From

£489/ adult

Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast

Explore the lives of ancient settlers on this magical tour

Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast

From Edinburgh

4.9/5

Duration:

5 days

Led by:

Expert local guide

Group size:

Max 16 people

Travel by:

Mini Coach & Ferry

Your story begins...

The archipelago of Orkney hides many treasures, and on this five-day tour, we'll take you to the best of them. You’ll unearth Skara Brae, one of Europe’s most well-preserved prehistoric sites; examine a beautiful red sandstone coast; and discover the vibrant culture of remote island communities. You’ll also have a chance to find the Loch Ness Monster, see Scotland’s beautiful north, and learn the tragedy of Glencoe. It’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

15% off this tour with code SS15

Travel April-August 2026. Don't miss out - limited seat availability!

What you'll experience

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Orkney Archipelago

The coasts of Orkney feature sandy beaches, jagged cliffs, and brilliant wildlife, largely untouched by civilisation.

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Ring of Brodgar

4000 years old, originally featuring up to 60 stones. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see.

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Skara Brae

Along with its nearby stone circles and henges, Skara Brae is Europe's most complete and well-preserved Stone Age village, truly a world-class treasure.

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Clava Cairns

Transport yourself back to the bronze age when you visit this exceptionally well preserved prehistoric burial site

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Ardvreck Castle

This 15th-century castle ruin watches over the stunning Loch Assynt.

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Glencoe

Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.

Includes

  • Travel in Luxury 16 Seat Mini Coach
  • Daily pick-ups & drop offs
  • 44lb (20kg) Luggage Allowance
  • Ferry Travel to Orkney
  • Expert Local Guide

Optional Extras

  • Entry to Skara Brae sites
  • Entry to Maeshowe Cairn site
  • Tickets to Culloden VC, Museum & Battlefield
  • Entry to the Italian Chapel, Orkney
  • Entry to Highland Folk Museum

Excludes

  • Flights, Transfers and Accommodation
  • Food & Drink
Day 1 - Glencoe and the Highlands
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Pick up time: 8.30am

Location: Gate J And Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ

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Morning

Edinburgh to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

As you head north, you pass by some iconic Scottish landmarks, including the Kelpies, 30-meter-tall horse head sculptures, and the imposing Stirling Castle, perched high on a craggy hill. Crossing the ancient Fault Line that divides Scotland, you'll enter the breathtaking Highlands. Here, the flat, fertile plains of the Lowlands gradually give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain peaks, and forest-filled glens within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. A quick break in a quaint Highland town or by a scenic loch refreshes you for the next leg of your journey.

Mid Morning

Highlands and Glencoe

Continuing north, you traverse the vast, open landscapes of Rannoch Moor before arriving at Glen Coe, one of Scotland's most famous natural landmarks. Known for its dramatic, rugged slopes, this beautiful valley has been featured in films and has many stories to tell. You'll have time for photo stops or a short walk to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

Afternoon

Lunch in Fort William, Highlands, and Falls of Foyers

Next, you'll visit Fort William, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You've got time for lunch and exploration, so you can decide what you want to do. Sample local cuisine, wander the streets of the town centre, or visit a local museum to learn more about the area's rich history. Continuing along the rugged landscapes of Great Glen, we'll stop for photos at the most scenic viewpoints. The journey takes us north to a Highland gem, Falls of Foyers, where you can go for a short walk to admire this stunning waterfall that was a favourite spot of the poet Robert Burns.

Early Evening

Journey along Loch Ness to Inverness, free evening

We journey along the legendary Loch Ness, whose dark, peat-stained waters hold more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its vast depths make it the perfect hiding place for the elusive Loch Ness Monster. During our stop at Dores, a peaceful village with stunning views across Loch Ness, you might even spot the famous creature. As the day winds down, we arrive in Inverness, the vibrant Capital of the Highlands. The evening is free for you to enjoy—make sure to sample some local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets to the impressive Inverness Castle or the scenic River Ness islands.

Accommodation

Your overnight accommodation will be in Inverness.

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour but is available to add to your booking during checkout. Simply select our reservation service Reserved by Rabbie’s™ (fees apply) & we will make a reservation on your behalf. Payment is made at check-in directly to the accommodation provider. Alternatively you can choose to reserve your own accommodation. For more information about how accommodation works please see our accommodation guide.

NB: Itinerary & attractions are subject to change.


Day 2 - The East Coast and Orkney

Day 3 - Skara Brae & Ancient Orkney

Day 4 - Explore The North Coast 500

Day 5 - Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns

What our customers say

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Tour Accommodation

Simple, convenient and tailored to your tour.

Elevate your journey with accommodation seamlessly arranged by our Travel Experts. We curate trusted, high‑quality stays that complement your tour perfectly, ensuring comfort and peace of mind from the moment you book.

Expertly selected rooms chosen for quality & guest experience.
Effortless process we confirm every detail before you travel.
Most travelers include accommodation in their booking.

A Concierge Service Fee covers our bespoke booking service; room payments are made directly to the property during your tour.

To add accommodation to your booking, select Tour + Accommodation at checkout.

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We go above and beyond to ensure you have the best experience while on tour

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Loved by families, couples and solo travelers.

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Tour Reviews

We're very proud of our tours - but don't just take our word for it. Read our favorite Trustpilot reviews below.