Rabbie’s Edinburgh day tours are full-day trips that leave the city in the morning and bring you back in the evening, so you can pack the Highlands, castles or coastal towns into a single day. In a small-group 16-seat mini-coach, your expert driver-guide shares stories as you travel to places like Glencoe, Loch Ness, Stirling Castle, St Andrews and the Fife fishing villages.

Edinburgh day tours: what you can see in one day

A single day out of Edinburgh can take you much further than you might think. Our Edinburgh day tours leave the city in the morning and bring you back the same evening, giving you a full taste of Scotland’s landscapes, legends and local life.

In one day, you could discover:

• Loch Ness & the Highlands: Scotland's most famous loch beckons with monster legends and dramatic scenery. Explore our full range of Loch Ness tours or discover the beauty of our Scottish Highland tours.

• Glencoe: One of Scotland's most photographed glens, where towering mountains frame a valley with the Three Sisters peaks, cascading waterfalls and the Meeting of Three Waters.

• Glenfinnan Viaduct & Harry Potter sites: Stand at Loch Shiel where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, watch for the steam train crossing the arches, and explore Glencoe's dramatic scenery that's appeared on screen countless times.

• Loch Lomond & the Trossachs: Britain's largest freshwater loch sits within Scotland's first national park. Rob Roy MacGregor, the Highland outlaw, made these hills his territory. Today, you'll find peaceful villages, ancient forests and opportunities to get on the water. Explore more on our Loch Lomond tours page.

• Stirling Castle & Historic Sites: Stand where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned, where Robert the Bruce inspired his troops and where the Wars of Independence changed Scotland forever. Discover more about the historical sites associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.

• St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife: The home of golf combines medieval ruins, coastal beauty and university town atmosphere. En route, stop at the Kelpies sculptures, Falkland Palace and the three Forth Bridges. Learn more in our blog on why St Andrews is so famous.

• Whisky distillery tours: Sample Scotland's national drink at working distilleries in the Highlands. You'll discover how water, barley and time create distinct flavours, hear about the art of blending and, naturally, enjoy a tasting or two. 

• Outlander tours: Central Scotland hosts numerous Outlander filming sites. Visit Doune Castle, Blackness Castle and other locations where Jamie and Claire's story unfolded. Discover the best Outlander locations.

• Scottish Borders: Head south to abbeys, stately homes and landscapes that inspired Sir Walter Scott. Rosslyn Chapel's intricate carvings gained fame through The Da Vinci Code, but the chapel's actual story involves the Knights Templar, mysterious symbols and medieval craftsmanship. Learn 5 things you never knew about Rosslyn Chapel.

Our Scotland day tours from Edinburgh are designed so you see key highlights without feeling overly rushed. You will not see everything in Scotland in a day, and some routes involve more time on the road than others. The art is choosing the Edinburgh 1-day tour that matches what you most want to experience.

Award-Winning Scotland Day Trips from the Capital

Take part in an escorted Scottish day trip, with a trusted, award-winning company. We pride ourselves in delivering unique experiences to our guests. Whether you choose to explore Loch Ness, the Highlands or Glencoe. Our experts can provide you with knowledge you may not find elsewhere. Book your place today.