From Edinburgh: 5-Day Small-Group Orkney & the Far North Tour

Depart Edinburgh and journey north into the spectacular landscapes of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, often described as “the Highlands in miniature”.

Continue through the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most iconic glens. Surrounded by towering mountains and steeped in Highland history, this breathtaking landscape has featured in films including Skyfall and the opening credits of Outlander.

Travel through Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, before following the Great Glen towards Loch Ness. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to stop for photographs and hear stories of Scotland’s history, myths and legends from your expert driver-guide.

Continue along the shores of Loch Ness before arriving in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Overnight: Inverness

This morning, travel through the coastal landscapes of the Moray and Cromarty Firths before boarding the ferry to the Orkney Islands.

On arrival, discover the unique character of Orkney, an archipelago rich in history, archaeology and coastal scenery. Visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, one of Scotland’s most remarkable wartime landmarks, built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War.

You will also cross the famous Churchill Barriers, a series of causeways constructed to protect the British naval fleet at Scapa Flow.

Overnight: Kirkwall, Orkney

Today is dedicated to exploring the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, home to some of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites.

Visit Skara Brae, the remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old village that predates both Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids. Continue to the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, one of Britain’s most impressive prehistoric stone circles.

You may also visit Maeshowe, an extraordinary Neolithic chambered cairn famed for its Viking inscriptions.

The day concludes in Kirkwall, where you can admire St Magnus Cathedral, Britain’s most northerly cathedral and one of Scotland’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture.

Overnight: Kirkwall, Orkney

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Kirkwall before returning to the Scottish mainland by ferry.

Travel along Scotland’s dramatic northern coastline with stops to admire the scenery and hear stories of the region’s rich heritage.

Visit John O’Groats, one of Britain’s most famous landmarks and a popular photo stop at the northeastern tip of mainland Scotland.

You may also choose to visit Dunrobin Castle*, the largest castle in the Northern Highlands. With its grand towers, formal gardens and coastal setting, it resembles a French château overlooking the North Sea.

Arrive in Inverness for your final evening in the Highlands.

Overnight: Inverness

*Optional attraction, separate entrance fees apply.

This morning, visit Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite Rising came to its dramatic end in 1746. Explore the site and learn about one of the most significant events in Scottish history.

A short distance away, discover Clava Cairns, a remarkably preserved Bronze Age burial site dating back around 4,000 years. Surrounded by standing stones and ancient cairns, this atmospheric location is one of Scotland’s most important prehistoric sites and is said to have inspired the Craigh na Dun stones in Outlander.

Continue south through the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK, known for its mountain scenery, ancient forests and wildlife.

Before returning to Edinburgh, stop at Taste Perthshire, where you’ll have the chance to meet and feed Scotland’s famous Highland cows.

Arrive back in Edinburgh in the evening, bringing your unforgettable journey through the Highlands and Orkney Islands to a close.

Q. How does our accommodation booking service work?

Our tour packages include Bed & Breakfast accommodation or hotel if an upgrade is available. Breakfast is included and may be cooked or continental. Your driver-guide will drop you off and pick you up from the accommodation during the tour.

Q. If I wish to book my own accommodation, what should I do?

Please contact us on [email protected] and we can quote you a “tour only” price and advise you which locations you need to book your accommodation in.

Q. What do the different room types mean?

• 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.