This 2-day small-group tour from Edinburgh to Inverness offers an immersive exploration of Scotland’s stunning Highlands. Covering iconic destinations like Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, and the legendary Loch Ness, the tour provides a personalized journey for up to 16 passengers. Highlights include an optional Loch Ness boat cruise, cozy accommodations, and seamless transportation. Travelers can discover the region’s natural beauty, rich history, and the elusive Loch Ness Monster, all while enjoying the scenic drive. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply seeking an enchanting Scottish adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Just The Basics
- A 2-day guided tour from Edinburgh to Inverness, covering the stunning Scottish Highlands with an optional Loch Ness boat cruise.
- Stops at charming towns like Pitlochry, explores the vast wilderness of Cairngorms National Park, and visits the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness.
- Includes breakfast, overnight accommodation, small-group tour, and transportation, but excludes gratuities, hotel pickup/drop-off, food/drinks, and admission fees.
- Tour starts at 9:15 AM from Edinburgh Bus Station, with a luggage allowance of 14kg per person and a minimum age of 5 years.
- The Loch Ness boat cruise offers unparalleled views, the opportunity to spot the legendary Loch Ness Monster, and insights from knowledgeable guides about the history and folklore.
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Tour Overview
This 2-day guided tour from Edinburgh to Inverness takes visitors through the stunning Scottish Highlands, with an optional Loch Ness boat cruise and a choice of hotel or B&B/guesthouse accommodation.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Highlights include a scenic drive through Cairngorms National Park and visits to iconic locations like Pitlochry and Glencoe.
While breakfast and overnight accommodations are included, guests are responsible for their own gratuities, meals, and admission fees.
The tour may run in reverse order for operational reasons, and the Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent.
Itinerary Details
The tour commences at 9:15 AM from the Edinburgh Bus Station, where guests board the 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and embark on their journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands.
On the first day, the group stops at Pitlochry, a charming Victorian resort town, before continuing to Cairngorms National Park, a vast wilderness of mountains, forests, and lochs. The tour then arrives in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands.
On the second day, the group explores the iconic Loch Ness, with an optional boat cruise, and the magnificent Glencoe valley before returning to Edinburgh.
Key Stops:
- Pitlochry
- Cairngorms National Park
- Inverness
- Loch Ness
- Glencoe
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes breakfast, overnight accommodation with breakfast, the small-group tour, and transportation. However, it excludes gratuities, hotel pickup and drop-off, food and drinks, and admission fees.
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Gratuities |
| Overnight Accommodation | Hotel Pickup/Drop-off |
| Small-Group Tour | Food/Drinks |
| Transportation | Admission Fees |
This allows travelers to focus on the scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands and optional Loch Ness boat ride without worrying about additional costs. Travelers should plan accordingly and review the inclusions and exclusions to ensure the tour meets their needs and expectations.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour starts at the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, located in St Andrew Square, with a departure time of 9:15 AM. Passengers should arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to ensure the smooth start of the tour.
The tour’s small-group nature means that the driver and guide can provide a personalized experience for each guest.
Guests should note the following:
- Luggage allowance is 14kg (31lbs) per person.
- The minimum age to participate is 5 years.
- The tour may run in reverse order for operational reasons.
- The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included in the tour.
Luggage Allowance
Typically, the luggage allowance for the tour is 14kg (31lbs) per person. Guests should ensure their luggage doesn’t exceed this limit to avoid any issues during the journey. This limit is in place to ensure the mini-coach has sufficient storage space for all passengers’ belongings and to make loading and unloading the vehicle more efficient.
| Luggage Type | Allowance | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | 1 per person | No extra charge |
| Carry-on Bag | 14kg (31lbs) max | Potential surcharge |
| Checked Bag | Not Permitted | Not Allowed |
Guests are encouraged to pack light and only bring what’s necessary for the 2-day tour to adhere to the luggage policy and have a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Minimum Age
The minimum age requirement for this tour is 5 years. Children younger than 5 aren’t permitted to join the tour due to safety and logistical considerations.
This age limit is in place for several reasons:
- Ensuring the comfort and enjoyment of all passengers, including younger children
- Maintaining a safe and responsible environment on the mini-coach
- Providing an appropriate level of activities and experiences for the tour
- Accommodating the needs of the group as a whole
- Adhering to the tour operator’s policies and regulations
While the tour may not be suitable for very young children, families with school-age kids will find it to be an engaging and memorable experience exploring the Scottish Highlands.
Tour Order
According to the information provided, the tour may run in reverse order for operational reasons.
This means that on certain occasions, the itinerary may start from Inverness and end in Edinburgh, rather than the standard route from Edinburgh to Inverness.
The decision to run the tour in reverse order is made by the tour operators and is typically due to logistical or scheduling factors.
Regardless of the order, the tour will cover the same destinations and include the same activities, ensuring that participants still enjoy the full experience of exploring the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and the city of Inverness.
This flexibility allows the tour to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey for all guests.
Loch Ness Boat Cruise
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to embark on a boat cruise across the mysterious Loch Ness, though this activity is weather-dependent.
Participants can look forward to unparalleled views of the iconic loch and its surrounding landscapes, as they keep a keen eye out for the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
The Loch Ness boat cruise offers:
- A chance to explore the depths of the loch and its murky waters
- Insights from knowledgeable guides about the history and folklore of the region
- Photo opportunities of the stunning Scottish Highlands scenery
- A relaxing break from the coach journey
- An unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Additional Food/Drinks During the Tour?
Yes, you can purchase additional food and drinks during the tour. The tour doesn’t include meals or drinks, so you’ll need to pay for any extra items you want to buy along the way.
Are There Any Accessibility Options for the Tour?
The tour offers accessible transportation via a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. Passengers with mobility needs should contact the tour operator to discuss any special requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure an enjoyable experience.
What Type of Payment Methods Are Accepted?
The tour accepts various payment methods, including credit and debit cards. Customers can pay online or over the phone when booking their tour. Cash is also accepted on the day of the tour, though advance payment is recommended.
Can I Extend My Stay in Inverness After the Tour?
You can extend your stay in Inverness after the tour, but you’ll need to make your own accommodation arrangements. The tour package only includes the 2-day itinerary, so any additional time in Inverness would be at your own expense.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation and refund policy allows full refunds up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are subject to a 50% fee. No-shows forfeit the full tour price.
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Final Words
This 2-day guided tour from Edinburgh to Inverness offers an immersive experience in the Scottish Highlands.
Travelers can explore the region’s natural beauty, history, and the legendary Loch Ness Monster, all while enjoying the scenic drive and a focus on the highlights of the Scottish Highlands.
The tour provides a personalized journey with a maximum of 16 passengers, including optional Loch Ness boat cruise and charming accommodation.
