About this tour
A five-day Scottish circuit departing Edinburgh that combines Neolithic archaeology with dramatic coastal driving. You'll traverse the Cairngorms, taste single malts at a working distillery, then ferry to Orkney to walk amongst 5,000-year-old standing stones and explore Bronze Age settlements. The return leg follows the North Coast 500 scenic route, taking in windswept clifftops, castle ruins, and lochs before heading back south through Glencoe. Groups stay small—just 16 travellers maximum—with guided walks woven throughout.
Highlights
- Ferry crossing to Orkney Islands; Neolithic monuments on foot
- Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar in situ
- Skara Brae preserved village, 5,000 years old
- North Coast 500 drive with coastal stops and castle exploration
- Whisky distillery tasting on the mainland leg
- Guided walks in Cairngorms National Park and Highland glens
- John O'Groats, Dunrobin Castle grounds, and loch-side scenery
What to expect
Expect a mixture of coach travel and on-foot exploration. Days split between driving scenic routes and short guided walks (all fitness levels welcome, though not suitable if mobility is limited). You'll spend one night on Orkney itself, where ferries and walking trails connect Bronze Age cairns and standing stones across moorland. Mainland days include whisky-tasting sessions, visits to castle exteriors and gardens, and stops at viewpoints along the dramatic north coast. Evenings return to hotels; meals are self-arranged. Some archaeological sites charge entry fees (roughly £11–15 each); the visitor centre at Culloden is optional.
Good to know
Ferry schedules to Orkney are weather-dependent; allow flexibility. Wear layers and waterproof jackets—coastal winds and Highland rain are common even in summer. Most entry fees and all meals are not included; budget accordingly. Public transport links are available if you wish to skip the tour coach on any day.
Frequently asked
- How long does 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh take?
- 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh runs for approximately 5 days.
- How much does 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh cost?
- Prices start from GBP $675 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh run?
- This tour operates around United Kingdom. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. New Forest National Park earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original New Forest National Park summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.