15 Highlands Day Trips in Glasgow to Build a Day Around

1.Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,432 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $50Our pick

Travel from Glasgow into the West Highlands in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a driver-guide such as James, George, Grant, or Caitlin. You’ll see Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, and Castle Stalker, with photo stops, history, music, and time for lunch.

“A very informative tour made more so by our guide. His knowledge of the history of the areas we visited linked with local music and musicians made for a very enjoyable tour.”

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2.Loch Ness & the Highlands Day Tour from Glasgow Including Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,211 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $83

Leave Glasgow at 7:45 am in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach for Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Fort William, Loch Ness and the Cairngorms. Your driver-guide, such as Maggie, James, John or Cameron, provides Scottish history, music and stories throughout the day. A 50-minute Loch Ness cruise is included.

“Excellent experience has so much fun, didn’t find the monster but still had fun. Daughter said we would find it but unfortunately wasmt the case. Rest of tour was good to. Our driver John was fantastic well worth it”

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3.Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 806 reviews · 11 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $76

Travel from Glasgow through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry on an 11-hour guided tour. Guides such as Jack, Wee Davie, Michelle, and Alistair combine Scottish history, jokes, music, and photo stops. Add a Loch Ness cruise for an extra fee, and dress for changeable weather.

“Our driver Charlie was amazing! So funny and informative. The views are spectacular and he gave us plenty of photo opportunities along the way.”

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4.Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 272 reviews · 11 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $91

This 11-hour-45-minute small-group tour takes you from Glasgow to Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, the Cairngorms, and Perthshire. An English-speaking driver-guide such as Tony, Gary, or Colin provides history and local stories from a maximum 16-seat mini-coach. The day is scenic, social, and very full.

“Nice Experience touring.. Highlands, Loch Ness,. Loch Lomond, Glencoe..Must if you need to see real Scotland”

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5.Glasgow (Greenock) Shore Excursion: Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Highlands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 267 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $93

From Greenock, ride through Scotland’s countryside to Stirling Castle, then continue through the Trossachs to Aberfoyle and Loch Lomond. You’ll have about 90 minutes at the castle, a lunch stop, and a short visit to Luss. Guides such as Michelle and Wee Davey add history and humor, but admission, meals, and drinks cost extra.

“Had a great time and it was nice to see Stirling Castle. The tour guide did a really good job providing the history of each stop.”

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6.Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 254 reviews · 11 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $91

Spend nearly 12 hours in a small mini-coach visiting Luss, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel. Guides such as Tony, Scott, Marc and John add Scottish stories and humor along the way. From April through October, the schedule aims to reach the viaduct when the Jacobite Steam Train crosses, though timing is not guaranteed.

“Jerry did a great job telling stories and making good use of the time. We got to the site to watch the train cross the viaduct bridge at exactly the right time. The scenery was a highlight”

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7.Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 242 reviews · 9 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $62

Leave Glasgow with a driver-guide such as Michelle, Jack, or Stuart for a full day through western Scotland. See Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, Castle Stalker, Glencoe, and Luss. Expect live storytelling, photo stops, an air-conditioned vehicle, and free time for lunch and walks. Castle admission and food cost extra.

“The incredible landscape of the highlands, excellent seafood lunch in picturesque Oban, and Glen Coe - just stunning. Our driver/guide (Stuart) provided a fascinating overview of Scottish history in a pleasant storytelling style. A thoroughly enjoyable tour. One false note: the spot where we stopped to view gorgeous Loch Lomond was disappointing. You might want to rethink that. But I still loved the tour.”

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8.Full-Day Oban Castles and Glencoe Guided Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $76

Travel from Glasgow to Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Oban, Castle Stalker, and Glencoe in a small air-conditioned vehicle. Your English-speaking driver-guide handles the roads and adds Scottish history along the way. Guides such as Tony, Gary, Chris, Colin, and Scott are known for warm storytelling. Inveraray Castle entry is optional and costs extra.

“Fergie was an amazing tour guide. So much knowledge was provided to us and he even played the bagpipes for us. Great day all around.”

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9.3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $692

Travel from Glasgow to Skye and the Highlands in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a driver-guide such as John, Ian, George, or Graham. Expect castle stops, mountain views, Loch Ness, flexible weather-based plans, two nights with breakfast, and a maximum group size of 16.

“There are not enough words to express how phenomenal this tour was. Our Tour Guide, George (tall George) was amazing. How can we say he was always on time and kept us informed, when at the same time he was spontaneous. His love of Scotland and the beauty of the land was interwoven with music, dance and humor. Basically at the end of the 3 days we were family and saying goodbye was difficult. We will NEVER forget George and his beautiful country. Every place he took us there was either a story that was mystical or factual, but always entertaining. Because of George, the memories of this trip will…”

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10.Isle of Skye, The Highlands and Loch Ness – 3 Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $235

Spend three days crossing the Highlands to the Isle of Skye, with stops at Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, the Quiraing, Dunvegan Castle, Loch Ness and Eilean Donan. A driver-guide such as Mark, Gillian, Neil or Paul leads up to 19 people in an air-conditioned vehicle. Choose included accommodation or arrange your own near Portree.

“Fantastic Highlands & Isle of Skye tour. Perfect balance between getting to see a range of the historic & natural sights of the Isle of Skye with passionate commentary & storytelling from our tour guide Mark. Mark’s enthusiasm & joy for the countryside really shone through and made this a memorable and thoughtful experience. I could not recommend the tour with Mark at the wheel and on the microphone highly enough. Everything worked and Mark was always checking in with the tour group on what we’d like to see and gave the group options to visit main sights , Castles & Talisker distillery , Loch Ness cruise etc along with…”

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11.Private Tour of Highlands, Oban, Glencoe, Lochs & Castles from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 169 reviews · 10 hours (approx.)

Spend about 10 hours with a private guide exploring Luss, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, and the Falls of Falloch. Guides such as Jimmy, Ayvin, Phil, and George tailor the day to your pace, add photo stops, and share local stories. Lunch and Inveraray Castle admission cost extra.

“Simon was great. He was very accomodating with our schedule. We spent way too long touring a castle and Simon recommended adjustments that allowed us to see almost all qe wanted to see...including feeding the Hilean Coo. It was awesome! Thank you Simone!”

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12.Glencoe, Scenic Walk & Highlands Guided Tour starting Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · 8 hours 40 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Travel from Glasgow into Loch Lomond and the Highlands with guides such as James, Matt, John, Graham, or Rachel. Expect a small group, scenic drives, short walks at Luss, Falls of Falloch, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond, plus lively stories about Scottish history, folklore, and music.

“The most amazing experience, Matt was an excellent guide connecting modern day Scotland with the past. Beautiful places with history and heart. Highly recommend!”

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13.Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 113 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $74

Travel from Glasgow with a driver-guide such as Wee Davie, Anthony, Jack, or Stuart to Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Neptune’s Staircase, and Loch Lomond. This 10.5-hour trip blends Highland scenery, Jacobite history, Harry Potter filming sites, and practical stops without requiring you to drive.

“Gregor was a “raconteur”— very knowledgeable, informative, and entertaining. Many personal anecdotes. And a big “shout out” to Jamie, our fabulous driver! Great day despite the steady rain— it is Scotland🤷‍♂️”

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14.3-Day Isle of Skye and Highlands Tour from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $416

Travel by minibus from Glasgow through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, and Pitlochry. Your driver-guide handles the roads and shares Scottish history, while two B&B nights and breakfast are included. Plan for extra admission fees and confirm whether your return is by coach or train.

“Graham our tour guide was fantastic! He really went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable, relaxed and entertained. He had lots of general knowledge to share. If you have a short time to see the highlands, this covers all the essentials!”

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15.Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Glasgow

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 74 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $83

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Glasgow to Loch Lomond, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, and Inveraray. Guides such as John, Fergus, Neil, and Cameron share Scottish history, folklore, and local insight. You’ll have time for Oban seafood and McCaig’s Tower, but the packed schedule means some stops are brief.

“We thoroughly enjoyed this small group day trip. Brodie was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The countryside was beautiful and we had lots of stops.”

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