From Edinburgh: Orkney, Skye and the Far North 8 Day Tour

Explore Scotland’s captivating landscapes and historic sites on this comprehensive 8-day tour from Edinburgh priced at $1,908 per person. Led by knowledgeable guides, the journey takes you from the bustling capital through the scenic Highlands, on to the rugged Isle of Skye, and across to the mysterious Orkney Islands. The tour includes 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, visits to iconic locations like Skara Brae, Culloden Battlefield, and Eilean Donan Castle, and optional extras such as Loch Ness cruises and castle admissions.

This tour is designed for travelers eager to see the diverse beauty and history of Scotland in one well-organized package. It balances scenic drives, walking explorations, and cultural highlights, making it suitable for those with an interest in history, nature, and Scottish culture. However, it requires a reasonable level of mobility and comfort with bus travel. The tour’s reviews praise the guides’ expertise and the variety of spectacular sights, making it a strong choice for anyone wanting a detailed, guided experience of Scotland’s north and islands.

Key Points

• 8-day guided tour starting from Edinburgh for $1,908 per person
• Visits to Skye, Orkney, Loch Ness, and historic castles like Eilean Donan and Maes Howe
• Includes 7 nights’ accommodation and breakfast, with some optional extras
• Led by experienced guides, with positive reviews emphasizing knowledgeable storytelling
• Highlights include the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, and Culloden Battlefield
• Ferry transfers to Orkney and scenic drives across the Highlands

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From Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands and Islands

This 8-day tour departs from Caffe Nero in Edinburgh, setting the stage for a journey deep into Scotland’s scenic and historic regions. The tour begins with a drive westward through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, giving travelers a taste of Scotland’s lush landscapes. This initial segment also explores Kilmartin Glen, with over 5,000 years of history visible in Dunadd Hill Fort and Stone Circle. The first overnight stay is in Oban, offering a coastal base before the adventure intensifies.

The route showcases the beauty of the Highlands, with stops at Glen Coe, known for its haunting mountain scenery, and Fort William. The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in Harry Potter films, provides a picture-perfect moment before the journey continues to Skye via ferry. This scenic crossing is a highlight, connecting mainland Scotland with one of its most iconic islands.

Exploring Skye’s Spectacular Landscapes

On day 3, the tour dedicates a full day to discovering Skye’s natural wonders. The guides lead you through the Cuillin Mountains, known for their jagged peaks, and the Quiraing, with its unusual slanting hills. The Trotternish Peninsula offers dramatic views and unique geological formations. Travelers find Skye’s rugged beauty captivating, especially the sweeping vistas and coastline.

Overnight accommodation on Skye provides a comfortable base for exploring more of the island’s highlights. The landscape here combines mountains, beaches, and quaint villages, making it ideal for those who appreciate scenic photography and outdoor exploration.

Visiting Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness

Leaving Skye, the group visits Eilean Donan Castle, a picture-perfect fortress on a small island, often featured in films and photographs. The castle’s location offers stunning views of surrounding waters and hills. Following this, the tour continues toward Loch Ness, famed for its legendary monster.

Travelers have the option (at extra cost) to visit Urquhart Castle and enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness, providing a different perspective of this mysterious lake. An overnight stay in Inverness allows time to absorb the Highland atmosphere and prepare for the trip north.

Crossing to Orkney: From the Mainland to the Isles

On day 5, the tour heads north from Inverness, passing through scenic Moray and Cromarty Firths. The journey then takes a ferry transfer to the Orkney Islands, offering a chance to experience Scotland’s coastal beauty from the water. Once on Orkney, the group explores iconic sites like the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war, and the Churchill Barriers, constructed to defend the naval fleet.

The ferry trip itself is praised as a memorable part of the experience, offering stunning views of the sea and islands. The overnight stay takes place in Kirkwall, the main town, known for its charming shops and historic sites.

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Discovering the Ancient Heritage of Orkney

Day 6 is dedicated to exploring the archaeological treasures of Orkney. The tour includes visits to Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered cairn, and Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved Neolithic village. The Ring of Brodgar and Stenness stone circles add to the sense of stepping back in time. Travelers appreciate how these sites reveal thousands of years of human history.

The day concludes with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, a striking medieval church. This deep dive into prehistoric and medieval Scotland leaves a lasting impression of Orkney’s ancient significance.

Returning South via the Mainland and Castles

On day 7, the group begins the return journey to Edinburgh. En route, the tour passes through scenic Highland landscapes and may include a stop at Dunrobin Castle, known for its fairy-tale appearance and beautiful gardens. The journey takes travelers back through Inverness, with an overnight stay to unwind before the final day.

Visiting Culloden and the Cairngorm Mountains

The tour’s last full day includes a visit to Culloden Battlefield, marking the defeat of the Jacobite forces. This historic site offers insight into a pivotal moment in Scottish history. The group also passes the Cairngorm Mountains, known for their stunning peaks, and explores the charming town of Pitlochry, rounding out the scenic and historical experiences.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

This tour includes transportation, an English-speaking driver/guide, and 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast. Some attractions, such as Loch Ness cruises and castle admissions, are optional extras at additional costs, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Meeting occurs at Caffe Nero in Edinburgh, with the tour ending back at the same point. The maximum luggage allowance is 15 kg, with a size limit of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, making packing manageable. Children under 3 years old are not permitted, and solo travelers are advised to select the Single Room option if they prefer a private space.

Highly Rated Guides and Scenic Highlights

Reviews highlight the expertise of the guides, particularly noting their storytelling skills and local knowledge. The guides make the experience engaging and informative, especially at sites like Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Culloden. Travelers also praise the spectacular scenery encountered throughout the journey—mountain vistas, historic ruins, and rugged coastlines.

Orkney, Skye, and the Far North: An In-Depth Scottish Journey

This 8-day tour from Edinburgh offers an immersive look into Scotland’s diverse landscapes and deep history. The balance of guided visits, scenic drives, and cultural sites makes it a compelling choice for those eager to experience the country’s rich heritage and stunning scenery.

The value lies in the comprehensive itinerary, expert guides, and comfortable accommodation. While some attractions are optional at an extra cost, the core experiences—such as Skara Brae, Loch Ness, and the Neolithic sites—are included, offering good value for the price.

Travelers most suited to this tour are those interested in history, landscapes, and island adventures. The pace is moderate, with a focus on sightseeing and storytelling, and suited for active travelers comfortable with bus travel and walking at various stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour fee?
The price covers transportation, an English-speaking guide, 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, and entrance to Maes Howe, Skara Brae, and the Italian Chapel. Some attractions like Loch Ness cruises and additional castle admissions** are extra.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, travelers should be comfortable with walking and standing at sites such as Stone Circles and Neolithic villages. The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old and has a luggage limit of 15 kg.

Can I book a single room?
Yes, single travelers should select the Single Room option to ensure private accommodation, as double/twin rooms are shared unless specified.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While the exact starting times vary, the tour operates year-round. Travelers should check availability and specific departure dates to plan accordingly.

How flexible are the itinerary and optional visits?
Some sites, such as Loch Ness cruises and Castle visits, are optional extras at additional cost. The itinerary might change due to weather or other factors, but core destinations are generally included.

This 8-day guided adventure through Scotland’s north and islands offers a well-rounded, engaging experience ideal for travelers eager to explore Scotland’s landscapes, history, and maritime heritage with expert guidance and comfortable accommodations.

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