5 Days Orkney Islands & NC500 Tour from Glasgow

What makes this tour really interesting is the sharp contrast, Highlands to Viking Orkney to the Scottish west, all tied together by some top name scenery on the North Coast 500 and ancient sites on Orkney. I love that you get real time in Orkney, not just a quick stop, and I also like the pacing on the smaller walking pieces, so you can actually look around. One possible drawback: it is a lot of days on the road, and a few moments require decent mobility.

The guide can make a huge difference, and recent departures have been led by people like John Macrae, Jim, and Calum, each bringing stories and good group energy. If you like history told in plain human terms, plus photo stops that still feel purposeful, you are in the right place. The main trade-off is that some of the big-ticket sites are not included, so you will want a budget for entrances and a couple of optional experiences.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Two full nights in Kirkwall so Orkney does not feel rushed
• Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar included stops that you can really walk and look at
• Maeshowe and Skara Brae can be worth the extra entry fee for the expert guided feel
• North Coast 500 drive time built in with short coastal legs to stretch your legs
• Whisky stops with chances to taste, plus distillery time that stays flexible
• One offbeat bite of WWII history at the Italian Chapel, if you opt in

Why the Orkney and NC500 route feels like the best kind of trip

This is the kind of itinerary that works when you want two very different versions of Scotland in one go. Days 1 and 2 feed you the broad, dramatic feel of the Highlands and the east coast drive on the North Coast 500. Then the tour lands on Orkney, where the vibe changes to wind, sea, and Viking-era scale. If that sounds like what you came for, you are going to like how the days connect.

The value angle is not only the number of stops. It is that several headline moments are already built in or planned around included pieces. On Orkney, you get major stone sites such as Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar as part of the core plan. That matters because those are the kinds of stops where you do not just want a bus window glance.

One more thing: this tour runs with a small maximum group size, up to 16. That is big enough for a lively group, but small enough that the guide can actually manage timing and keep you together.

Day 1: Cairngorms National Park, Culloden, and an easy Inverness reset

Day 1 starts with the Cairngorms National Park, and you get a woodland walk without a ticket fee. This is a great warm-up. You ease into the trip with something calm and walkable, before you start stacking the big history stops.

Next comes Culloden Battlefield, tied to the Jacobite uprising. This is the kind of stop where you benefit from a guide’s context, even if the visitor center is optional. The battlefield visit itself is on the plan, and you are told you can visit without paying the visitor center fee, which is a smart way to control costs.

Then you hit Inverness for free time. I like this kind of reset block. Two hours in a town means you can grab lunch on your own pace, stretch your legs, and decide how much you want to explore on foot versus just regroup.

After that, you see Clava Cairns, prehistoric standing stones and burial sites dating back over 4,000 years. It is short, but it sets up the next day’s Orkney theme: humans and stones, way before modern Scotland.

Day 1 closes with Aviemore for lunch and a bit of breathing room in the Cairngorms area. Finally, you get to Dalwhinnie Distillery for a taste and time in the shop. Even if you skip the formal tour style parts, a distillery stop is an easy, low-stress add-on on day one.

Practical tip for day 1: pack shoes that can handle uneven ground. Woodland walks and stone sites are usually not the smoothest surfaces, and you will appreciate having footwear that feels secure.

Day 2: Inverness to Kirkwall on the North Coast 500, with coastal walks and Scapa

Day 2 is all about travel north plus a few stops that keep it from turning into just driving. You start from Inverness and head along a gorgeous section of the North Coast 500, with the tour building in pauses and viewing stops rather than letting the day become one long bus ride.

A short coastal break comes at Latheronwheel Harbor, where you get a coastal walk with views of cliffs and the sea. Even though it is quick, this is exactly the kind of stop that makes Orkney feel close, because the coast starts to look and behave differently as you head farther north.

Then you have the option to visit the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. It is specifically flagged as not included. If you care about more than ancient stone, this is one of the more meaningful add-ons on the trip.

Next is Scapa Distillery, where you can try a dram after the tour. The distillery visit is listed as not included, so expect an extra cost if you choose that option. Either way, this is the day when your trip shifts from general Highlands to a more maritime, northern feel.

You end in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, and the plan includes free time to wander. Two nights here is a big plus. You are not trapped in a constant rush, and you can time your meals and photos without always feeling like you must sprint to the next stop.

Day 3: Kirkwall and Orkney’s big stone sites, from St Magnus to Skara Brae

Day 3 is the Orkney day that many people picture before they book. You start back in Kirkwall with time to explore the historic town and visit St Magnus Cathedral if it fits your schedule.

Then the itinerary moves to the most ancient highlights in a smart order. First is Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a 5,000-year-old monument that includes the chance to visit with an expert guide. This one is not included on the basic fare, so it is a pay-up choice. I think it is worth considering if you want the depth and guided interpretation, because this kind of site often benefits from expert framing.

After that, you go to Standing Stones of Stenness. This is included, and you also get a short chance to see small building foundations from homes from the same period. This is one of the best “turn imagination into reality” stops because it shows both the standing stones and the human living area nearby. The time here is kept to about 45 minutes, so you get a strong hit without overloading you.

Next comes the Ring of Brodgar, one of the largest stone circles in the country and included. This is not just about seeing it, it is about walking around it. On these sites, the scale is easier to understand when you can pace slowly.

Finally, you reach Skara Brae, where you can actually walk through preserved homes from over 5,000 years ago. The entry fee is not included. If you care about how people lived, this is usually the type of stop that makes a trip feel complete, because you move beyond stones and into everyday structure.

Mobility note: Orkney sites are often a mix of gravel, uneven paths, and grass. If you have any doubt about foot comfort, bring shoes you can trust.

Day 4: Ferry back to the mainland, John o’ Groats, and Grey Cairns of Camster

Day 4 starts with the ferry back from Orkney to the mainland via St. Margaret’s Hope. Having the ferry built in is a practical win. Orkney is remote, and doing that connection yourself would likely eat time and energy.

From there, you stop at John o’ Groats for a quick wander and photos by the famous finger post. This is a short stop, and it is mainly about checking that northern marker off your list.

Then you hit Grey Cairns of Camster, an ancient burial ground. Here is the big consideration: you are told you might crawl on your hands and knees into the cairn center, and good mobility is needed with no fear of cramped spaces. This is the kind of stop that separates I can do that from I will skip that safely. If you are unsure about being able to do it comfortably, you should know this in advance.

After the burial stop, the tour returns toward Inverness for an evening stay. Then the day continues with Castle Sinclair Girnigoe ruins for coastal views, and Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, where the castle entry is not included. The castle is described as fairy-tale-like and dating back to the 13th century, and the gardens add coastal views time.

What I like about this day is that it gives you variety: ferry rhythm, a northern postcard moment, a hands-on ancient experience, then a castle and gardens finish. What I watch out for is energy level, because you have been on an Orkney-packed day and day four keeps the pace moving.

Day 5: Loch Ness option, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond before ending in Edinburgh

Day 5 starts with Loch Ness, including time for a cruise option. The cruise fee is listed as not included, so you will choose based on your budget and your weather tolerance. Even if you skip the cruise, you still get time at the loch, and this is the sort of stop where the vibe is part of the fun.

Next is Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic valleys, with time for exploring the area. This is short, about 45 minutes, but Glencoe is one of those places where even a short walk can feel like a scene change.

Then you visit Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for several spots and a chance to hear about wildlife, culture, and history. The time is about an hour, so think of it as guided orientation and a few photo-ready moments.

The day wraps with driving through the Scottish Highlands and then ends in Edinburgh at The Jolly Botanist on Morrison Street. The itinerary’s last stop list emphasizes scenic travel time, which is how the tour usually transitions you from Scotland’s big outer edges back toward the city.

Practical tip for day 5: if you want photos, bring a small crossbody or day bag. You will be using it constantly for quick exits, not for a full-on hike.

Value and budget: what you pay extra for, and what you get included

The price is $828.18 per person for about five days. That is not cheap, but it is the kind of trip where the included logistics matter. You have ferry connections between Orkney and the mainland, plus a structured plan with guided short walks. You also get several included major stone sites, such as Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, which can easily turn into extra entry costs if you book those separately.

Here is what to budget for based on what is explicitly listed as not included:

• Culloden Battlefield visitor center is extra (you can visit the battlefield without paying it)
• Italian Chapel entry is extra
• Scapa Distillery fees are extra
• Maeshowe Chambered Cairn entry is extra
• Skara Brae entry is extra
• Dunrobin Castle entry is extra
• Loch Ness cruise fee is extra

Also plan for meals and snacks. They are not included, and on long travel days, your best bet is to treat lunches as flexible and buy what looks good near the stop.

My approach to budgeting: decide which paid sites are “must see for me.” If Skara Brae and Maeshowe are top on your list, fund those first. If whisky tastes and distillery tours are more your thing, then reserve money for the distillery options. The rest is optional.

Pace, guide quality, and what small-group really feels like

This tour runs with a maximum of 16 travelers, which is where you get the best chance for a relaxed feel. It is not a huge motorcoach crush. Recent groups have talked about a comfortable van on some departures and a smaller headcount feel, which means you can often hear the guide and get questions answered without shouting.

The guide factor is real. One leader, John Macrae, was praised for being friendly, knowledgeable in plain terms, and for going the extra mile. Another leader, Jim, was described as funny, informative, and attentive to keeping everyone happy, even adding a personal touch like birthday cupcakes. A third guide, Calum, was highlighted for passion and for adding places along the way when the group was engaged.

That points to how this tour works at its best: it is structured, but the guide still reads the group and tweaks timing when it makes sense.

What you should know about pace: you have many stops per day, often rotating between short walks and transit. That means you will spend time sitting in the vehicle, and then suddenly be on your feet. Plan for that pattern. If you want a slower trip, you might find the schedule busy.

What to pack and how to make the most of stone, sea, and castles

I would pack like you are doing Scotland in layers. You are mixing woodland walking, coastal air, and stone sites. Even if the weather looks calm when you start the day, it can change fast near the sea.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground
• A light rain layer
• Sun protection, because northern days can still be bright
• A small day bag for quick stops

If you do the optional crawl into Grey Cairns of Camster, bring a mindset that you might get a bit cramped. The tour explicitly calls for good mobility and no fear of cramped spaces, so treat that stop seriously.

Also, if you are a wildlife fan, keep an open mind. One group experience included seeing puffins and feeding Highland coos, which is the kind of bonus that can make Orkney feel even more like the edge of the world.

Who this tour fits best, and who might want a different plan

This is a great match if you want:

• A 5-day route that hits both the Highlands and Orkney without you coordinating ferries and day-by-day plans
• A strong mix of ancient stone sites and more modern history stops like Culloden and the Italian Chapel
• Small-group energy with guided walking moments

It is less ideal if:

• You have mobility or walking limits. The tour itself says it is not recommended for travelers with mobility or walking problems, and Grey Cairns of Camster can involve crawling.
• You hate long transit days. You will spend time on the road, especially across the North Coast 500 section and returning toward Edinburgh.

Should you book this Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 tour from Glasgow?

Book it if you want a trip that feels efficient without feeling rushed, and if Orkney’s prehistoric and Viking-scale sites are on your list. The included Stenness and Ring of Brodgar stops, plus two nights in Kirkwall, make it easier to justify than building this route yourself. The ferry logistics alone can be worth it for stress control.

Skip it, or look for a slower version, if you need lighter days and fewer transfers. Also treat the optional and sometimes tight ancient spaces seriously, especially Grey Cairns of Camster.

If you like history told by a guide who keeps things human, and you want Scotland’s sea edge plus its stone age scale in one package, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

What is the starting point and time for the tour?

The tour starts at Buchanan Bus Station Taxi Rank, Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW at 7:30 am.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at The Jolly Botanist, 256-260 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3 8DT.

What is included in the price?

Included items are ferries to the Orkney Islands, ferries to the mainland from Orkney Islands, guided short walks in the Highlands and Orkney, and included visits such as Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. Meals and snacks are not included.

What major entrance fees should I expect to pay separately?

Not included are entry fees for places such as Culloden Battlefield visitor center (optional), Italian Chapel, Scapa Distillery, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Skara Brae, Dunrobin Castle, and the Loch Ness cruise.

Is this tour in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

Is the tour suitable if I have mobility issues?

It is not recommended for travelers with mobility or walking problems, and some stops can involve cramped spaces or crawling (such as Grey Cairns of Camster).