5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh

This 5-day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 tour from Edinburgh offers a comprehensive journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Priced at $929.77 per person, this tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 clients, ensuring an intimate experience with plenty of personalized attention. With a rating of 5.0 based on 12 reviews, it’s highly recommended by 100% of past participants. The tour covers scenic drives, historic landmarks, whisky tastings, and visits to ancient sites, making it ideal for those eager to explore Scotland’s diverse landscapes and history.

Booking on average 167 days in advance, this tour balances a well-paced itinerary with a good mix of guided visits and free time. It operates approximately five days, starting early at 8:30 am from 256-260 Morrison St, Edinburgh, and includes ferry crossings, guided walks, and entry to key sites. While meals and some entrance fees are not included, the overall itinerary promises a rewarding and varied Scottish adventure suitable for travelers interested in history, scenery, and culture.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 8 clients for a more personalized trip.
• Includes ferry rides to and from the Orkney Islands, a highlight for island exploration.
• Visits to iconic sites such as Maeshowe, Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar.
• Scenic drives along the North Coast 500 and through the Scottish Highlands.
• Whisky tastings at Dalwhinnie and Scapa Distillery.
• Visits to castles including Dunrobin Castle and the ruins of Castle Sinclair.

Discovering the Cairngorms and Highland Landscapes

The tour begins in Cairngorms National Park, the largest in the UK, where a woodland walk reveals Scotland’s lush, ancient forests. The scenery is striking, and the walk is relaxed, lasting around 1 hour 30 minutes. From there, the journey continues to Culloden Battlefield, a significant site for understanding Scotland’s Jacobite history. While the visitor center is optional with an entry fee of about £15, the battlefield itself remains free to explore.

The group then enjoys free time in Inverness, allowing for personal exploration of Scotland’s Highland capital. Later, a visit to Clava Cairns offers a rare glimpse into Neolithic burial practices, with standing stones dating back over 4,000 years. This stop is brief, about 30 minutes, but provides a tangible connection to Scotland’s ancient past.

The North Coast 500 Drive and Coastal Beauty

On Day 2, the tour follows the North Coast 500 route for 3 hours of scenic driving, showcasing some of Scotland’s most breathtaking coastal vistas. Stops include Latheronwheel Harbor, where visitors can enjoy a coastal walk with dramatic sea cliffs. The highlight of this day is the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II, a 30-minute visit that offers both history and artistry.

The group visits the Scapa Distillery for a whisky tour lasting 2 hours, where guests learn about whisky production and sample drams. The day concludes in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, where there is ample free time to explore the small town’s shops, cafes, and streets.

Exploring Orkney’s Ancient Monuments and Viking Heritage

The third day is dedicated to Orkney’s archaeological treasures. Starting in Kirkwall, the tour visits St Magnus Cathedral and then moves to Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a 5000-year-old monument, where an expert guide provides insights into its history. The visit lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the entry fee of approximately £11 applies.

Next, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar showcase some of the largest stone circles in Britain. These sites, each around 45 minutes long, evoke images of ancient ceremony and community life. The day ends with a visit to Skara Brae, an exceptionally well-preserved Neolithic village, where visitors can walk through what were ancient homes, sleeping areas, and shelving—an immersive look into early Scottish life.

Crossing Back to the Mainland and Visiting Historic Ruins

On Day 4, the group takes a ferry back to the mainland from St. Margaret’s Hope. The journey lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, providing scenic views of the sea and islands. Once back on land, the itinerary includes a short walk in John O’Groats, famed as Scotland’s most northern point, with a chance to take photos at the iconic famous fingerpost.

The adventure continues with visits to Grey Cairns of Camster, an ancient burial site where cramped spaces and crawling are required for full exploration. The 45-minute stop allows a close look into prehistoric burial customs. The day concludes with an overnight stay near Inverness, setting the scene for the final day of exploration.

Castle Visits and Highland Scenery

The fourth day also features a stop at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, offering breathtaking coast views from the ruins of this 16th-century fortress. Later, the tour visits Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, a storybook castle with impressive rooms and expansive, well-maintained gardens. Entry to Dunrobin costs about £15, but the scenic beauty of the gardens and coastline makes the visit worthwhile.

Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Scenic Highland Drives

The last day begins with a cruise on Loch Ness, lasting 2 hours, where the chance to spot Nessie adds a fun element to the scenic waters. Afterward, the group explores Glencoe, renowned for its dramatic valley and rugged mountain scenery, in a 45-minute stop. The tour then meanders through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where scenic views and wildlife can be enjoyed during a 1-hour visit.

The journey through the Scottish Highlands spans approximately 4 hours, allowing travelers to witness the vast, open landscapes that define this region. The tour ends back in Edinburgh, with a sense of having experienced Scotland’s natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural richness.

Included and Not Included in the Tour

The tour includes ferry rides to and from the Orkney Islands, as well as guided walks in the Highlands and islands. Key sites like Maeshowe, Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar are included in the itinerary. The costs of ferry crossings, guided walks, and key site entries such as Maeshowe (£11) and Skara Brae (£13) are not included in the base price.

Meals, snacks, and some optional entrance fees like Dunrobin Castle (£15) and whisky distillery visits (£22) are paid separately. The tour is designed as a full-immersion experience with specific focus on historic sites, scenic drives, and whisky tastings.

Practicalities and Group Experience

The meeting point is centrally located in Edinburgh at 256-260 Morrison St, with the tour starting promptly at 8:30 am. The group size of up to 8 ensures a comfortable, intimate atmosphere, making it easier to engage with guides and explore sites at a relaxed pace. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility or walking difficulties due to some walking and crawling involved at sites like Grey Cairns.

Participants receive confirmation at booking, and flexible cancellation policies offer a full refund if canceled 6 days in advance. The small group size and expert guides, such as Calum and Karen, contribute to a personalized and informed experience that many find rewarding.

Final Thoughts on the 5-Day Scottish Tour

This tour stands out for its comprehensive coverage of Scotland’s highlights, from ancient Neolithic sites to dramatic coastlines and castles. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, and the mix of guided visits, scenic drives, and cultural stops caters well to those interested in history, nature, and local traditions.

While some activities, such as castle entries and whisky tastings, involve additional costs, these are clearly outlined, allowing travelers to plan accordingly. The balanced pacing keeps the days engaging without feeling rushed, though physically demanding stops like Grey Cairns require some mobility.

Overall, this tour offers a well-rounded, intimate exploration of Scotland’s northern landscapes and history, perfect for those who want depth and quality over quantity. It suits visitors who appreciate thoughtful itineraries and small-group travel, ensuring a memorable Scottish adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers ferry crossings, guided walks, and visits to key sites like Maeshowe, the Standing Stones, and the Ring of Brodgar.

Are meals included?
No, meals and snacks are not included in the tour fee.

How much are the optional entry fees?
Entry to Culloden Moor visitor center costs around £15, Dunrobin Castle about £15, Skara Brae roughly £13, and Maeshowe approximately £11. Whisky tastings cost about £22.

Is this tour suitable for all mobility levels?
The tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility or walking problems due to some walking and crawling activities at certain sites.

What are the start and end points?
The tour departs from 256-260 Morrison St, Edinburgh, and finishes back at the same location.

How long is the tour each day?
Each day typically involves full days of sightseeing, with stops ranging from 30 minutes to several hours, including scenic drives and sightseeing.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 6 days in advance for a full refund.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 8 clients, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

Who provides this tour?
It is operated by Experience Scotland’s Wild, known for personalized Scottish tours with knowledgeable guides.