5-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Edinburgh via the North Coast
Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and two nights on Orkney, with the North Coast 500, Loch Ness and Glencoe
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 25% deposit
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- Two nights on OrkneyA full day among Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the stone circles, with time to explore at your own pace.
- Ferries includedThe return crossings to Orkney are part of the tour, so there’s nothing extra to book.
- Storytelling guidesYour guide links Orkney’s ancient sites, the far north and the Highlands, with time for questions along the way.
“It was simply an AMAZING time. I think it’s the best tour we’ve ever had!”
An Orkney tour from Edinburgh: the islands, the North Coast 500 and the Highlands in five days
Walk among stone-built homes that were already ancient when Scotland’s castles appeared. On this five-day Orkney tour from Edinburgh, you travel through the Cairngorms and Inverness, follow part of the North Coast 500 and cross the Pentland Firth for two nights around Kirkwall.
A full island day brings Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, while the Italian Chapel tells a very different chapter of Orkney’s history. On the mainland, there’s Culloden and Clava Cairns, John O’ Groats, Camster Cairns and Dunrobin Castle, then a final night in Inverness before the road home via Loch Ness and Glencoe.
- Duration5 days4 nights: Inverness ×2, Orkney ×2
- DepartsEdinburgh, 8:30amback approx. 7–8pm, Day 5
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingShort walksup to about 1 hour, uneven paths
- FerryIncludedreturn crossings to Orkney
The guide is the part people remember
Over five days, you get to know your guide and the rest of the group. Our guides are storytellers first: Skara Brae and the stone circles, the Italian Chapel built by prisoners of war, the far north and Culloden, with the stories behind them.
- They walk the stops with you. Your guide leads the walks, so you’re never left to work out where to go.
- They plan around the ferries. If weather or sailings change, your guide reworks the order of the day so you still see the best of it.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first morning.
“Our tour guide Georgie was proper class - super friendly, knowledgeable and would check in as appropriate to give the group itinerary options.”
Your 5-day Orkney tour itinerary from Edinburgh
Route map: Edinburgh, The Hermitage, the Cairngorms, Culloden, Inverness, the North Coast 500, the ferry to Orkney, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, John O’ Groats, Dunrobin Castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe and back to Edinburgh.
Route shown is approximate. Your guide may change the order of stops or the roads taken on the day, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
Day 1Edinburgh to Inverness
The Hermitage · Highland distillery · Aviemore · Culloden · Clava Cairns
North through Perthshire and the Cairngorms to the Highland capital.
- The Hermitage
A woodland walk in Perthshire, where towering trees frame the path to the Black Linn Falls.
- Highland distillery stop
A stop at a Highland distillery on the road through the Cairngorms.
- Aviemore
Lunch in Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
- Culloden Battlefield
The site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising, in 1746.
Culloden Visitor Centre admission not included
- Clava Cairns
Prehistoric burial cairns and standing stones, close to Culloden.
- Inverness
Your first night, with the evening free to explore the Highland capital.
Day 2Inverness to Orkney
North Coast 500 · Coastal walk · Ferry · Italian Chapel · Scapa · Kirkwall
North along the North Coast 500 and across the Pentland Firth to Orkney.
- The North Coast 500 & a coastal walk
Head north on part of the North Coast 500, with a coastal walk before the Pentland Firth. The exact place depends on the weather and the ferry time.
- Ferry to Orkney
Cross the Pentland Firth to Orkney. The scheduled crossing is included.
- The Italian Chapel
A chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War, from two Nissen huts.
- Scapa
Continue towards Scapa, with the option of a distillery visit or tasting.
Scapa Distillery visit or tasting paid separately; depends on availability
- Kirkwall
Orkney’s main town, for the first of two island nights.
Day 3A full day on Orkney
Maeshowe · Stones of Stenness · Ring of Brodgar · Skara Brae
A day in Orkney’s prehistoric landscape, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.
- Maeshowe
A Neolithic chambered cairn, visited on a timed guided tour.
Admission not included; timed tours, so entry isn’t guaranteed
- Stones of Stenness
Some of the oldest standing stones in Britain.
- Ring of Brodgar
A great stone circle in an open ceremonial landscape between two lochs.
- Skara Brae
One of Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic villages, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza.
Admission not included
- Kirkwall
A second evening in Kirkwall.
Opening times and the running order can vary by departure.
Day 4Orkney to Inverness
Ferry · John O’ Groats · Castle Sinclair · Camster Cairns · Dunrobin Castle
Back across the Pentland Firth and down the east coast to Inverness.
- Ferry & John O’ Groats
Sail back across the Pentland Firth to the mainland near John O’ Groats.
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
The dramatic clifftop ruins of a Sinclair stronghold.
- Camster Cairns
Ancient chambered cairns, around 5,000 years old, out on the moor.
- Dunrobin Castle
A fairytale castle with formal gardens above the sea.
Admission not included; seasonal opening
- Inverness
Your final night of the tour.
Seasonal opening, ferry schedules and access can change the order of the day.
Day 5Inverness to Edinburgh
Loch Ness · Urquhart Castle · Fort Augustus · Glencoe
South through the Great Glen and Glencoe to Edinburgh.
- Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
Begin beside Loch Ness, with the chance to cruise towards Urquhart Castle.
Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle admission not included
- Fort Augustus
Lunch where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness.
- Glencoe
Travel south through Glencoe, with a stop beneath the Three Sisters.
The itinerary is a guide. Ferry schedules, weather, attraction availability and road conditions can change the stops, timings or running order.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You want to see Orkney’s Neolithic sites without driving yourself, with the ferries arranged for you.
- You’d like the far north too: the North Coast 500, John O’ Groats and Dunrobin Castle.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group from the first morning.
- You enjoy history and short walks at ancient sites.
Think again if
- You’re already in Inverness. The 3-day Orkney tour from Inverness starts and finishes there.
- You’d rather see the Outer Hebrides. Try the 5-day Lewis & Harris tour.
- You have limited mobility, or you’re travelling with children under 12. A private tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about this Orkney tour
Google reviews from guests on our 5-day Orkney tour.
I’ve just had a wonderful week on the 5 day Orkney Isles tour leaving from Edinburgh. Our tour guide Georgie was proper class - super friendly, knowledgeable and would check in as appropriate to give the group itinerary options… Even better, the tour was in a small group and over the days I was able to learn a lot about my co-travellers. Five days for Orkney from Eddie felt right, well class from Georgie, loved the tour. Simple as!
Just finished the 5 day tour to Orkney with Jim! Jim was great - very knowledgeable and took us to some amazing sights! Would 100% recommend to other travellers. Thanks again Jim for an unforgettable experience!
Jim was a great guide on the 5 day Orkney tour. History and sights were all incredible. Backed up by Jim’s local knowledge and friendly chatter
Accommodation: two nights in Inverness and two on Orkney, not included
Four nights along the route: Nights 1 and 4 in Inverness, with Nights 2 and 3 on Orkney around Kirkwall. Accommodation isn’t included in the tour price, so you choose how to arrange it.
Let us arrange it
- We arrange each stay after your tour booking is confirmed, and send you the details and total price.
- Twin, double, single or family rooms with trusted partners in Inverness and on Orkney; breakfast is normally included.
Book your own
- Contact us before you reserve so we can confirm the right areas.
- Your accommodation should normally be within about 3 km of the group's location, for morning collection and evening drop-off.
| B&B, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £80–£110 per person per night |
| B&B, single room | £100–£160 per night |
| Hotel, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £100–£160 per person per night |
| Hotel, single room | £155–£255 per night |
These prices are a guide only. They change with the season, demand, special events and how close to departure you book, so we can't guarantee them.
Solo travellers: when we arrange accommodation, we aim for a single room. If availability is limited, we may offer a shared twin with a traveller of the same gender, so tell us beforehand if you'd rather not. Accommodation questions: info@scotlandswild.com
What's included, and what the trip costs
Included
- Return scheduled ferry travel between the mainland and Orkney
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for all five days
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Guided short walks and active sightseeing stops
- A full touring day on Orkney
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- Four nights' accommodation (see above)
- Meals and snacks
- Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle admission
- Maeshowe and Skara Brae admission
- Dunrobin Castle admission
- Scapa Distillery experience
- Culloden Visitor Centre admission
Your trip at a glance
- Tour
- From £428 per person, including the Orkney ferry crossings
- Pay today
- From £107 per person (25% deposit). The balance is taken 15 days before departure.
- Four nights: Inverness ×2, Orkney ×2
- Not included. Typically from around £80 per person a night for a double or twin B&B room shared with your travel companion; single rooms and hotels cost more. We can arrange it, or you book your own.
- Optional extras
- Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Dunrobin, Urquhart and Culloden admission, the Loch Ness cruise, Scapa Distillery, meals and snacks.
Which Orkney tour?
Two ways to reach Orkney with us, and another island trip from Edinburgh.
3 days
Orkney from Inverness
Two nights on Orkney, starting and finishing in Inverness.
From £316 pp
See the 3-day Orkney tour →5 days
Orkney from Edinburgh
Adds The Hermitage, the Cairngorms and Culloden on the way north, and Loch Ness and Glencoe on the way back.
From £428 pp
5 days
The Outer Hebrides instead
Lewis and Harris, the Callanish Stones and the North Coast 500.
From £428 pp
See the 5-day Lewis & Harris tour →Good to know before you book
- Days 2 and 4 are long travel days. The North Coast and the Pentland Firth crossing take time, broken up with walks and comfort stops.
- Ferries and weather can change the order. Your guide plans each day around the sailings, with safety first.
- Maeshowe is visited on a timed tour. Entry is paid separately and can’t be guaranteed.
- Rain doesn’t stop the day. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers: it can be windy on Orkney even in summer.
Where your five days begin and end
Outside The Jolly Botanist
256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT
Please arrive by 8:15am so your guide can check everyone in before the 8:30am departure. Scheduled tours leave on time and can’t wait for late guests. The tour returns to the same meeting point on Day 5. The meeting point is outside, and the bar may not be open that early.
- Check-in8:15amplease arrive by then
- Departs8:30amtours leave on time
- Backapprox. 7–8pmon Day 5
5-day Orkney tour from Edinburgh: your questions
How much time do we spend on Orkney?
Two nights and a full day. You cross by ferry on Day 2 and visit the Italian Chapel and Scapa before Kirkwall, spend Day 3 at Maeshowe, the Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, and take the ferry back to the mainland on Day 4.
What does the 5-day Orkney tour cost?
From £428 per adult, including the Orkney ferry crossings (25% deposit, balance 15 days before departure). Prices vary by departure date. Accommodation is booked separately, and we can arrange it.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £403, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your dates when you choose your travellers.
Are the Orkney ferry crossings included?
Yes. The scheduled ferry crossings between the mainland and Orkney are included. Ferry schedules can sometimes mean the running order or timings change.
Is accommodation included?
No. Your four nights aren’t included in the tour price: Nights 1 and 4 in Inverness, Nights 2 and 3 on Orkney. We can arrange rooms with trusted partners, or you can book your own after checking the right areas with us.
Where will I stay during the four nights?
In Inverness and on Orkney, around Kirkwall. Exact properties vary with availability and departure date. If you book your own, contact us first: it should normally be within about 3 km of the group’s location.
When does the tour run?
It departs every Saturday from 3 April to 30 October 2027. Summer dates fill first, so book as early as you can if you’re travelling between May and September.
Is this tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. You’ll be part of a small group from the first morning, and if we arrange your accommodation, we aim for a single room.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 16 travellers on every scheduled departure.
Will the tour run if only a few people book?
Each departure needs at least 4 travellers to run. If we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we’ll offer you another tour or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
16 or more days before departure: 90% refund of the total tour cost. 15 days or less before departure, or a no-show: 100% of the tour cost is payable. Full terms & conditions.
Can I take this Orkney tour from Glasgow?
Yes. There’s a 5-day Orkney tour from Glasgow, which starts in Glasgow and finishes in Edinburgh.
Can I start in Inverness instead?
Not on this tour, but our 3-day Orkney tour from Inverness covers Orkney in three days, starting and finishing in Inverness.
Which attraction tickets aren’t included?
Scapa Distillery, Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Dunrobin Castle, the Culloden Visitor Centre, the Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle. Opening dates are seasonal and can change.
Where and when does the tour start and finish?
Check in at 8:15am outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT, for an 8:30am departure. The tour returns to the same place at approximately 7–8pm on Day 5; traffic and weather can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward travel.
How much walking is there?
Short walks are built into every day. You should be comfortable walking for up to about an hour on island, coastal, woodland and historic-site paths, which can be rough, wet or slippery.
Can weather or ferry schedules change the itinerary?
Yes. Island travel depends on ferries, weather, attraction availability and roads. Safety and ferry connections come first, so your guide may adjust the order, timings or stops. Rain alone doesn’t cancel the tour, but strong winds can disrupt ferry sailings.
What should I bring?
Waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes or boots, warm layers, and a hat and gloves in colder weather. Midge repellent is useful from roughly April to September, and sun cream on brighter days.
How much luggage can I bring?
One suitcase or travel bag up to 15 kg (33 lb), about 56 × 43 × 25 cm (22 × 17 × 10 in), plus a small personal bag. You need to be able to lift your own bag, and you may need to carry it between the vehicle and your accommodation. Luggage information.
Are meals included?
No. There are chances to buy food throughout the Highlands, Orkney and Inverness, and your guide will recommend places to eat. Evening restaurants on the islands may need booking ahead in busy periods.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. Travelling with younger children? Ask us about a private tour instead.
Are there regular bathroom breaks?
Yes. There are comfort stops throughout each day, and there are toilets on the Orkney ferries.
Ready for five days in Scotland’s far north?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £107 per person, and we’ll help with your four nights’ accommodation.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Prefer to start in Glasgow? The same tour departs from Glasgow →
Comparing island trips? See all our Scottish island tours →
