Day Trips from Scotland to Central Scotland

Venture beyond port and explore Scotland’s rural west coast without the stress of navigating winding country roads yourself. This small-group day trip from Greenock Cruise Terminal takes you through the dramatic landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, past mountain vistas at Rest and Be Thankful, and to the storybook setting of Inveraray Castle.

Explore a side of Scotland that most tourists will miss–the filming locations from the “Outlander” TV series. Learn all about Scottish culture and history as you walk, following in Claire and Jamie’s footsteps. See castles, villages, and much more with your group, and get from place to place in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Save hours of research time with this comprehensive day tour of the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. A full itinerary is planned out for you, and someone else takes care of the driving, so you can focus on the incredible views. During the tour, hear about the legend of Loch Ness, hike to see beautiful waterfalls in Tay Forest Park, and stop to admire views of the Glencoe mountains.

Visiting the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel from Glasgow typically means either renting a car or piecing together train timetables. Save time and hassle with a day tour that includes time for photographs at the Kelpies and the opportunity to take a boat ride at the Falkirk Wheel, as well as a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and panoramic tour back in Glasgow.

Take in top natural attractions including Glencoe, Ben Nevis, and Loch Ness on this day trip from Edinburgh. Pass the iconic Stirling Castle en route through the Trossachs, then head onto Glencoe—a region steeped in history. Explore Fort William, home to Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, with a guide, then follow the Great Glen to the village of Fort Augustus. After lunch on the shores of Loch Ness, pass Loch Laggan and stop for a stroll in a Highland village.

Explore the best of Scotland on this small-group day tour from Edinburgh. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle while getting a glimpse into Glasgow’s industrial past en route to beautiful Loch Lomond, and admire fine views over rugged Ben Lomond. Journey into Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with a guide, then explore the ancient streets of Stirling and discover top attractions such as the mighty Stirling Castle (admission at additional cost).

Visit “Outlander” filming locations with a guide to show you around key historical sites in Scotland on this private tour. Set off from either Edinburgh or Glasgow with a guide who can tell you behind-the-scenes stories and secrets while you sightsee. Travel in a comfortable car with your private group and don’t forget to look out the window to watch the countryside roll by.

Discover Scotland on your own terms with your own private guide on this car tour setting off from Glasgow. See Pollok Country Park, the Kelpies, Doune Castle, and more with your guide, who’s planned your whole day for you. That means all you have to do is sit back, relax, and focus on having fun.

Start your journey ashore from Greenock Cruise Terminal with a visit to The Kelpies—Scotland’s remarkable 30-metre-high (95 feet) steel sculptures shaped like mythical water horses - a marvel of modern art and a stunning tribute to Scotland’s industrial heritage. Next, we’ll make our way to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest and most historically significant castles. Known for its breathtaking views and fascinating history, the castle was once home to kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. After lunch in the local area, we’ll take you to meet some of Scotland’s most beloved residents—Highland cows! Here, you’ll have the chance to interact, feed, and snap photos with these iconic gentle giants. Our final stop is the charming village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond. Take a relaxing walk through this quaint town and enjoy the stunning views across the loch – a perfect ending to your Scottish adventure.

Get out of Glasgow on a full-day trip into nature, visiting Scotland’s beautiful West Highlands and Glencoe, and riding on the Jacobite Steam Train, which played the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter™ movies. Enjoy scenic views throughout the day from your coach and listen to your guide’s live commentary. Going on a tour lets you relax and avoid the hassle through this distractingly pretty landscape.

Travel from Glasgow to 3 different distilleries, and learn about what it takes to make a perfect-tasting whisky. You will visit a combination of distilleries who make whisky in the Highlands or Lowlands regions of Scotland, crafting luxury spirits with local barley and spring water. Taste how each whisky is different, and hear about the history of Scotland’s national drink.

Visiting Stirling's historic landmarks, Falkirk’s modern engineering wonders, and a whisky distillery all in one day typically requires renting a car or navigating time-consuming buses and trains. Save time and hassle with a private tour from Glasgow that takes care of the logistics for you and provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Make exploring beyond Edinburgh city limits easy—and see the best of the Scottish Highlands, all in one day—on this comprehensive day tour. Begin with a scenic drive from Edinburgh to the fabled Loch Ness; upgrade to cruise the lake and look out for Nessie. Then, continue to other highlights including Glen Coe and Fort Augustus, admiring additional attractions from Stirling Castle to Ben Nevis along the route.

Take in Scotland’s dramatic landscapes in just one day from the comfort of your luxury private minivan. Departing from central Edinburgh, enjoy entry to Doune Castle and views over the Cairngorm National Park, Ben Nevis and Fort William—all while relaxing with complimentary refreshments and an expert guide. The tour also includes stops at Loch Ness and Glencoe to explore some of the Highlands’ most stunning scenery.

Leave Scotland’s busy capital behind—and make exploring the Highlands completely hassle-free–on this immersive day trip from Edinburgh. Check off many highlights in one day: Travel to Callander—the gateway to the Highlands—and enjoy spectacular views over mighty Glencoe. Spend time at the famed Loch Ness, and explore Fort Augustus at your leisure. Stop in the pretty Victorian town of Pitlochry, and travel along the banks of Loch Laggan en route back to Edinburgh.

This circular day trip from Edinburgh takes you through the heart of Scotland’s Lowlands and into the edges of the Highlands. You’ll see iconic landmarks, meet shaggy Highland cows, and discover Scotland’s history, engineering, and eccentric architecture — all in a single, scenic day.

Discover more of Scotland—and take the guesswork out of sightseeing—on this private, full-day tour of Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh. Take the scenic route, explore historic villages you’d otherwise have missed, including Aberfoyle, and enjoy the freedom to tailor the timings and individual stops to your interests. Along the way, learn about Scotland’s history and culture from your kilt-wearing guide.

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.

Discover the real life world of the Outlander TV series in the wild Scottish Highlands. Travel to authentic Scottish castles and historic villages all used as locations to shoot the show, and learn about their history and hear dark stories of ghosts and former residents. Visit Doune Castle, where Monty Python and also Game of Thrones were filmed, and Doocot Mill where Jamie the Outlander hid from the Redcoats.

Explore the hidden gems of Scotland on a private tour that takes you to the most iconic sites in the country. Admire the grandeur of Stirling Castle, wander through the halls of Doune Castle, marvel at the engineering feat of the Falkirk Wheel, and gaze in awe at the Forth Bridge - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But what sets this tour apart is the personalized attention you receive from your guide, who will share fascinating stories and insights about each location, making your visit an unforgettable experience. • Enjoy privileged, personalized attention from your driver/guide on this private tour • Kids friendly (5+ age) • Please note that tour stops and timings can change

Board an air-conditioned coach or mini-coach at the Port Terminal. Pause for refreshments and enjoy scenic views Explore this historic fortress (entrance fee not included). Learn about Scotland's royal history and enjoy panoramic views. thetimes.co.uk Stop in a local village such as Aberfoyle or Callander. Choose from various eateries offering traditional Scottish fare. Journey through this picturesque area, often referred to as the "Highlands in Miniature." Capture photos of lochs, forests, and rolling hills. Arrive at one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or take a boat cruise to admire the stunning scenery. Depart for the Port Terminal, concluding your scenic Scottish adventure. thetimes.co.uk

Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a must-do for Harry Potter™ fans—and everyone else besides. However, getting there from Glasgow means a long drive. Relax and let someone else take the wheel on a private day tour that takes care of the logistics. See the Jacobite train (a/k/a "Hogwarts Express) cross the famous railway bridge seen in the Harry Potter movies, and take in dramatic views of the Scottish Highlands at Glencoe.

Exploring Scotland beyond Edinburgh can feel daunting—with so much to see, where do you start? This full-day tour takes away the guesswork with a comprehensive itinerary and multiple stops. Leave the logistics to someone else as you visit the historic Stirling Castle (own expense), taste Scottish whisky at the Glengoyne Distillery, and travel through the picturesque Highlands to explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

An ideal pick for travelers short on time, this whistlestop Scottish adventure allows you to check off multiple highlights in a day. Save yourself the stress of route planning, and enjoy having minibus transport included. Along the way, learn about local sights and stop off at Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and a whisky distillery too.