From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands Day Tour

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands Day Tour

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Embark on a day trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct (seen in the Harry Potter films), drive through Glencoe's dramatic landscapes, and visit the Commando Memorial.

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Highlights

Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands on a day trip
Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter film series
Stop at the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and take in the views
Learn about the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan in Glencoe
Explore the charming village of Pitlochry and grab a quick bite to eat

Description

Embark on a journey from Edinburgh to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a filming location for the Harry Potter series. Pass by iconic sights, including The Kelpies and Stirling Castle as you head north to the Scottish Highlands. Embark on a breathtaking journey through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe and make a short stop in the beautiful Victorian town of Pitlochry. Leave the lively streets of Edinburgh and pass by iconic sights, including The Kelpies, as you begin your journey northward into the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. After crossing into the Scottish Highlands, pause for refreshments before continuing north. During the summer season we stop in Balquhidder, while during the winter we stop at Callander. Move onward to Glencoe, a dramatic and renowned glen featured in films such as “James Bond’s Skyfall”, 'Monty Python and The Holy Grail' and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”. This stunning location sets the perfect atmosphere for visiting the famous “Harry Potter Bridge” later in the tour. Stop for photos and delve into Glencoe’s history, including the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Depart the scenic Glencoe and follow the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William, a Highland town situated at the base of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Britain. Pause here to enjoy the fresh Highland air and have an early lunch before continuing to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Drive west to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, best known for its scenes in the Harry Potter film series, which is beautifully set among mountains on the shores of Loch Shiel. This enchanting location is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, often compared to the Hogwarts Express. We aim to arrive in time to watch the train cross the viaduct during it's afternoon service. Please note that the Jacobite Steam train is run on a seasonal basis. (06.05.2024-27.09.2024, schedule is set by the train's operator, and is subject to change.) Loch Shiel also plays the role of the “Black Lake”, used as the backdrop to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in several of the films — look out for the “Giant Squid” stirring up trouble! As you depart from Glenfinnan, your scenic journey back to Edinburgh begins. Your first stop is the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, where you can take in the stunning views of the Nevis Range. Continue along the picturesque Loch Laggan and then ascend above the Grampian Mountains. Travel through the western regions of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park and pause in the charming village of Pitlochry for refreshments. Take this opportunity to stretch your legs and grab a quick bite to eat before making your way back to Edinburgh, arriving at approximately 7:00 PM. **This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland.**

Includes

Local 'Hairy Coo' driver/guide Transportation by bus/coach Photo stops at iconic locations Visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct Scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands Stop at Fort William

Important Information

Children must be over 7 years of age. We do not allow groups over 8, and ask that larger groups book private tours. Buses don't have toilets on board, but we make frequent comfort breaks instead. Please note that we do not allocate seats, and that they are chosen when boarding. The Highlands have plenty of winding roads as well as breathtaking views! If you suffer from motion sickness, we advise that you take preventative measures. You are welcome to bring a small bag onboard the bus, along with a packed lunch, snacks or something to drink. When using public transport or a taxi to the departure point, please allow extra time for possible delays. Due to insurance reasons we are unable to allow passengers to remain on our buses unaccompanied at any stop on tour. Estimated Edinburgh return is at approx. 7:00 PM, please allow a minimum of 2 hours past planned arrival time for any onward travel in case of delays.