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Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands

  • Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands
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  • Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands

Tour Description

Monsters, Mountains & Massacres: Scotland in one day

Duration

12 Hours and 30 minutes approximately

Prices vary by season

About

Our most popular tour includes the most you could see of Scotland in one day! Our fantastic driver-guides will entertain you from start to finish with stories, music and fantastic stops along the way.

On this tour you drive the full length of Loch Ness, see the Cairngorms National park, the stunning Glen Coe and pass Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.

The tour covers the most of Scotland you can see in one day.

Tour Itinerary

Head into the Highlands...

As you head towards the Highlands you'll see the amazing Forth Railway Bridge, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's bright red, so you can't miss it and it's a stunning example of Victorian engineering. With its triple cantilever design it is the biggest one of its kind in Britain and the 2nd biggest in the world. Our journey continues past Perth, the old capital of Scotland. With a rich and influential history that stretches back over 800 years it has always been one of the most important political, judicial and commercial centres in Scotland. We will travel along the side of the Tay River, Scotland’s longest river, passing Dunkeld – ‘fort of the Celts’ – the ancient religious centre of Kenneth MacAlpin. Our first stop will be at about 9.30am in the beautiful, small Highland town of Pitlochry, one of the gateways to the Highlands which lies on the river Tummel. Here you can buy some delicious home baking and get ready to continue deeper into the Highlands.

Through the spectacular Cairngorms…

Then enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel through the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Scotland. This large mountain range has five of the highest mountains in the UK within its limits. We pass Aviemore, the main town in this area, that is now a centre for outdoor and holiday activities, and then continue north and drive through Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Perched picturesquely above the river, Inverness Castle dominates the horizon of this thriving city. Then it is on to the famous Loch Ness.

Lunch in Drumnadrochit...or take a cruise and visit Urquhart Castle...

Loch Ness is the largest body of water in Britain by volume, incredibly, all lakes and rivers of England and Wales would fit in it. With these dimensions, it’s not surprising that a monster is believed to live in the depth of the Loch. The famous ""Nessie"" was first seen by St. Columba in the mid-6thcentury. But it wasn’t until the 1930s that the mysterious creature came to widespread notice when it was seen again by an American couple. Since then there have been thousands of sightings and who knows, maybe you will be the next to spot it? During our time at Loch Ness, you have a few options. You have the opportunity to Cruise on Loch Ness * (cruise additional £13.50 per person) and get views of Urquhart Castle.

See UK’s highest mountain...

We then make our way through the Great Glen towards the Commando Memorial, erected in 1952 and dedicated to the remembrance of the Royal Marine Commandos who trained here during WWII. We stop here for a quick photo opportunity of Ben Nevis, UK’s highest mountain at 4,413 feet (1,345 metres). Next we will have a short refreshment stops, you can purchase coffee, refreshments and perhaps a wee nip of whisky.

Relive the massacre of Glen Coe...

Glen Coe is broodingly beautiful and steeped in history. It is in the centre of an extinct volcano which exploded millions of years ago, leaving the rocky mountainous place we see today. As you stand at the mouth of the glen, you'll feel the past come to life as our guide tells you about the terrible massacre of Glen Coe. You’ll learn the parts clans Campbell and MacDonald played in this brutal part of Scottish history. The other side of Glen Coe is Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wildernesses – 50 square miles of peatbog and marsh, and a site of special scientific interest. It is also where part of the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ was filmed.

Salute William Wallace and head home...

The route home takes you past the beautiful city of Stirling and its stunning castle, which is one of the most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary Queen of Scots. Not far away from here, William Wallace had one of his greatest triumphs at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. You’ll catch a glimpse of the Wallace Monument as we pass by Stirling. His exploits were dramatised in the award-winning film Braveheart, starring Mel-Gibson. We’ll continue to Edinburgh arriving back at 8.30pm approximately.

On 26th December there will be no cruise or castle visit available.

What to bring

It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!
It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.

Prices & Dates

What to bring

If you would like to visit Urquhart Castle & cruise on Loch Ness, your driver-guide will take care of the booking just bring along £28 cash for an adult and £20 for a child to take advantage of this Highland Experience discount.

It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!

We will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however in the busier summer season, if you want to make the most of your time on the tour, we suggest bringing along snacks/lunch.

Please Note

On the 26th December & 1st January Urquhart Castle will be closed & the Loch Ness Boat Cruise will not be operating, though you will of course be stopping at Loch Ness. We strongly advise bringing a packed lunch on these dates as it is a Public Holiday in Scotland so options are limited.

For any luggage storage needs, Edinburgh’s luggage concierge service Unbaggaged can help! Visit www.unbaggaged.com to find out more, and for our customer there is a 10% discount: type in the voucher code ‘HIGHLAND10’

What's Included

Departure & Map

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation and Refunds for scheduled tours

When a passenger wishes to make a cancellation of a 1-day scheduled tour the following charges apply:

  • Within 48 hours of the tour departure, no refund will be given.
  • 48-72 hours before the tour departure, a 50% refund of the tour price will be given.
  • 72 hours or more before the tour departure, a full refund of the tour price will be given. 
When a passenger wishes to make a cancellation of a multi-day scheduled tour the following charges apply:
  • Within 7 days of the tour departure, no refund will be given.
  • 7-14 days before the tour departure, a 50% refund of the tour price will be given.
  • 14 days or more before the tour departure, a 90% refund of the tour price will be given.
 

We reserve the right to cancel trips under exceptional circumstances such as those out with of our control. In such cases clients will be promptly informed and offered:

  • Transfer to a substitute trip or tour, or an alternative trip or if the tour is a lower cash value clients will receive a cash adjustment refund; or a total refund of all prepaid monies.

Cancellation and Refunds for unique tours

  • Due to the unique nature of our specialized tours i.e. X-mas & New Year tours a specific cancellation charge applies to this product - up to 7 days prior to departure 50% refund. Within 7 days - no refund)
  • Due to the fact that we use 3 star accommodation for our X-Mas & New Year tours all prices are based on two sharing a room.

General Guidelines for all tours

Children policy: We do accept children of 3 years old and above on all tours, providing a valid proof of age, such as passport or birth certificate. We do accept infants under 3 on the Multi-Lingual Highland Adventure and they will travel at the appropriate infant rate.

luggage policy: Maximum weight:  15kg. Maximum size: 55 x 40 x 20 per person. Left luggage offices available in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

Due to the size of our vehicles, on our multi-day tours, we guarantee to carry one piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15kg. This is equivalent to hand luggage allowed in an aircraft cabin.

Should you have larger suitcases or luggage, there are left luggage offices at the train and bus stations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

If you are wishing to bring your luggage with you on a one-day tour, please contact us for further arrangements.

Any personal property should be carried at the travellers responsibility

We reserve the right to change the tour itinerary at any time due to weather, acts of God and events out without our control.

Unless stated otherwise, food, attractions and accommodation is not included in the tour price however; clients may be eligible for a discount when mentioning Highland Experience.

Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles.

The operator recommends all passengers take our suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance.

Driver tips are not included in the tour price but if deserved, greatly appreciated.

Please note that we operate with a minimum number of 5 passengers on all tours except private tours.
 

Accommodation for extended 

Clients booking ' TOUR ONLY' option should follow this information as NO accommodation is included in the price.

Guest will be dropped in a central point in each location.

Please contact us for details of locations,

You will need to make your own way to your accommodation.

You will also need to make your way back to the drop point the following day to be collected.

You must inform Highland Experience at least 2 days in advance of your tour departure where you have booked your accommodation.

Please contact us after booking and we can inform you of the locations to book.

Should you experience any difficulties please contact us where we will be happy to help.
 

Timekeeping

It is the responsibility of the Passenger to ensure that they are at the departure point in good time and that they adhere to the departure times given in the Company''s publicity and by its representatives. Coaches will not be held for Passengers who are late. In such cases full cancellation charges will apply and the Company shall have no further liability to that Passenger.

Alterations by the company

Whilst the Company shall use its reasonable endeavours to provide the tour as planned, the Company reserves the right to alter itineraries in any way, and for whatever reason, or to vary hotel accommodation. In the case of hotel accommodation alternative accommodation of a similar standard will be obtained.

Suppliers of service

Tickets for steamships, aircraft, trains or other carriers which are obtained by the Company on behalf of the Passenger are subject to the conditions of carriage of the individual carrier. The Company undertakes to select hotels, restaurants and coach companies which have a good reputation. The company will not accept or have any liability for the acts of omissions whether negligent or otherwise, of ferry companies, coach operators, hotels or any other person providing services in connection with the arrangements of the group/ individual(s) unless such a person is employed by the Company or subject to the Company''s direct control. The Company is dedicated to providing Passengers with a reliable and fault free service. In the unlikely event that a Passenger wishes to raise any queries or complaints with the Company, such query or complaint should be raised in the first instance with the tour guide, who will endeavour to resolve the situation to the Passenger''s satisfaction. If any complaint cannot be resolved by the tour guide, Passengers must address their complaints in writing to the Company within one month from the last day of the tour provided by the Company.

Force Majeure

The Company does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience or damage caused by war, threat of war riot or civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural disaster, fires, sickness, weather conditions, airport regulations, temporary, technical, mechanical or electrical breakdown of transport or any facilities contained within advertised accommodation, explosion of any nuclear plant or part thereof or radioactivity/contamination arising from such plant or events beyond the reasonable control of the Company.







 

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Operated by: Highland Experience
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