How to Visit the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

The mountains, moorlands, and mist-shrouded lochs of the Scottish Highlands are a photographer’s dream, and there’s plenty to see and do in the region. Scotland’s small size means it’s easy to visit from Edinburgh—read on for our top tour options.
Guided Day Trips
Maximize your time with a guided day tour from Edinburgh and visit several attractions in one day. Drive north through the Cairngorms National Park to Glencoe and Loch Ness; head west to admire Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and Trossachs National Park; or enjoy Scotch whisky tastings in Pitlochry. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group tour with a maximum of 16 people.
Guided Multi-Day Tours
A multi-day tour means you can travel further afield and see more of the Scottish Highlands. Perhaps take a 2-day tour to Inverness and Loch Ness; explore the West Highlands and cruise out to the Isle of Skye on a 3-, 4-, or 5-day tour; or escape the beaten track on an extended tour to the remote Orkney Islands. Multi-day tours typically include accommodation, ferry transport, meals, and entrance fees.
Things to Know
The Scottish Highlands make up Scotland’s northernmost region, and the capital, Inverness, is set about a 3.5-hour drive north of Edinburgh.
Day tours from Edinburgh typically last between 9 and 12 hours, so prepare for a long trip.
Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and water and snacks for the journey.
Some tours provide hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.
15 Tours and Activities

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Lunch from Edinburgh

Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour Including "Hogwarts Express" Ride

4-Day Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

2-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

Whisky and Highland Waterfalls Day Trip from Edinburgh

Scottish Highland Games Day Trip from Edinburgh

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

5-Day Highland Explorer and Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

4-Day Magical Mull, Iona & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Scottish Highlands Day Trip and Edinburgh Military Tattoo
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