Home > Edinburgh > Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh
USD $62.00
Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Escape the city bustle of Edinburgh, and head west on the small group Oban and West Highlands Day Trip! This breathtaking area of Scotland contains coastlines, moorlands and mountains which encompass the dramatic beauty of the West Highlands. Explore the cosy, wee villages of Oban, Luss and Inveraray and take in the scenery with friendly Highland hospitality from your guide!
Starting from a central Edinburgh location, your small group tour departs early to beat the traffic on the drive west. Travelling via Glasgow to pick up some fellow passengers, you'll head to the first stop at the conservation village of Luss near Loch Lomond, Britain's largest freshwater loch. Take time to relax and enjoy the scenery before your tour continues into the heart of the Highlands.
Pass the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Kilchum Castle on the shores of Loch Awe, and hear tales of the Campbell Clan who once claimed the land as a stronghold. Loch Awe also follows the Pass of Brander, where Robert the Bruce (Scotland's heroic King) fought many a fierce battle in bygone times.
Reaching the Victorian seaside town of Oban in the early afternoon, take the chance to sample the freshest seafood from the town named as the Scottish Seafood Capital! Walk off your lunch with a stroll over to McCaig's Tower, the magnificent granite folly which has dominated the town's skyline since 1895. Don't be put-off by the long climb to the top! You'll be rewarded by spectacular views across the sea to the Isle of Mull.
On the return route back to Edinburgh, there will be a stop in Inverarary, a quaint village which lines the shores of Loch Fyne - characterized by it's pretty white-washed houses. Spend time at leisure and try some of the town's home-made sweets before heading back to Edinburgh, passing Scottish countryside steeped in myth and legend.
A great way to see the beautiful country-side. We had a spectacular lunch in Oban. Unfortunately, we had an inconsiderate group on the tour who were constantly late for departures during the day.
Review by: Scott M, September 2017
waste time in areas other than Oban so that when you get to Oban there is only an hour of time there. Didnt get to enjoy town.
Review by: mhartnag, August 2017
A nice day, despite the rain. The stops were nice, but more time needs to be spent in Oban. Having a little over an hour to have lunch and take in the sights was definitely not doable. Traffic was a little heavy going through the preserve but that should be taken into account by the operator. We were able to get up to McCaigs Tower and a quick drink in the Oban Distillery before we had to rush to catch the bus.
Review by: Susanne M, August 2017
My Dad and I really enjoyed the trip out to Oban and the west highlands. The tour guide was very knowledgeable in the history of the area and Scotland in general. It was a nice trip and a good learning experience. We enjoyed the music, the sights, and the stories.
Review by: r_pascal5, August 2017
The trip included a lot of interesting stops, especially in Inveraray. The highlight of the trip was definitely Oban. There were a lot of great seafood options available and the views from McCaig's Tower were amazing!
Review by: Treasa P, July 2017
A day being driven down the interstate to Oban, then an hour for lunch and back on the bus and down the interstate. There were a few short stops for scenery views, but not many and not great views. You also stop at a castle for about 20 minutes which was probably the best part, but not good enough to justify this trip.
Review by: zakiah.jamali, October 2016
The length of the trip was just right. Our guide was accomodating and knowledgable. He greeted us warmly as we joined the group. It was a small group tour and it felt cozy. We weren't rushed but there were times when the driver guide was late to show up.
Review by: Ivan C, October 2016
The tour was excellent and Jaime was outstanding.
Review by: Cathy W, October 2016
Jamie, our driver, was outstanding in every way courteous and patient with other vehicles, drove safely and cautiously, answered every question thoroughly, highly intelligent and organized, very knowledgeable in a plethora of topics, and created an environment of fun while learning.
Review by: Phan Anh T, September 2016
5 STARS TOUR EXPERIENCE
Review by: Mary W, September 2016
The guide was great even thought the weather that day was terrible. He knew of a fantastic water fall._br/_ got some really interesting and impressive pictures. I would recommenced this tour in good or Bad weather .
Review by: Robert H, September 2016
Enjoyed the bus tour very much. Only thing that was disappointing was the amount of time actually spent in Oban. Only had an hour and half -- barely time for lunch in busy restaurant. Had no time for sight seeing. Rob, the driver was a lot of fun.
Review by: Carol M, July 2016
Great trip. Magnificent scenery. Tour guide was also good. Well worth doing. Oban just beautiful. Seafood was spectacular. The biggest and tastiest oysters I have ever had on my life and not outrageously expensive. Many great stops with 'things'to see.
Review by: MBB, June 2016
This is an enjoyable day and, as an added benefit, a great way to see Loch Lomond. There are a number of interesting stops on the drive to and from Oban, which really make the trip worth doing.
Review by: Patricia J, June 2016
My son and I loved the tour! Our tour guide Max had lovely and funny stories and tales to tell!!!!! Will definitely book with the company again!!!!
Review by: Joe F, May 2016
The guide was outstanding, lots of stories and history explained.
Review by: Melanie O, April 2016
We made a few stops at some really amazing places for stretching our legs or taking some fotos of the breathtaking landscape. Our driver Steve was amazing! He showed us where to get the best seafood in Oban, made us laugh a lot and answered all our questions.
Review by: ehattrem, October 2015
Nice trip, good guide, bus too small.
Review by: Rosemarie P, September 2015
This was one of the best tours my family has had, ever! Would highly recommend it._br/_ Thank you so much
Review by: Suman B, September 2015
That was a great trip. My appreciation to Michael who has done an outstanding job in driving as well as guiding us.
Review by: robertp5050, July 2015
Cameron did a great job driving and discussing the scenery/towns we visited - this tour is a must for seeing the beautiful scenery outside of Edinburgh - and driving these roads yourself would be a dicey game. Strongly recommend.
Review by: Florence C, July 2015
Had an amazing time!! If you are staying in Edinburgh for a few days and have already done the famous Loch Ness trip, and are looking to do a second excursion, then I highly recommend this one - esp if you are a lover of seafood. Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland and the seafood doesn't get fresher than this. You get beautiful views of the harbor and skyline. There's never a shortage of restaurants for all budget levels and endless shopping opportunities from souvenirs to boutiques. If it's authentic, no-nonsense, casual, really good quality seafood you are seeking, then I recommend the quaint little green shack located right behind McCraig's Warehouse souvenir shop the locals would agree it's be best and near the train station. Just follow along the pier and the delicious smell of fresh seafood being cooked until you reach it. The seating is outside and ordering is quick and simple. Try the Grand Platter - which includes a sampler of all kinds of seafood lobster, crabs, mussels, scallops, fish, etc. etc. - it's plenty for two people. However, if you're craving fish n chips, try the place directly across from the McCraig's Warehouse souvenir shop. It's very fresh and good as well. I can literally spend a whole day at Oban. Our wonderful and friendly tour guide Michael from Highland Experience Tours was great. He was very informative and knowledgeable. He was approachable and pointed out all the different sights, histories, and fun facts along the way. He made our journey fun, exciting, and relaxed. We made numerous photo stops, which was awesome. I enjoyed the Falls of Falloch, and the stop at St. Conan Kirk because I really appreciate old churches. The village of Luss is cozy and had a great view of Loch Lomond. If I had to gripe about one thing, I guess it would be to have more time in Oban. I loved it that much! This was the perfect trip!!
Review by: Hikari A, July 2015
This was an unforgettable tour!
Review by: Irene, June 2015
the highlands is very grand and beautiful
Review by: Alex L, June 2015
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Eliane B, June 2015
I loved the tour! Our guide Cameron was very funny and knowledgeable. He stopped a few times so we could take photographs. The landscape is beautiful and Oban a nice town to stay for a few hours. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Review by: rbear3, May 2015
Beautiful landscapes. Neal was a fine guide and very informative.
Review by: Gloria C, September 2014
Love the small group. Absolutely great tour.
Review by: Angie V, June 2014
Nice tour with knowledgeable and friendly tour guide (Tom). Beautiful country and nice motor coach.
Review by: del, September 2013
Great, Scottish countryside is beautiful. Oban is a lovely wee fishing harbour and is nice to walk around. Our guide was very good and got a lot of information on surrounding area. All in all a very pleasant day.
Review by: RIC, August 2013
Great guide, lots of local knowledge, very enjoyable day.
Review by: Marsha S, July 2013
Excellent tour and guide.
Review by: Jolene F, July 2013
The views of the highlands were/are spectacular! Oban is Beautiful, and beautiful views from the Mccaig tower! our tour guide was awesome!! he even incorporated additional stops at other locations of old churches to add to the experience. He had lots of great stories about the clans, and would even look up things if asked. highly recommend this tour
Review by: Patricia B, June 2013
I think this was our favourite tour. Tour guide Alan was excellent. Knowlegeable and helpful, and we loved all the stops, and Oban. He gave us plenty of time at different places, excellent.
Review by: ian r, June 2013
The tour was a really enjoyable trip. The scenery was breathtaking! The driver was very courteous and knowledgeable. We felt very safe with his driving skills. It was an exceptional tour..
Review by: Fiona E, June 2013
Enjoyed this trip though could have done with slightly more time in Oban comfy bus well informed driver
Review by: Sharon E, September 2012
Our original tour was canceled because the driver was sick, but the tour company representative (Katrina) communicated the change early, was very thoughtful, and got us booked on another tour. I'm sure the original tour would have been great, but the Loch Ness/Glencoe/Highlands tour we ended up on was better than we could have imagined. Our guide/driver, Kenny, was absolutely delightful, engaging, funny, and informative. We loved him. We made many stops, we felt well taken care of, we had fun, we saw amazing things, plus the weather was fantastic. I can't recommend this tour -- or Kenny -- highly enough!!
Review by: Graham C, September 2012
From breathtaking scenery to fascinating history, you've got it all on this tour! It is a wonderful way to see the Scottish highlands if you don't have much time. The guide was extremely knowledgable, but also kept us thoroughly entertained for the whole trip with his stories, re-telling of the history of the region, intermingled with his "Dad jokes" and unique sense of humour. Even when the start of the Glasgow marathon saw the closing of half the streets in Glasgow, so the driver/guide had to re-orient himself to find his way out of the city, he never appeared flustered or angry. This was a thoroughly enjoyable tour which I would highly recommend.
Review by: Elon R, September 2012
It would have been better to go deeper into the highlands, or to see more castles, then to go to Oban. The guide was good and the castle we did go to was beautiful.
Review by: Patricia C, August 2012
had a great day,.
Review by: Jeralynn C, July 2012
Although the scenery was pretty, the Rabbie's trips were much better. This guide played pre-recorded messages about Scotland that you could buy at a store and on the return trip played the Wimbledon tournament the whole route.
Review by: AngieC, July 2012
Guide seemed to have some personal issues as he wasn't as friendly as some of the others. I did 8 day trips in Edinburgh and Dublin and this guide was by far the worst. But it was a sunny day and visiting the locations was excellent.
Review by: Nandita, May 2012
I liked the tour and guide was helpful and had the knowledge. But only like to tell that instead of one hour if we could get two hours in Oban, it would be better.
Review by: Dan t S, April 2012
So much trash lying around sights we visited. It woul be a good idea for tour companies to participate in keeping them clean.
Review by: Siobhan G, September 2011
Very informative, lots of history and beautiful scenery.
Review by: michelle d, May 2011
It was a good trip through the Scottish highlands, however we should have had 2 hours in Oban to give us enough time for lunch and sight see. We only had 1 hour which certainly was not enough. I felt rushed and didn't really get to enjoy Oban. The. Driver was nice and knew his history well.
Review by: CATHRYNE S, April 2011
This trip was FANTASTIC. Small group, 6 people in a mini-van. The driver/guide was John Paul who was so informative and knowledgeable on all the aspects of history and culture. I thought the trip was worth the price and I would book another tour with Viatour. Kudos to John Paul for making a memorable trip to Oban and the West Highlands. This tour was great since it gave you a contrast of the coast and highlands. Well worth it!br/_
Cathryne Sundel- New York City/USA