5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh

If you’re dreaming of exploring some of Scotland’s most striking landscapes, historic sites, and remote islands, this 5-day small-group tour from Edinburgh promises a whirlwind experience. With only up to 8 travelers, the journey offers a more intimate look at the Highland scenery, ancient monuments, and coastal beauty that make Scotland so captivating.

From the dramatic Cairngorms National Park to the legendary Loch Ness, and from Viking ruins to Neolithic sites, this tour provides a balanced mix of nature, history, and culture. One of the highlights is crossing to the Orkney Islands by ferry, where you’ll encounter ancient stone circles and the famous Italian Chapel. Plus, the North Coast 500 drive offers breathtaking coastal views, making this an adventure packed with authentic Scottish charm.

A few considerations include the overall pace—five days can be quite full, and some may find the long driving stretches tiring. However, if you’re eager to maximize your time and see some of the most iconic sights in northern Scotland, this tour offers excellent value and genuine, off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s perfect for history buffs, scenic lovers, and those wanting a hassle-free, guided exploration of this rugged part of the world.

Who would love this tour?

Travelers craving a mix of outdoor adventures, historic sites, and island visits will find this package ideal. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate small groups, knowledgeable guides, and a balance of structured sightseeing with free time.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert guides like Calum and Karen are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor.
• Diverse itinerary covering everything from ancient Neolithic sites to stunning coastal drives.
• Authentic Scottish experiences include whisky tastings and visits to castles and historical battlefields.
• Some optional fees apply for entry tickets, but many key sites are free to explore.
• Long driving days are balanced with scenic stops, but may not suit travelers with mobility issues.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Highland Beauty and Ancient Secrets

The adventure kicks off in Cairngorms National Park, the largest in the UK, where we loved the chance to stretch our legs on a woodland walk amid towering trees and mountain views. The park’s raw beauty is a perfect introduction to Scotland’s wild side. We then visit Culloden Battlefield, an emotionally charged site where the Jacobite uprising ended. Our guide explained the significance of the battle, making it more than just a walk on historic ground.

Next, a visit to Inverness gives some free time to explore the charming town or grab a coffee. The afternoon finishes at Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site surrounded by standing stones. As one reviewer put it, it offers a “fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s Neolithic past.” We also stop in Aviemore for lunch, a town nestled among lochs and forests, perfect for a hearty meal and some mountain air. The day ends with a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery for a whisky tasting—an ideal way to appreciate Scotland’s famed spirit.

Day 2: Coastal Drives and Orkney Bound

From Inverness, the journey continues along the North Coast 500, renowned for its rugged coastal scenery. We loved the drive’s stunning vistas of cliffs and sea, with plenty of photo opportunities. The stop at Latheronwheel Harbour offers a peaceful coastal walk, with waves crashing against dramatic cliffs.

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to the Italian Chapel—built by Italian prisoners during WWII—an unexpected gem with intricate decoration. The Scapa Distillery is next, where we learned about whisky making and sampled some drams, a treat for connoisseurs. Then, we crossed by boat to the Orkney Islands, arriving in Kirkwall, the island’s historic capital. As one reviewer mentioned, this gave a real sense of remote island life, with its quiet streets and harbor views.

Day 3: Ancient Monuments and Viking Heritage

The day begins in Kirkwall, home to St Magnus Cathedral, an impressive medieval structure. Our guide shared stories about the cathedral’s history and its significance in local life. The exploration then takes us to Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a 5,000-year-old tomb, with a knowledgeable guide explaining its astronomical alignments and Neolithic significance.

Visiting the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar felt like stepping into an Outlander scene—tall stones set against a backdrop of open fields and blue skies. We appreciated the opportunity to walk among these ancient structures, imagining life thousands of years ago. In Skara Brae, we could really picture ancient villagers’ homes, beds, and shelves, making history feel surprisingly tangible.

Day 4: From Orkney’s Coastline to Highland Castles

The ferry returns us to the mainland at St. Margaret’s Hope, and then we visit John O’Groats—famous for the “most northerly point” signpost, perfect for a photo. Next, the Grey Cairns of Camster take us into the Neolithic era again, with the chance to crawl into the tomb, which some reviewers found thrilling and a little cramped.

Our evening stays in Inverness, with stops at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe—a dramatic ruin perched on the coast—and Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale castle with stunning gardens and sweeping views. While entry fees aren’t included, many agree that these castles’ history and scenery make for worthwhile visits.

Day 5: Highland Highlights and Scenic Farewell

The final day is packed with iconic sights. We cruised Loch Ness, hoping to spot Nessie, the legendary monster, while soaking in the misty, mysterious atmosphere. The Glen Coe valley, famously rugged and evocative, left us in awe. Then, a drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park offered some of the most peaceful and scenic views of the trip.

The tour concludes with a scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands, offering countless photo ops and plenty of stories from the guide. We finished back in Edinburgh, feeling like we had glimpsed the best of Scotland—its wild landscapes, ancient mysteries, and vibrant history.

The Value of This Tour

At a price of $929.77 per person, this tour offers a lot for those eager to see Scotland’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Included in the cost are ferry rides, guided walks, and visits to key sites. While some entry fees like Culloden, Dunrobin Castle, and Skara Brae are extra, many reviewers found the overall experience worthwhile given the depth and variety of what’s offered.

The small group size is a standout feature, providing a more personal, less rushed experience, with guides like Calum and Karen praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Their insights brought history alive, and their flexibility meant that the trip felt tailored and relaxed.

The tour’s pace is brisk, with long driving stretches balanced by scenic stops and cultural visits. If you’re someone who loves a full itinerary and the reassurance of a guide, this trip delivers. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigation or logistics.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a comprehensive Scottish adventure in a manageable timeframe. If you’re eager to see both the Highlands and Orkney, enjoy history and archaeology, and love coastal scenery, this tour hits all those marks. It’s particularly suited for small groups, valuing expert guides and authentic experiences over luxury or extensive free time.

It’s not a good fit for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a slow-paced, leisurely holiday—this is a full-on exploration with lots of walking and driving. If you’re comfortable with long days and want a rich, guided journey, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.

FAQs

How many people are on this tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, making for a more intimate experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers ferry rides to and from the Orkney Islands, guided short walks, and visits to major sites like the Stenness Stones and Ring of Brodgar. It does not include entry fees or meals.

Are meals provided?
No, meals and snacks are not included, so you should plan to buy food during stops like Aviemore and Inverness.

What should I bring on this tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and any personal necessities. The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, it’s not specifically designed for children, especially given the walking and some narrow spaces like the Grey Cairns.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are allowed up to 6 days before the trip for a full refund. Cancellations less than that may incur fees or no refund.

How long are the driving stretches?
Long driving days are part of the experience, with the full tour involving multiple hours on the road, especially on Day 4 and Day 5.

Are entrance fees included?
No, many historic sites like Skara Brae or Dunrobin Castle charge entry fees, which are paid separately.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It suits most travelers, but consider the physical demands and the age of children, especially for narrow or uneven sites.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small-group size, expert guides, and carefully curated mix of scenery, history, and island culture make it a memorable way to explore Scotland’s less-visited treasures.

To sum it up, this 5-day small-group tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Scotland’s landscapes, history, and island life. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided journeys with personalized touches, stunning visuals, and a mix of outdoor and cultural experiences. While the pace is energetic, the reward is a deep, meaningful glimpse into this rugged, beautiful country—ideal for history lovers, scenery admirers, and adventurers alike.