5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh

If you like Scotland that feels both wild and old, this is a strong pick. You start in the Highlands, swing up the North Coast 500, then land in Orkney for Viking-era sights and some of the best prehistoric sites in the UK.

Two things I really like about this tour are the way it threads history into the day with real, visitable sites (not just drive-bys), and the fact that you get guided walking time in the Highlands and on Orkney. The guides, including Calum and Karen, bring Scotland’s geography and lore to life in a way that makes each stop easier to understand.

One consideration: this is a tight 5 days with lots of driving and several paid entries you’ll likely want to add (Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Dunrobin Castle, and more). Also, some stops require good mobility, including a crouch and crawl at Grey Cairns of Camster.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Small group size (max 16), so your guide can actually answer questions as you move.
• Orkney’s included ancient sites include the Standing Stones of Stenness (5000 years old) and the Ring of Brodgar.
• North Coast 500 time gives you a classic Scottish coastal route without needing to plan transport yourself.
• Ferries are included for getting to Orkney and back to the mainland.
• Guide-led pacing balances short walks with enough time for photos and a breather.
• Some entries and cruises cost extra so budget for site fees and optional experiences.

Value and logistics, what your money actually buys

At $928.87 per person for about 5 days, you’re paying for the big moving pieces: transport between regions, ferry transfers to Orkney and back, and a guided structure that hits a lot of Scotland without you juggling maps all day.

What’s included that matters most:

• Ferry to the Orkney Islands
• Ferry back to the mainland
• Guided short walks in the Highlands and on Orkney
• Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar visits
• A guided, expert-led stop at Maeshowe Chambered Cairn is specifically called out as having an expert tour guide (even though the entry fee is not included)

What is not included (and usually costs in real life):

• Meals and snacks (you’ll need to plan for lunch and dinner stops)
• Several important site entries, including Culloden Visitor Center, Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Dunrobin Castle, and Loch Ness cruise
• Whisky distillery fees (the itinerary lists whisky time, but some distillery tours and fees are marked not included)

The practical takeaway: the tour is good value if you’re the type of traveler who wants the history and the driving handled. If you already plan to drive your own route and only want a few key stops, you might compare costs. But if you want this route assembled for you, the included ferries and guided walking time are the core value.

Other helpful details: the tour is in English, uses a mobile ticket, starts at 8:30 am from 256-260 Morrison St, Edinburgh (EH3 8DT), and ends back at the same meeting point. Average booking timing is about 74 days in advance, which is a gentle hint to lock in early if your dates matter.

Day 1: Cairngorms woods, Culloden, Inverness, then Dalwhinnie

Day 1 is your launch into Scotland’s variety. You start with time in the Cairngorms National Park for a lovely woodland walk. This is the kind of stop that makes the long days feel worth it. It’s not just scenery for the windshield, you get a real walk and a chance to reset.

Next up is Culloden Battlefield. Even though the visitor center entry costs extra, you can still explore the battlefield area without paying that separate ticket. This is a strong setup if you want the history without feeling forced into an all-in bundle.

Then you land in Inverness for about 2 hours of free time. That break matters on a 5-day tour. You’ll get a chance to get a snack, look around, and pace yourself before the day turns more ancient.

After Inverness, you visit Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial site with standing stones that dates back over 4,000 years. It’s a short stop, but the scale and age hit fast, especially after the more recent history at Culloden.

In the afternoon you’re in Aviemore for lunch. Aviemore sits close to the Cairngorms, so it’s a logical base for a midday meal stop and an easy way to keep the day moving.

Finally, you end with Dalwhinnie Distillery. The itinerary lists this as a free stop, with time at the bar or in the shop. Distillery culture is one of Scotland’s best cultural exports, and even without paying for a formal tour, you can still pick up a sense of the place.

Day 1 drawback to keep in mind: this is a lot of places packed into one day. The upside is that each stop is short enough that you can enjoy it without feeling like you’re stuck in a museum all afternoon.

Day 2: North Coast 500 coastal driving, then Orkney’s Kirkwall

Day 2 is where the trip starts feeling like a road trip across the northern edge of Scotland. You head north from Inverness along a gorgeous stretch of the North Coast 500. There’s a set block of time for this drive, and that matters because these coastal routes take longer than you think when you keep stopping for views.

Then you stretch your legs at Latheronwheel Harbor, with a short coastal walk. This stop is all about dramatic cliffs and sea views, and it’s the right kind of quick break mid-day.

Next comes the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. The entry fee is not included, so you’ll want to decide whether you want to pay for the interior. If you care about World War II stories beyond the usual museums, it’s one of those places that can make the whole Orkney portion feel more grounded in modern history.

After that, you have Scapa Distillery with a tour option. The itinerary notes you can learn the whisky process and even try a dram, but the admission is marked not included. In practical terms, you should budget for at least one paid whisky experience somewhere on this trip if that part interests you.

You end the day in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, with time to explore local streets, shops, and cafes. This is also where you set yourself up for two nights, so you’re not always rushing to find a new bed.

What I like about this day: it mixes driving, walking, and then gives you an actual evening in Kirkwall. You get to see Orkney as a real place, not just a stop list.

Day 3: Orkney’s core ancient sites, Viking Kirkwall included

Day 3 focuses on Orkney’s big hitting prehistoric landmarks, and it does it in a way that feels efficient but not frantic.

You start in Kirkwall again, with time to explore the Viking town feel. The itinerary points you toward St Magnus Cathedral, perched in the center of town. You’ll likely enjoy this stop even if you’re not a church person, because it’s a clear, recognizable landmark and a good way to orient yourself before you head to the field sites.

Then you visit Maeshowe Chambered Cairn. This is one of those places where the entry fee exists for a reason, and the itinerary also notes an expert tour guide for the visit. It’s ideal if you like explanations rather than just looking at stones from the outside.

After Maeshowe, you’re at Standing Stones of Stenness. This is included and free, and the age matters: it dates back over 5000 years. You’ll also get to see nearby building foundations from homes from the same era. That combo helps you move from awe to understanding.

Next is Ring of Brodgar, also included. This is one of the reasons people come to Orkney. You get one of the largest stone circles in the country, and the time allocation feels built for photos plus a slow look.

Finally, you’re at Skara Brae. This is not included, so you’ll pay the site fee if you want inside access. It’s the kind of place where preserved structures make prehistoric life feel real and close. The listing also suggests a full hour here, so you’re not just peeking and leaving.

Day 3 consideration: Skara Brae and Maeshowe are both paid entries, so your overall Orkney budget will depend on whether you do both. If you’re aiming to keep costs down, you can still enjoy the included stone circles. But if you love ancient sites, skipping the paid ones will feel like leaving out chapters.

Day 4: Ferry back, John o’ Groats, Grey Cairns crawl, and Dunrobin’s castle time

Day 4 starts with a practical transition. You take the ferry from St Margaret’s Hope back to the mainland. Since this ferry is included, it removes a big stress point, and it keeps the day on schedule.

You then stop at John o’ Groats. This is a quick one, more about getting your bearings and taking the famous finger post photo at Scotland’s most northern mainland settlement.

After that, you visit the Grey Cairns of Camster. This is a standout stop, but read the fine print in your body: the itinerary notes you may need good mobility, and the site involves crawling on your hands and knees into the center of a cairn. If you don’t like cramped spaces, you’ll want to think hard before committing. If you’re okay with it, this stop is memorable because it’s physical, not just visual.

Back in the Inverness area for an evening stay, you get a breather. Then you visit Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, a 16th-century fortress ruin with coastal views. The time here is short but it adds a bit of dramatic coastline history.

You finish with Dunrobin Castle and Gardens. This is not included and carries an entry fee in the itinerary. The listing frames it like a fairy-tale-style castle dating back to the 13th century, plus gardens with coastline views. This is the kind of stop that works well if you want one more “big stately” highlight before the final day.

Day 4 drawback: this day stacks a mix of quick stops and one more paid castle option. If you’re sensitive to travel fatigue, keep in mind you’re still covering a lot of ground after Orkney.

Day 5: Loch Ness option, Glencoe drama, Loch Lomond finish, then Highlands driving

Day 5 is built for famous names and emotional scenery.

First is Loch Ness with a cruise option. The cruise is marked not included, so this is the moment to decide whether you want to spend extra for a water-based Nessie experience. Even without the cruise, the loch stop is the right lead-in to Scotland’s best-known myth.

Then you head to Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic valleys. The itinerary frames this as a focused visit rather than a long hiking day, so it’s a good match if you want the look and the feel without committing to a full trail.

Next is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. You’ll visit a few spots here, with time to appreciate the area’s wildlife, culture, and history. The stop is not extremely long, but the structure helps you get a taste of a popular region instead of just passing through.

Finally, you spend about 4 hours traveling through the Scottish Highlands, stopping at lovely locations along the way. That last chunk is important. It helps turn the trip from a list of attractions into an actual Highlands wrap-up.

Day 5 consideration: because some of the most famous places here have paid optional experiences (especially Loch Ness cruise), you’ll want to manage your budget and decide what matters most to you.

Group size, guide style, and how the pacing really feels

This is capped at 16 travelers, which is the sweet spot for a tour like this. You don’t feel swallowed by a big bus group, and your guide can shift if the weather or timing needs a change.

One theme that fits the whole tour: guided stops and short walks. You get enough structured time to understand what you’re seeing, without losing freedom entirely. And based on the guide team called out in the experience, Calum and Karen bring a warm, explanatory approach, with Scottish geography, history, and lore woven into the stops.

Is it fast? Yes. But it’s not careless. It’s the kind of itinerary where each location is scheduled long enough for meaning, and short enough that you can keep energy for the next place.

Mobility note: the tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility or walking problems. The reason is practical, not dramatic. Some sites require awkward movement, especially Grey Cairns of Camster. If you’re unsure, it’s worth reading the walking and crawling demands carefully before booking.

What you should budget for on top of the tour price

The tour includes a lot, but the list of paid extras matters. Here are the big ones the itinerary calls out with approximate prices:

• Culloden Moor Visitor Center: about £15 (optional, not required to visit the battlefield)
• Dunrobin Castle: about £15
• Whisky distillery fees: about £22 (not included)
• Maeshowe Chambered Cairn: about £11
• Skara Brae: about £13
• Loch Ness cruise: about £15
• Italian Chapel: marked not included
• Scapa Distillery: marked not included
• (And Culloden, Maeshowe, Skara Brae are the major “pay once, remember it” stops in the Orkney half)

Also plan for meals and snacks, because those are not part of the package.

My advice: before you go, choose your priorities:

• If you want the Orkney prehistoric trifecta, plan for Maeshowe plus Skara Brae on top of the included stones.
• If you want to keep costs down, at minimum do the included stone circles and consider one paid site as a splurge.

Who this tour is best for

This fits well if:

• you want Orkney plus the North Coast 500 in one guided setup
• you like history that you can actually walk through
• you’re comfortable with a full schedule and prefer short stops to long hikes

It might not fit if:

• you need step-free or low-effort sites only
• crawling and cramped spaces are a hard no for you
• you hate paying optional entries, because the itinerary includes several marked not included fees

Should you book this 5-day Orkney and North Coast 500 tour?

I’d book it if you want a structured route that covers a lot of Scotland you can’t easily stitch together on your own in 5 days, especially with ferries included and key Orkney stone sites built into the plan. The value comes from logistics done for you, plus enough guided time to make the historical stops feel understandable.

Skip it, or at least think carefully, if your top priority is comfort and slow travel. This route moves. And it includes at least one stop where you may need to crawl, so be honest about your mobility and comfort level.

If you’re the type who enjoys ancient sites, coastal driving, and whisky culture, this is a very satisfying way to see Scotland with less planning stress and more time spent looking at real places.

FAQ

What time does the tour start in Edinburgh?

The tour starts at 8:30 am from 256-260 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3 8DT, UK.

How long is the 5-day tour?

It’s listed as 5 days (approx.).

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are ferries to Orkney and back, guided short walks in the Highlands and Orkney, Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar visits.

What costs extra during the trip?

Meals and snacks are not included. Entry fees and optional experiences not included include things like Culloden Visitor Center, Dunrobin Castle, whisky distillery fees, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Skara Brae, and Loch Ness cruise.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. For 2 to 6 days before start time, the refund is 50%. If you cancel less than 2 days before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If the tour is canceled due to not meeting the minimum traveler count, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.