8-Day Orkney Skye and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

Traveling through Scotland’s rugged beauty and historic sites can be a highlight of any trip. The 8-Day Orkney, Skye, and Highlands tour offered by Highland Experience Tours promises an in-depth exploration of some of the country’s most iconic landscapes, islands, and cultural gems. With a solid 4.5-star rating based on 20 reviews, this journey combines scenic drives, fascinating history, and wildlife encounters, all led by knowledgeable guides.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances well-known sights with off-the-beaten-path experiences, giving travelers a genuine sense of Scotland’s wild charm. The inclusion of Orkney Islands with its puffins and seals feels like a special bonus, elevating this beyond just a mainland adventure. However, a potential consideration is the pace—since it covers so much ground in 8 days, some might find it busy, especially if they prefer more relaxed travel.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, history, and wildlife. It’s ideal for those looking for a comprehensive, guided experience that handles all the logistics, so you can focus on soaking in the views and stories. If you’re after an authentic taste of Scotland, with both popular sites and hidden corners, this could be a strong choice.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers iconic sights like Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, the Isle of Skye, and Orkney Islands.
• Expert Guides: Appreciated for their knowledge, with travelers praising guides like Jim Donovan for making experiences engaging.
• Wildlife and Nature: Opportunities to see puffins, seals, whales, and enjoy stunning mountain and coastal scenery.
• Historic Sites: Visits to castles, ancient villages, and battlegrounds provide a rich sense of Scotland’s past.
• Value and Convenience: Includes ferry crossings, accommodation, and attractions, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Balanced Pace: The itinerary is packed, but designed to fit a lot of highlights within 8 days.

In-Depth Review of the Experience

Starting the Adventure: From Edinburgh to the Highlands

The journey begins in central Edinburgh, with a pickup at 8:30 am. From there, your guide starts weaving stories as you traverse the west coast, heading towards the first stops at Loch Lomond and Kilmartin Glen. Loch Lomond’s “bonnie, bonnie banks” are familiar to many, but seeing it in person offers a sense of timeless beauty. The 30-minute stroll here is enough to appreciate its vastness without feeling rushed.

Next, the group visits Kilmartin Glen, famous for ancient carvings dating back to the Bronze Age. This site offers a tangible connection to Scotland’s long-ago past, and the 30-minute stop provides a chance to walk among the carved stones and imagine life thousands of years ago. Reviewers appreciated these stops for their quiet authenticity.

Day 2: The Highlands’ Dark Mountains and Historic Landmarks

Traveling into the Highlands, the tour’s guide shares stories about Glencoe, a place as haunting as it is beautiful, with its towering peaks and tragic history. The 20-minute stop includes tales of the infamous massacre, adding a layer of depth to your scenic experience. Many travelers mentioned the guide’s storytelling skills enhanced their appreciation of the landscape.

Lunch in Fort William offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy local fare before heading to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Made famous by Harry Potter, the viaduct provides an iconic photo opportunity against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. Here, the group enjoys the scenery and the thrill of knowing this location’s pop-culture fame. The nearby Glenfinnan Monument adds historical flavor.

Day 3: Skye’s Giants and Viewpoints

The Isle of Skye is a highlight for many, and this tour doesn’t disappoint. The Black Cuillin mountains are breathtaking, and the Old Man of Storr offers one of the island’s most recognizable vistas—perfect for photos and awe. The 30-minute stop allows for some quick exploration and soaking in the view.

Lunch in Portree Harbour introduces you to this charming fishing village, where local shops and cafés add to its character. Reviewers loved how this stop allowed a taste of local life amidst natural beauty.

Day 4: Castles, Loch Ness, and the Search for Nessie

Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, is a must-see. The 1-hour visit (though the entrance fee isn’t included) lets you wander its picturesque grounds. Many travelers described this as a fairy-tale scene, perfect for postcards.

Next, Loch Ness beckons with its legendary monster. Optional cruises provide a fun, relaxing way to look for Nessie while enjoying the scenic waters. Urquhart Castle offers a dramatic viewpoint over the loch ruins, and exploring the castle is a memorable experience. The Castle’s entrance is not included, but many found the visit worthwhile for the views alone.

Day 5-7: Orkney Islands and Neolithic Wonders

The ferry to Orkney is a highlight, with a 1 hour 30-minute ride that offers scenic views of the coastal waters. Once on the islands, you visit impressive sites like Skara Brae, a preserved Neolithic village dating back to around 3180 BC, and Maeshowe, a chambered tomb with runic inscriptions. These sites are fascinating for history buffs and those interested in ancient civilizations.

The Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of WWII, is another poignant stop. Many reviewers praised the stories behind these sites, feeling they added a meaningful layer to the visit.

Days 7 and 8: Returning and Reflecting

A ferry back to the mainland brings you to John O’ Groats, the northernmost point on the UK mainland, offering a photo opportunity and a sense of reaching the northern edge of Britain.

The tour wraps up with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where you can feel the weight of Scottish history, and an afternoon in Pitlochry, a town with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Reviewers appreciated the mix of historical sites and charming towns to end the trip on a relaxed note.

Transportation, Accommodation, and Group Dynamics

The tour offers round-trip transportation from Edinburgh, including private bus travel that comfortably accommodates up to 35 travelers. While the specific types of vehicles aren’t detailed, the reviews suggest the journey is smooth and well-paced. The inclusion of ferry rides to Orkney is seamless, with the ferry crossing being part of the scheduled itinerary.

Accommodation details are flexible, with options for shared twin or double rooms. The reviews mention the comfortable B&Bs, which add a cozy, local touch to the experience. Some travelers noted the importance of choosing the correct room option if traveling solo or in groups.

Guides and Group Experience

Reviewers frequently highlighted the guides’ expertise and storytelling ability, with Jim Donovan singled out as possibly the best guide some had encountered. His mix of facts, stories, and humor made the long days engaging. Small group sizes and personalized attention seem to be the norm, making the experience more intimate than large coach tours.

Cost and Value

At approximately $2,365 per person, the tour represents a significant investment. However, considering the included ferry crossings, multiple attractions, and accommodation, many travelers felt it offered good value for a comprehensive Scottish experience. Extras like castle entrance fees and optional cruises are not included, so budgeting accordingly is wise.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This 8-day Scottish adventure is perfect for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, historical sites, and wildlife. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided experience that handles the logistics, allowing them to focus on enjoying the landscapes and stories. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore fewer sites in greater depth, this might feel a bit rushed.

The tour’s emphasis on guides with strong storytelling skills and well-chosen stops makes it an excellent choice for those who value authentic insights and scenic views, making it a comprehensive introduction— or a perfect follow-up— to Scotland.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour does not accept children under 3 years.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation, ferry to Orkney, attractions like Maes Howe, Skara Brae, and the Italian Chapel, plus breakfast options.

Are entrance fees included?
Some attractions, like Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness cruises, and Urquhart Castle, are not included in the tour price, so you may need to pay on arrival.

How long are the travel days?
The itinerary involves full days with several stops, some lasting around an hour, and ferry rides of about 1.5 hours. The schedule is busy but designed to maximize sightseeing.

What’s the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 35 travelers, making it a comfortable group with opportunities for interaction but still manageable.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included, but other meals are not. Lunch stops are planned at local towns or scenic spots.

Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 6 days before the experience for a full refund.

Is there flexibility in the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but some sites may offer optional activities, like Loch Ness cruises or castle visits, which you can choose to join or skip.

What should I pack?
Layered clothing for variable weather, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera for capturing stunning vistas are recommended.

How accessible is the tour?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should check with the provider, especially regarding ferry crossings and uneven terrain at some sites.

This 8-day journey through Scotland offers a well-rounded blend of scenery, history, and wildlife, led by engaging guides and featuring authentic experiences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply eager to see the best of Scotland, this tour provides a comprehensive, value-packed adventure.