From Edinburgh: Scottish Highlands Full-Day Trip

Exploring the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh: An Honest Look at the Full-Day Trip

Planning a day trip into the Scottish Highlands? We’ve come across a tour that promises a mix of iconic landmarks, sweeping scenery, and plenty of flexibility. Offered by Not Another Taxi Company, this private full-day adventure takes you through some of Scotland’s most photogenic spots, all in comfort and style. While it’s certainly a tempting way to tick off several highlights in one go, it’s worth knowing what to expect before you book.

What immediately caught our attention is the customizable nature of this tour. You’re not just sitting in a bus, but traveling in an executive vehicle that allows for impromptu stops and personal pacing. Plus, the guide’s experience and local knowledge seem to be a highlight, especially if you’re someone who appreciates a good story or hidden gems. The price, at just over $1,150 for a group of up to seven, might seem steep, but considering the private, tailored experience, it could be worth it if you love having your own space and flexibility.

That said, the tour isn’t perfect for everyone. Some reviews mention that the landscape views are limited—more hills than the sweeping Highlands you might envision—and it’s a fairly packed schedule. If you’re after an in-depth exploration or a more immersive Highland experience, this might feel rushed or superficial. But if your goal is ticking off a handful of must-see sights with comfort and style, this could work well. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, historic landmarks, and quick stops rather than deep cultural dives.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience provides flexibility and comfort.
• Includes several iconic sights like Blackness Castle and the Kelpies.
• Travel in an executive vehicle, with water and soft drinks for refreshment.
• The price may be high but offers a tailored, private journey.
• Reviews are mixed—some travelers appreciate the scenery, others wish for more.
• Perfect for scenic lovers and those seeking convenience rather than in-depth Highland exploration.

What to Expect from the Highland Adventure

When considering this tour, it’s important to understand what’s included—and what’s not. The journey begins in Edinburgh, with a pickup from your hotel or a location of your choice, ensuring you won’t have to worry about transport logistics. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned private vehicle that comfortably seats up to seven people, with water and soft drinks available throughout. A driver with local knowledge guides you, sharing stories and pointing out hidden spots — a feature many travelers found enjoyable.

The itinerary is packed with notable stops, each offering a glimpse into Scotland’s landscapes and history. The first highlight is the Queensferry Crossing, a marvel of modern engineering that connects Edinburgh with Fife. You’ll get around 10 minutes here for photos and a quick view of the three bridges—an impressive sight, especially for fans of infrastructure.

Next, you’ll visit Blackness Castle, a 15th-century fortress that’s been used as a filming location for Outlander. If you’re interested, you can request to go inside. This stop lasts about 15 minutes and offers a chance to soak up some medieval atmosphere. The castle’s history of imprisoning high-status prisoners adds a layer of intrigue to your visit.

From there, the tour takes you to see the Kelpies, towering horse-head sculptures built in 2013. At 100 feet tall, they’re a striking sight and a photo opportunity that’s worth the quick stop. The legend of the kelpie is a curious mix of myth, meant to keep children away from dangerous waterways, but now they’re simply a symbol of Scottish craftsmanship and creativity. You’ll spend around 20 minutes here, enough to appreciate the artistry and snap some photos.

Callander, known as the gateway to the Highlands, offers a charming break where you can explore Mhor Bread Bakery, famous for its sourdough and hearty pies. This stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to enjoy some fresh local baked goods and experience a bit of the town’s quaint vibe.

For those interested in whisky or gin, there’s an optional tasting session for an additional 45 minutes. While not included in the base price, it’s a popular add-on for spirit enthusiasts.

Then, the tour moves to the Trossachs, where Kilmahog and the Highland Cows make an adorable and memorable stop. You’ll have the chance to see Hamish Dubh, Honey, and Holly, the Highland Cows, and maybe even feed them. This stop is brief—about 15 minutes—but enough to get close to these iconic animals and enjoy their gentle presence.

The Falls of Dochart in Killin are next—an idyllic village with rushing rapids that make for great photos. After a quick 15-minute walk, you’ll get to see the water’s power up close.

The highlight for many is the drive along Loch Tay, Scotland’s sixth-largest loch. It’s a stunning sight—crystal-clear water bordered by mountains and lush hillsides—perfect for those postcard shots. You’ll spend around 40 minutes here soaking in the views.

The final stop is the Birks of Aberfeldy, a steep gorge with waterfalls along the Moness burn. If you’re up for a short hike, this hour-long trail is a scenic way to end the day, especially if you love waterfalls and nature.

Finally, you’ll visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier, a boutique chocolatier famous for his truffles. The 30-minute visit is a sweet way to cap off the day, with the chance to sample and purchase local chocolates.

How Does the Schedule Feel?

The itinerary is quite full, with each stop ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, not including driving time. The total duration is about 9 hours, including some scenic drives, so you should be prepared for a long day. The driver’s vast experience and local knowledge aim to make the trip engaging, but the packed schedule means not much time for lingering at each spot. As one traveler put it, “we didn’t really see the Highlands, just a few hills,” indicating some might find the experience a bit rushed.

The Value of the Experience

When considering the cost, it’s crucial to think about what you’re getting. For around $1,150 for up to 7 people, you’re paying for a private, tailored experience with a knowledgeable guide, transport, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. You won’t be on a large bus with strangers, which is a big plus for many. The ability to stop wherever you want means you can focus on the scenery that appeals most to you.

However, some reviews mention that while the guide was excellent, the scenery was “just a few hills,” which can be disappointing if you’re expecting the dramatic, expansive Highlands vistas. This suggests that the tour might prioritize comfort and convenience over deep exploration.

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Who Would This Tour Suit Best?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a comfortable, private day trip with the flexibility to customize your stops. It’s a good choice for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, historic sites, and iconic landmarks but don’t want to spend days exploring. It’s also well-suited for those who value personalized service and a relaxed pace, rather than a packed schedule with rigid timings.

If you’re traveling with a group that prefers the privacy and comfort of your own vehicle and guide, this could be a memorable way to see the Scottish Highlands. Conversely, if you’re after an in-depth cultural or natural immersion, or if you’re on a tight budget, you might find other options more fitting.

Final Thoughts

This Scottish Highlands tour offers a blend of convenience, comfort, and iconic sights, wrapped into a private experience. You’ll love the views of Loch Tay and the unique sculptures of the Kelpies, especially if you enjoy striking landscapes and quirky landmarks. The customizable nature and private transport make it easy to tailor the experience to your preferences, which is a big plus.

However, the limited time at each stop and the somewhat restrained scenery might leave travelers wanting more. If you’re someone who likes to explore deeply or prefers a more immersive experience, you might find this tour a bit superficial. But if you’re after a relaxed, scenic highlights reel with plenty of comfort, this could be just right.

Overall, it’s best for travelers who want the convenience of a private guide, prefer to see the main sights without a hassle, and are okay with a somewhat quick snapshot of the Highlands rather than a comprehensive exploration.

FAQ

Is this a full-day trip?
Yes, it lasts about 9 hours, including travel time and stops. It’s a long day but packed with highlights.

Do I need to pay extra for entry into castles or attractions?
Yes, entry fees for castles and distilleries aren’t included, so plan accordingly if you want inside tours.

Can I customize the stops?
The tour is fully customizable, so your driver-guide can adapt it to your interests and pace.

Is food included in the price?
No, food and drinks are not included. But there are stops where you can buy local baked goods or enjoy a tasting if you pay extra.

What is the transportation like?
Travel is in a fully air-conditioned private executive vehicle that holds up to 8 passengers, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, but it could work for families comfortable with a long day and some walking, especially at scenic stops like waterfalls and lochs.

This tour offers a nicely balanced taste of Scotland’s most recognizable sights, wrapped in the comfort of private transport. Just remember, it’s more about the highlights than deep exploration—and it’s perfect if that’s what you’re after.

You can check availability for your dates here: