5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions
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Ngôn ngữ có sẵn
120 giờ
Vé di động
Venture to the far-flung Orkney Islands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh with 3-star accommodation included, and visit top Highland towns and attractions, too! With a friendly guide, travel through the Highlands, visiting Loch Ness and Glencoe, and pass John o’Groats on route to the stunning Orkney Island archipelago. With Kirkwall (Orkney’s capital) as your base, discover the area’s historical highlights such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness. On route back to Edinburgh, call in at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Culloden Moor, an important Jacobite battlefield. Overnight stays in Inverness and Ullapool are included, plus two nights in Kirkwall.
*Tour Price includes entrance to Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Culloden Battlefield.
Thông tin khác
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
Please note: you will be required to choose between either a 3-star bed and breakfast or 3-star hotel at time of booking
Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately
When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
Skara Brae - We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
Maeshowe – We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
Culloden - We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please mention it to us as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Hotels usually have a relatively central location but may be up to a 20-30 minute walk from local facilities. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
Please note that between 24 October 2025 and 31 March 2026, on Day 5 we will not be able to visit the Highland Folk Museum; instead, we will spend more time at other stops.
Chính sách hủy
If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cần Quan Tâm
Glencoe and the Highlands
Lưu Trú
Overnight in Inverness.
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.
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.
Fort William
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.
Loch Ness
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.
The East Coast and Orkney
Lưu Trú
Overnight in Kirkwall.
Đồ ăn và uống
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
It's an early start as we leave behind the 'Capital of the Highlands,' cross over the Black Isle, and follow the iconic North Coast 500 route to Golspie for a brief stop. From there, it's just a short drive to Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale masterpiece with its soaring spires and beautiful gardens. Take a moment to capture a photo of this stately home before continuing along the coast, passing land once inhabited by the Picts and Vikings.
John O'Groats
We follow the North Sea coastline and stop in interesting places, admiring dramatic views of cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches, and the ever-changing sea along the way. The route winds through charming villages and small harbors, while inland the scenery transitions to moorlands, gentle glens, and winding rivers, offering a true taste of the Highlands. Around noon we reach John O'Groats, the most northerly mainland village of Scotland.
South Ronaldsay
We explore the most stunning sections of the coast before we get ready to board the ferry at Gills Bay. Enjoy an hour-long journey on the Pentland Firth and feel the power of the strait's famous tides, while keeping an eye out for the distant shores of Orkney, an archipelago consisting of around 70 islands, of which only 20 are inhabited. We arrive at South Ronaldsay, in St Margaret's Hope, a small village with a scenic harbour. After crossing the Churchill Barriers, built during WWII to protect the naval base at Scapa Flow, we visit the Italian Chapel, a small church with intricate frescoes, before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.
Kirkwall
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is a charming town steeped in history and culture, and your home for the next two nights. With a free evening ahead, you can choose how to spend your time. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll to admire the magnificent Viking-era St Magnus Cathedral and wander through the town's historic, winding streets as the evening sets in.
Skara Brae & Ancient Orkney
Lưu Trú
Overnight in Kirkwall.
Đồ ăn và uống
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Step back in time to an ancient world of mystery and wonder at Maeshowe, a massive, chambered cairn and passage tomb dating back over 5,000 years. This awe-inspiring structure is aligned with the sun and something magical happens here during the winter solstice. This is also where you'll find Viking graffiti runes carved by Norsemen who visited the site in the 12th century.
Ring of Brodgar
Next, visit the Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone circle steeped in local legends and set against views of hills. As you stand among these towering stones, which date back over 4,000 years, you'll feel a powerful connection to the past, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here.
Skara Brae
We continue uncovering the secrets of the ancient past at Skara Brae. As you explore this 5,000-year-old village, complete with stone-built homes, furniture, and even a hidden chamber, you'll be transported back in time to imagine what life was like for its early inhabitants. With your appetite whetted by all this history, we head to Stromness for lunch. Enjoy fresh local seafood or other traditional dishes before strolling through its winding streets and a charming harbour. In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you to more captivating sites, such as Kirbuster Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island's rural past, and perhaps even a tidal island to explore.
Kirkwall
You'll return to Kirkwall in the early evening, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. Will you have dinner and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbour? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is yours.
Explore The North Coast 500
Lưu Trú
Overnight in Ullapool.
Đồ ăn và uống
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
St. Margaret's Hope
Say farewell to Kirkwall as we travel once again through the rugged, windswept landscape and past the calm and deep waters of Scapa Flow to St Margaret's Hope and the ferry terminal. Enjoy an hour long journey across the Viking waters of the Pentland Firth and keep your eyes peeled for any signs of whales or dolphins during your crossing.
Smoo Cave
Back on the mainland, the northern stretch of the North Coast 500 takes us through some of Scotland's most remote and rugged landscapes, with dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and rolling hills. Your driver-guide will lead you to the most scenic spots along the way before reaching Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave shaped by sea and freshwater over millennia, with a labyrinth of chambers to explore.
Ardvreck Castle
We head into the far northwest Highlands, where the wilderness of the Assynt mountains awaits. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we stop to admire the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, perched on the shores of a loch and steeped in legends.
Ullapool
We conclude the day with a scenic drive past the iconic silhouettes of towering mountains, back to Ullapool, passing through untouched moorlands and peat bogs en route to the shores of Loch Broom. Enjoy a well-deserved rest among the charming, whitewashed cottages of this delightful fishing village.
Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns
Đồ ăn và uống
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve
Today, we continue uncovering the hidden gems of the Northwest Highlands, beginning with a journey south to witness the dramatic 60-meter plunge of the River Droma into Corrieshalloch Gorge. You can take a short walk through a picturesque forest to admire the powerful waterfall as it cascades into the depths of the gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views from one of the viewing platforms or experience the thrill of crossing the suspension bridge.
Culloden Battlefield
The adventure takes us past mountain ridges soaring into the sky, shimmering lochs, and vast, open vistas. We explore Highland hidden gems along the way before we arrive at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising. Walking around this eerie, flat landscape, you can reflect on the last battle fought on British soil, a place recognized by Outlander fans as a pivotal setting in the series.
Clava Cairns
After learning about key events in Scottish history, we head to Clava Cairns, an ancient site of ring cairns and standing stones that inspired Craigh na Dun in Outlander. Standing among these historic monuments, you'll feel the weight of centuries. Our journey south offers classic Highland scenery, with photo stops and comfort breaks as we pass Cairngorms National Park. In Newtonmore, we visit the Highland Folk Museum, where you can explore 18th-century blackhouses, a working croft, and a 1930s schoolroom. As we move on, the mountains soften into lush forests in Perthshire. You'll take a final break in Dunkeld, so enjoy exploring the town's cathedral and charming streets.
Edinburgh
It's time to say goodbye to the Highlands as we continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife. Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge you can admire on your way to Edinburgh.
Bao gồm
Driver/guide
4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included)
Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers)
Entrance Fees: Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Culloden Battlefield
Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Meals and refreshments
Admission fees & optional activities: Unless specified
Tùy chọn
B&B Double Room
Double en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (1 large bed).
Hotel Double Room
Double en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star Hotel (1 large bed).
B&B Twin Room
Stay in twin room (2 x single beds) guesthouse accommodation. If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
Hotel Twin Room
Hotel with Twin Room: Stay in twin room (2 x single beds) hotel accommodation. If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
B&B Single Occupancy Room
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) guesthouse accommodation.
Hotel Single Occupancy Room
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) hotel accommodation.If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
Đánh giá
132 đánh giá
Tổng số đánh giá và xếp hạng từ Viator & TripAdvisor
Just Brilliant !
lesleym21,,21 thg 10, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00Keith was fantastic! Very knowledgeable about history and the landscapes and the areas and travelled too. Superb guide 5 *****
Trip to Orkney was wonderful mainly due to the leader/driver of the bus
Barbara C,,19 thg 6, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00Scotland is by far the Most beautiful if all countries I have visited. The driver/guide was without doubt the kindest most efficient and knowledgeable of any with whom I have travelled. His name Sean Gordon 5 star.
Sweeping overview of Scotland and her history - a LOT of driving
rileyswords,,12 thg 4, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00First and foremost, our tour guide, Chris, was fantastic! He was knowledgeable and very entertaining. Our primary goal in taking this tour was to visit the Orkney Islands, specifically Skara Brae , Maes Howe and the Ring of Brodgar. We had plenty of time at each of these, and they are all extraordinary sites. We also had a lot of time at Culloden, on the last day of the tour. Seeng the extensive and very well done exhibits in the visitors center really enhanced the experience if the battlefield, as did all of the information Chris imparted over the five days. He gave us a sweeping sense of Scotland's history, from the glaciers that created the landscape to the battles for independence. Of necessity, because we travelled the length and breadth of Scotland, it was a lot of driving. It seemed like we stopped every 90 minutes or so, for bathroom breaks (there is no toilet on the little bus) and to see spectacular views of waterfalls, lochs and neolithic sites. I would have liked to have more time to explore more of the sites we passed along the way like Stirling Castle and where we stayed overnight, like Inverness, but a lot was crammed into the five days. One very welcome surprise was that we stopped to visit the magnificent Kelpies, two 98-foot tall steel sculptures of the mythic horses' heads. They weren't on the itinerary, and I have very much wanted to see them. They didn't disappoint.
Great Highlight Trip of Northern Scotland
Nicole L,,8 thg 11, 2024
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00Our guide Mac was phenomenal! He shared so much information from history of the clans, nature related topics, movie set locations, and the best spots in each town! The 5 days flew by so fast, we wish we had more time. Our accommodations were great for the 1-2 nights we were at each spot. The highlands and Orkney Island were beautiful. During the long drives, we got to stop at some scenic spots that had very few people so it was very peaceful.
Fantastic Trip - Only Positives, No Negatives
bunny2ndhome,,7 thg 10, 2024
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00We spent 2 weeks in the UK and this 5 day Orkney tour was the highlight. We loved the prehistoric sights of Maeshowe, Skara Brae, the standing stones and the Ring of Brodgar, but we also highly enjoyed all the extra scenic beautiful or interesting sights and also the stops to view or visit with unusual Scottish animals. The Highland cattle are beautiful and we got to feed two huge Hungarian Hairy Hogs. There were suitable coffee and restroom breaks and lunch/snack stops. Our driver and guide Billy was wonderful and was a wealth of information. It was also pleasant meeting people from other countries. In our group we had people from Australia, Canada, Sweden and the US. Our hotel accommodations were good also.
You are on remote islands so keep that in mind...
JanetE060,,4 thg 10, 2024
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
4.00I think the tour guides/drivers must either make or break the trip. Our's was really good. His name was Christopher and he was in control and master of everything. Besides being cheerful and friendly he was a good driver, organized, responsible and chock full of Scottish stories, history, politics, geology and music, you name the subject he could talk about it in an informative and interesting way. The only criticism I have is that the tour didn't allow enough time to explore the little towns, eg. Kirkwall. I would gladly have skipped a couple of the cliff viewing stops to spend a little more time in the towns. I think Rabbie's should rearrange their tour schedule a little to make room for this. Don't expect much from the B&B and hotel accommodations. They were clean and basic and except for one they were all teeny-tiny and had queen size beds. You are on remote islands so keep that in mind.
8-10 hours of transit daily
amykU9313YH,,29 thg 9, 2024
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
1.00I’ll start by saying my partner and I are very active and in our early 40s (we spent a week cycling the highlands with Trailbrakes before our five-day Orkney trip with Rabbies and LOVED it) so maybe we should have known a bus tour wouldn’t be for us. However, the tours say they’re for all ages and (key to our decision) that Rabbies “believes the best way to enjoy your trip is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.” We all have subjective takes on what constitutes “plenty of time,” so let me be objective and specific - there are breaks of anywhere from five minutes to (twice) 75-ish minutes, depending on the site you’re stopping at. You’re rarely on the bus more than an hour at a time. However, you are essentially in transit between two places for eight to 10 hours a day. The majority of stops are 15 minutes or less. Accommodations - it was nice to have them arranged for us. That said, even though we chose the budget option, the rooms were always more $$ than anything we’d booked ourselves elsewhere on our trip (though this is likely because prices are higher in the more remote communities), never quite as nice, and often very small. The bathroom at the Harbour Guest House in Ullapool would truly be too tiny for some people to be able to enter, so not an accessible space. Our room at the Orkney Hotel in Kirkwall was freezing and the toilet wouldn’t flush, so we had to use the public one two floors down for two nights. Food - Breakfasts (included with accommodation) are great and have many options, from porridge and cereals to fruit and eggs, toast and sausage. You buy lunches at cafes, and convenience and grocery stores, then dinners are on your own. Do book these in advance as places are jammed, but also be aware you may have to change reservations on the fly due to ferry and road delays causing later-than-expected arrivals. No one’s fault, just a fact to be aware of. Guide - I thought he was great. Loved Scotland, super knowledgeable, and told engaging stories. It’s got to be a rough job to be “on” and accommodating to 16 people of different temperaments in close quarters for five days. Billy was good at it. Carsickness - I didn’t experience this, but my partner did. The roads are very twisty, bumpy and bouncy. By day four he was so nauseous he had to keep his eyes closed to avoid puking. A consideration if you get carsick. That or avoid the back of the bus, where it’s worse. On the whole, I’m not saying Rabbies leads a bad tour (though I would suggest written materials give honest and concrete numbers in terms of how much time people have on/off the bus). Reviews are overwhelmingly positive. People clearly enjoy it! I AM saying I wasn’t one of them and I’m relaying facts here to give a clearer picture to potential passengers like myself and my partner. If we had read this review ourselves before booking (specifically that travel time can be upwards of eight hours a day), we would not have booked. Subjectively, it’s just not my style of travel. I’m not a fan of getting on and off a bus every hour for a 5-to-10-minute photo opportunity or to browse more gift shops. Lots of others on the bus loved it, so I’m not slagging it outright - just saying you should know this going in so you can decide whether this jives with your travel dreams. It’s true you see some amazing scenery. It’s also true that I would have given up every single five-minute roadside photo stop in exchange for more opportunity to be out IN that scenery ie: I would have loved an hour to swim Loch Ness, walk the trails at Duncansby Stacks, or head down to some of the incredible beaches we saw from the road rather than spend another 15 minutes walking 100 metres to a lookout for a photo (to that point, I fully skipped day three on the bus to hang out in Kirkwall, run the oceanfront trails, wander the town, eat bakery treats, go to galleries, and chat with locals, and it was the best day of the tour). I get that on a group tour, you stick to the middle lane because you have to please a diverse group. Again, I’m not saying Rabbie’s has a flawed model or is bad at what they do. Bottom line IMO - if your top priority is seeing a lot in a little bit of time and going home with a ton of photos (and you reeeeally love sitting) you may be into this. If you’re an active person whose priority is spending more quality time in fewer places, less so.
Fantastic tour of a fantastic country
Road57529697098,,15 thg 9, 2024
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience on our 5 day tour of Orkney and the Highlands. Queen Kelly of Scotland provided impeccable service throughout. We were told incredible stories, cheesy jokes, and great facts. The tour itself was really well run, accommodation was all fabulous, and the places visited were stunning and interesting in equal measure. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning more about this beautiful country. Kelly did everything she could to provide a fabulous experience to everyone on our bus. Thanks Rabbies!
The Magic of Orkney, the Wildness of theScottish Highlands, and the Spirit of the North Coast
DEBRA H,,5 thg 9, 2024
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00Our driver and tour guide Martin w Rabbie's Tours was spectacular. His knowledge of history and animated, kind personality made it a rich experience. It was our first group tour and I would happily sign up for one again. It was an active 5 days and each day was full. The Scottish weather smiled on us this time.
Absolutely perfect!
janesO4230YC,,5 thg 9, 2024
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00On the 5-day tour of Orkney and the northern coast of Scotland, our guide and driver was the very aptly named Jim Divine. I cannot imagine a better guide -- he knows the history and geology of Scotland better than I've ever known anything! He was funny and thoughtful, and as a driver he was conscientious and considerate. He had recommendations for places to eat wherever we went. His love for Scotland is evident and he made sure we knew what we were looking at wherever we stopped. The tour buses are small, holding just 16 people, which makes for a perfect group size for 5 days. Everyone got along well and Jim was a big factor in that. He has eclectic music tastes, and he introduced us to the music of several Scottish bands, which was delightful. The accommodations were very good, and I think the longest we ever drove without stopping at least to stretch our legs was about 90 minutes. And there is nothing as beautiful and majestic as the Scottish Highlands. Every stop brought us to unimaginable beauty and deep history. I still can't quite believe that we were able to go inside Maeshowe or actually walk up to and touch the standing stones at Sternness and Clava Cairns. I loved every minute of this tour!
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