5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

The 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh offers a comprehensive way to experience Scotland’s diverse beauty and history in just under a week. Priced at $1,305.05 per person, this tour is ideal for those eager to explore both the majestic Highlands and the prehistoric treasures of Orkney. It departs from Edinburgh at 8:30 am and spans approximately 5 days, with a focus on efficiency and depth. The tour includes four nights’ accommodation with breakfast, making it a convenient package without the hassle of organizing every detail independently.

This tour is most suitable for travelers who appreciate in-depth guided experiences, as the group size caps at 35 travelers, ensuring the guides can share their knowledge comfortably. A notable strength is the expert guide who is praised for sharing fascinating stories about each site visited, and the stunning scenic drives through some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. One potential consideration is the paced itinerary, which some reviews mention as being quite rushed at times, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full schedule. This tour balances historical insights with breathtaking views, perfect for those wanting a rich overview of Scotland’s highlights.

Key Points

• Extensive 5-day itinerary covering Orkney and the Highlands, with a focus on history and scenery
• Includes four nights’ accommodation and breakfast each morning
• Guided by knowledgeable experts, with many reviews praising their storytelling skills
• Highlights feature prehistoric sites like Maeshowe and Skara Brae, as well as the Culloden Battlefield
• Special stops include the Italian Chapel, Dunrobin Castle, and John O’Groats
• Group size limited to 35 ensures a comfortable tour experience

Scenic Drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

The tour begins with a journey through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, often called “The Highlands in Miniature.” This area boasts stunning lochs and mountains that showcase Scotland’s natural beauty. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving time to admire the scenery and snap photos. The landscape sets the tone for the adventure ahead, highlighting Scotland’s rugged charm.

Next, the group visits Glencoe National Nature Reserve, famed for its dramatic mountain vistas. A 30-minute stop allows travelers to take in the spectacular views and hear stories of historical tragedies associated with this site. While admission tickets are not included for Glencoe, the scenery alone makes it a highlight. From here, the journey continues north through the Great Glen, following Loch Ness to arrive in Inverness for the first overnight stay.

Crossing to Orkney: Ferry from the Mainland

The highlight of the second day is the ferry ride to Orkney, a 40-minute crossing that transports the group to this archipelago filled with prehistoric sites and WWII history. The ferry is smooth and allows for scenic views of the surrounding waters. Upon arrival, travelers visit The Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII, which stands as a notable WWII relic. The chapel visit lasts about 40 minutes and offers insight into Orkney’s WWII history.

Exploring Orkney’s Prehistoric Sites: Maeshowe and Skara Brae

Day three is dedicated to prehistoric Scotland. The group visits Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a Neolithic burial site that takes about an hour to explore. Its intricate chambered design and ancient carvings make it a memorable stop. Following this, Skara Brae, unearthed during a storm in the 1850s, reveals how prehistoric villagers lived. The huts and artifacts at Skara Brae are displayed in a way that makes visitors feel connected to ancient life. Both sites are not included in the admission price, but the fascinating history outweighs the cost for most.

From Kirkwall to Dunrobin Castle and John O’Groats

After exploring Orkney, the tour departs Kirkwall for a ferry return to the mainland. The first stop on the return journey is John O’Groats, where visitors have about 20 minutes for photos. Standing at this northernmost point of mainland Britain, travelers can see both the eastern and western coasts simultaneously—an ideal photo opportunity and a great way to mark the trip’s northernmost point.

Next, the group visits Dunrobin Castle and Gardens for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This castle, home to the Duke of Sutherland, offers stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors may also catch the daily falconry display, adding an exciting element to this stop.

Visiting Culloden Battlefield and Final Stop in Pitlochry

The last full day begins with a visit to the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the 1746 last pitched battle on British soil. A 1 hour and 30-minute visit includes walking the battlefield and exploring the exhibition, providing a sobering but important perspective on Scotland’s history. The tour concludes with a stop in Pitlochry, a charming town in the geographical center of Scotland, where about 40 minutes are spent shopping or wandering before the tour ends back in Edinburgh.

Practicalities: Logistics, Group Size, and Accommodation

This tour departs from 192 High St, Edinburgh, at 8:30 am, and finishes at 22 St Andrew Square in Edinburgh. The package offers 4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast included, simplifying planning for travelers. The group size is capped at 35, ensuring a more personalized experience, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and most participants able to join.

Luggage restrictions are 15 kg maximum weight and 55cm x 40cm x 20cm size, which is typical for coach tours with luggage storage. Children under 3 years old are not accepted, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Travelers traveling solo should opt for the Single Room option when booking.

Expert Guides and Real-World Insights

The guides on this tour receive high praise for their knowledge and storytelling. One guide, Iain, is described as phenomenal, sharing fascinating stories about each site. Another guide, Fergie, is also highly appreciated for going above and beyond, although some reviews mention that the itinerary can feel rushed at times. The guides’ passion and expertise are a key part of making the trip memorable.

Tour Flexibility and Booking Details

This tour operates on a mobile ticket basis, and confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. Most travelers book about 98 days in advance due to high demand. Cancellation policies are flexible, allowing full refunds if canceled at least 6 days before the start date. Shorter notice cancellations are less flexible, so planning ahead is recommended.

Final Thoughts on the 5-Day Scottish Experience

This tour provides a well-rounded overview of Scotland’s natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural landmarks in just five days. The combination of mainland and Orkney highlights makes it unique, especially with stops at prehistoric sites, castles, and battlefields. The expert guides ensure an engaging experience, and the comfortable accommodation helps make the trip smoother.

While the itinerary can feel busy and rushed at times, the overall value and quality make it a solid choice for those seeking an immersive, guided exploration of Scotland’s most iconic spots. It’s especially recommended for history buffs, scenery lovers, and those who want a comprehensive taste of Scotland in just five days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 days, with the majority of the activities arranged over this period.

Does the tour include accommodation?
Yes, 4 nights’ accommodation are included, along with breakfast each morning.

Are meals other than breakfast included?
No, food and drinks outside of breakfast are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult; children under 3 are not accepted.

What sites are visited in Orkney?
Highlights in Orkney include The Italian Chapel, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, and Skara Brae.

What is the cancelation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled 6 days or more in advance; cancellations less than 6 days before start are generally not refunded.

Can I choose a single room?
Yes, travelers can select the Single Room option when booking, especially if traveling solo.

What guides lead the tour?
Guides like Iain and Fergie are known for their passion and knowledge, making the experience richer.

How is the pacing of the tour?
Some reviews indicate the schedule can be quite full, so a good level of energy and flexibility is recommended.

Is the tour accessible for most travelers?
Yes, the tour is designed for most travelers, though physical comfort during walking and standing at sites should be considered.