Eilean Donan, Loch Ness and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour of Scotland
Description
Explore some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes on this two‑day journey from Edinburgh. Travel through the Highlands, taking in lochs, mountains, castles and film‑famous locations along the way. From the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the dramatic scenery of Glencoe and the world‑known Glenfinnan Viaduct, this trip blends history, scenery and culture in a relaxed, scenic format. With an overnight stay in Fort William, you’ll have time to enjoy the Highlands at a comfortable pace.
The adventure continues with visits to classic viewpoints, charming Highland towns and one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks, Eilean Donan Castle. Enjoy time at Loch Ness, Fort Augustus and the Commando Memorial before returning south through beautiful Highland countryside. The tour finishes with a scenic drive over the Forth bridges back into Edinburgh, offering a complete Highland experience ideal for travellers looking to explore Scotland’s castles, lochs and dramatic landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Inveraray
We leave Edinburgh and collect Glasgow passengers before travelling along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. A short stop in Luss gives you time to enjoy the lochside views. From here, we continue over the Rest and Be Thankful to Inveraray, home of Inveraray Castle, known from Downton Abbey. Explore the town and grab lunch before heading north into the Highlands.
Glencoe is our next highlight, famous for the 1692 massacre and its dramatic appearance in Skyfall. We pause for photos and history before continuing to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognisable from the Harry Potter films. In summer, you may catch the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the bridge.
We finish the day in Fort William, where you check in for the night.
Day 2: Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness & Highland Views
After breakfast, we visit Glengarry Viewpoint, where Loch Garry resembles a map-like outline of Scotland. We then travel to Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland’s most photographed fortress, with time to explore its history and grounds.
Next is Fort Augustus at the foot of Loch Ness for lunch and loch views — and maybe a glimpse of Nessie. We continue to the Commando Memorial, offering striking views of Ben Nevis.
The return journey south includes a stop in Dunkeld or Pitlochry before crossing the Queensferry Crossing beside the Forth Road Bridge and the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. Shortly after, we arrive back in Edinburgh, completing your two-day Highland adventure.
Departure & Map
What's included
Duration:
2 days
Total Distance:
411 miles
Pick‑up Point:
Castle Terrace, outside the NCP Car Park, EH1 2EW, at 8:30am.
Group Size:
16 – 37
Availability:
All year round
Minimum Age:
Travellers must be at least 5 years old
The Tour Includes:
Services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced driver‑guide, plus transportation on one of our luxury Mercedes‑Benz coaches.
Note: Tours normally operate with medium group sizes, using air‑conditioned Mercedes‑Benz vehicles ranging from 16 to 43 seats.
Not Included:
Optional extras are not included in the tour price, allowing guests to choose which attractions they wish to visit. Prices for optional extras (valid from April 2026) are:
Inveraray Castle & Garden:
Adult: £18.50
Concession: £16.00
Child: £12.00
Inveraray Castle – Garden Only:
£12.00 per person
Eilean Donan Castle:
Adults: £13.00
Concession: £12.00
Children: £6.50
Children under 5: Free
Please note:
Due to wedding ceremonies, Eilean Donan Castle will be closed on the following dates. Photos may still be possible.
November: 1st, 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 18th
December: 1st & 7th
What should I bring?
As we aim to give you plenty of time off the coach, including opportunities for short walks, we recommend warm and/or waterproof clothing, comfortable footwear, and sun‑block or a hat on bright days. And don’t forget your camera — the scenery and wildlife on this tour are unforgettable.
What's not included
Not Included:
Entrance to attractions
Food and drink (except breakfast)
Travel insurance
Tips
Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional snacks, etc.)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Hotel pick‑up or drop‑off
Any costs arising from unforeseen delays (weather, road closures, etc.)
Terms & Conditions
Cancellations
The Company reserves the right to cancel any tour where the minimum number of passengers is not reached. Minimum number of passengers required for tour departure is six. In such cases, the Company's liability to the Customer is either the full return of monies paid for the tour or provision of a suitable alternative tour as agreed with the Customer.
Cancellation Charges
Where the Customer cancels his/her tour reservation, charges will be payable by the Customer as detailed below:
Please note that all Customers cancelling any tour reservation will be charged a standard fee of 10% of the booking price to cover administration costs. The following terms and conditions apply:
1 Day Tours:
- For cancellations made more than 72 hrs before departure, a full refund will be given less an administration fee of 10%
- For cancellations made less than 72 hrs before departure, there will be no refund. Customers will be placed on standby for a period of 12 months.
Extended Tours (more than one day):
- For cancellations made more than 7 days before the tour departure, a full refund will be given less an administration fee of 10%
- For cancellations made less than 7 days before the tour departure, there will be no refund. Customers will be placed on standby for a period of 12 months.
*No refunds are offered on any tours if the passenger is late for a tour/cannot find the pick-up point*
Arriving for your tour
We kindly request that passengers arrive at the departure point 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE PUBLISHED DEPARTURE TIME as the coach must depart on time and cannot wait for late-comers. This is for the benefit of all customers, and allows us to visit all stops for the full amount of time, offering you the most out of your tour. You can find your Published Departure Time on your booking confirmation. Arrival in time for tours departing and finding the departure point are the responsibilities of the customer.
Minimum Numbers
The minimum number of passengers required for tour departure is 6 passengers, which helps to minimise the impact on the environment. The Company reserves the right to cancel any tour where the minimum number is not reached. On the rare occasion that we should be required to cancel a tour, we will inform the Customer in advance and offer an alternative tour subject to availability, upgrade the Customer to a tour at a higher fare at no extra cost, or provide a full refund.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that passengers hold comprehensive and suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance to cover for eventualities during travel.
Alterations/Alternatives
The Company reserves the right to alter tour itineraries at any time, due to weather conditions, traffic problems, availability of attractions or other such extenuating circumstances beyond our control. In the case of accommodation, we will attempt to obtain a similar standard of accommodation wherever possible. The Company reserves the right to alter the size and type of motor coach employed on any tour.
Other Operators/Carriers/Third Party Suppliers
The Company will not accept or have any liability for any acts or omissions whether negligent or otherwise of any supplier (including accommodation, subcontracted coach services, tourist attractions, and print communications ) or person providing services in connection with any tour unless such a person is employed by or under direct control of the Company. Tickets and vouchers for travel on other carriers are subject to the normal conditions of carriage of the individual carrier.
Package Prices
Accomodation with breakfast is included with the tour if specified on the booking form. The accomodation is based on a minimum of 3 star B&B. Ensuite rooms are only available upon request.
Non-package Prices
Please note accommodation is not included in the tour price if specified on the booking form. Accommodation arrangements for 2 and 3 day tours are provided independently by third party accommodation providers. Such arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by these providers, and as such any contracts undertaken are made between the Customer and the Third Party accommodation provider. All such arrangements are made independently, irrespective of any help and assistance which the Company may provide in securing such arrangements.
Where Customers choose to book their own accommodation, it must be in the town centre or the Driver-Guide will be unable to drop Customers off and collect them.
*Please be advised, most accommodation providers in the Highlands only accept cash payments, and do not accept debit/credit cards as methods of payment. Single supplements will usually apply.
Extended tours departing from Glasgow
For operational reasons and to minimize the impact on the environment, our 2 and 3-Day tours departing from Glasgow pick up in Edinburgh first and on the return journey, the tour terminates in Edinburgh only. Passengers who were collected in Glasgow and wish to return there, are provided with a valid Edinburgh - Glasgow rail ticket and are dropped at Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station for the return journey to Glasgow.
Luggage on extended tours
Luggage is limited to 1 small to medium-sized suitcase or bag per person.
Prices
Tour prices are for transport and Driver-Guide only. All other attraction entrance fees, cruise tickets, food and drink, accommodation etc, are additional optional extras, payable locally by the Customer at their own expense.
The Company’s current published prices on the website and in the current brochures are valid from 24th March 2013 to 31st March 2014.
Concessionary prices are offered to persons over the age of 60, full-time students and children between 5 and 16 years. We regret that children under 5 years cannot be carried.
Low Season - 1 November 2013 to 31 March 2014, except 21 December 2013 to 4 January 2014.
Children
Regretfully we cannot carry children under the age of 5 years on our scheduled tours. Children aged 5-16 years of age will receive a concessionary rate.
Customer Conduct
Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles.
The consumption of alcohol is not permitted on any of our vehicles.
The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any person whose conduct or manner is likely to cause offence or upset to other passengers. In such cases full cancellation charges to the passenger apply, and the Company shall have no further liability to that passenger.
Force Majeure
The Company does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience or damage caused by war, threat of war, riot or civil commotion, terrorist or criminal activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fires, illness, weather conditions, road traffic conditions, temporary technical, electrical or mechanical breakdown.
Data Protection
Please note that when giving information for the purposes of making your Booking, you will be deemed to consent to us holding and using that information to send you details of other products and services we provide that we think may be of interest to you. If you would prefer your information not to be used in that way, please contact us, giving your name and address: (i) in writing, (ii) by e-mail, or (iii) by telephone.
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