5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Edinburgh, Scotland
- 5 days (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience the mystic and striking beauty of the remote Orkney Islands on this 5-day excursion from Edinburgh. In a small group, journey with your expert guide through the rugged Scottish Highlands, John o'Groats and the wind-swept Orkney archipelago. Enjoy views of the mysterious Loch Ness and Ben Hope Mountain, villages steeped in Viking mystery and landmarks like Stirling Castle and Lamb Holm Italian Chapel. Spend four evenings relaxing in 3-star accommodation.
- 5-day Orkney Island tour from Edinburgh including the Highlands
- Travel through the breathtaking Highlands in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Pass through John o’Groats and cross Pentland Firth by ferry to the Orkney Islands
- Visit historical Orkney attractions including the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae
What's Included
- 4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included)
- Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers)
- Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Driver/guide
- Entrance Fees: Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Culloden Battlefield
- Breakfast (4)Breakfast
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Meals and refreshments
- Admission fees & optional activities: Unless specified
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Edinburgh Bus StationEdinburgh EH1 3AY, UK
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes before departure)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.8:30 am
Itinerary
Your 5-day excursion through the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands begins in Edinburgh, where you meet your guide and small group. Set off in the morning in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, winding through tranquil, sweeping landscapes and stopping at must-see historical landmarks like Stirling Castle.
During the next days, travel by mini-coach and ferry, crossing the Pentland Firth to the sparsely inhabited Orkney Island—an ancient archipelago comprised of around 70 islands. Savor the unspoiled scenery and touches of Viking history that surround you, including ancient standing stones and prehistoric villages like Skara Brae. Your return trip crosses the Highlands, stopping at historic landmarks like Ardvreck Castle, Culloden Moo,r and Clava Cairns. Enjoy active days soaking up Scottish culture and nature and evenings at your leisure in Inverness, Kirkwall, and Ullapool.
Your tour includes round-trip transport, four nights accommodation in a 3-star hotel or guesthouse (single or twin accommodation available) and daily breakfasts.
During the next days, travel by mini-coach and ferry, crossing the Pentland Firth to the sparsely inhabited Orkney Island—an ancient archipelago comprised of around 70 islands. Savor the unspoiled scenery and touches of Viking history that surround you, including ancient standing stones and prehistoric villages like Skara Brae. Your return trip crosses the Highlands, stopping at historic landmarks like Ardvreck Castle, Culloden Moo,r and Clava Cairns. Enjoy active days soaking up Scottish culture and nature and evenings at your leisure in Inverness, Kirkwall, and Ullapool.
Your tour includes round-trip transport, four nights accommodation in a 3-star hotel or guesthouse (single or twin accommodation available) and daily breakfasts.
Day 1
Glencoe and the Highlands
4 Stops
1
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Glencoe
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Fort William
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Loch Ness
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Accommodation: Overnight in Inverness.
Meals: Not included
Day 2
The East Coast and Orkney
4 Stops
1
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
John O'Groats
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
South Ronaldsay
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Kirkwall
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight in Kirkwall.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Skara Brae & Ancient Orkney
4 Stops
1
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Ring of Brodgar
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Skara Brae
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
4
Kirkwall
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight in Kirkwall.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Explore The North Coast 500
4 Stops
1
St. Margaret's Hope
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Smoo Cave
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Ardvreck Castle
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Ullapool
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight in Ullapool.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns
4 Stops
1
Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Culloden Battlefield
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Clava Cairns
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Edinburgh
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
- Please note: you will be required to choose between either a 3-star bed and breakfast or 3-star hotel at time of booking
- Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately
- When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
- Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
- Skara Brae - We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
- Maeshowe – We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
- Culloden - We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
- B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please mention it to us as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
- Hotels usually have a relatively central location but may be up to a 20-30 minute walk from local facilities. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
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Frequently Asked Questions (11)
Q:What is the departure point for the 5-Day Discover Wales Small-Group Tour?
A:The tour departs from the Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh.
Jun 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 21 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 133 reviews
Terri_B, May 2026
This tour gave me a greater appreciation of Scotland. Our guide Kevin was phenomenal and very knowledgeable.
Nicole_L, Nov 2024
Our guide Mac was phenomenal! He shared so much information from history of the clans, nature related topics, movie set locations, and the best spots in each town! The 5 days flew by so fast, we wish we had more time. Our accommodations were great for the 1-2 nights we were at each spot. The highlands and Orkney Island were beautiful. During the long drives, we got to stop at some scenic spots that had very few people so it was very peaceful.
DEBRA_H, Sep 2024
Our driver and tour guide Martin w Rabbie's Tours was spectacular. His knowledge of history and animated, kind personality made it a rich experience. It was our first group tour and I would happily sign up for one again. It was an active 5 days and each day was full. The Scottish weather smiled on us this time.
Brian_S, Jul 2024
We were so lucky to have found this tour online. Me and my partner wanted to visit Scotland and Orkney, so this tour was perfect. We were travelling in a small group of 7 visitors and everybody was really nice.
Our tour guide Kelly was amazing and had a huge variety of stories and history to tell, accompanied with great music 🎼 🎶 and all around the best of atmospheres!
We absolutely loved this tour and the experience. We would have loved to have more time for places like Culloden, but the schedule is completely understandable.
Thank you for an amazing tour Kelly, in case you get to read this :)
To all future travellers who might not be aware: please be sure to make reservations for all private activities (tours, resaurants, etc) since otherwise it could be hard getting a free spot ;)
Leslie_G, Jul 2024
This was a fantastic tour, & our guide Chris was the one who made it so special. His humor & storytelling skills were top notch, not to mention his kindness. Every site was gorgeous, & the welcome of the Orkney people was also fantastic. Absolutely recommend!!!
Darlene_W, Sep 2023
This was a very good tour . Jim was a great guide, he was very knowledgeable in all areas , We found it amazing how old all the ruins are . Thoroughly enjoyed the tour
Kathy_S, Sep 2023
The guide, Willie, did a fantastic job explaining the history of the sites we saw and was incredibly helpful. The Orkney Islands/Highlands were incredible especially the standing stones. The trip was much more than we expected. Wish we had another day to take more time for the trip down to Ullapool
Cheryl_E, Sep 2023
Visiting the Orkney Islands has been a bucket list item for some time. Thoroughly enjoyed fulfilling same via this Viator/Rabbie's Tours trip. Don, our Rabbie's van driver and guide did a wonderful job getting us there and back to Edinburgh safely and well satisfied re all we have seen and experienced. Don was a master story teller and regaled us throughout with his considerable historical knowledge. He was equally adept at driving us not only on the Orkney Mainland island but equally through the highlands and along Scotland's west coast, wherein we nearly completed the North Coast 500 in its entirety. Kudos to him, Rabbie's Tours and Viator for an all-around superb tour experience and bucket list item checked.
Helen_T, Aug 2023
Sean played great music and told great stories.
Seans knowledge of local history created a memorable trip
OddSigveTende_T, Jul 2023
Sutch a wealth of experienses though beatiful scenery and time. Many thanks to Kevin for being a great guide and making this trip a memory for life.
Jack_C, Mar 2023
I went into this tour with no expectations. Martin and Allan the tour guides did a fantastic job showing off Orkney and the Highlands.
cdwilkinson, Jun 2022
All the Prehistory was fascinating ! Fabulous tour; food, guide, lodging, company, comfortable seating,
Gloria_P, Oct 2021
We had an outstanding trip to Orkney and Northern Scotland with Robbie Tours. Our guide and driver, Jodie, has excellent knowledge of the area and a more than thorough understanding of Scottish history. She kept us informed and entertained with stories and legends as well as injecting much humour along the way. She was very helpful in suggesting places to eat in all the cities and towns that we visited. She was very conscious of keeping the tour punctual but giving us plenty of time to explore all the stops on the tour. We highly recommend this tour.
Mary, Sep 2021
Tour and Guide, Keith were excellent. Only reason one star was kept back was accommodation. Hotel in Inverness was of a good standard, but we were locked out, the key not working and no-one answered the emergency number. A customer had to let us in. Hotel in Kirkwall was very good. Hotel in Ullapool was very tired with black mould on the bathroom tiles, broken toilet seat and broken bath panel. Not what we would expect. All in all the trip was very good and we could not fault the actual trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Hi Mary,
Thanks for your feedback, we're delighted that you enjoyed the tour with Keith. I'm sorry that there were issues with the accommodation. Could you send me an e-mail to feedback@rabbies.com so, I can identify and follow up with the hotel in Ullapool?
Many thanks,
Aimee
kav19r, Oct 2019
This tour was run by Rabbie's Tours and the attention to details was fantastic. Our driver and guide, Iain Murray, made it an exceptional trip - Iain was a font of information and brought the countryside and places alive with his stories, historical information, humour and consideration. There was never a dull moment and his obvious love of the area made it a special trip. The accommodation was clean and the hosts were welcoming. The small number of the group also helped make it easy and fun. This is a trip absolutely worth doing.
Jamie J, May 2019
This was my first longer than 2 day guided tour and it turned out awesome! There were actually only 3 of us on the tour along with the guide so it was very intimate and we were able to be a little more fluid in our day to day activities.The whole tour was great but Orkney was the real treat. Just an amazing wealth of history there - from 5000 year old standing stones to the Italian chapel from WWII. On the mainland I really enjoyed the Culloden Battlefield Experience. Superbly put together museum that guides you through the battle as well as the events leading up to it and the repercussions felt after.
Sandi H, May 2018
This tour was Amazing! From the moment we left Edinburgh we were informed and entertained to learn history and see wonderful sights of the Country. There were many stops along the way to allow us to take a wee stroll, and stretch our legs, as well as seeing some great sites. Our guides- Christopher and Craig did an excellent job of bringing the history of their country to life. Even if you don't have much interest in the history of the area, some sights couldn't help but move you- such as the slaughter of the McDonald's at Glencoe! Orkney was spectacular! We stopped at many sites, and enjoyed learning about the Stennes Stones, Scara Brae, and Maeshouse! So much to learn and see in this magical country!. They even managed to throw in a couple of Double Rainbows at some amazing spots! How's that for a bonus! The weather co-operated and we had a lovely time! A great way to see the highlands as you drive to and from Orkney. I can't recommend this tour highly enough!
Marion L, Oct 2017
The Orkneys was an amazing, fascinating destination. Tour was professionally organised and Roland was an entertaining, knowledgeable tour leader. Highly recommended
Lynn C, Aug 2017
The 5day Orkney tour was amazing. Barney our driver was full of knowledge of all the places we went through and full of cheeky anecdotes that made it really interesting. Being in a Neolithic village and walking on Culloden Moor are memories forever. My accommodation was excellent in all stops. If you like history, ask for Barney.
John H, Aug 2017
This tour was exactly what we wanted. Great guide accommodations more than adequate requires a certain amount of agility and stamina, walking up and down and steps, but we are 71 and 76 and had no trouble. Lovely people, interesting history, archeology, and scenery. Highly recommended. Small group, 15 people in a small bus. Full days but time to relax, meals, other than breakfast, on your own. If you do not choose the higher level hotel option, your B and B may not be in a place from which you can walk to dinner and will need a taxi.
Jarrad P, Aug 2017
This tour was brilliant. Michael our tour guide was funny, professional and friendly. He had so much local knowledge and we loved his stories. He is obviously a proud Scot. We couldn't fault anything- the accommodation was very comfy and first rate with great breakfast, the coach was comfy and modern and the itinerary was jam packed but manageable. Thanks for helping us fall in love with the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands.
Sueof2, Jul 2017
So much to tell on this jam packed Highland love affair. Our driver extraordinaire, Karen was amazing. She was passionate, articulate, funny and proud of her country. From the Highlands to the lowlands, Karen kept our group entertained with stories past and present, embellishing our tour with amusing tales, amazing scenery and an energy that was positive and infectious. A highlight for me was our time in the Orkneys. Not just the archaeology, which was spectacular, but seeing places only read of before. We sampled local cuisines, sipped on whisky, and laughed. What more could you want? Friendships were made and memories were created. You need to come to Scotland.
Barbara B, Jul 2017
Totally fab -- this was an amazing tour!
Our Rabbies tour guide was Nick and he was the best! Very witty, extremely knowledgeable, and kept everyone on the bus very entertained.
The sites we visited were amazing and we had great weather on Orkney.
Looking forward to my next Rabbies tour.
Michael C, May 2017
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip through the Highlands of Scotland and Orkney. Every minute of the tour was filled, the number of things we saw and experienced plus the informed and entertaining commentary from our guide/driver kept everyone's interest throughout. The two days in Orkney were particularly good, especially if you were interested in the historic remains such as Maeshowe and Skarra Brae. The Italian Chapel was very moving. The accommodation in Inverness could have been better but the hotels in Kirkwall and Ullapool were excellent. Our guide Karen, was brilliant, when time allowed she took us to see places outside the itinerary, her local knowledge and love of Scotland made this a holiday to remember.
Alan_F, May 2017
Enjoyed our 5 day Edinburgh to Orkney tour. Glad we went in late April, early May as we generally had good weather no rain although
not entirely prepared for the at times blustery weather in the Orkneys. Also, with less than a full 2 van passenger load, each of our 14 person vans had 7-9 persons on board so we had plenty of room to spread out and move around for comfort. If you find Stonehenge and the role it may have played in history of interest, Orkney adds to that history knowledge base. We enjoyed our tour guide, she was very helpful with her stories of the history of our various site visits. Something we would have liked to have known about before booking our tour and maybe it's not possible if tours are fully booked was the possibility to stay in Ullapool an extra day and then connect to the Western Islands tour in order to see the Isle of Lewis, Harris and Skye on the way back to Edinburgh. This would have been the ultimate tour combo for those of us wanting to see both the Orkneys and the Outer Hebrides islands in one tour.
Maybe an early season 1 or 2 tour option for this combo tour before they fill up later in the season.
Beth_A, May 2017
We,13, of us, of different ages, had a great time seeing the Scottish highlands, and some of the Orkney Islands amidst a snow storm and gale force winds. It was a journey and very beautiful, though very cold.
Wish we would have taken some group photos and had at least one dinner all together as a group.
Byron H, Jan 2017
Our guide, James was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and made sure to bring us the highlights everywhere we went. He added comedy as well as being able to answer our questions at random. This trip is highly recommended for anyone who wants to see great scenery, as well as a lot of history. Skara Brae is a sight that is not to be missed, as well as all the other history in the Orkney Islands.
We are now considering taking more Rabbi's tours in Ireland, because we were so impressed with this trip.
Janet H, Sep 2016
Wonderful tour, excellent guide, just the right size group. Accommodation was perfect and the locations visited made for a wonderful trip.
Claudia_B, Sep 2016
This trip was everything I expected and more. Our driver/guide, Karen Marr, was knowledgeable, entertaining, and very patient with our diverse group of travelers. The scenery was stunning, Karen's information and stories were wonderful, and the accommodations we chose to stay in hotels instead of B and B or Guest Houses were excellent. No complaints, whatsoever. We had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend this trip.
REBECCA_F, Sep 2016
Our tour of the Orkneys was wonderful. Our Driver/Guide David was extremely informative and diversified our agenda to accommodate all of our needs. The accommodations were excellent. Many thanks to David for making our trip unforgettable.
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