2-Day Glen Coe, Loch Ness and Jacobite Train Tour from Edinburgh

Embark on a thrilling 2-day adventure through the Scottish Highlands, exploring Glen Coe, Loch Ness, and Inverness. Experience the beauty of Scotland’s landscapes and have the option to ride the enchanting Jacobite Steam Train.

Duration: 2 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Edinburgh to Fort William

Stirlingshire - We depart Edinburgh and travel through Stirlingshire with imposing views of Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument.

Callander - We make a comfort break in the charming village of Callander - make sure to sample some local bakeries.

Glencoe - We stop in the world-famous Glencoe, a place which seems to transcend time. Take in the jaw-dropping views and ethereal atmosphere.

Fort William - We stop in Fort William, which will be our base for the evening, where we enjoy a lunch break.

Glenfinnan Viaduct - We make our way to the starting point of the Jacobite Steam train, stopping to admire the Glenfinnan Viaduct which you will soon be riding across. It’s time to get excited!

Mallaig - We arrive in Mallaig, the starting point for the Jacobite Steam Train where we stop for 45 minutes before embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime train journey.

Glenfinnan Viaduct - Sit back and relax - it’s time to board the Jacobite Steam Train. We depart Mallaig and arrive in Fort William in the early evening, where we will settle for the night.

Fort William to Edinburgh

Fort William - We wake up in the picturesque Fort William and enjoy a breakfast before our adventures begin.

Commando Monument - We make our way to the Commando Memorial to pay our respects.

Jacobite Cruises - We arrive at the Clansman Harbour to embark on a 50-minute Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness, where we keep an eye out for the elusive Loch Ness monster.

Inverness - Our next stop is in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, where we enjoy a lunch break

Culloden Battlefield - We stop at Culloden Battlefield, the tragic setting for one of the most pivotal battles in Scottish history. Pay on arrival, £14 per adult.

Pitlochry - We stop in the picturesque Pitlochry for a comfort break before returning to Edinburgh in the early evening.

What's Included
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Jacobite Steam Train one-way ticket
  • 1-night hotel accommodation in twin or double room
What's Not Included
  • Meals unless specified
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Culloden Battlefield entry ticket - £14 per adult
Additional Information

Join us for a two-day whirlwind journey through the Scottish Highlands, where you will discover Scotland’s stunning scenery accompanied with expert storytelling from a local guide. We depart from Edinburgh, and visit the iconic Glen Coe, mysterious Loch Ness, quaint villages and the ancient capital of Scotland, Inverness. To top it all off, choose to take part in an optional 2-hour ride aboard the magical Jacobite Steam Train, voted the world’s most beautiful train ride.

  • The minimum age to travel is 5 years old.
  • Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag.
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark.
  • It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
  • Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
  • Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Location
Highland Explorer Tours
High Street
This tour will depart at 9:00 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(30 Ratings)
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339kylieg
Jul 29, 2024
Jacobite Steam train Experience - Laurie was an awesome driver/guide! The views were beautiful from the bus and from the train. The Jacobite Steam Train Experience is surreal, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan! We stopped the perfect amount of times to use the restrooms and spend some time in small shops. Mallaig was a nice town with plenty of food choices. Laurie has a great sense of humor and is very knowledgable. This made the experience an all around great time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy_s
Jul 25, 2024
Great guide, great trip! - This 2 day trip was an excellent tour of much of the Scottish Highlands. We would highly recommend this trip for those who are on a short timeline and want to see the Highlands. Connor, our guide was fabulous. Super knowledgeable of the area and history. A great guide like Connor makes the trip even better than expected.
Review provided by Viator
Amy
Jul 25, 2024
Awesome guide, awesome time! - The trip was exactly as described with a smattering of great information from Connor, our guide and several sites along the way. Of only everyone could be so lucky to have Connor as their guide! Seriously, it’s a great way to see a good portion of the Scottish Highlands in two days. And an even better way to figure out a plan for a longer trip when possible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebeccaov3501vs
Jul 25, 2024
Wish I could give this trip 10 stars ⭐️ - Connor was so engaging and informative. We had the most amazing trip we will remember for a lifetime. We were able to see so much of Scotland! It was an outstanding experience for my whole family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
551violeto
Jul 25, 2024
A Scottish Experience like No Other - Amazing. Views were absolutely stunning. Everywhere we went was fun and inviting. Our tour guide made the whole trip by being patient and entertaining the whole time (Conner). Would do again if I could.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertsm303oh
Jul 25, 2024
Wonderful Tour - Connor was fantastic and the highlands did not disappoint. We had and amazing experience and would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosemarybmills
Jul 21, 2024
A magical time in the Highlands - Excellent tour with Laurie. This two day tour was everything we expected and more. The breathtaking views of the Highlands of Scotland were accompanied by Laurie giving us a good insight into Scottish life back in the day, when murder was common place. The Jacobite train ride was amazing, althoug the train could do with a good refurbishment, as so many people want to have this magical experience, on a wizards train . I'll be watching Harry Potter, Outlander and Game of Thrones again with the added excitement of knowing, I've been there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michaelcn1747cn
Jun 28, 2024
Awesome Experience!!!! - Hugh, the piping tour guide, was great! Dad jokes were on point and generally timed around things we were seeing or that he was speaking about! His knowledge and love for the Highlands was easy to see. We had enough time, more would have been better, but I guess that is on me and I should have done a three or five day tour. The B&B that we roomed in, in Fort Augustus was very nice with a great selection of breakfast choices. They were prepared with fresh ingredients and wi th care from the host. Hugh was always looking out for what was best for his tour guests. His driving was very safe, even pausing his speeches to be sure we were all safe. I would highly recommend this tour agency and Bugh as your guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G8175zhjulies
Jun 13, 2024
Book now, do not hesitate - Noah and Laura were great for the 2 days of our trip. They were very knowledgeable and know the Scotland history very well. Local music during the drive and we had a couple beautiful stops not included in the trip. I highly recommend Highland Experience Tours, you will not be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
284kathleenr
Jun 16, 2024
Highland Fling!!! - Heidi was marvellous and very informative and quite funny. The first day was fantastic and the scenery was spectacular. The biggest disappointment being that our trip on the Jacobite steam train was cancelled with only a couple of days notice. On contacting you to ask if we could cancel the trip as my guest only wanted to do the Jacobean train we were told we could but we wouldn’t get our money back, we would get a credit- not really fair that you can cancel but we couldn’t!!!! Anyway we enjoyed our day. The second day I would say not so enjoyable a lot of sitting on the bus. We did the Loch Ness cruise but to be honest it wasn’t worth doing if not going to Urqhart Castle - a choice we didn’t get. However I would say that not having done a bus tour before, Heidi has made me think that I might consider doing it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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