Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh – 5 Days
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- Duration
- 5 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Ensuite
- Start / End
- Edinburgh → Edinburgh
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 16
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
The Orkney Islands are full of hidden wonders, and over five incredible days, we'll guide you to the very best. You'll explore Skara Brae, one of the most remarkably preserved prehistoric sites in Europe; take in the beauty of the red sandstone coastline; and experience the rich culture of remote island communities.
You'll also have the chance to search for the Loch Ness Monster, admire the stunning northern landscapes of Scotland, and hear the haunting tale of Glencoe. It's an experience you'll treasure for a lifetime.
- Travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe, pause at Loch Ness, and arrive in Inverness — gateway to the Highlands — after an unforgettable first day of dramatic Scottish scenery
- Drive the North Coast 500 past Dunrobin Castle to John O'Groats, then cross the Pentland Firth by ferry to the Orkney Islands, stopping at the extraordinary wartime Italian Chapel
- Explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site — with admission included to the 5,000-year-old Maeshowe tomb, the Ring of Brodgar, and the extraordinary prehistoric village of Skara Brae
- Return along the northern North Coast 500 past Smoo Cave and the ruined Ardvreck Castle in the Assynt mountains before an evening in the fishing village of Ullapool
- Visit Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns — made famous by Outlander — then pass through Cairngorms National Park and Dunkeld on the return to Edinburgh via the Forth Rail Bridge
5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Itinerary
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Day 1
Glencoe and the Highlands
Your journey begins in Edinburgh, heading north past familiar landmarks like the Kelpies and Stirling Castle. As you cross into the Highlands, you enter Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where there's time for a short stop — either in a Highland village or by a scenic loch. The road then leads through the vast landscape of Rannoch Moor and into Glencoe, where towering peaks and a powerful history await.
Afterward, arrive in Fort William for a lunch break and time to explore the town, nestled below Ben Nevis. In the afternoon, take a gentle walk to the Falls of Foyers before continuing along the banks of Loch Ness. Pause at Dores for a view across the loch, then make your way to Inverness, where the evening is yours to enjoy.
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Day 2
The East Coast and Orkney
Depart Inverness and travel across the Black Isle, following the North Coast 500 route. Make a brief stop in Golspie before continuing to Dunrobin Castle to take in its spires and gardens. The journey continues along the North Sea, with stops to enjoy sweeping views and dramatic cliffscapes. Winding roads lead through glens and small villages as you head toward John O'Groats, arriving around midday.
From nearby Gills Bay, board the ferry for a crossing of the Pentland Firth to Orkney. On arrival at St Margaret's Hope, travel across the Churchill Barriers and stop to see the Italian Chapel — built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war. Arrive in Kirkwall and enjoy a free evening to explore the town and its Viking heritage.
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Day 3
Skara Brae & Ancient Orkney
Travel through Orkney's farmland and along the coast to reach the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Maeshowe, a chambered tomb built over 5,000 years ago, known for its Viking runes. Then continue to the Ring of Brodgar, a prehistoric stone circle surrounded by legend.
Explore Skara Brae, a well-preserved ancient village, before heading to Stromness for lunch and time to walk through its old streets and harbour. Later, visit places such as the Kirbuster Museum and possibly a tidal island. Return to Kirkwall for a free evening to have dinner (not included), walk along the harbour, or listen to traditional music.
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Day 4
Explore the North Coast 500
Depart Kirkwall and pass Scapa Flow on the way to the ferry terminal at St Margaret's Hope. Take the ferry across the Pentland Firth, watching the waters for possible sightings of whales or dolphins during the crossing.
Once back on the mainland, travel along the northern part of the North Coast 500, through striking scenery, toward Smoo Cave. Continue into the Assynt mountains. Make a stop to see Ardvreck Castle before reaching Ullapool, where you'll have a free evening in the fishing village.
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Day 5
Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns
Head south to Corrieshalloch Gorge and take a short woodland walk to see the River Droma drop 60 metres into the gorge below. Continue the journey past lochs and rugged mountains to Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end.
Next, visit Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site also known for its connection to Outlander, before travelling through the Cairngorms to the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore. Make a final stop in Dunkeld to visit the cathedral and stroll through its streets, then return to Edinburgh, crossing the Forth Rail Bridge.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 4 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
What should I expect from a B&B?
B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
It's unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it's worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room (subject to availability, upon request only) as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Guide & Admissions
- Expert local driver-guide throughout
- Maeshowe – admission included
- Skara Brae – admission included
- Culloden Battlefield – admission to museum and battlefield included
Meals
- 4 breakfasts
Transport
- 16-seat mini-coach throughout
- Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage (14 kg / 31 lbs) & 1 small carry-on bag (4.5 kg / 10 lbs). Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment and is not accessible until drop-off.
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Food and drinks
- Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- Tour reference code: 315218
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 4 nights en-suite B&B accommodation with daily breakfast, admission to Maeshowe, Skara Brae, and Culloden Battlefield and Museum, and transportation by 16-seat mini-coach with an expert local driver-guide throughout.
The tour starts and ends in Edinburgh. You depart from Edinburgh on Day 1 and return to Edinburgh on Day 5, crossing the iconic Forth Rail Bridge on the way back.
Night 1 is in Inverness, nights 2 and 3 are in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, and night 4 is in Ullapool. All accommodation is B&B en-suite with daily breakfast included.
Admission to three significant sites is included: Maeshowe (a 5,000-year-old chambered tomb famous for its Viking runes), Skara Brae (one of Europe's best-preserved prehistoric villages), and Culloden Battlefield and Museum (where the Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end in 1746).
On Day 2 you board a ferry from Gills Bay near John O'Groats across the Pentland Firth to St Margaret's Hope on Orkney. Keep an eye on the water during the crossing — whales and dolphins have been spotted in these waters. On Day 4 the return ferry crosses the same stretch of water back to the mainland.
Skara Brae is one of the most remarkably preserved prehistoric village sites in Europe, older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Located on the Orkney Islands and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Heart of Neolithic Orkney, it gives an extraordinary glimpse into the daily life of people who lived there over 5,000 years ago. Admission is included in the tour price.
The Italian Chapel is a remarkable small church built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war held on Orkney to work on the Churchill Barriers. Constructed from two Nissen huts and decorated with extraordinary artistry using salvaged materials, it stands as a moving testament to creativity and faith under extraordinary circumstances. You visit it on Day 2 on the way to Kirkwall.
Clava Cairns is a prehistoric burial site near Inverness, consisting of beautifully preserved Bronze Age cairns and standing stones dating back around 4,000 years. It is also famous as an inspiration for the standing stones in the Outlander TV series and novels. You visit it on Day 5.
The tour starts from US $1,616 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $2,525 — a saving of 36%. Price may vary by departure date.