5 Days Orkney Islands & NC500 Tour from Glasgow

Explore Scotland’s Landmarks on a 5-Day Small-Group Tour from Glasgow

A 5-day journey through Scotland, the Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 (NC500) offers a comprehensive experience of the country’s most captivating sights. Priced at $839.13 per person, this tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized exploration. The tour starts bright and early at 7:30 am from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow and features a carefully curated itinerary with highlights like Cairngorms National Park, Culloden Battlefield, and the Italian Chapel.

The journey crosses by ferry to the Orkney Islands, includes visits to Stone Age sites, and concludes with scenic stops at Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond. With a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, this tour suits those eager to see Scotland’s diverse landscapes and ancient heritage. The inclusion of ferry rides, guided walks, and whisky tastings adds value, while the small group size promises a more relaxed experience. A key consideration is the physical demand for certain stops, such as exploring Glen Cairns or Skara Brae.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 8 travelers for personalized attention
• Includes ferry rides to the Orkney Islands and back to the Scottish mainland
• Visits to iconic sites like Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Maeshowe, and Skara Brae
• Scenic drives along the North Coast 500 and through the Scottish Highlands
• Whisky tastings at Dalwhinnie and Scapa Distillery
• Includes notable historic ruins, ancient stone circles, and prehistoric sites

Discover Cairngorms National Park and Inverness

The tour begins with a visit to Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in Scotland, celebrated for its woodland walks and mountain scenery. This stop offers a peaceful start with free admission and showcases the lush landscapes that define the Scottish highlands.

Next, Culloden Battlefield provides a sobering look at the 1746 Jacobite uprising. While the visitor center has an entrance fee, the battlefield itself remains accessible, and guides share insights into this pivotal event in Scottish history. The tour allows for about 1.5 hours at each location before progressing to the town of Inverness, where travelers have two hours of free time to explore cafes, shops, or simply enjoy the local atmosphere.

Finally, Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site over 4,000 years old, offers a fascinating glimpse into Neolithic Scotland, with standing stones and burial chambers. The stop is brief but enriching, with free access to the ancient site.

Scenic Drive Along the North Coast 500 and Coastal Walks

On Day 2, the tour heads north along the North Coast 500, a renowned route for dramatic coastal views. Over three hours, travelers experience some of Scotland’s most striking seaside scenery, with opportunities to enjoy free sightseeing and coastal walks at Latheronwheel Harbor.

The highlight is a visit to the Italian Chapel, constructed by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. While the entry fee is not included, the chapel’s interior decoration and history make it a compelling stop.

Later, the group visits Scapa Distillery for a whisky tasting tour, lasting around two hours. This is a chance to learn about Highland whisky production and sample drams, with fees for tastings and tours not included in the base price.

The day ends in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, where the small-town charm and local cafes provide a relaxed environment to settle in for the night.

Visiting Ancient Viking and Neolithic Sites in Kirkwall

The third day concentrates on the prehistoric and Viking heritage of Orkney. The tour begins with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, a prominent Viking church that dates back centuries, offering a glimpse into medieval ecclesiastical history.

Next, the group explores the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a 5000-year-old Neolithic tomb, guided by an expert. The site’s approximate entry fee is £11, but the access and storytelling make it worthwhile.

The Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar are impressive stone circles over 5000 years old, with ample space for photographs and reflection. The largest stone circle in Britain, the Ring of Brodgar, offers a sense of ancient grandeur with its sprawling layout.

The day concludes at Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved Stone Age village, where visitors can see reconstructed homes, beds, and shelves used over 5000 years ago. The entry fee is around £13, but walking through the excavated dwellings offers a tangible connection to early Scottish history.

Cross Back to Mainland via St. Margaret’s Hope and Visit Castle Sinclair

On Day 4, the journey continues with a ferry crossing from St. Margaret’s Hope back to the Scottish mainland. The ferry ride lasts about 1.5 hours, offering scenic views of the Orkney coastline.

Once back on the mainland, the tour makes a stop at John O’Groats, the iconic northernmost point of mainland Britain. The famous fingers post makes it a perfect photo opportunity.

The group then visits the Grey Cairns of Camster, an ancient burial site where adventurous visitors can crawl into the cairn—a physical and memorable experience requiring mobility and comfort with tight spaces.

Arriving in Inverness, the tour explores Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, a striking 16th-century fortress perched on the coast, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Finally, Dunrobin Castle and Gardens provide a fairy-tale setting, with grand rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for a leisurely stroll while admiring the coastal scenery. The entry fee is approximately £15, not included in the tour price.

The Highland Highlights: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond

The final day of the tour involves some of Scotland’s most famous natural sights. The group visits Loch Ness, with a cruise chance to spot “Nessie,” the legendary monster. While the cruise fee is around £17, the views across the lake are breathtaking regardless of the chance of seeing Nessie.

Next, the group explores Glen Coe, renowned for its dramatic mountain passes and rugged landscape. This 45-minute stop highlights one of the most visually striking areas in Scotland.

The journey concludes with a visit to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The scenic stops here showcase Scotland’s lakes, wildlife, and lush scenery, with about an hour of sightseeing.

Traveling through the Scottish Highlands completes the experience, offering about four hours of scenic driving that ties together the various landscapes and vistas experienced over the five days.

Practical Details: Transportation, Guides, and Inclusions

The tour uses a comfortable van for a maximum of 8 passengers, ensuring a relaxed pace and space for personal attention. The guides are praised for their knowledge, with reviews highlighting Jim and Calum for their friendly, informative, and passionate storytelling.

Included in the tour are ferry rides to the Orkney Islands and back, as well as guided short walks in the Highlands and the Islands. The itinerary features numerous free-access sites like standing stones, stone circles, and prehistoric cairns.

While the tour price covers most logistical aspects, additional expenses include meals, entry fees to castles and sites, and whisky tastings. The tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility or walking issues due to the physical nature of some stops.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This 5-day Scottish adventure suits travelers looking for an intimate group experience that balances cultural heritage with stunning scenery. The mix of historic sites, coastal drives, and whisky tastings appeals to those curious about Scotland’s past and present.

It’s ideal for active travelers comfortable with walking and terrain that may involve some cramped spaces, especially at Grey Cairns. The small group size and guided walks make it a good choice for those wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration of Scotland’s highlights.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Scottish Journey

This 5-day tour from Glasgow offers an immersive look at Scotland’s historic sites, breathtaking landscapes, and unique islands. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of ferry rides, whisky tastings, and guided walks adds richness to the experience.

While some sites require additional fees, the overall value lies in visiting iconic locations like Maeshowe, Skara Brae, and Glen Coe, along with scenic drives through the Highlands and along the NC500 route.

This tour is especially suited for adventurous, curious travelers eager to see both the ancient and natural beauty of Scotland in one well-organized package. The enthusiastic guides, stunning vistas, and historic landmarks make it a memorable way to discover Scotland’s diverse heritage and landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour uses a comfortable van with a maximum of 8 passengers to ensure a relaxed experience.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals and snacks are not included, so participants should plan to bring food or purchase during stops.

What are the key sites visited on Day 3?
Day 3 focuses on Kirkwall, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, and Skara Brae.

Do I need to be physically fit to join?
While most stops involve short walks, some sites like Grey Cairns require good mobility and comfort with cramped spaces.

What is the cost of the additional entry fees?
Entry fees for sites like Maeshowe (£11), Skara Brae (£13), and the Loch Ness cruise (~£17) are not included in the tour price.

How do I book and cancel?
Booking can be done through the provider, with full refunds available if canceled at least 6 days in advance.

Who is the tour provider?
The tour is operated by Experience Scotland’s Wild, and their contact number is +44 131 241 8292.

What is the best time to join this tour?
While not specified, the tour is designed for a full five days of sightseeing, so it’s best suited to travelers with flexible schedules.

Can I customize this tour?
The itinerary is fixed, but additional sites can be added as the group interests dictate, thanks to the small group size.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour’s physical demands and the nature of some sites suggest it’s better suited for adults or older children with good mobility.