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

Planning a trip to Scotland often means dreaming of its rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and stories of Vikings and clans. This 5-day tour from Edinburgh promises to take you on a whirlwind adventure through the Scottish Highlands and the remote Orkney Islands, all in a small, intimate group. With a focus on authentic sights, knowledgeable guides, and culture, it’s ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone eager to see Scotland’s less-traveled but endlessly fascinating corners.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines convenience with a sense of discovery. Traveling in a high-spec Mercedes mini-coach, crossing stunning landscapes, and visiting world-class archaeological sites makes this tour stand out. One potential consideration? The itinerary is packed, so if you prefer a slower pace or more time at each stop, you might find it a little rushed. That said, it’s perfect for adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Scotland in just five days.

This tour caters best to those who enjoy a mix of history, scenery, and culture, and don’t mind a bit of walking or early mornings. It’s especially suited for travelers who value small-group intimacy, expert guiding, and the chance to see iconic sites like Skara Brae and Culloden, along with the spectacular Northern Coast. If you’re after a well-organized, enriching experience that balances sightseeing with comfort, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 16) offers a more personalized experience and easier movement.
• Expert guides enrich the journey with stories, local insights, and humor.
• Comprehensive itinerary covers landmarks from Loch Ness to Viking sites, mixing history with scenic beauty.
• Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach ensures comfort and smooth navigation through varied terrains.
• Inclusion of admissions to key archaeological sites adds value and convenience.
• Four nights in 3-star accommodation provide a cozy base with breakfast included, balancing comfort with affordability.

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Scottish Adventure

Starting in Edinburgh: Setting the Stage

The adventure kicks off at the Edinburgh Bus Station early in the morning. The group is limited to just 16 people, which means the journey feels more like a road trip with friends than a big bus tour. We loved the way the guide sets the tone—informative, friendly, and full of local anecdotes.

The route takes you past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, instantly immersing you in Scottish history. The drive through the Highlands begins with peaceful scenery, including Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, and the rolling hills of Glen Ogle. A highlight is passing Doune Castle, famous for film sets like Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which adds a touch of pop culture to the day.

One of the standout moments early on is Loch Ness, where you get ample time to scan the waters for the legendary monster. The views here are breathtaking, and the stories from your guide about Nessie’s mysterious reputation add a fun layer to the experience.

Day 2: From Highland Cliffs to Orkney’s Shores

The second day ramps up the scenic drama. Leaving the Scottish Highlands behind, the journey takes you past Dunrobin Castle—an elegant, fairy-tale castle with beautiful gardens—before heading into more rugged scenery along the northeast coast. The short stop at Dunrobin offers photo opportunities, though note the path to the front is quite steep, so not everyone may want to venture close.

Next, you reach John o’Groats, the famous northern tip of mainland Britain. It’s much more than a photo op; it’s the starting point for epic journeys from the “End to End” adventure. The village offers dramatic coastal views, with seabirds and possibly some local wildlife. Then it’s time to cross the Pentland Firth by ferry, whisking you to the Orkney Islands—a journey that’s both scenic and evocative of Viking tales.

Your first stop in Orkney is the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm. Built during WWII by Italian prisoners of war, the chapel is a surprisingly delicate and beautiful reminder of wartime history amid stark, windswept surroundings. From there, it’s a short drive to Kirkwall, the archipelago’s lively capital, where you’ll explore Viking-era streets and the impressive St. Magnus Cathedral.

Day 3: Uncovering Neolithic Wonders

The third day is arguably the highlight for history enthusiasts. You’ll visit Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved Neolithic village that predates Stonehenge by 1,500 years. Walking through these stone-built dwellings gives a tangible sense of what life was like 5,000 years ago, as if you’ve stepped into a prehistoric documentary.

Next up is the Ring of Brodgar, a vast stone circle that’s one of the finest in the world. With origins dating back to around 2,500 BC, it’s a majestic sight—though only about half of the original stones remain, the scale and setting make it feel timeless.

The day wraps up at Maeshowe, a chambered cairn famous for Viking runic inscriptions carved into its walls in the 12th century. It’s fascinating to see how different eras layered onto each other across these islands—stone circles, ancient villages, and Norse carvings all coexisting.

Day 4: From Orkney to the Wild North

After a relaxed morning, you’ll sail back to the Scottish mainland, leaving behind Orkney’s ancient stones and rugged coastlines. The drive that follows is stunning and diverse, taking in Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, with rocky cliffs and golden beaches along the way.

One of the day’s stops is Ardvreck Castle, a 15th-century ruin overlooking Loch Assynt. The dramatic landscape here is both peaceful and awe-inspiring. The last stop in the Highlands is Ullapool, a charming fishing village at the mouth of Loch Broom. It’s a perfect spot for your final night, offering a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Weather plays a role here—as many reviewers noted, the Scottish weather can be unpredictable, but when it’s clear, the scenery is simply unforgettable.

Day 5: Tracing Scotland’s Historic Roots

The final day focuses on some of Scotland’s defining historical sites. Culloden Battlefield is a must-see—an emotional place where the last major battle of the Jacobite Rising took place. Walking the grounds, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, and the guided visit enriches the experience.

Next, you’ll visit Clava Cairns, a set of ancient standing stones that gained fame from the Outlander series. The atmospheric site is perfect for photos and reflection.

Finally, the tour travels through Perthshire and Fife, offering scenic views of the Caledonian Pine Forest and the rolling landscapes of central Scotland, before returning to Edinburgh.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Expert Guides and Small Group: Multiple reviewers praised the guides—Mac, Kelly, Chris, and others—highlighting their knowledge, storytelling skills, and humor. Traveling in a small group means you can ask questions easily, and the guide can tailor the experience more personally. As one traveler said, “Our guide Kelly was amazing,” and another loved how Jim’s knowledge made the ruins come alive.

Authentic and Iconic Sites: From Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the Viking ruins of Maeshowe, the tour covers some of the most culturally significant landmarks in Scotland. The Italian Chapel adds a WWII touch, bringing history from a different era.

Stunning Scenery and Wildlife: The landscapes—loch-studded highlands, rugged cliffs, golden beaches—are breathtaking. Reviews mention how lucky travelers are with the weather, but even on cloudy days, the scenery remains impressive.

Comfortable Transportation: Traveling in a high-end Mercedes mini-coach ensures comfort on long drives, with plenty of space and smooth rides. The small group size helps keep the journey intimate and relaxed.

Value for Money: Including four nights in 3-star accommodation, daily breakfast, and entrance fees to key sites, this tour offers excellent value considering the breadth of sights covered. Travelers often comment on how much they saw compared to the price.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers a well-organized, enriching experience, it’s worth noting some logistical points. The day-to-day pace is quite active, with early departures and a packed itinerary. Reviewers with mobility concerns mention some walking and uneven terrain at sites like Dunrobin Castle, so be prepared.

Accommodation tends to be on the outskirts of towns, which means a 20-30 minute walk into town for dinner or entertainment. If stairs are an issue, specify your needs early, as ground-floor rooms or lift-equipped hotels might be available.

The ferry crossing to Orkney is smooth and scenic but can be affected by weather, so flexibility is key. The tour is best suited for those comfortable with a bit of travel time, historical sites, and varied weather conditions.

The Sum Up

This 5-day Orkney & Northern Coast tour from Edinburgh offers an excellent way to see Scotland’s less-visited islands, ancient sites, and rugged landscapes in a manageable timeframe. It’s best suited for travelers who love history, stunning scenery, and small-group experiences with knowledgeable guides. The balance of comfort, adventure, and cultural richness makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Scotland beyond the usual tourist spots.

If you’re after a guided trip that combines scenic beauty with fascinating archaeological sites, and you’re OK with some early mornings and active days, this tour ticks all the boxes. The positive reviews from past travelers highlight its high value, impressive guides, and unforgettable sights—making it a trip that truly captures the wild, historic soul of Scotland.

FAQ

Is transportation comfortable during the tour?
Yes, the tour uses a top-of-the-range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride through Scotland’s varied terrains.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 16, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows for more personalized attention from guides.

Are all the key sites included in the price?
Yes, admissions to Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Culloden Battlefield are included, saving you both time and money.

What accommodation type is provided?
You’ll stay in four nights of en-suite accommodation, either in cozy B&Bs or 3-star hotels, with breakfast included each morning.

What are the main highlights of the trip?
Expect highlights like Loch Ness, Dunrobin Castle, John o’Groats, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and Culloden Battlefield, among others.

Is this tour suitable for families?
The minimum age is 5 years, and while the pace is active, most travelers of all ages have enjoyed it. Those with mobility issues should specify their needs.

What’s the best time to book?
This tour is often booked about 129 days in advance, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot and preferred accommodation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are possible up to 21 days before the start date for a full refund, giving you some flexibility in planning.

This tour combines history, culture, and nature into a compact but memorable Scottish adventure—perfect for those who want to see the highlights and hidden gems in one beautiful package.