2 Days: Clava Cairns, Loch Ness, Dunkeld, Great Glen, Glencoe & Cairngorms National Park

Tour overview:

Your two-day journey starts in Edinburgh and travels north past the iconic Forth Bridges and into the breathtaking landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, visiting the lively mountain town of Aviemore before arriving in the Highland capital, Inverness. The adventure continues with a visit to the legendary waters of Loch Ness, including a cruise to the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Journey onward through the charming village of Fort Augustus and the awe-inspiring valley of Glen Coe before returning south through the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. This tour offers an introduction to Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, rich history, and enduring legends.

Day 1 - Aviemore & the Cairngorms National Park

Departing from Edinburgh, we make our way to one of Scotland's most iconic viewpoints: the Forth Bridges Viewpoint. Opened in 1890, 1964, and 2017, these three bridges though distinct strikingly complement each other.

As we journey north through the Kingdom of Fife, the scenery shifts from the rolling farmland of the Lowlands to the forested hills and mountains that mark the Highland Fault line in Perthshire. We continue through the lush landscapes of Highland Perthshire to Pitlochry, a quintessential Scottish town nestled among the hills. 

The charming resort of Aviemore, surrounded by mountains and sparkling lochs, is one of the best spots for outdoor exploration. Enjoy lunch here and some free time to discover the area before we head to Loch Morlich. 

After a day filled with breathtaking landscapes and local legends, we arrive in Inverness, often referred to as the Capital of the Highlands.

Day 2 - Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands

After a leisurely breakfast, you're picked up from your accommodation and taken into the surrounding countryside. The journey takes us to Dochgarroch, a small settlement on the Caledonian Canal on the northern tip of Loch Ness. The greatest Scottish mystery is teasing you, as the legendary loch is just at your fingertips here.

A loch so immense it could contain all the UK's freshwater, dark, peated mysterious waters, and centuries of legends of a monster. No wonder Loch Ness inspires many stories, and it ignites people's imagination around the world. It's your moment to get as close to the legend as possible on a one-hour cruise that takes you across the loch to Urquhart Castle. This ruin perches dramatically on the shores of Loch Ness, has survived legions of battles and boasts over 1,000 years of history.

We continue to explore the enchanting Highlands and charming villages with a stop in Fort Augustus for lunch. As we journey south, the wild heart of the Highlands beckons with stunning mountains, lochs, and wildlife. Your driver-guide will lead you to hidden gems. One unforgettable stop will be Glen Coe, a breathtaking valley rich in history and natural beauty, where towering peaks inspire awe. 

Further south, the expansive moors transform into the lush landscapes of Scotland's first national park: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Here, steep mountains rise alongside shimmering lochs, thick forests thrive, and the legends of Rob Roy, the famed outlaw, add to the area's charm. We'll pause to soak in the classic Highland views before continuing south into the Lowlands, passing Stirling on our journey back to Edinburgh.

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