Britain · SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS TOURS

Scottish Highlands Tours: 15 Worth the Early Start

48 tours  ·  from $20

Glencoe, Glenfinnan and the road to Skye are long days from anywhere. These 15 compare the Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness departures on driving time, on what actually gets seen, and on what each costs.

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William - Charlotte Square and the early start
Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

1.Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,337 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $62Our pick

Leave Edinburgh at 8:00 am for a full-day Highland drive through Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan and Pitlochry. You will have photo stops, time for lunch, and a chance to see the seasonal Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Guides such as Keith, Scott, Alastair and Brian add history, music and humor along the way.

“Leon was a terrific driver and guide on this full day tour around the highlands. The timing at every stop was just right, and we even got to see the train pass by the viaduct. Overall a great day was had.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William - Charlotte Square and the early start
Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

2.Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,366 reviews · 12 hours · from $60

Join Stewart.Tours for a full-day English-language trip from Edinburgh to Glencoe, Fort William, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Your driver-guide, possibly Leon, Ross, Neil, Brian, or another member of the team, adds Scottish stories, music, and film-location context. The $60 price covers transport and guiding, but not lunch or the seasonal Jacobite train.

“It was an amazing experience, Leon was a great guide, very funny guy and also shared a lot of very interesting stories about the Highlands and Scotland in general. I highly recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour - Loch Lomond and the first Highland views
Castle Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Castles & Palaces, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

3.Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,123 reviews · 10.5 hours · from $39

Travel from Glasgow in a 16-seat minicoach with an English-speaking driver-guide such as George, Maggie, James, or Jeff C. You’ll see Loch Lomond, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, Glencoe, and Castle Stalker, with Scottish music, local stories, and photo stops along the way. Lunch and attraction admission cost extra.

“George was fantastic very informative and made the whole day run smoothly great value for money and amazing way to see everything we wanted to that day. Will deffo be coming along again. Thanks George & Rabbies tours”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Lomond: Scottish Highlands Sightseeing Cruise - Leaving Balloch and passing the old estates
Boat Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Cruises & Boat Tours, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews

Loch Lomond: Scottish Highlands Sightseeing Cruise

4.Loch Lomond: Scottish Highlands Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,953 reviews · 1 hour · from $26Best value

From Balloch, cruise toward Inchmurrin Island and the Highland Boundary Fault while a live guide explains Loch Lomond’s stories, islands, estates, and castle ruins. You’ll see Ben Lomond from the water, choose indoor or outdoor seating, and buy a hot drink or wee dram at the onboard bar. Guide Mick has been praised for lively, engaging storytelling.

“Very interesting and also very relaxing. I went with my son.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Trip - The road north to Tyndrum
1-Day Tours, Day Trips in the Scottish Highlands, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews

From Glasgow: Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Trip

5.Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Glencoe Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,753 reviews · 11.5 hours · from $91

Travel from Glasgow into the Highlands with a live English-speaking guide, stopping at Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel, Neptune’s Staircase, and Loch Lomond. You’ll hear Scottish history, see Harry Potter locations, and have time for photos, lunch, and short breaks. Jack, Jerry, Anthony, Michelle, and Wee Davie are among the praised guides.

“Michelle was a wonderful tour guide. Wonderful sights and even better stories along the way. We thouroughpy enjoyed our day in the Scottish highlands.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Lomond: Island Discovery 2-Hour Cruise - The middle islands and The Narrows
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Cruises & Boat Tours, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews

Loch Lomond: Island Discovery 2-Hour Cruise

6.Loch Lomond: Island Discovery 2-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,576 reviews · 2 hours · from $40

Cruise from Balloch around Loch Lomond, passing Loch Lomond Golf Club, the middle islands, The Narrows, and Luss. You get live commentary, indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar, and free guides in several languages. Bring warm, weatherproof clothing and cash for drinks and snacks.

“Really enjoyed the tour of the loch . Informative and interesting”

Check availability →Read our full review

Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow - From Buchanan Bus Station to Loch Lomond
Castle Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Castles & Palaces, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

7.Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,432 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $50

Ride from Glasgow in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a driver-guide such as James, George, Grant, or Caitlin. This full-day route links Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Oban, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, and Castle Stalker. Expect striking views, frequent photo stops, local stories, and a long day with plenty of time on the road.

“We had a great day! What more can you ask for when in Scotland than castles, stunning mountains and glens, and great seafood? This tour had them all. Our guide (James) was amazing. He gave us enough time at each stop, was knowledgeable and personable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Glasgow: Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Tour - Meeting your coach in central Glasgow
Castle Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Castles & Palaces, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Glasgow: Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Tour

8.Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,397 reviews · 8.5 hours · from $71

Travel from Glasgow through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs with an English-speaking Timberbush guide such as Michelle, Wee Davie, Jack, or Stuart. Choose a one-hour loch cruise or time in Luss, stop for lunch in Aberfoyle, pause in Callander, then explore Stirling Castle. Cruise and castle admission cost extra.

“This day trip was amazing, I am so glad I found this to do. It was just a small group which was nice and our “host” for the day was brilliant, he was full of interesting information, and some funny anecdotes…the sound track for the day was also really good. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs was stunning, the little village we stopped at for lunch was lovely, the chips from the chip shop were the best I’ve had! We stopped at an awesome souvenir shop and stopped to feed a gorgeous highland cow 😊 At Sterling castle I did a guided tour (which was free once inside the castle) which…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission - Starting at Edinburgh Bus Station
Castle Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Castles & Palaces, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

9.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,305 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $72

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach to the 30-meter Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling Castle. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Craig, Martin, or Kieran, adds Scottish history, music, and humor along the way. The day is active and tightly timed, with lunch at your own expense.

“It was very educational, and got some very lovely views in, along with a lot of exercise. Playing “Name that Song” coming back with Steve was a lot of fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness - The guides make a real difference
Harry Potter Tours, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness

10.Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,227 reviews · from $262

Spend about 12 hours exploring Loch Ness and the western Highlands from Inverness, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig. Your English-speaking guide handles the long drive, shares Highland stories, and takes you to Urquhart Castle, the Commando Memorial, Fort Augustus, Suidhe Viewpoint, and Dores Beach. The steam engine may be replaced by a diesel train.

“The driver Iain was great, particularly with sharing stories and history. Unfortunately the 12 hour day was far too long. The train ride was good, there should have been an opportunity for first class seats but the time in Mallaig was not enough. The other stopping points weren’t compelling enough and the one or two villages that we stopped at didn’t have enough time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour - Loch Lomond: choose between a cruise and a shoreline walk
Castle Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Castles & Palaces, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

11.Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,198 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Spend about 9.5 hours touring Scotland beyond Edinburgh with a driver-guide, stopping at the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle, and the Forth Bridges. Guides such as Ash, Adam, John, and Morag are known for mixing history, music, humor, and practical advice. Cruise and castle entry cost extra.

“Overall it was a good experience for our family, covered main attractions as mentioned in the itinerary on time. Our guide Alastair was good.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour - Glencoe: powerful scenery and painful history
Guided, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour

12.Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,151 reviews · 12 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $67

Travel from Edinburgh to Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Pitlochry in one long day. Your driver-guide, such as Adam, Mohammad, Shafiq, or Holly, provides Scottish history, humor, music, and film facts from an air-conditioned coach. The Jacobite train is not guaranteed, and the tour does not include a train ride.

“The places we went to were good but the time alloted for each place was very rushed. Our tour guides were very nice and informative: Jamie and Lee. If you are going on a rainy day, bring an extra pair of shoes and pants.”

Check availability →Read our full review

West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission - Leaving Edinburgh on a 16-seat Mercedes coach
Castle Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Castles & Palaces, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

13.West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,122 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $68

Travel from Edinburgh into the West Highlands in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit Doune Castle, pause at Loch Lomond, Luss, Kilchurn Castle, Rest and Be Thankful, and Inveraray. Guides such as Rose, Kieran, Ali, and Russell bring history, music, folklore, and local stories to the long but scenic drive.

“Our driver Sean was very informative, friendly, entertaining and helpful. Small group size made the day easier and the bus was quite comfortable”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh - Pitlochry: a quick Highland pause
Harry Potter Tours, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

14.Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,114 reviews · from $262

Spend 13.5 hours traveling from Edinburgh into the Highlands by air-conditioned coach and Jacobite Steam Train. Stop in Pitlochry, Glenfinnan, Mallaig, and Glencoe, with Harry Potter filming connections along the way. Guides such as Tim, Teigan, Tom, and Cara are known for lively stories, but the train is a real public service, not a themed attraction.

“It was an incredible time in Scotland. We love Harry Potter and we really enjoyed all the landscapes!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour - The Kelpies bring Scotland’s working past to life
Castle Tours in the Scottish Highlands, Castles & Palaces, Scottish Highlands Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

15.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,043 reviews · 9 hours · from $57

Travel from Edinburgh in a small, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, and Stirling Castle. You get a lakeside walk, mountain views, lunch time in Aberfoyle, and castle admission. Guides such as Jim, Martin, David, and Stephen are praised for strong storytelling and humor.

“I can't fault this wonderful day out! nice steady pace. Sean was great, very informative and helpful about all aspects of Scotland. Will definitely book another tour when I return to Scotland.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Scottish Highlands Tours

★ 4.8Cawdor Castle and Cairngorms National ParkFrom $5834 reviews
★ 4.7Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond TourFrom $6628 reviews
★ 4.9Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, & Loch Shiel TourFrom $85233 reviews
★ 4.7West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles TourFrom $54608 reviews
★ 4.8Loch Lomond and the West Highlands Day TourFrom $7885 reviews
★ 4.8Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands TourFrom $63588 reviews
★ 4.5Full Day Scottish Highlands and Whisky TourFrom $72136 reviews
★ 4.8Inverness and The Highlands 2-Day Tour from EdinburghFrom $24159 reviews
★ 4.6Fort William: Evening Cruise with Views of Ben NevisFrom $48233 reviews
★ 4.8From Aberdeen: Dunnottar Castle and Cairngorms Day TripFrom $75329 reviews
★ 4.8Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Day TourFrom $83109 reviews
★ 4.7Cairngorms National Park and Whisky TourFrom $60172 reviews
★ 5.0Oban Town Daily Walking Tour (10:30am)From $1996 reviews
★ 5.0Glencoe, Scenic Walk & Highlands Guided Tour starting GlasgowFrom $75121 reviews
★ 5.0Glencoe, Scenic Walk & Scottish Highlands Tour starting BallochFrom $118117 reviews

Keep browsing

Castles & Palaces124Harry Potter Tours38Ghost Tours33Walking Tours154Museums22Cruises & Boat Tours90
Scroll to Top

Explore Britain

Start with a city, a castle or a coastline.

Castles and crowns

Castles & PalacesRoyal Days OutWindsorStonehengeCathedrals & Abbeys

Screen and song

Harry PotterFilm & TV LocationsBeatlesGame of ThronesLiterary Walks

After dark

Ghost WalksJack the RipperWest End ShowsPub NightsBlack Cab Tours

Beyond the cities

The HighlandsLoch NessThe CotswoldsThe Lake DistrictSkye