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Below 7 years are not allowed

NessBus – Loch Ness, Highlands with Optional Whisky Tour & Loch Ness Cruise from Edinburgh

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Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    Daily

  • Duration

    Approximately 12 hours

  • Start time

    Check in for your tour will begin at 7:45am. The bus will depart at 8:00am.

  • Meeting Point
    Check-in for your tour begins at Bus Stop directly outside Deacon's House Cafe, Lawnmarket (Royal Mile), Edinburgh, EH1 2PS.
    The meeting Point is in the heart of the historic Old Town, located very close to Edinburgh Castle at the upper section of the ‘Royal Mile’.
    We request you to be on time, and arrive at least 20 minutes prior to start time of the tour.
  • Ending Point

    Same as start point

Key Highlights

  • Delve in to the rugged beauty of Scotland: see the dramatic highlands, Pattack Falls and Glencoe
  • Hear entertaining stories by your local guides as you make your way through the countryside
  • Optional cruise on the waters of Loch Ness; see if you can spot the monstrous Nessie
  • Sample some fiery whisky at an Whisky Distillery tour (optional)

Overview

This tour is perfect for anyone looking to experience the wonders and highlights of Scotland in one go. During your fun day out your local expert guide will keep you entertained with stories of old and you can marvel at both the Scottish humour as well as the stunning scenery passing you by.

During the tour, you will visit the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Fort William, Commando Memorial and Pattack Falls. You will stop for lunch on the banks of Loch Ness and are free to take part in an optional cruise on the lake and optional tour of a traditional Whisky Distillery.

Before the day is done you will also have seen the Celtic heartland of Glencoe valley, one of the most impressive sights in all of Scotland - famously featured in the James Bond film Skyfall.

Itinerary

Depart from the heart of Edinburgh at 8am for a full day of exploring the beautiful Scottish highlands and villages. You will be transported in the comfort of a mini bus, also known as the Ness Bus. Sit back and relax as the exquisite nature of Scotland spreads out in front of you. Your tour guide will have lots of local mysteries and stories to share with you, so you can learn about the true essence of Scotland behind the rugged, stunning façade.

Catch a glimpse of the Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument as your bus drives north to the village of Deanston.

At Deanston, you can take an optional tour (payable direct) of Deanston Whisky Distillery, located on the banks of the beautiful River Teith. Originally a cotton mill built in 1785, and converted to produce whisky in 1966. During the 45-minute tour, you will get acquainted with the process of whisky-making and learn what makes Scotch a world-renowned spirit. Your distillery tour will end with a whisky tasting session.

Next, you will head towards the Highlands, crossing the boundary in to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The guide will tell you all about the tribe that inhabit the park.

Your journey will then take you along Loch Linnhe before reaching breathtaking Glencoe valley. Rest your eyes on the magnificent view of wild mountains in the distance and take in a breath of wonderfully crisp, fresh air as you take a short walk out over the glen.

Moving forward, you will head down to Fort William and reach Fort Augustus for a meal (not included) on the banks of Loch Ness – a unique, unforgettable experience! Take part in an optional 1-hour cruise on the lake and see if you can spot the fabled monster Nessie, in the murky waters.

Continue your tour to the impressive Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and indulge in the breathtaking views of the Nevis Range. Your Highlands tour will continue to the beautiful Cairngorms National Park and Loch Laggan, before stopping at the Pattack Falls. Enjoy a short walk and view pretty waterfalls cascading down a rocky gorge.

Your next stop will be Pass of Drumochter, a mountain pass and to the picturesque Victoria town of Pitlochry. Enjoy 30 minutes of leisure time at this quaint town before heading back to Edinburgh where you will be dropped off at Princes Street, in central Edinburgh.

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Inclusions

  • Full day guided tour of Scotland

Exclusions

  • Meals
  • Optional Whisky-Distillery Tour: £7 per person, £5 for under 18yrs (no tastings)
  • Optional Boat Cruise on Loch Ness: £13 per adult, £9 for children (7-15 years)

Please note

Please call the activity operator at least 24 hours prior to start of the tour for reconfirming departure details.

Bus will depart at exact 8:00am. Seats are unreserved and allocated on a first-come, first served basis upon check-in. It is your responsibility to be at the Meeting Point by 7.45am at the latest.

The tour returns to Edinburgh at approximately 8.00-8.30pm, and will drop off at a central location in Edinburgh, although due to working time regulations for our drivers we cannot offer individual accommodation dropoff.

If you are not sure which location is nearest to your hotel, please ask your hotel staff or contact activity operator

There are frequent refreshment breaks, and plenty of options available to suit all budgets and appetites, so please bring sufficient cash.

In some circumstances the bus used for travel may be branded with “The Hairy Coo” ORANGE and WHITE livery, with NessBus signage on the front/side windows.

Optional Whisky-Distillery Tour: £7 per person, £5 for under 18yrs (no tastings)

Optional Boat Cruise on Loch Ness: £13 per adult, £9 for children (7-15 years)

Children under the age of 7 are not allowed on this tour.

Due to restrictions of daylight hours, the Pattack Falls stop will only be available from March through to October.

Additional info

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.Due to road works/road closures, the departure point locations/addresses may change at short notice, so please check "nessbus.com/tour-info.html" page again a few days before you go on tour to make sure the departure points are at the same locations.

Customer Reviews

  • Harry Le Grande

    Great tour with Ryan, humorous and great story teller. Safe driver too

    United States 06/15/2019
  • Liz Bamberger

    Tour was excellent! Our tour guide & driver, Michael, provided great recommendations and a lot of detailed history of Scotland and the sites we visited. The whisky tour was a lot of fun and educational. The Loch Ness cruise was very entertaining.

    United States 11/11/2017
  • Liz Bamberger
    NessBus Tour

    We had a great time on this tour! Our tour guide & driver, Michael, provided a lot of history on Scotland and the communities we drove through. This kept things interesting as...

    United States 11/11/2017

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