Overview
Available languages
5 days
Mobile ticket
An adventure to the Orkney Isles – experience Scotland’s incredible history, nature and people on this fantastic four day tour! Visit the pre-historic sites of Skara Brae, Maes Howe and the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. Learn about the Churchill Barriers, the Italian Chapel and St Magnus Cathedral.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Children under 3 years not accepted. Valid proof of age may be required at check in.
Luggage Restrictions: Maximum weight: 15kg. Maximum size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm per person plus small carry on
If you are travelling alone, please choose the ‘Single Room’ option or we may not be able to accept your booking
Double/twin room: these rooms are for 2 people. If 3 people choose this option, you will be allocated a family room for 3, subject to availability. If you prefer 2 rooms, you must choose ‘Single Room’ for one person
What To Expect
Edinburgh - Loch Ness
Accommodations
Overnight: Inverness
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
This spectacular Highlands and Islands tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Full of stunning lochs and mountains, it is easy to understand why this area is often described as ‘The Highlands in Miniature.’
Glencoe National Nature Reserve
Admire these stunning mountain whilst hearing stories of murder and massacre
Inverness
You will continue north through the Great Glen, traveling the length of Loch Ness to enjoy your first night in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
Ferry to Orkney
Accommodations
Overnight: Kirkwall
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Orkney Islands
Take the ferry to Orkney
The Italian Chapel
Time to admire the chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII
Churchill Barriers
Visit this series of causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines.
Exploring Orkney
Accommodations
Overnight: Kirkwall
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Today is all about prehistory as we start with the Neolithic Maes Howe Chambered Cairn
Skara Brae
see how our ancestors lived in this pre-historic village unearthed by a storm in the 1850s.
Standing Stones of Stenness
Dating back over 5,000 years, the Standing Stones of Stenness are among the oldest stone circles in Britain, their towering Neolithic monoliths rising dramatically from the Orkney landscape on the banks of the Loch of Stenness.
Ring of Brodgar
Visit this amazing Neolithic stone circle of up to 60 original standing stones spanning an impressive 104 metres in diameter, set on a narrow peninsula between two lochs and forming the ceremonial heart of Orkney's UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Leaving the island
Accommodations
Overnight: Inverness
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Saint Magnus Cathedral
Visit the iconic Roman Catholic cathedral which is the oldest cathedral in Scotland and the most northerly cathedral in the United Kingdom.
Back on to the ferry to the mainland.
John O'Groats
The most northerly point on the UK mainland.
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
A stop at the home of the Duke of Sutherland. There will be time to visit the castle and gardens and hopefully see the daily Falconry display.
Inverness to Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Culloden Battlefield
Time to wander the battlefield or visit the exhibition. This is the site of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746.
Clava Cairns
For Outlander fans this is a must see. It is here that the inspiration came for Clare's trip through the stones.
Pitlochry
Time to stroll around this charming little town.
Options
B&B En-Suite Twin
B&B Superior twin: Room for 2 persons with private bathroom
B&B En-Suite Single
B&B En-Suite Single: Room for 1 person with private bathroom
B&B En-Suite - double
B&B En-Suite Double: Room for 2 persons with private bathroom
What‘s Included
4 nights accommodation as per selected
Driver/guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fabulous experience!
patbK8207ZL,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 5 day trip to Orkney and the Highlands was a wonderful experience. The small bus gave us a family type feeling, with everyone getting along well and able to give input as to how long we wanted to stop. The views on the coastlines and the amazing historic sites make this a very unique trip. Our guide, Alastair was great. He had so much knowledge and enthusiasm and he took us to many places on Orkney so that we had a very full day! He was patient and personable, just a great guide. Our accommodations were lovely. I would highly recommend this trip.
Fun journey to Orkney and beyond.
J T,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a most wonderful journey to Orkney Island and the North. Our tour was professional but personal tour with fabulous driver John. Our group of strangers became friends because of the wonderful good cheer driver John shared. Top driver. So lucky we had him. We saw the most amazing places which we otherwise would not have. Tickets to several attractions magically appeared and we were aware these places were booked out. John told us the history of the places we were passing/ visiting which helped set the scene. Our timelines were realistic and as a lady with a disability consideration was extended to me. Some of the walks were just a bit too far for me. He told me distance and recommendations and let me decide. The coach was clean and as expected. A duffle bag or backpack for clothes plus waterproof clothing is all you need. Good weatherproof shoes too with a decent sole. We would definitely travel with Highland Experiences again, hopefully with John as our driver. Jill Taylor
The Highlands and Orkney
Road638987,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fabulous 5 day tour to Orkney. Kenny, our guide was wonderful. He emersed us in Scottish history with stories while we travelled through the highlands and on to Orkney. Besides the wonderful historical sites visited, Kenny took us on his ‘back roads’ to breathtaking ocean cliffs, and places with stunning views having time to wander about, giving us an opportunity to see and feel the landscape. He really went the extra mile for us all. Small bus was good. Bed and breakfast accommodation very clean and friendly in each place. Thanks Kenny. Prue
Kenny the BEST
119tkl,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was well organized. The tour guy Kenny is patience, kind and professional. Taking care of everybody needs. Great experience.....
Couldn’t have been more enriching.
Faith K,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our five day tour of Orkney couldn’t have been better. Our guide, Stefan went above and beyond his responsibilities. He was the most wonderful tour guide I’ve ever experienced. He was so knowledgeable so informative, so generous with his information and his goodwill. he added discretionary stops to our bus ride to show us beautiful and unusual sites. He told us very thoroughly the background of the events, the etymology of the words the history of the and any useful information, all the while, pointing out birds flying by and facts about climate and terrain. He had a translation of the Orkney saga and had me read relevant passages as we went to the sites. It was incredibly enriching. He told us the best places to eat; he gave us very good advice as to best ways to spend our time. he was patient and helpful and very flexible. We saw so much of Orkney that I have to review guide books to remember it all. I will recommend Highland experience tours and especially Stefan as the guide to anyone interested in hearing about Scotland. seeing these neolithic sites on Orkney is part of the art highlights of my life and ranks with the painted caves in the Dordogne region of France
Phenomenal Place and a Great Guide
hopemU418UJ,Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the 3 day, not the 5 day but the Orkney Islands tour was a highlight of our two week trip to Scotland. I used to work in tourism and I tend to have some strong opinions about guided multi-day trips. Iain did a great job striking a balance between getting us to see the highlights and not rushing the group through a stop. He also managed the tour in a way that made it enjoyable for the various age and ability groups who were traveling together. Every time we discuss our trip, the weekend in Orkney rises to the top as a highlight. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Extremely satisfied
Mattia C,Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the Orkney and Far North tour, because it was very organised and the tour was in the middle of nature. Our favourite parts of the journey were Skara Brae and seeing the cliffs, stunning! Then, our guide, Alex, was very friendly and kind, he made the trip very beautiful. He caught our attention with his knowledge and his personality. Alex shared with us places where to eat, he was great, perhaps it could be a good idea to have a list in the office. (The Italian folks)
Thank you Hugh!!
tammydX3755RJ,May 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a amazing time, great memories!! Hugh did a excellent job, showing us and taking us about everything!! Thank u so much Hugh!!
A truly Scottish 5 star experience enjoyed every day for 5 days by a five star company and five star guide!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Paradise665853,May 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole 5 day trip from start to finish was 5 star ⭐️ . We all met and left Ediburgh promptly and our tour guide Hugh took us on a magical historical/musical/ spiritual tour right from the beginning to end. We learnt so much, sang and laughed all the way up to the Orkney’s and back again. He could not have gone out of his way more to take us to the main attractions but others off the beaten track, and always good recommendations made regarding restaurants etc. . The b and b ‘s in Inverness and Orkney could not have been more welcoming and showed generous examples of Scottish hospitality. Our guide was also a piper and played at venues in Inverness where we all went to support him. Highland Experience Tours can be very proud of themselves for offering this standard of holiday. My brother and I got so much out of this trip and would definitely book again. We have been to Scotland twice in the last 2 years with larger coach companies and found them lacking but small bus tours with knowledgeable and entertaining guides is the way to go! Thank you Highland Experince Tours and Hugh for a genuine and fun Scottish experience which will bring us back for more!
Highlands and highlights of Scotland
660noreens,May 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour took the stress away from having to drive and navigate the Scotland coastline. Our tour guide Graham was an enthusiastic native who truly loves his country. He had historical facts and lots of folk stories to share. Met wonderful group of like minded travelers on our tour.
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