Orkney, Skye and the Far North

Orkney, Skye and the Far North

2,882 Views
8 Days From

$2018

Orkney, Skye and the Far North

8 Days Starting and ending in Edinburgh

Visiting: Glasgow, Kilmartin, Oban, Edinburgh, Glencoe, Mallaig, Skye, Trotternish, Portree, Eilean Donan, Inverness, Loch Ness, Kirkwall, Italian Chapel, St Magnus Cathedral, Maeshowe, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Dunrobin Castle, John o' Groats, Culloden Battlefield, Pitlochry

Tour operator:

Highland Experience Tours

Tour code:

273774

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

20 - 32

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

3-99

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2018

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Spend an incredible 8 days with us on our tour through the Scottish Highlands, to the awe inspiring scenery of the Isle of Skye and to Orkney, where you can discover more of the fascinating history of the islands. have to offer. Across five fantastic days, you will explore this beautiful country, discover its culture and history and meet its welcoming people. The Orkney, Skye & The Far North tour gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of Scotland our expert team of local driver-guides, who will be able to enhance your experience with the stories and history of these beautiful and intriguing parts of the country. Whilst travelling with you will explore the diverse landscapes of the Highlands, from the dramatic mountains of Glen Coe, the world famous Loch Ness in the great glen, and the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor and the North-West Highlands. You will enjoy the stunning coastal towns of Oban and Kirkwall, whilst your island-hopping trips to Orkney and the Isle of Skye will allow you to enjoy more of Scotland's magnificent coastline. Your visits across the water Isle of Lewis & Harris & Isle of Skye, where you will be able to immerse yourself into the distinct culture and history of these Islands, which a are both distinct from one another. You will also be able to explore the scenery of places such as Skye's Trotternish peninsula or the stunning coastlines of Orkney, whilst also being treated to the chance to visit the magnificently preserved archaeological sites in Orkney's UNESCO World Heritage site such as Maeshowe and the village of Skara Brae. You will also world famous sites such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is a feature of what is often described as one of the world’s most scenic railway journey (this journey may be included in your tour, depending on date of travel) and learn more about the often troubled history of Scotland, particularly the Jacobite rebellion with a visit to Culloden Battlefield.

Highlights

  • Loch Lomond, Kilmartin Glen & Oban: The Trossachs & Western Highlands – A walk through history

  • Skye & Eilean Donan: Scotland’s most beautiful castle

  • Kirkwall: The Italian Chapel & Churchill Barriers

  • Skara Brae, Maes Howe: And the Ring O’Brodgar

  • Culloden Battlefield: And the Cairngorm Mountains

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Edinburgh - Oban

Location: Glasgow, Kilmartin, Oban, Edinburgh

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Our tour will begin in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town before we trave to Glasgow - Scotland’s biggest city and industrial capital - where the rest of your group will join the first part of your tour. Our wide-ranging tour begins heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond and the surrounding national park contain some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, alongside some picture-postcard villages.

From here we will travel to Kilmartin Glen, an area rich archaeological legacy which is almost unrivalled in Scotland. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before us, we will walk in the footsteps of the first Scots and decipher the mysteries of an area soaked in history, visiting sites such as Dunadd Hill Fort, the Temple Wood Stone Circle and the extraordinary Neolithic rock art at Achnabreck.

To conclude your first day we will have a scenic journey to the picturesque seaside town of Oban, you first overnight stop, and home to Scotland’s best seafood! As we drive through it, your guide will provide you with an overview of the history of the town and its most famous sights

Day 2 : Oban - Skye

Location: Glencoe, Mallaig, Skye

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

We begin our second day travelling over Connel Bridge through Appin to the haunting and dramatic landscape of Glen Coe where you will be able to hear more about of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. We’ll stop in Fort William; a town dominated by Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.

In the afternoon, you will travel to the pretty fishing village of Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train, often considered to be one of world’s greatest train journeys.

From Mallaig we will take the ferry to the Isle of Skye, where will be staying overnight for the second and third nights of this tour.

Day 3 : Explore Skye

Location: Trotternish, Portree, Skye, Skye

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

On the third day of your tour, you will have the opportunity to explore Skye’s mysteries and landscape with your knowledgeable driver-guide, who will be able ensure you get the most out of your time on the island based on the weather and group.

Stops often include the likes of Cuillin Mountains, Dun Beag Broch, the Black Houses, the Kilt Rock Waterfall, The Old Man of Storr and the Trotternish Peninsula, and of course the capital of the island, Portree.

It’s the perfect Scottish experience where you will be able to visit and walk amongst the dramatic and often other-worldly scenery of the Isle of Skye all whilst learning more about the fascinating history and legends of the Island.

Day 4 : Skye - Inverness

Location: Eilean Donan, Inverness, Skye, Loch Ness

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite Bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 begins with a journey over the Skye Bridge, where we return to the mainland and travel to, Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed locations. which you’ll have ample time to explore. Eilean Donan is one of the greatest medieval castles in Scotland. With a history that dates back to the 13th century, this fortress will take you back in time to most troubled and times of Scottish history. You’ll have ample time to explore the Castle, which sits on its own Island on Loch Duich

We then travel through the stunning mountains of Glenshiel to the pretty village of Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness for lunch. Here, you can choose taking a boat cruise on the world-famous Loch Ness, which would also include a visit to Urquhart Castle on the shore of the Loch. Alternatively, you would have the time to enjoy and explore the surroundings.

We’ll then head North to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, where we will spend the fourth evening of the tour

Day 5 : Inverness - Orkney

Location: Kirkwall, Italian Chapel, Inverness

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

On the fifth day of your tour, you will meet you new group of travel companions and river-guide for the second half of your tour.

You will journey to the far north coast of the Scottish mainland, enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths as you travel past. You will then catch the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. There are over 70 islands in this group, of which only 20 are inhabited. You will be staying on the largest, known simply as Mainland.

When you have arrived in Orkney, you can take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. You’ll visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. These prisoners later became paid workers when Italy joined the allies, and the church was constructed from a corrugated steel military building to give the Italians a proper place of worship.

From the same era, you’ll also see the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed by the same prisoners who built the Italian Chapel, to protect the British naval fleet, which was based in Orkney during the second world war, from submarines.

You will make your way to the largest town in Orkney, Kirkwall, which will be your overnight stop for your two nights in Orkney.

Day 6 : Explore Orkney

Location: St Magnus Cathedral, Maeshowe, Kirkwall, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

From your base in Kirkwall, this day of your tour will be spent exploring the varied landscapes and history of Orkney. This is a land so rich in ancient history that the area is a UNESCO world heritage site.

One of the fascinating archaeological sites you will visit is the Maeshowe chambered cairn. This site dates from the Neolithic era, however there is also a strong Viking influence at the site, you will be able to learn more about both civilisations and their influence on Orkney whilst on tour with us.

You can also visit the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae. It is composed of eight houses and is Europe’s most complete Neolithic village. It is also one of the best-preserved monuments in western Europe, despite being discovered after a storm in 1850! You will go on to see the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar, both of which are from the Neolithic era over 4000 years ago.

The day will finish with a return to Kirkwall to visit to beautiful Britain’s most northerly cathedral, St Magnus Cathedral, which boasts stunning Romanesque architecture.

Day 7 : Orkney - Inverness

Location: Dunrobin Castle, John o' Groats, Kirkwall

Accommodation: B&B with en-suite bathroom

Meals Included: Breakfast

The beginning of your second morning will give you the opportunity for a relaxed start giving you the opportunity to explore the town of Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to enjoy. Take time to explore the beautiful working harbour and ancient streets.

In the late morning, we will say goodbye to Orkney and 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 coastline.

Your first stop after returning to the mainland will be John O’ Groats, the northern most village on the UK mainland, and the only place where you can view both the east and west coasts of the UK simultaneously. It’s an excellent opportunity for a photo stop as well!

We will then start travelling south and will make a stop at Dunrobin Castle, the most northern of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands. It is also Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited stately home, more recently owned by the Dukes of Sutherland. Explore the vibrant formal gardens and discover why this Scottish Castle looks like a French chateau.

You will return to Inverness for the final overnight stay of this tour. This ancient cathedral city has no shortage of things to view, full of cathedrals, churches, and cobbled streets.

Day 8 : Inverness - Edinburgh

Location: Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, Pitlochry, Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

As you return to Edinburgh on the final day of the tour, our first stop will be a visit Culloden battlefield, the site of the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces, in the last pitched battle fought in the UK. Learn more about this turbulent moment of Scottish history which shaped the way the country ran for centuries.

You’ll also pass the through the stunning Cairngorm Mountains, which is a popular centre for outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing in the summer and skiing and other winter sports during the colder months. The Cairngorm National Park is also the largest national park in Scotland and proves a popular destination for tourists and locals alike due to its proximity to major cities such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

We will then travel south and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, made popular in the Victorian era as the gateway to the Highlands. The charming town is full of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. It also boasts great mountain and Lochside views.

It is then only a short drive to Edinburgh where your tour will finish and you will say goodbye to your group.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Fully Guided

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

  • Train Tickets

    One way journey on the Jacobite Steam Train

What's Not Included

Booking Notes

What to bring

It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!
It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    This tour will run on a minibus or mini-coach with a maximum of 32 seats

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    Due to the variety of accommodation providers we use, we are unable to guarantee the availability of free Wi-Fi at the B&B's we use

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    There will be opportunities for short walks throughout our tours, however these will not be overly strenuous. Our tours are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, the relaxed nature of our tours makes them uniquely appropriate for children 3 and above. Unfortunately, children under the age of 3 years old are unable to travel on our tours.

  • What should I bring with me?

    It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland, so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views, and you are set to go! It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food; however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Unfortunately, we do not organize pre- or post-tour accommodation.

  • What will the weather be like?

    Scotland is routinely unpredictable, but we do have a very temperate climate. The geography of Scotland means that it does rain more frequently in the west of the country and there are stronger winds in the east.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Due to the size of our vehicles, on our multi-day tours, we guarantee to carry one piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15 kg. This is equivalent to hand luggage allowed in an aircraft cabin.

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    We are proud to welcome travellers from around the world on our tours

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Optional attraction tickets are not included in the price.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    We use B&B's with a minimum of 3 stars

  • How much luggage can I bring?

    Due to the size of our vehicles, on our multi-day tours, we guarantee to carry one piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15 kg. This is equivalent to hand luggage allowed in an aircraft cabin.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    If you are delayed due to a flight cancellation for example, we will do our best to help you catch up with the tour. However, we cannot allow the tour to be affected negatively for the other passengers.

  • Should I take out travel insurance?

    We highly recommend you take out travel insurance.

Reviews of this operator

James Huben12 (Google Reviewer)  

Went on the Highland Experience...

30-Mar-2024

Went on the Highland Experience tour today. Started in Edinburgh, drove up the center of Scotland and returned on the western highway. We stopped in several places, most notably Loch Ness and the Three Sisters of Glencoe. The trip was absolutely incredible and what made it even better was our comedic and informative tour guide Steven B (not Steven A). I highly recommend doing the tour with Steven B as he was thorough and concise with his explanations of what we were seeing, also adding a few clever jokes along the way. Make sure to ask if he’s a “True Scotsman” if you do the tour with him.

Rachel Zein (Google Reviewer)  

I was honestly worried this...

03-Jan-2024

I was honestly worried this would be too long of a day. Alex made it perfect. He stopped just enough times for some AMAZING photo spots. He gave great info without talking TOO much. The music was not too loud either. I am so glad I chose this specific tour because you really had enough time to do everything. JUST USE THE BATHROOM WHEN HE SAYS. Also, the food options at the first stop was actually really good (but pack snacks if you get hungry like me). Dinner coming home was harder so if you need dinner before 830PM pack food. Do you HAVE to do boat and castle tour? No, but I got some great photos and the boat had alcohol and a bathroom. The bus was the least comfortable I’ve been on with all of my tours on my trip, but not a reason to not go. Highly recommend!!

Erica Mulkern (Google Reviewer)  

My friend and I booked...

09-Apr-2024

My friend and I booked on, and we had the lovely Brodie as our guide! From start to finish, he was lovely. Very knowledgeable, and we felt the day had a great pace. Loved every stop and photo op. Would highly recommend this tour, and Brodie, you won't regret it!

Richard Blair (Google Reviewer)  

Outstanding tour. Guide Terry...

24-Jun-2024

Outstanding tour. Guide Terry and Driver Alex were exceptional. Good historical and fun information about the sights and places. Yes, there is a lot of time on the bus, but any one-day tour of the highlands from Edinburgh will be long. The journey was enjoyable and paced adequately! Comfort stops and sightseeing stops were planned perfectly. What an enjoyable day. Being able to see so many different things in one day is wonderful. I had thought of renting a car and driving it myself, but this was so much better. We never would have been able to do it on our own in the time. I highly recommend Highland Experience Tours. They took use through some of the most beautiful areas on earth! So happy we chose this tour. Value for price spent, and experiences had was top notch! Thanks for a wonderful day in Scotland.

nancy (Google Reviewer)  

My time in Scotland would...

08-May-2024

My time in Scotland would have been remiss without this experience!! I could not have asked for a better tour experience or a better tour guide! I did the 'Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness Tour'. Firstly, the buses are very easy to find and check-in to the bus is extremely simple! My tour guide was Keith and he was both tour guide and bus driver. Immediately, we hit the road and got so much information throughout the 13 hour trip! He was extremely knowledgeable, very funny, and extremely warm. He sprinkled in personal stories from his life and his family's that truly made the history come alive. I went on a similar tour to this one in Ireland and this one had significantly more stops and views! I also felt like I had sufficient time at each stop along the path to take photos as well as to sit and just take in the splendor of the Scottish countryside. Keith was also a very safe driver (he mentioned being a bus driver before being a tour guide) and I never felt nervous or as if he was driving too fast!! I highly recommend taking the Loch Ness cruise and exploring Castle Urquhart! Along the journey, there were ample rest stops for snacks and restrooms and so I never felt overly uncomfortable. I will think about this tour for a long time and Keith was a perfect shepherd throughout all of it! I highly recommend this experience!

Michael Horsey (Google Reviewer)  

Amazing trip through the Highlands...

24-Jun-2024

Amazing trip through the Highlands to Isle of Skye. Breathtaking iconic Scottish scenery and memorable experiences. Fairy Pools are a great addition to this one day tour (where other tours only add it on two day trips). Owen was a fantastic guide. Pleasant, funny, good story teller.

gabriella sarkadi (Google Reviewer)  

I spent five wonderful days...

17-May-2024

I spent five wonderful days in the Scottish Highlands. Every day was full with experience. The tour was very well organized, the accommodations are very comfortable. I have a lot of good memories. Thank you so much!

Anil Dandu (Google Reviewer)  

I must say this trip...

09-Feb-2024

I must say this trip was one of my best experiences that i ever had. Where do i start the views the guide the city everything was perfect. The views throughout the ride were eye feast and the guide Steven B was so good.The B in his name is not just best but it’s Brilliant. I wish i had such guide every-time i have a trip. Overall it was my best experience and will definitely look forward to come back again. Thank you Highland experience tours

Kristin B  

2 AMAZING days!

12-Oct-2023

Amazing! That is all I can say. Absolutely, amazing! We spent the most wonderful 2 days with our guide Steven B, who made this trip over the top amazing. We had unexpected side trips, a beautiful hotel, fabulous food, we met some lifelong friends, saw the unbelievably beautiful Highlands, learned some history we've never heard before, rode a piece of history with the Jacobite train. We will never think of The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond the same way after learning the background story. I have never been on a guided tour before and I don't know that I can ever do another one because there is no way it will be as good as this one. Thank you Steven B for this amazing memory for my Daughter, my Mom, myself, along with the other members of our group.

Review of the 2-day Jacobite Tour - TripAdvisor
Iris A (Google Reviewer)  

The three-day highland excursion was...

20-Jul-2024

The three-day highland excursion was an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. The breathtaking views and rich history are sure to leave you amazed. Iain was an exceptional guide, providing both informative commentary and a great sense of humor. His kindness and helpfulness were also greatly appreciated. I would not hesitate to book this tour again and specifically request him as the guide. Book this tour and get ready for three days of awe-inspiring experiences.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Highland Experience Tours requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of highland experience tours charges.

    Up to 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.