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

This tour is interesting because it strings together two very different parts of Scotland in one smooth arc: the Highlands plus the remote, prehistoric world of Orkney. You start in Edinburgh, work your way north with big scenery stops, then cross the Pentland Firth by ferry to an archipelago of around 70 islands. If you get a guide like Mac, Martin, Kelly, or Karen, expect nonstop storytelling during the long drives.

I especially like the way this trip handles the history heavyweights. You get timed visits with included entry for Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Culloden Battlefield, plus plenty of free time to soak in places like Kirkwall at night. My other favorite part is the small-group size, max 16 passengers, which keeps you from feeling like luggage on wheels.

One possible drawback is the pace. Even with breaks and photo stops, you are still covering serious distances by coach, and the itinerary is full, not slow sightseeing.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small group size (max 16) means more chances to ask questions and actually hear your guide.
• Mercedes 16-seat mini-coach keeps the drive comfortable, especially on windy north-coast days.
• Ferry crossing the Pentland Firth gives Orkney a true sense of place, not just a day-trip feel.
• Included entries at Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Culloden remove the biggest booking headache.
• Kirkwall at night gives you a Viking-flavored evening in Orkney, not only daytime ruins.
• Active walking built in at places like Skara Brae and the steep approaches at some viewpoints means comfy shoes matter.

Why this Orkney and Northern Coast route from Edinburgh just makes sense

The best value in this tour is not one site, it is the overall pairing. You’re not only buying access to Orkney, you’re also getting the drive up through Scotland’s north, with major stops along the way. That matters because a lot of the thrill here is the journey itself, the way the scenery shifts as you move from central Scotland toward the far north.

You also get a proper structure to the days. Two nights are set around Kirkwall, so Orkney time feels real. Then you finish with Ullapool before heading back down, which is a nice flow for seeing both the islands and the wild northwest feel of the mainland.

Finally, this is the kind of trip that works well if you want your days planned but still enjoy downtime. You’re not stuck doing nonstop tours with no air. You do have mornings and afternoons to explore, then evenings where you can eat on your own.

Day 1: From Edinburgh past Stirling to Loch Ness and Glencoe

Day 1 starts with a classic ramp-up. You leave Edinburgh and head west past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, and you drive by Doune Castle before reaching Callander for a refreshment stop. This sets the tone fast, big landmarks, then the scenery turns wild as you cross into the Highlands.

From there, the drive weaves through the Great Glen area, with chances to take in long views and stretches of water like Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart. The tour builds in the kind of stop that makes the day feel paced, not rushed, because you get time to stretch and reset.

Your Loch Ness stop is one of the easiest wins on the schedule: about an hour to admire views and keep an eye out for the famous story. You also get the Glencoe moment along the way, with time to hear a haunting tale before continuing north up the Great Glen.

A practical note: this is the longest day of setup, so if you are sensitive to travel time, plan for an early start and keep snacks handy in your small onboard bag. The coach is modern, but long road days still add up.

Day 2: Dunrobin views, John o’ Groats, then Kirkwall’s Viking streets

Day 2 is a high-impact day because it links three very different moods. First you head toward the northeast coast and make a stop at Dunrobin Castle and Gardens. It’s a short photo stop rather than a full visit, but it’s worth it for the look of the place and the dramatic coastline feel around it.

Do note the one drawback here: the path leading to the front of the castle is described as steep and not suitable for everyone. If you need flat ground, arrive prepared to do just the viewing areas that match your ability.

Next comes John o’ Groats. This is one of those places where the geography does the talking. You get a brief stop with unspoiled scenery and wildlife, and it is also the emotional hinge for the whole trip because you then move toward the ferry point.

From John o’ Groats you head to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry and cross the Pentland Firth into Orkney. Even though it is a short crossing compared to a full day at sea, it changes the entire vibe of the trip. You’re no longer driving inland, you’re arriving at an island world.

Once you land, the day shifts into Kirkwall. You visit the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm and then continue to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. In the evening, you can explore the town’s winding streets and, if you want, visit Kirkwall’s Viking Cathedral on your own time.

Day 3: Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, and that Orkney time warp

Day 3 is the real Orkney day, the one that feels like you stepped into a different calendar. The centerpiece is Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement that is described as the best-preserved of its kind in Western Europe. You get about an hour there, and you do not need to be a big archaeology nerd to feel the scale of what you’re seeing.

What you are really appreciating is how intact the site remains. Standing in a place that was lived in thousands of years ago turns history from text into something physical. It also makes photography easier because you can focus on structures and layouts rather than just random ruins.

Next is the Ring of Brodgar, one of Orkney’s major stone circles. You get a short stop, around 30 minutes, but it’s set up for quick wow factor. The dimensions are big, and the fact that a full circle of stones once stood there, with many missing today, makes you think about time in a practical way. You see what survived, then you imagine what didn’t.

Then you top it off with Maeshowe, a chambered cairn where Vikings left runic inscriptions in the 12th century. You get about an hour here, and this is the part of the day that connects the deep past to the later human layers of Orkney. That contrast, Neolithic first, then Norse inscriptions later, is one of the smartest storytelling combinations on the schedule.

A good tip: on a day like this, you’ll walk more than you expect even with short timed visits. If you plan to buy water or snacks, do it at the start of your day so you are not hunting during transitions.

Day 4: Ferry back, Assynt ruins at Ardvreck, and your last night in Ullapool

Day 4 is the flip side of Day 2. You start with the Viking waters and sail back to the mainland, then your coach heads through the very top of Scotland. You pass mountains like Ben Loyal and Ben Hope, and you get driving views toward rocky coastlines and golden sand beaches described on the route.

This is where the tour stops being only about islands. The northwest Highlands bring a bigger, emptier feel, the kind that makes you appreciate why people talk about this part of Scotland as remote. You do not get to stretch it all into a hike, but you do get enough look time to reset after Orkney.

Your first stop is Ardvreck Castle, described as 15th-century ruins. You only have about 30 minutes, so I treat it as a scenic break, plus a quick historical moment. If ruins are your thing, you’ll feel that this stop is short but satisfying, because you can see the location’s drama without needing an all-day detour.

Then you continue to Ullapool, a whitewashed fishing village. This is your last night, and it’s a good choice for a relaxed evening after two days of strong sight blocks. In the data, you also have evening freedom here, which is useful because you will likely want to eat something local without the clock.

Day 5: Culloden Battlefield Experience, Clava Cairns, lunch in the pines, then Edinburgh

Day 5 starts emotionally. You visit Culloden Battlefield, with the entry ticket included. This is a site tied to the final Jacobite Rising, and the tour gives you about 45 minutes at the battlefield. Even if you are not a battle-history fan, the setting can hit hard because it is one of those places where the land itself feels like a document.

After that you head to Clava Cairns, another short but meaningful stop. This is where standing stones show you how long people have been marking places in this region. The stop is about 30 minutes, and it’s also a nice bridge between the Viking and Neolithic story you just saw in Orkney and the later Scottish national story at Culloden.

Then the ride turns scenic again as you travel through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest area, hug the Cairngorm mountain range, and enjoy lunch in these surroundings. The exact lunch arrangement is not specified, but the tour does say lunch in the beautiful surroundings, which makes the day feel more human than purely transit.

From there you return toward Edinburgh, crossing through The Big Tree country of Perthshire and the Kingdom of Fife before ending back at the meeting point.

Transport and pacing: what the Mercedes coach feels like on real days

The ride is built around a top-of-the-range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, which is a major upgrade from big bus tourism. Smaller vehicle means fewer delays and more flexible stops, and you can usually get a better view without playing the seat lottery.

Your day depends on timing, not just sightseeing. On this kind of route, the tour works because you have planned breakpoints. Some are sightseeing stops, some are refreshment stops, and you also get rest breaks for the bathroom during the day.

Group size is max 16, and the experience is offered in English. In real life, that usually translates to your guide having enough time to answer questions and not just fill space with facts. If you want a guide-led day where history and practical tips blend together, this format fits well.

One more pacing truth: you will walk at some stops. For Skara Brae and Maeshowe, it is part of the experience. For Dunrobin, the steep path is flagged as not suitable for everyone, so plan your comfort level in advance.

What’s included, what’s not, and how to avoid surprise ticket stress

This tour includes round-trip transportation, four nights of en-suite accommodation, and daily breakfasts. It also includes entrance fees for Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Culloden Battlefield, because these are the big-ticket history stops.

Here’s what you should budget for mentally. Stops like Dunrobin are listed as short photo stops with admission ticket not included. The Italian Chapel visit is described as a stop for a visit, but admission is not listed as included. The practical move is to have a little cash or card ready for on-site tickets and small purchases.

Meals and refreshments are not included beyond breakfast. That means you have freedom to eat where you like, but you also need to plan for it during long transit stretches. Pack a snack plan, especially on days with multiple stops.

Also remember the luggage limit: you’re restricted to 20kg (44lb), plus one medium suitcase or bag and a small onboard personal bag. That is tight enough that I suggest you pack light and use the small bag for day essentials like water, rain gear, and your camera.

Staying in Inverness, Kirkwall, and Ullapool: 3-star hotels versus B&Bs

You choose between a 3-star bed and breakfast option or a 3-star hotel option at booking. Both are en-suite, and breakfast is included either way.

The big difference is location and walkability. The tour notes that B&Bs tend to be on the outskirts of towns, and you should expect a 20 to 30 minute walk to local pubs and restaurants. If stairs are an issue, B&B lifts are not available, so ask about room type if needed.

Hotels are usually more central but can still be up to a 20 to 30 minute walk from facilities. The tour also says you can request a ground-floor room or lift access if available. If you want easier evenings after full sight days, the hotel option is often the calmer choice.

In short, I see your accommodation choice as a trade between atmosphere and convenience. If you are the type who likes settling into a town center and eating without thinking about uphill or long walks, pick the hotel option.

Weather and comfort: what to pack for Orkney winds and north-coast chill

Orkney and the far north can be cold and blustery, even when southern Scotland feels mild. The tour is designed for this reality with continuous time outside for viewpoints and visits.

Pack for layers. Have a warm top, a waterproof shell, and gloves or a hat if you run cold. Even on bright days, the wind can cut through quickly near the coast and ferry routes.

Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. Skara Brae and Maeshowe involve walking on uneven ground. Dunrobin has steep paths in places, and while it’s a short stop, you may still want the option to move easily between viewing areas.

If you are prone to motion discomfort on long drives, bring what helps you. The mini-coach is comfortable, but these days still have a lot of time on the road.

Who this tour suits, and who might want a different pace

This is best for you if you love structured history stops, especially Orkney prehistory paired with Scottish national sites like Culloden. You’ll enjoy it if you want a mix of ruins, stones, and Viking-era touches without having to plan ferry times yourself.

It is also a good fit for first-timers to the Highlands and Orkney. The group size is small, the coach is modern, and the stops are placed where the story makes sense. You get the big names without needing your own car.

You might want to think twice if you dislike long drives or prefer very slow travel. The schedule is full, and you will spend time in transit each day. Also, if you are not steady on your feet or need step-free touring, you should focus on the stops where walking is required and understand that some paths, like the Dunrobin front approach, can be steep.

Should you book this Orkney and Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh?

I think you should book this tour if you want a one-stop way to see Orkney’s major prehistoric sites, plus a strong Highlands road trip, without renting a car. The value comes from the mix of included transport, four nights of lodging, daily breakfasts, and included entry for Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Culloden.

Book with care if you know you will not enjoy long days in transit, or if your comfort needs make walking difficult at multiple stops. In that case, choose the accommodation option that reduces evening walking, and plan for layered weather gear so the outdoors part stays fun.

If you like guided days where stories make the scenery click, this route is a strong match.

FAQ

Where does the 5-Day Orkney and Northern Coast Tour start, and when?

The tour starts at Bus Station Edinburgh EH1 3AY, UK. Departure time is 8:30 am.

What vehicle do you use for most of the trip?

You travel by a top-of-the-range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.

Do you cross water to reach Orkney?

Yes. You cross the Pentland Firth by ferry into the Orkney Islands.

How many passengers are on the tour?

This tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

What entrance fees are included?

Entrance fees included are for Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and Culloden Battlefield.

How many nights do you stay, and where?

You have four nights of en-suite accommodation, with evenings at leisure in Inverness, Kirkwall, and Ullapool.

Are meals included besides breakfast?

Daily breakfasts are included. Meals and refreshments are not included beyond breakfast.

What luggage can you bring?

You can bring up to 20kg of luggage (44lb), plus one medium sized suitcase or bag and a small bag for onboard personal items.

Is there a minimum age to join?

The minimum age for travel is 5 years.

What is your accommodation choice at booking?

You choose between 3-star bed and breakfast and 3-star hotel options at time of booking.