From Edinburgh: 8-Day Orkney, Skye and the Far North Tour

With so much to explore in Scotland, we’ve created this once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines all the sites we love the most. From the extraordinary natural wonders in the Isle of Skye to the mysterious Orkney archipelago, this tour is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1

Through the Trossachs to Oban…

Our wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here we will have the opportunity to explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before us, we will be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on the picturesque seaside town of Oban, home to Scotland’s best seafood!

Overnight: Oban

Day 2

Gruesome Glens and the Hogwarts Express…

Day two takes us over the Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe (scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan). We’ll stop in Fort William, a town dominated by Ben Nevis – the UK’s tallest peak. Embark on an unforgettable journey following the iconic route of the Jacobite Steam Train, with scenic photo stops at the historic Glenfinnan Monument and the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continue to Mallaig, a vibrant fishing port on Scotland’s picturesque west coast, perfect for exploring local attractions. From there, enjoy a short ferry ride across the sea to the magical Isle of Skye, where you’ll unwind for your second night amidst breathtaking island landscapes.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 3

A whole day to explore Skye…

We will have the whole of the third day to explore Skye’s mysteries and landscape. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself amongst the Cuillin Mountains, see the black houses, take in the spectacular scenery of the Kilt Rock Waterfall, The Old Man of Storr, and the Trotternish Peninsula, including a visit to the capital of the island, Portree.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 4

Castles, lochs, and Nessie spotting…

We’ll leave Skye and head straight to Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan* which we will have ample time to explore. We will stop at the pretty Lochside village of Drumnadrochit for lunch, before having the option to cruise* on Loch Ness, look out for Nessie and visit Urquhart Castle* ruin. We’ll then head north along the shore line of Loch Ness, to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, which will be our overnight stop.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 5

Over the sea to the Orkney Isles…

Today we head north, travelling through the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths, and taking in some of Scotland’s most remarkable landscapes. Did you know the north coast of Scotland is well known for its incredible wildlife? Spotting dolphins is very easy all along the Moray Firth, as well as seals and even orcas! We will then drive up to Gills Bay, with a community-owned small port and a pier used as the terminal for Pentland Ferries. Soon we will be boarding the ferry where we can take some time to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery in front of us, and gather strength to continue the memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. This naturally beautiful and super photogenic land is awaiting to be soaked in and explored. We will first visit the lovely Italian Chapel*, a Roman Catholic chapel built by Italian prisoners during the Second World War. We will also visit the famous Churchill Barriers – a series of causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines.

Overnight: Kirkwall

Day 6

Exploring the ancient history of the Isles…

From your base in Kirkwall, you’ll spend the whole of day six exploring the Orkney. This is a land full of ancient history and you’ll be able to take in prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe* chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae* and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral.

Overnight: Kirkwall

Day 7

A visit to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness…

You will have a leisurely morning in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to enjoy. In the late morning, we join the ferry ride back to the mainland. Your expert guide will ensure you get the best out of your journey to Inverness, exploring the dramatic, varied, and visually stunning coastline. On the way south we will have an opportunity to see Dunrobin Castle, the seat of the Duke of Sutherland, and the beautiful gardens which were inspired by the Palace of Versailles. From here, we will continue and reach our overnight stop, the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 8

Home via Culloden and the Cairngorms…

As you head home, you’ll be able to visit the battlefield of Culloden*, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Here we will stop for a walk through the battlefield and tour the visitor centre, before we continue our journey and head along the stunning Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland’s largest National Park. Our last stop of the tour will be the picturesque town of Pitlochry, where we will have some time to explore before driving back to Edinburgh and say goodbye, hoping these days of exploring our exceptional scenery will stay with you forever.

*The Jacobite Steam Train will not be included on the tour departing on the 29th April 2024 – on this date we will travel this area of Scotland by road, including making a stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Q. How does our accommodation booking service work?

We can book your accommodation for you, or you can choose to book your own, as long as it is centrally located at the overnight stop location. We will send you a payment link before the tour departs so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or paying when you arrive each night. Your driver-guide will drop you off and pick you up from the accommodation during the tour.

Q. How much will the accommodation cost?

Accommodation is not included in the tour price, below is an estimate of the costs per room per night.

• Bed & Breakfast Ensuite: From £100 – £220 per room per night
• Ensuite: This means you will have your own private bathroom/toilet/shower

Accommodation costs depend on availability and season – so it may be more or less than estimated above.

Q. If I wish to book my own accommodation is there anything I need to know?

Once you’ve booked your accommodation, you’ll need to contact us at reservations@highlandexperience.com and let us know where you have booked to stay. Please, only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. If you’re unsure, please check with us first.

• No matter when you visit, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland), sunglasses and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person (no more than 15kg), along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.