5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions

Thinking about a trip that combines breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and a touch of Viking mystery? This 5-day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh promises to do just that. While we haven’t personally joined this exact tour, plenty of travelers have, and their reviews paint a compelling picture of what to expect.

What we genuinely love about this experience? First, the expert guides who bring the history and stories alive, making every stop engaging. Second, the stunning scenery—from Loch Ness to the windswept islands—it’s a visual feast. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the itinerary is packed, meaning long days and some walking involved.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy history, nature, and small-group travel. If you’re craving a comprehensive adventure that covers both the Scottish Highlands and the enchanting Orkney Islands, and don’t mind a busy schedule, this might be just the trip for you.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 5-day exploration including the Highlands, Loch Ness, and Orkney Islands
• Small-group experience with a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more personal vibe
• Expert guides who share stories and insights, making the sites come alive
• Well-rounded itinerary with historic landmarks, prehistoric sites, and stunning scenery
• Comfortable transportation in a top-class Mercedes mini-coach
• Good value considering accommodations, admissions, and guided commentary included

The Tour Overview: What’s on the Table?

This tour offers a neat combination of Scotland’s rugged landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and captivating islands. It’s marketed as a small-group adventure, which is a big plus if you prefer more personalized attention and a less crowded experience. The price of $1,437.48 per person includes four nights of cozy 3-star accommodations with breakfast, transportation, guides, and site admissions.

The ability to book this tour about 129 days in advance indicates it’s quite popular—people seem to be eager to lock in their spot for this scenic journey. With an average rating of 5.0 from 131 reviews, and a 99% recommendation rate, it’s clear that most travelers find it worthwhile.

The Itinerary, Step by Step

Day 1: From Edinburgh to Loch Ness and the Highlands

Starting bright and early at 8:30 am, you’ll leave Edinburgh behind, passing iconic landmarks like Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. The route heads into the Highlands, with scenic stops at Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, and Glen Ogle. These sweeping vistas are a real highlight, especially if you’re into landscape photography.

A notable moment is Loch Ness—the place where everyone hopes to catch a glimpse of the elusive monster. The tour offers plenty of time here, so don’t forget your camera. One traveler mentioned, “The scenery along the Great Glen to Loch Ness is spectacular,” and you’ll probably agree.

Day 2: From Dunrobin Castle to John o’Groats and the Orkney Ferry

The day kicks off with a visit to Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, a fairytale-like spot perched along the northeast Highland coastline. The castle’s gardens are lush, and even if the admission isn’t included, many highlights lie outside.

Next, you’ll head to John o’Groats, the iconic northern tip of mainland Britain, known for its dramatic cliffs and wildlife. This is also the starting point for the ferry crossing Pentland Firth into Orkney. According to reviews, this leg is smooth and scenic, with some noting the ferry ride as a special experience.

A short visit to the Italian Chapel—a WWII relic—gives a surprising touch of European architecture amid rugged scenery. The day ends in Kirkwall, Orkney’s capital, where you can wander the medieval streets and admire the Viking history.

Day 3: Exploring Orkney’s Ancient Mysteries

This is the archaeological highlight of the trip. You’ll explore Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village older than Stonehenge. One reviewer raved, “Long before Egyptian pyramids, Skara Brae was thriving—a place you can walk through and imagine life 5,000 years ago.”

Other key sites include the Ring of Brodgar, an impressive stone circle dating back to around 2,500 BC, and Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, famous for Norse runic inscriptions. The reviews echo the awe travelers feel walking among these ancient stones, with one noting, “The standing stones are incredible.”

Day 4: Returning to the Mainland via the Highlands

Boarding the ferry back to the mainland, you’ll retrace your route through the Highlands, passing striking mountains like Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. The journey offers stunning vistas of rugged cliffs and golden beaches, perfect for a few more photos.

A visit to Ardvreck Castle in the Assynt Mountains is a scenic stop, while the evening in Ullapool offers a restful finish to the day. This charming fishing village is praised for its welcoming atmosphere and scenic harbor views.

Day 5: Stirring History and Highlands Nature

The last day is packed with meaningful sites. You’ll visit Culloden Battlefield, where the last pitched battle on British soil took place—a deeply moving experience for many.

Then, a short drive to Clava Cairns brings you to a Bronze Age site, famous for its standing stones and historic significance. The tour ends with a drive through Perthshire and the Cairngorm mountain range, with a farewell lunch amid beautiful scenery.

Transportation & Comfort

Traveling in a luxury 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, the journey is comfortable and intimate, allowing for plenty of legroom and easy conversations. Reviewers frequently mention the professional guides who are full of stories, historical insights, and humor. Many note how guides like Mac, Jim, Keith, or Christopher make the trip special with their knowledge and personality.

The tour is quite active, with some walking on uneven surfaces and steps at sites like Skara Brae and Dunrobin Castle. Be prepared for a full schedule, but the small group size means you can relax and enjoy the ride rather than feeling rushed.

Accommodations

Most travelers are pleased with the 3-star hotels or guesthouses. Some reviews mention that B&Bs tend to be on the outskirts of towns, requiring about a 20-30 minute walk to local spots, so if you prefer walking less, you might opt for hotels.

Food & Facilities

Breakfast is included daily, which sets you up well for busy days. The tour doesn’t include other meals, so you’ll have opportunities to explore local eateries on your own. Many travelers mention enjoying the local cuisine and the welcoming hospitality at various stops.

Pricing & Value

At just over $1,400 per person, this tour may seem steep, but considering the inclusions—accommodation, guided tours, admissions to key sites, ferry crossings—it’s actually quite reasonable. Travelers frequently comment on the value for money, especially given the small-group setting and personalized service.

Reviews highlight how guides make the experience worth every penny, sharing stories that bring the sites to life, and the scenic drives are second to none. Plus, the fact that most of the key archaeological sites and historic landmarks have admissions included adds to the value.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This journey is perfect for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and nature lovers. If you’re interested in Scottish culture, Viking history, and ancient sites, you’ll find plenty to marvel at. The small-group size ensures a more personal, laid-back experience—great if you prefer a more intimate vibe rather than a large coach.

It’s also suitable for active travelers comfortable with some walking and uneven terrain, but probably not ideal for those with mobility issues. The itinerary’s pace means you should enjoy being on your feet but can also rest and have leisure time in the evenings.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh offers a thoughtfully curated mix of landscapes, history, and culture, all wrapped into a manageable, well-organized package. Guides who are knowledgeable and personable, scenic drives, and visits to iconic sites like Skara Brae and Culloden make it a compelling choice for those wanting to see the best of northern Scotland in one trip.

While the days are long and the schedule packed, most travelers find the experience enriching and memorable. It’s a great way to explore parts of Scotland that are often out of reach for travelers sticking to cities, offering a real taste of the rugged beauty and ancient wonder that make Scotland so special.

FAQ

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a top-of-the-range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, which is praised for its comfort and smooth ride.

Are the site admissions included?
Most major sites like Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Culloden Battlefield have their admissions included, so there are no hidden costs for these.

How physical is the tour?
Expect some walking, especially at archaeological sites with uneven surfaces and steps. The tour is active but manageable for most travelers in good health.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 16 people, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for personalized attention from guides.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included in the accommodation, but other meals are on your own. You’ll find plenty of local eateries along the way.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
Most nights are spent in 3-star hotels or guesthouses, with some on the outskirts of towns, so walking to local facilities might take 20-30 minutes.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 5 years old can join, but keep in mind the active nature of the trip.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size makes it easy to connect with others, and guides are friendly and engaging.

What’s the best time to book?
Booking about 129 days in advance is typical, as this tour is popular through the year.

What should I bring?
Good walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and some spending money for meals and optional extras.

In all, if you’re after a memorable Scottish adventure that balances scenery, history, and culture with comfort and small-group charm, this tour delivers. Just be prepared for a busy but rewarding journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic and storied landscapes.