Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands - Small Group Tour

After departing Edinburgh, you will soon notice how the scenery changes dramatically as you venture further into the Highlands. The flat plains of the Lowlands transform into shimmering lochs, rugged mountains and forest-filled glens. The alluring beauty makes it easy to forget this was once a battleground of the fiercely territorial Highland clans.

Pass through Scotland’s most famous valley, the magnificent Glencoe, and be mesmerized by the beautiful cliff faces and steep slopes. Next, enter a deep glacial valley, known as the Great Glen, which spans Scotland for 62 miles (100 km) from Fort William all the way to Inverness. Pass through the picturesque town of Fort William as you travel in the shadow of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, before arriving at Fort Augustus on the shore of Loch Ness.

At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland. The loch is best known for the legendary Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) and you can take the opportunity to go in search of the monster on a optional boat cruise. Or you can simply enjoy the beautiful scenery on the banks. Fort Augustus boasts the Caledonian Canal, which is a great spot to relax and watch the boats sail by. Enjoy 1.5 hours of free time for lunch and to take in the breathtaking scenery around Scotland's most famous loch.

Afterwards, move south through the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park. Your route travels alongside Loch Laggan (the setting for the BBC series 'Monarch of the Glen'), over the Drumochter Pass and past 13th century Blair Castle before continuing through the forests of Perthshire before heading back to Edinburgh.