking Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Then, head deep into the Highlands to discover the legendary Loch Ness, where you can try your luck at spotting Nessie from the shore or on a boat cruise. Along the way, uncover the stories of Scotland’s dramatic past while taking in iconic sights like Glen Coe, the Great Glen, and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
* Save 20% on tour dates until 27 Feb 2026.
Tour Highlights
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.
Glen Coe
This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.
Commando Memorial
The Commando Memorial pays tribute to the elite Commando unit who bravely fought in World War II. The statue looks out across the stunning Nevis Range, and the area where the Commandos trained with live ammunition.
Fort Augustus
The village of Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Wander along one of the most picturesque sections of the Caledonian Canal and look down the length of the loch from the Loch Ness Viewpoint.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Full Refund if Cancelled More than 24 Hours in Advance
What Other Explorers Say
It was a very pleasant trip, and the bus driver is very friendly and fun. The scenery is incredible, and it's definitely worth it.
Mafalda
17/09/2025This was my very first visit to the Highlands, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience it. From start to finish, everything was so well organised, which made the whole day run smoothly and stress-free. Scott was an outstanding guide — incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and also very easy to talk to. He had a great way of sharing information, mixing in history, local stories, and insights in a way that made everything come to life.
Gill
12/09/2025Absolutely amazing!! Our guide Nicky has been fabulous and so kind to us, giving us plenty of interesting information along the way and allowing us to ask as many questions as we wanted ^^ I had a wonderful experience and the views were astonishing, with regular pauses to enjoy them! I would 100% recommend it!!
Anaëlle
09/09/2025Incredible day tour with a terrific guide, Heather. We’ve done a lot of guided tours. She was one of the best. Pacing was fantastic—knowledge of the sites outstanding. A must escape from Edinburgh or Glasgow to see the majesty of the Highlands. And you get a bit of whisky too. Plenty of bathroom breaks!
Nancy
10/08/2025Was an amazing day! Our tour guide Eireann was phenomenal. Really enjoyed the way she presented the tour and all the information provided. Would recommend to anyone!
Sarah-Anne
03/08/2025This was our second trip with Highland Explorer Tours and we were thrilled to get Scott as our guide again! Had many photo stops and learned a lot of Scotland's history. Scott had many recommendations for shops, food and restrooms at the stops.
Jenny
31/07/2025Absolutely brilliant tour of the Highlands inc Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. Heather was an exceptional guide; knowledgeable, funny, safe driver with a brilliant playlist! The tour is such good value for money so just go ahead and book it, you won’t be disappointed.
Amanda
18/07/2025We visited so many beautiful places and our tour guide Scott was very friendly and shared a lot of interesting information about Scotland and Scottish history with us! Totally recommend it!
Arianna
17/07/2025We had the absolute pleasure of touring the Highlands and Loch Ness with Scott as our guide — and what an unforgettable experience it was! From start to finish, Scott was phenomenal. His energy, humor, and passion were infectious. He had us laughing with his witty jokes, entertained with brilliant small talk, and captivated with fascinating stories and historical anecdotes.
Anton
17/07/2025I had a wonderful experience on the bus tour. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and the whole day was well-paced and smoothly organised. A special thanks to our guide, Heather, who made the trip memorable. She was warm, engaging and incredibly informative, sharing fascinating stories about Scottish history and local legends.
Areej
12/06/2025I had a blast !! The tour guide was nice and easygoing … I enjoyed the vibes . It’s a 12 hour tour ,but literally time flew ! I absolutely have zero negative feedback.
Arwa
12/06/2025The locations and scenery were fantastic! Scott was a great tour guide with many stories, facts and jokes along the way :)
Jess
11/06/2025If you ever visit Scotland and want to get mesmerized by beauty of it's land and culture ,this is a trip to do. It's one of the most value for worth trips you will get.We were lucky to have Heather driving and guiding us around.She is an amazing story teller and her stories about its past history have made me more aware of the rich cultural heritage this place has to offer apart from the mind blowing scenic beauty ofcourse.We had taken the trip from Glasgow early morning...
Samrat
15/05/2025My experience was made unique by Heather, the wonderful guide during the day!!! From the start her smile and her energy welcome you at the station and from that moment, you know that your day will be amazing! She’s brillant, kind and so knowledgeable! Merci Heather, for giving me the best experience and memories of Scotland!
Lou
15/05/2025Has to be one of the most Amazing experiences we had in Scotland. Heather is a friendly kind and fun loving person. Shared a lot of interesting stories about Scotland and its history. The ride was smooth and the journey was made more interesting by her stories and quick facts throughout the journey. Also she has an amazing playlist! ♥️
Kanchan
15/05/2025Just wonderful. Scott was just incredibly nice and accommodating. He told a very exciting story about Scotland and its history. He also had a great playlist and always asked if everyone was happy with the climate. I just loved Scott!! Thanks for the great tour!
Alexandra
11/05/2025This was such an amazing experience! The bus was very comfortable and our tour guides Nic and Liz were hilarious and fantastic! The music that was played on the bus added to the experience and the facts/info Nic and Liz gave us were very informative and I learnt a lot! 10/10 recommend to anyone and was the best experience I’ve had in my time in Scotland.
Navigate
14/04/2025This trip was amazing! Liz and Nic were so interesting, funny and smart. We had an amazing time and I learned a lot about Scotland
Lily
14/04/2025Beautiful, to do and do again. The landscapes are breathtaking! Very practical also audio guides in several languages! LIZ, the guide was very kind and kind.
Gabriele
11/04/2025A big thank you to Heather our driver/guide for the day kept us well informed of our surroundings as we travelled through Glasgow on our way to a slightly misty Loch Lomond,Then up into stunning Glen Coe bathed in beautiful sunlight. We then travelled up north passing through Fort William to Spean Bridge and the Commando memorial then it was on up passing the Lochs of the Great Glen Fault to St Augustus where we had a long stop where you had a choice of taking a boat rid...
Gordon
10/04/2025Heather was a wonderful host and driver. Very knowledgeable and funny. It was my first time at Loch Ness and we had a wonderful experience.
Charlie
09/04/2025We had an amazing time with our tour guide Nicky! She told us so many interesting and funny stories and histories about the local area that really enlivened the whole experience! One of my favourite parts was probably the stop at Glencoe visitor center to give some Highland cows a good scratch! It was honestly so much fun and really interesting!
Felicitas
09/04/2025Gorgeous tour, definitely recommend! Our guide Nicky was fantastic! She was kind, funny, enthusiastic and so knowledgeable. We loved listening to all her stories about the area and Scottish history. Small, modern bus and felt safe on the road.
Antonia
05/04/2025It was a great experience. The guide was kind and interesting, we saw and learned a lot. Truly worth it and a great day :) Recommend
Nomad
05/04/2025The guide explained very carefully, time control very good. From Glasgow’s history to every place on the road. There's a chance to come next time!!👍👍
Companion
04/04/2025The tourguide was very nice, the places were very beautiful and i had a great day. I wish i had more stops for a few minutes at the side of the roads to take a photo of the nature.
Eleni
04/04/2025It was a lot of fun and our guide Heather had many fun stories to tell. I think some more short stops at random locations to take photos would have been nice, since the route was very beautiful!
Xenia
04/04/2025Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Your Loch Ness tour departs from Glasgow City Centre. More details on the exact address of your departure point can be found on our departure info page.
How long is the tour?
Your Loch Ness tour from Glasgow spans approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes*. Your trip includes frequent comfort breaks and photo stops along the way.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions
Is the Loch Ness boat tour included in the price?
No, but you have the option to reserve the Loch Ness boat cruise at the time of booking. Alternatively, you’ll have ample time to explore the shores of Loch Ness at your own pace or walk along the Caledonian Canal.
Will Nessie make an appearance?
That remains to be seen... keep your camera ready – you might be the one to finally snap that legendary photo!
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?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, 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.
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Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness
Your Loch Ness tour from Glasgow starts with a scenic drive through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where you’ll soak up views of Scotland’s first national park and the legendary landscapes that inspired tales of Rob Roy.
Next, venture into the dramatic Highlands, with a stop at the hauntingly beautiful Glen Coe, known for its towering peaks and tragic history. As we travel further north, enjoy stunning views of the Commando Monument and the Nevis Range, home to Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Arriving in the charming village of Fort Augustus, you’ll have time to explore the banks of Loch Ness. Keep an eye out for Nessie on an optional boat cruise, or simply unwind along the Caledonian Canal.
The journey continues through the rugged beauty of Cairngorms National Park, before heading back south, returning to Glasgow in the evening.
1 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
View Map
Itinerary | Scottish Highlands & Loch Ness
Your Loch Ness tour from Glasgow starts with a scenic drive through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where you’ll soak up views of Scotland’s first national park and the legendary landscapes that inspired tales of Rob Roy.
Next, venture into the dramatic Highlands, with a stop at the hauntingly beautiful Glen Coe, known for its towering peaks and tragic history. As we travel further north, enjoy stunning views of the Commando Monument and the Nevis Range, home to Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Arriving in the charming village of Fort Augustus, you’ll have time to explore the banks of Loch Ness. Keep an eye out for Nessie on an optional boat cruise, or simply unwind along the Caledonian Canal.
The journey continues through the rugged beauty of Cairngorms National Park, before heading back south, returning to Glasgow in the evening.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
Glasgow City Centre
All our tours from Glasgow depart from the following address: Stance 23 to 32 (look out for a blue bus) Buchanan Street Bus Station Killermont Street Glasgow G2 3NW
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes: 7:15 AM
Departs: 7:30 AM
Returns: 7:00 PM
Please Note
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
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Loch Ness Cruise
Reserve at the time of booking
Get the chance to explore the depths of the mysterious Loch Ness and search for the legendary monster that is Nessie. The boat uses the very latest high-tech colour sonar and underwater imaging systems to enhance the search for the monster. Sit back and marvel at the bonnie banks of the loch while enjoying a hot drink or a dram of whisky in the onboard bar. Reserve your cruise at the time of booking to guarantee your seat. Cruise duration is approximately 1 hour. Tickets are subject to availability.
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