Scottish Highlands: 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & Glencoe Tour

Summary

Highland peaks, Loch Ness cruise and Inverness overnight adventure

You’ll travel from Edinburgh through rolling Highland hills to Inverness, wander among ancient stones at Clava Cairns, and cruise across mysterious Loch Ness with a local guide. Enjoy an overnight stay in Scotland’s “capital of the Highlands,” explore Glencoe’s dramatic scenery, and share stories (and shortbread) along the way—leaving you with memories that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the hills just roll out beyond Edinburgh — not dramatic at first, but soft and green, with little stone villages tucked in. We’d barely left the city before our guide, Jamie, pulled over for coffee in Dunkeld. There’s a bakery there that does these oatcakes — I can still smell the butter. The weather kept changing its mind: sun one minute, drizzle the next. Jamie joked it was “classic Highland mood swings.” I liked that he let us vote on where to stop. Felt less like a tour, more like a road trip with new friends.

By afternoon we reached Clava Cairns. It’s quiet there — you hear your own footsteps crunching on gravel between those ancient stones. Someone asked if it felt haunted; honestly, maybe a little. Then Inverness surprised me. I’d expected something sleepy but ended up wandering along the river as students laughed outside pubs and an old man played fiddle near the bridge. Our B&B was just out of town (20-minute walk or so), but breakfast was proper — eggs with black pudding if you’re brave.

The next morning: Loch Ness. The water’s darker than I imagined, almost blue-black under low clouds. The Jacobite cruise is included (weather held for us), and standing on deck with wind in my face felt oddly peaceful — no monster sightings unless you count the shaggy dog by Urquhart Castle ruins. That castle… it’s mostly walls now but you can climb up and stare out across the loch and just feel how old everything is here.

Glencoe hit me harder than I thought it would — not sure why. Maybe it’s the way mist hangs between those cliffs or knowing what happened there centuries ago. Jamie told stories about clans and betrayal while we stood beside the road eating shortbread from his backpack (he said his mum made it). On the drive back to Edinburgh, someone fell asleep against the window while sheep grazed outside. I keep thinking about that silence in Glencoe — kind of sticks with you after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Inverness via Aviemore

• Travel through Highland Perthshire
• Stop at Pitlochry or Dunkeld
• Explore Aviemore outdoors hub
• Visit 4,000 year old cemetery
• Arrive in Inverness for overnight

Day 2 — Loch Ness and Glencoe tour

• Take Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness
• Visit Urquhart Castle ruins
• See Glencoe landscape and story
• Stop for photos at scenic spot
• Return to Edinburgh

Top questions

How long is the Loch Ness & Inverness tour from Edinburgh?

This is a 2-day small-group tour departing from Edinburgh and returning on day two.

Is accommodation included on this Scottish Highlands tour?

Yes, overnight en-suite accommodation with breakfast in Inverness is included.

What are some highlights of this 2-day tour?

You’ll visit Glencoe, Clava Cairns, cruise Loch Ness with entry to Urquhart Castle, and stay overnight in Inverness.

Does this tour include a boat trip on Loch Ness?

Yes, tickets for the Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness are included in your tour price.

Where does this Scottish Highlands tour depart from?

The tour departs from inside Edinburgh Bus Station at St Andrew Square (Gate J/K).

Are meals included during this trip?

Breakfast at your accommodation is included; other meals are not provided but stops are made for food along the route.

How many people are in each group?

The small-group tour has a maximum of 16 passengers per departure.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at Edinburgh Bus Station for departure.

What’s included

Your two days include transportation by 16-seat mini-coach from central Edinburgh, a friendly driver-guide who shares stories (and sometimes snacks), overnight en-suite accommodation in Inverness with breakfast provided, tickets for a Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness plus entry to Urquhart Castle—all arranged so you can focus on soaking up Highland views instead of logistics.