Main Content

Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness & the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Departure point:
Glasgow
Duration:
2-Day Tour
Time:
10:15am - 8:30pm
Price:
From: £125
Departs:

Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday

Accommodation is payable on arrival

We offer a free accommodation booking service.

If you would like to book your own accommodation, please select 'Tour Only'.

Please select your requirements:

PLAY VIDEO

Video play button

1:10 MINS

Our two-day Eilean Donan tour from Glasgow enjoys an extended journey through the magnificent highlands. Take in spectacular sights like the Wallace Monument, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. All with a relaxing overnight stay in the loch-side town of Fort William, sitting at the foot of Ben Nevis.

 

Day One

Marvel at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct

Leaving Glasgow our two day Eilean Donan tour will head north-east via Stirling, catching a glimpse of its famous and majestic Castle. We visit the Wallace Monument (optional extra), the towering stone testimonial to the Scottish legend William Wallace, and afterwards pass Doune Castle, location for the film 'Monty Python & the Holy Grail'. After lunch, time permitting, we make a brief visit to Rob Roy’s Grave and then to the pretty village of Killin for photos.

The Eilean Donan tour will continue its journey north via Tyndrum across the atmospheric Rannoch Moor, and then onwards to Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan, for a brief walk and photos. We then continue to the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, for a photo opportunity (Apr-Oct). Our final stop on day one of the Eilean Donan tour is the Highland town of Fort William, where we check into our accommodation.

 

Day Two

Immerse yourself in history and beauty at Eilean Donan Castle

After breakfast your 2-day Eilean Donan tour from Glasgow heads north into The Great Glen, a geographical fault line characterised by a chain of impressive lochs, including Loch Ness. We enjoy a photo stop at Glen Garry, before arriving at Eilean Donan Castle (optional extra) to explore the castle and its beautiful setting.

Our journey continues with a stop for lunch and views of Loch Ness in the pretty lochside village of Fort Augustus. After lunch we start our return journey, enjoying a photo stop to admire Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at 1,344 metres. Then we travel via The Hermitage stopping for a gentle forest walk in idyllic Scottish woodland, before crossing the Forth Bridge, back to Edinburgh where the two day Eilean Donan tour terminates.

If continuing to Glasgow, your guide will take you to Edinburgh Waverley railway station for the 50 minute journey by train, courtesy of Timberbush.

 

Overnight stay in Fort William:

The price of our 2-day Eilean Donan tour from Glasgow does not include accommodation but we can reserve it for you. Approximate costs are per person per night: Youth Hostel: £25-35, Bed & Breakfast: £55 - 75 (shared), £65 - £115 (solo), Hotel: £75+ (Low Season) £90+ (High Season). Single supplement may apply. Please be advised, most accommodation providers only accept cash payments, and will not accept debit/credit cards as methods of payment.

To save £10 on your tour, choose to book your own accommodation!

 

Please note: this tour will be operating under a new itinerary from November 1st.

 

Day One

Our tour will begin in Glasgow City Centre and from there, we will head north, passing by the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and stopping for a comfort break in the scenic loch-side village of Luss. We continue west, passing the magnificent Rest and Be Thankful pass before arriving in Inveraray.

Home to the spectacular Inveraray Castle, which you might recognise from Downton Abbey, the Royal Burgh of Inveraray makes for a perfect stop. We will take time here to enjoy the loch-side views, explore the streets, and grab some lunch before continuing north into the Highlands.

On our way north, we will pass through dramatic Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You might recognise this valley from James Bond’s Skyfall. We will take time here to learn about the area’s history, as well as getting some fantastic photos. Following a quick comfort break in the area, we will continue on to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may recognise from the Harry Potter movies. During summer months, we will arrive with time to see the Jacobite Steam Train (or Hogwarts Express) crossing the bridge and get that famous photo.

We then end our exciting first day of touring by arriving in Fort William, where you will check in to your accommodation for the night.

 

Day Two

After a hearty highland breakfast, we will begin our second day of touring by checking out of our accommodation and heading north to Glengarry Viewpoint, offering spectacular views. Keep an eye out for how Loch Garry looks for the viewpoint, as it is meant to look like a bird’s eye view of mainland Scotland.

From that brilliant view, our tour continues eastwards towards Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan. Take time here to explore the castle and its grounds and learn about its fascinating history.

Our tour then heads to the beautiful town of Fort Augustus, at the foot of Loch Ness. We will spend time here for lunch, and to take in the views of Loch Ness - and keep an eye out for Nessie of course!

From Fort Augustus, we begin to head south, stopping at the Commando Memorial on the way. Here, take time to learn about the memorial and enjoy views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. 

On our return journey to Edinburgh, enjoy a relaxing journey through a beautiful highland setting. We will enjoy a comfort break in Dunkeld or Pitlochry where you can soak up the atmosphere in these picturesque towns.

We then begin the final stretch of our journey back towards Edinburgh, crossing over the impressive Queensferry Crossing. This engineering giant spans the Firth of Forth, and joins the Forth Road Bridge and iconic Forth Rail Bridge, representing 3 centuries of Scottish engineering and innovation. After a short journey, we then arrive back in Edinburgh, where our 2-day Eilean Donan, Loch Ness and the Highlands tour comes to an end.

If continuing to Glasgow, your guide will take you to Edinburgh Waverley railway station for the 50 minute journey by train, courtesy of Timberbush.

Tour Overview

Duration2 days
Total Distance411 miles
Pick up19 Killermont Street, Glasgow at 10:15am
Group size16 - 32
AvailabilityAll year round
Minimum ageTravellers need to be at least 4 years-old

A couple of things To know

Included
  • Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
  • Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach
Not Included
  • Accommodation
  • Entrance to attractions
  • Food and Drink
Great 2 day Highlands tour!
“Great two day tour through the highlands. It takes you to many great places with lots of stops so that you can enjoy everything and take pictures. Gary our guide was very charismatic and funny and had a lot of knowledge and history facts to share with us. Would definitely recommend! Ideal for a first time trip to the highlands!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the departure point?

Your tour from Glasgow departs from 19 Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NX. This is located outside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and opposite Buchanan Bus Station.

You can view our departure point via. the following link: https://goo.gl/maps/yfVSoBUGrVK1EFYF8


You can also find us by Glasgow Public Transport

Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive in this window as tours must depart on schedule.

Our multi-day tours return to Edinburgh Waverley Station and we will provide you with a free train ticket to return to Glasgow.

Is the accommodation included in the price?

No, accommodation is not included in the tour price, as we prefer to let you choose the type of accommodation you want, depending on your budget.

The tour price includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide and transportation on one of our luxury modern air-conditioned coaches.

Accommodation rates do vary between providers and seasons. For this reason we are only able to give you an estimated rate until a booking has been made.

Estimated rates are as follows:

  • Youth Hostel: £25.00 - £35.00 per person per night 
  • B&B (Shared): £55.00 - £75.00 per person per night.
  • B&B (Single occupancy): £65.00 - £115.00 per night.
  • Hotel: From £75.00+ per person per night
     

Accommodation is payable to the provider upon check-in. We recommend that you prepare £75 per person per night in cash to cover the cost of your accommodation.

All hotels require credit card information in order to secure a booking. If you wish us to reserve a hotel room for you, we will contact you for your budget and credit card details.

What is the difference between a Hostel, B&B and Hotel?

Hostels are budget accommodation. Many hostels have kitchen facilities where customers can prepare their own food.

B&B's are privately owned Guesthouses. Guests are given breakfast (continental or full, depending on the B&B) but cannot prepare their own food.

Hotels are the most expensive choice of accommodation. Rooms come with a full breakfast (unless stated) and guests are unable to prepare their own food.

What is the difference between ensuite, standard, twin and double rooms?

Double means one double bed which sleeps two.

Twin means two single beds, where you share a room but not a bed.

Ensuite rooms have a private bathroom/toilet/shower within the room.

Standard rooms have communal facilities that are shared with other guests.

While we strive to book your first choice, please note that accommodation options can be limited during the busy season. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences but if your preferred choice is unavailable, we will inform you promptly. 

Can I book my own accommodation?

Yes, you are free to make your own arrangements if you wish! We offer a £10 discount to those that choose to book their own accommodation!

This means that you have complete control over where you stay and can take some time to research all of your options and pick the perfect accommodation for you and those you are travelling with!

Simply advise us at the time of booking that you will be reserving your own accommodation, and inform us at your earliest convenience of the name and address of the Guesthouse once it has been booked.

We kindly ask that your accommodation provider is located in central Fort William, otherwise your Driver-Guide will be unable to drop you off and collect you.

How much luggage can I bring?

Luggage is restricted to one medium sized suitcase per person.

For guidance: a medium sized suitcase is considered 60-69cm high and roughly 45cm in width.

If you have more luggage than this, you can store your surplus bags with Unbaggaged.

Unbaggaged will collect your bags at a time and place convenient to you! They then store them at a secure central location, and return them to you, again, wherever and whenever you like!

Are the optional extras included?

No, optional extras are not included in the tour price.

This is to allow our guests the freedom to choose which attractions they would like to visit on the day.

The prices for the optional extras (valid from April 2024) are as follows:

  • National Wallace Monument: Adults: £11.30, Concession: £9.20, Children (Under 16): £7.10
  • Eilean Donan Castle: Adults: £12, Concession: £11, Children: £6.50, Children under 5: Free
  • Loch Ness Cruise: Adults: £19, Concession: £17, Children: £12

Please note: Eilean Donan Castle will be closed on the following dates: 2nd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 15th, 16th & 24th November 2024. We will still visit the castle for a photo stop.

 

Do I need to pre-book the optional extras?

No, you don't need to worry about pre-booking any of the optional extras.

All the optional extras can be booked on the day and your Driver-Guide will advise you of how to book. We negotiate discounted rates for you, ensuring you'll always get a great deal at Scotland's top visitor attractions.

Please note that many visitor attractions and accommodation providers may not accept card payments, so please ensure you have plenty of cash with you on the day. If you have any questions about this please contact our Reservations Team on +44 (0)131 226 6066 - open 07.00 - 21.00 daily.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, all of our tours are in English.

Your tour will be taken by an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking Driver-Guide.
You will find a link to our digital translations on your confirmation email.

Digital translations are available for this tour in the following languages:

  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • Russian
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
What should I bring with me?

As you’ll be spending two days on and off the coach with the opportunity for walks, we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothing, comfortable walking shoes and some sun-block or a hat for sunny days.

And don’t forget your camera to capture all of the lovely scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter on your tour!

Can children travel take this tour?

We welcome children over 4 years old on our tours, and children aged between 4-16yrs are eligible for the concessionary rate.

We regret we are not able to carry children under the age of 4.

What's the weather like at Eilean Donan Castle?

You can check for yourself! The castle have a live webcam you can view here.

If you can’t find what you are looking for, don't worry! Just because it's not here, doesn't mean we can't do it. Have a look at our private tour page or contact us directly, and we will make it happen!

Departure point:
Glasgow
Duration:
2-Day Tour
Time:
10:15am - 8:30pm
Price:
From: £125