Day Trips from Edinburgh to Central Scotland

Embark on a journey from Edinburgh through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes. Head northwest to Luss, a charming village on the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, where the rolling hills of the Trossachs reveal serene lochs and rugged terrain. In Luss, enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, taking in views of the loch and its surrounding peaks. Continue into the highlands to Rest and Be Thankful, a mountain pass with spectacular views of waterfalls and dramatic peaks. Pause to absorb the stillness and grandeur of the scenery. Discover Scotland’s history at landmarks like Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle, and Castle Stalker. Visit the architectural gem of St Conan’s Kirk by Loch Awe, marvel at Glencoe’s valleys and peaks, meet Highland cows at Kilmahog, and see the iconic Kelpies in Falkirk before returning to Edinburgh with unforgettable memories.

Explore Scotland for the day - from the Lowlands to the Highlands! A short drive out of the City takes you to The Kelpies - the largest equine sculpture in the world. Then head North and pass Stirling Castle - set on a volcanic rock it's visible for miles. A beautiful drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park takes you on to the mighty Glen Coe. Majestic mountains surround the Pass of Glencoe - plenty of photo opportunities. It's then on to Fort William - the outdoors capital of the Highlands - sitting at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. A quick stop at Neptune's Staircase - 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal and then off to Loch Ness. Home of Nessie, this large freshwater loch is also the location of Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus. It's then a drive by Inverness and a stunning drive down through the Cairngorms National Park and in to Perthshire where you will pass Loch Leven where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned and then on to Edinburgh.

New for winter 2025, your luxury small group tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond! Experience the luxury and service of a private tour with our small-group VIP tour service. Avoid the large tour buses, travel in luxury, and have the attention of your private driver/tour guide. We've partnered with an established 5-star private tour company to deliver this new tour concept, combining the luxury, convenience, and personalized service of a private tour but shared with a group of up to 4 other people. Each guest is assured of a reclining leather captain's chair, large panoramic windows including a panoramic sunroof, and complimentary bottled water and snacks onboard. Your SITOA-accredited tour guide will provide a commentary both inside the van and at the locations you visit, including a fully guided tour of Stirling Castle.

Calling all Sassenachs! Prepare to step ashore and straight into the world of Outlander. We’ll embark on the ultimate journey through some of Scotland’s most stunning filming locations Your adventure begins in the village of Culross, transformed into Cranesmuir for the series. Wander its cobblestone streets and immerse yourself as you pass by the Mercat Cross (Note: Palace entry is optional and not included.) From there, it’s on to Doune Castle, the magnificent fortress that served as the seat of Clan MacKenzie. We highly recommend the audio guide narrated by Sam Heughan himself—a treat for every fan! After a lunch break to recharge, we continue to Blackness Castle. This fortress became Black Jack Randall’s imposing Fort William in the series. Our final stop is Midhope Castle, beloved by fans as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s cherished family home. The perfect ending to our Outlander journey (site access is dependent on availability).

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands on this unforgettable day tour from Edinburgh. Travel through dramatic landscapes, historic valleys, and charming Highland towns as you visit some of Scotland’s most iconic locations including Glencoe, Fort William, and the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Enjoy scenic photo stops, fascinating stories from your guide, and free time to explore along the way. The highlight of the journey is visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct, known from the Harry Potter films, where you can admire the stunning views of Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains. This tour perfectly combines natural beauty, Highland history, and memorable experiences, making it an ideal adventure for travelers wanting to see the very best of Scotland in one incredible day.

Escape the crowded bus tours and experience Scotland’s royal history your way. This fully private and customizable day trip takes you from Edinburgh to the nation’s most iconic sites, including Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and Linlithgow Palace. Enjoy a personalized pace, a dedicated local guide to bring history to life, and the complete flexibility to spend more time at the spots you love most.

Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands with exclusive, personalized tours tailored to your interests. As a family-run business with deep roots in Edinburgh, Kell Tours offers unique experiences, including bespoke adventures and ancestry tours that connect you with your heritage. Enjoy a custom-designed itinerary that highlights Scotland's breathtaking scenery without the long travel times. Perfect for groups seeking an intimate and enriching journey through the Highlands, your tours promise both cultural depth and unforgettable memories. - Private tours departing from Edinburgh, designed just for you - Bespoke itineraries based on personal interests and family history - Explore hidden gems of the Scottish Highlands without long travel times - Ideal for individuals or small groups looking for a unique experience

Experience the world of Outlander on a private full-day tour through Scotland's most iconic filming locations. Travel in comfort with a knowledgeable local Scottish guide as you visit Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Doune Castle and the historic village of Culross. Unlike larger coach tours, this exclusive experience is designed entirely for your group, giving you a relaxed pace, personalised commentary and the flexibility to enjoy each location without feeling rushed. Along the way, discover the real history behind the castles and landscapes that inspired one of television's most beloved series.

Explore the fascinating and historic sites of Edinburgh on this immersive 8-hour private tour. Visit Stirling Castle, an iconic monument with a turbulent past that dates back over 1,000 years. Continue to The Battle of Banockburn where Robert the Bruce and Edward II set Scotland's destiny in motion. Behold the Wallace Monument, standing proudly as one of Scotland’s most popular attractions, before visiting some of Edinburgh's beautiful hidden gems.

Embark on a journey of opulence, grandeur, and unparalleled beauty with Wee Scottish Tours, a distinguished and award-winning luxury tour company. Discover the untamed magnificence of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands on a curated driving tour that transcends the ordinary. Our bespoke itineraries are designed with meticulous attention to detail, offering you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Whether it's capturing the majestic scenery of Glencoe or immersing yourself in the Highlands' cultural richness, our tours cater to your preferences and desires. Our seasoned guides are not just storytellers; they are keepers of Scotland's secrets. Gain exclusive access to local insights, folklore, and hidden gems as our experts accompany you on this immersive journey. Their passion for the Highlands enriches every step of your adventure. This is not merely a tour; it's a lavish odyssey through the heart of Scotland, where every moment is an embrace of luxury and refinement.

If you’ve only got a limited amount of time to explore Stirling, then save the hassle of organizing transport and set off on this private tour instead. Enjoy the luxury of having a private driver to help you tick off a shortlist of top landmarks—including Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre, and The Battle of Bannockburn.

Indulge in the epitome of luxury with Wee Scottish Tours, available exclusively on Viator. Our meticulously crafted luxury driving tour from Edinburgh to Oban is a journey of opulence, sophistication, and breathtaking scenery. As you traverse the picturesque landscapes, passing via the iconic Kelpies and enchanting Loch Lubnaig, the road to Oban becomes a canvas of unforgettable experiences. Start your exclusive adventure with a stop at Stirling Castle, a symbol of Scottish history and grandeur. Capture timeless moments with a photo opportunity at this historic landmark. Oban Distillery, where the art of whisky-making comes to life. Dive into the heritage of Scotch whisky with a guided tour, unlocking the secrets behind this timeless elixir. Oban, known as the "Seafood Capital of Scotland," beckons with its gastronomic delights. We understand that your journey is not just about the destination but the moments in between.

Hop aboard a luxury vehicle and benefit from the undivided attention of your guide on this private tour from Edinburgh. Enjoy spectacular views across the Firth of Forth as you drive across the Queensferry Crossing, visit the site of the notorious Battle of Banockburn, then continue to Stirling, where you’ll have time to visit both Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.

Discover many of Scotland’s top attractions in one day—and enjoy a flexible, budget-friendly way to travel—on this full-day, small-group tour from Edinburgh. Set off via coach and head to the Kelpies: the largest equine sculpture in the world. Next, see scenic Loch Lomond with the chance to enjoy a cruise on its waters before a stop at Trossachs National Park. Finish the day with a visit to Stirling Castle. Note: all entrance tickets, boat ride, and lunch are at your own expense.

Explore the Highlands as you travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The spectacular scenery features filming locations from Skyfall, Highlander and Harry Potter. Explore Glenfinnan and enjoy the panoramic views. Take your time to capture great photos and even view the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct (April - October only).

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlights, without the stress of driving country roads. This small-group tour from Edinburgh takes you to Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. Soak up the scenery as you journey through dramatic landscapes, make plenty of photo stops, and enjoy the freedom to explore Fort Augustus, set on the banks of Loch Ness, at your own pace.

If you only have one day to journey into the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, don't waste time or effort navigating public transport or renting a car. This guided tour takes you from the capital to the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, the village of Luss and some of the country's finest castles and glens.

This 3-part tour takes you to two of Scotland’s ancient castles with a whisky break in between. Stirling Castle was the home of Scottish aristocracy—including Mary, Queen of Scots—for generations. Drummond Castle starred in the “Outlander” TV show. Between castle visits, enjoy a guided distillery tour and taste Scotch whisky. Admission fees are at your own expense.

Explore Scotland through the eyes of one of the nation’s powerful monarchs on this Mary, Queen of Scots sightseeing tour. Following a pickup at your Edinburgh hotel, spin through the Scottish countryside and visit sites closely linked to the queen, including Linlithgow Palace—her birthplace—and Stirling Castle. Gain clear insight into Mary’s life and reign, and admire uninterrupted views across the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve.

Visit multiple out-of-the-box attractions on this private Scottish day trip to Falkirk, capped at four people. Tour stunning Callendar House, the expansive estate that dates back six centuries, and get a peek at the sky-high Kelphies sculptures, a tribute to hard-working Scottish horses. Pickup can be arranged from any location in Edinburgh.

If you’re a fan of the hit TV show Outlander, opt for a private tour that transports you to some of the dispersed filming locations with ease. Rather than navigating unfamiliar roads and missing out on scenes from the Scottish countryside, relax as you're driven to sites including Midhope Castle ("Lallybroch"), Doune Castle ("Castle Leoch"), and the town of Falkland, which stood in for Inverness in the show.

Follow in the footsteps of James Bond on this private tour of Scotland's 007-related places. See major filming locations, including Glencoe and Glen Etive, both featured in "Skyfall"; the Edinburgh birthplace of the first Bond, Sean Connery; and exclusive access to three iconic Bond cars at the Bo'ness Motor Museum with included tickets. Travel comfortably in private air conditioned sedan with a professional driver/guide.

Discover the true history of Scotland's hero, William Wallace (known to moviegoers as "Braveheart") on this private tour from Edinburgh. Visits key locations in the life of Wallace, from Stirling Castle, site of Wallace's greatest victory, and the National Wallace Monument, to Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English, while getting unique insights into his life and legacy.

Visit the amazing Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel , two unique tour experiences – the unique Falkirk Wheel is the only rotating boat lift in the world . Five star tour of the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies are the largest equine sculpture in the world, each is 100 feet high and made from 300 tones of steel . The Kelpies are a tribute to the Clydesdale horses used to pull barges on the canals of Scotland in the 19th century . The Kelpies were mystical and dangerous water creatures . In mythology , the Kelpies could rise out of the sea in the form of a horse and grab a sheep and then disappear back into the sea. A one hour boat trip over the Wheel is available ( optional extra, bookable separately ) Your Falkirk based guide gives advice on the best viewpoints for taking photos. Small private group tour for up to 4 people. Last-minute bookings up to 24 hours in advance. Shore excursions available from Edinburgh . This is the perfect day trip from Edinburgh to Falkirk