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An Adventure Into the Scottish Highlands with Rabbie’s Tours

• Reviews , UK Travel
• Last Updated 5 September 2024

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Ever since I first visited, I’ve been head over heels for the gorgeous landscapes and dramatic scenery of Scotland. When I went back recently I knew that the main thing I wanted to do was get out and explore more of the countryside. So, I headed into the Highlands on an overnight tour with Rabbie’s Tours. Loch Ness, Inverness, and the Highlands – yes please!

Leaving from a drizzly Edinburgh at 8am, we headed north towards the Highlands. The route took us through the Cairngorms National Park and all the way up to Inverness , where we spent the night. The next day it was back down again, this time via Loch Ness and Glencoe. With Scotland’s astonishing landscapes keeping us company all the way, and plenty of traditional and contemporary Scottish folk songs on the radio, the mood could not have been more perfect.

Rabbie’s Tours: A Review

A flexible tour.

One thing I loved about this tour from Rabbie’s is that the itinerary wasn’t fixed. Instead, Kim structured the tour around our group and the unpredictable Scottish weather. It seems like a much better way of doing things to me, because it saved us traipsing around sites we weren’t interested in or shivering in the rain at an outdoor activity. Things felt really casual and tailored to our needs.

An Awesome Driver

The other thing that really made the tour for me was our fab driver, Kim, and our brilliant minibus. Rabbie’s tours are small, never squeezing more than 16 of you into a bus (such a relief, it’s always easier to make friends when the group is small). The bus was really modern and comfortable, and the heating kept us warm and cosy from the horrendous weather outside.

Kim was friendly and great fun. Plus, she really knew her stuff. Along the way, she recounted all kinds of stories about the places we were visiting – but the history was never dull. In part, we have Scotland’s rich and bloody history to thank there, but also Kim’s great storytelling abilities.

Beautiful Villages and Fascinating History

And so, it was off into the Highlands – passing through picturesque villages and stopping at various spots for photo-ops and history lessons. First up was Dunkeld , a sleepy village of white, slate-roofed cottages perched on the edge of the Highlands. Just down the road, we found  The Hermitage  woodland, one of the best hikes in Scotland . The damp, mossy trees of these picturesque woods make a truly atmospheric area. 

From pretty  Pitclochry we wound our way through snowy mountains to the historic Dalwhinnie distillery. In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, we stopped at Ruthven Barracks – just as the grey clouds finally cleared. The views from the ruined fort on its grassy hill were gorgeous. Flooded grasslands and rushing streams, glinting in the sudden sunlight. As every Scottish person I’ve ever met likes to say, you can get “four seasons in a day” in this country!

History abounded in those dramatic landscapes, the settings of legendary battles and countless adventures. At Culloden Battlefield we learned all about the final conflict of the Jacobite rebellion – an important and fascinating piece of Scottish history. The battle of 1745 still seems to haunt that bleak and windswept moorland. What better way to learn the history of a place than surrounded by the epic landscapes it unfolded in?

Stunning Scenery

From the rolling hills and black lakes of the Cairngorms National Park , to the striking grey mountains and bleak moors of Glencoe, this short tour packed in plenty of incredible landscapes. For me, the real joy of the trip was just sitting in the bus, watching the Scottish Highlands sweep past.

The whole point of the tour was to visit Loch Ness , and when we arrived on a cold and wet Sunday morning the lake didn’t disappoint. Nessie aside, this stunning spot deserves its fame. The lake is absolutely enormous. It’s Britain’s largest body of water by volume and, thanks to it’s depth, could apparently hold the water from all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Throw in less than three metre’s visibility in the peat-filled water, and there’s a pretty good chance a monster could be hiding somewhere in the murky depths!

It’s the peat from the surrounding mountains – wild cliffs dotted with shivering trees and the occasional gravity-defying mountain goat – that gives Loch Ness it’s striking black colour. Under a heavy grey sky the lake was like a sheet of iron, but despite the gloom there was an eerie beauty to the place.

The final highlight of the trip was an all too brief stopover amongst the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe . It’s easy to see why these sweeping moorlands and sharp, grey mountains have been the backdrop to so many films – most famously Skyfall . Standing in front of a frothing waterfall, fat from the recent rain, surrounded by towering mountains laced with icy white rivers, I felt tiny. These were the landscapes I was searching for, the Scottish Highlands at their staggering and moody best!

My tour and accommodation were provided by Rabbie’s Tours, but all other travel costs were my own. As always, all words and opinions are my own and unbiased. 

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5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

• Fully Guided

Traveled in July 2024

Places You’ll See

• Explore the far North of Scotland
• Discover Orkney’s ancient past
• See Viking graffiti at Maeshowe
• Experience island life in Kirkwall
• Introduction

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Customer Photos

Operated by

Rabbie's Tours

Number of tours

5 to 99 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

Rabbie’s small group tours are driven by curiosity and guided by storytellers. We find the stories that go deeper and live longer in travellers' minds. On our journeys, everyone’s hungry for the little-known or just-happened, and we can go after them: no track too small, too trodden or obscure....

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.7
• Itinerary Excellent 4.8
• Guide Excellent 4.8
• Transport Excellent 4.9
• Accommodation Excellent 4.3
• Food Excellent 4.3
• Tour Operator Rabbie's Tours 4.8
• Most Recent
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• LR Linda · 10th August 2024 We learned so much about the neolithic age and archeology. We also saw the most amazing scenery. Scotland has to be the most beautiful country. We are reading as much as possible about the Orkney Islands. Trip date: July 2024
• VQ Vickie · 7th August 2024 Knowing our tour itinerary and that of other tour companies, Micheal is very adeptly brought our tour to venues when least crowded for our best experience. He also included additional stops that were of interest to the participants. A very... Show more Trip date: July 2024
• GC Gail · 8th June 2024 Our guide, Donald was amazing! Very informative and entertaining. Trip date: May 2024
• SV Sabiha · 10th May 2024 This is my 6th tour with Rabbie's and I can't praise them enough. William, our driver & guide was fantastic throughout - so knowledgeable, full of stories & he made us laugh a lot. While there is a lot of driving on this tour (& again kudos to William... Show more Trip date: May 2024
• KM Kory · 12th April 2024 Had an amazing time. Shout out to our driver Gail for her knowledge of Scottish history and her contagious love for the country. She went above and beyond for our small group. Trip date: April 2024

• HM Helen · 10th December 2023 Jim our driver made our tour the best we could ever wish for, he was very informative and answered any questions we had. I can highly recommend . Trip date: October 2023
• MS Mark · 29th October 2023 Best short tour I have ever done. Our itinerary was perfect. The quality of our coach was excellent. Our tour guide Jim was a book of knowledge and very approachable. I felt very safe throughout our journey. Our accommodation and breakfast was always... Show more Trip date: October 2023

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
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• Wednesday 16 Oct, 2024 Sunday 20 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,111 Confirm Dates
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What our customers ask about this tour

Transportation is mainly via bus, with drop-offs and pick-ups at major attractions and accommodations

Travelers should bring clothing appropriate for varying weather, personal items within the luggage limit, and any necessary medications

Not all attractions are wheelchair accessible, allowing guests to choose their level of participation based on accessibility .

Guests are restricted to 20kg of luggage per person, approximately the size of an airline carry-on bag plus a small personal item .

No, due to safety regulations, luggage exceeding limits may result in boarding refusal .

Entrances to certain specific attractions like Skara Brae are included; others require tickets to be purchased on the day

Yes, solo travelers opting for a single room will have to pay a single supplement fee

The tour offers both B&B and hotel options, with B&Bs being smaller, family-run, and hotels offering more comprehensive services

The tour departs multiple times a week on specific days depending on the season and tour type .

No tickets are issued; confirmation details provided post-booking are sufficient for check-in

Good to Know

• Currency £ Pound Sterling England and Scotland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 5th November 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 5th November 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Rabbie's Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Rabbie's Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Rabbie's Tours" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Rabbie's Tours. Please familiarise yourself with the Rabbie's Tours payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands 1 day tour

Myths, monsters, and mountains: this tour is the best way to see Scotland in a day.

Tour Highlights

Rannoch Moor - Admire unforgettable views at this epic expanse of untouched wilderness.

Glencoe - Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.

Great Glen - A humongous fault line through the Scottish Highlands; it’s a location that’s as historically important as it is beautiful.

Fort Augustus - This wee town of 650 inhabitants is a great spot to watch boats traversing the Caledonian Canal.

Loch Ness* - Take a chance to go on an optional boat cruise or wander around this alluring and eerie loch.

Grampian Mountains - Enjoy classic views of one of Scotland’s most mesmerising mountain ranges.

Highland Perthshire - Travel through pine-clad slopes and take in views of fast-flowing rivers.

Your journey

Journey deep into the Highlands of Scotland on our monster-sized day tour. You hear the legendary stories of the Jacobites, gaze into gorgeous Glencoe, and get a chance to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster.

It’s a tour packed with bewildering beauty and perfect if you’re short on time and want to see as much of Scotland as you can.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Loch Ness cruise may not be available at busy times.
• Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver guide

You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle.

This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore.

If you keep a look out, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed.

Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views.

After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative.

Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans.

You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland.

You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise,* wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat.

Your journey south is packed full of classic Highland scenery. You travel through the curvy Cairngorms National Park, along Loch Laggan, and past Blair Castle.

Amongst the tall trees of Perthshire, you have a final refreshment break before journeying alongside the UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge and back into Edinburgh.

*The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice.

This route may be reversed on some occasions.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Cruise Loch Ness 

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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