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8 Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 tour from Edinburgh

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Overview

Available languages

English

192 hours

Mobile ticket

Spend an unforgettable 8 days with us as we explore Scotland's North Coast 500, Isle of Skye and Orkney Isles. Discover Scotland's most beautiful sites from Dunrobin Castle to Skara Brae, the Isle of Skye and the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train. Immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history with one of our fantastic guides, and make lifelong memories along the way.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The minimum age to travel is 5 years old

Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag

Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark

It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.

Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control

Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.

Travel insurance is recommended.

Please note that itinerary order may change.

The tour may operate with our sister company, Highland Explorer Tours.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

3* B&B accommodation - 7 nights

Jacobite Steam Train

Lunch/dinner

Tips

What To Expect

Day 1

Edinburgh to Inverness

Accommodations

Overnight in Inverness, B&B accommodation

1

Dunkeld

Our first stop of the day is Dunkeld in the heart of Perthshire. Known for its 13th century cathedral, this is the perfect spot to fuel up with a coffee and pastry from a charming local bakery.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Highland Folk Museum

The Highland Folk Museum is Britain's first open-aired museum and an opportunity to experience firsthand how highlanders lived, worked and socialised from the 1700s.

1 hour 40 minutes • Admission Included
3

Culloden Battlefield

One of the most somber locations in Scotland, Culloden Battlefield remains mostly untouched to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the final Jacobite Uprising of 1746.

1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Included
4

Clava Cairns

Visit one of the inspirations behind Outlander - the Clava Cairns standing stones. These stones stand proudly at 10 feet tall and are known for being a bronze age burial ground.

25 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 2

Inverness to Orkney

Accommodations

Overnight in Orkney, B&B accommodation

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

1

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

The incredibly beautiful Dunrobin Castle traces its origins back to the 13th century, recognised as one of Britain's oldest inhabited houses. The castle is known for its French-inspired architecture, making it stand out from other Scottish castles. We also have the opportunity to observe a falconry display.

2 hours • Admission Included
2

North Coast 500

Experience the rugged charm of Scotland’s very own “route 66”.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable
3

Orkney Islands

We head over the sea to Orkney by way of ferry for our last leg of the day. Upon arrival your guide drives you to Kirkwall, where you settle in for the night.

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 3

Orkney

Accommodations

Overnight in Orkney, B&B accommodation

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

1

The Italian Chapel

The breathtaking Italian Chapel was built during World War Two using two Nissen huts. The chapel was the dream child of Italian prisoners of war who were based on the island and is now one of Orkney’s best-loved attractions.

20 minutes • Admission Included
2

Ring of Brodgar

Follow in the footsteps of humans 5000 years ago at this epic stone circle. The Ring of Brodgar is a vast and mysterious archaeological gem, and the most iconic site in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

Skara Brae

Visit Skara Brae, an incredibly well-preserved neolithic village consisting of 10 houses. Its existence was only discovered in the 19th century after it was uncovered during a storm. We learn about the peaceful community of farmers and fishermen who once lived there and take in the incredible ocean views which surround it.

2 hours • Admission Included
4

Stromness

Next we visit Stromness, the second largest settlement in Orkney, for a bite to eat and a chance to explore.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
5

Orkney Islands

We spend the afternoon exploring: from Mae’s Howe to Earls Bu; Round church to Orkney Brewery; your guide will organiSe an afternoon packed with storytelling and Orcadian adventure.

2 hours 50 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 4

Orkney to Ullapool

Accommodations

Overnight in Ullapool, B&B accommodation

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

1

John O'Groats

We hop on a ferry back to the mainland where our adventurers continue! We arrive in John O’Groats, the northernmost point of Great Britain.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
2

North Coast 500

We continue our journey along the North Coast 500. When it comes to this drive, there’s no such thing as “too far”. Your guide takes you to every unmissable stop and view along the way, so sit back and enjoy.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable
3

Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave is one of the top natural attractions on the North Coast 500 and epic example of Scottish geology; from the sea cave’s impressive 50ft entrance to the waterfall chamber deep inside, complete with its own lake and boat trips.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

Durness

We make a stop in Durness to visit Sango Sands beach for our lunch break and the chance to enjoy one of Scotland’s beautiful highland beaches.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
5

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve

Marvel at the scenery and mild-blowing geology of the North-West Highlands with a walk through Knockan Crag Nature Reserve.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
Day 5

Ullapool to Portree

Accommodations

Overnight in Portree, B&B accommodation

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

1

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

Today we head for the land of faeries; Skye! Our first stop of the day is at Corrieshalloch Gorge, one of the most impressive gorges in the UK. The gorge was formed from melted glacial water and stands approximately 1.5 km long, 60m deep, and 10m wide.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Eilean Donan Castle

Next we stop at the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan. Eilean Donan Castle has links to both clans MacKenzie and MacRae, and is the perfect place to stop before today’s final destination – Skye.

15 minutes • Admission Not Included
3

Portree

We arrive in Skye in time for lunch, stopping at the island’s largest settlement Portree with its charming high street and local eateries.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

The Old Man of Storr

When it comes to cool geology, this natural wonder is the absolute pinnacle. Standing tall on Skye’s ancient landslip, the Old Man of Storr is such a poser. Sometimes hidden by mist, this is a popular hangout for mischievous fairies.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
5

Kilt Rock

Soak up the iconic view of Kilt Rock, a rugged cliff which resembles – you’ve guessed it – a kilt. Marvel at the breathtaking Mealt Waterfall as it runs into the ocean.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
6

Isle of Skye

End your day of exploring the Isle of Skye.

Admission Not Applicable
Day 6

Portree to Oban

Accommodations

Overnight in Oban, B&B accommodation

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

1

Armadale

Time to board the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. Remember to look out for some wildlife!

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Jacobite Steam Train and Glenfinnan Viaduct have shot to worldwide fame since starring in the Harry Potter films, and whether you’re a fan or not, a ride on this classic train is an experience like no other. The West Highland Line between Mallaig and Fort William is famous for its wildly beautiful scenery and dreamy sands of the west coast. The train steams over the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct with views across the stunning Loch Shiel, where Bonnie Prince Charlie famously landed in August 1745. Along the coast, you can see the silhouette of the Small Isles, and the bonnie beaches at Arisaig and Morar. You’ll quickly understand why it’s been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world.

2 hours • Admission Included
3

Glencoe

Glencoe is dominated by majestic mountains which completely contrast the vast and flat expanse of its neighbouring Rannoch Moor. Buachaille Etive Mòr, which overlooks the moor, is a bonnie brute of a mountain, and a fond favourite with photographers. Your guide will take you through Glencoe’s sad history; you will truly feel like you have been transported through time.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 7

Oban to Oban

Accommodations

Overnight in Oban, B&B accommodation

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

1

Oban

Today is your free day to explore the charming fishing town of Oban! You will soon find out, there is no shortage of exciting things to see or tasty local seafood to eat. We advise booking wildlife tours in advance.

12 hours • Admission Not Applicable
Day 8

Oban to Edinburgh

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

1

St Conan's Kirk

St. Conan’s Kirk, which sits on the banks of Loch Awe. Built between 1881 and 1886, St. Conan’s sits amongst an enchanting forest and is the heart of Dalmally’s local community.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid-1400s by Sir Colin Campbell, the 1st Lord of Glenorchy. Today the castle is derelict and sits dramatically on a rocky peninsula.

1 hour • Admission Not Included
3

Scottish Highlands

Take the opportunity to explore a charming Highland village for some lunch and the chance to stretch your legs. Your guide will recommend all the best stops for coffee and food.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

Falls of Dochart

Next we make a stop at the impressive Falls of Dochart which run through the village of Killin. The perfect peaceful stop for a bit of respite and reflection

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
5

The Kelpies & The Helix

The Kelpies are a stunning spectacle of modern engineering, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott. Kelpies are mythological beasts in Scottish folklore, and this fantastic equine landmark is the largest of its kind in the world, “neighing” at a height of 30 meters and weighing a mighty 300 tonnes.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Guesthouse Twin

8-day Scottish Tour including 7 nights in 3-star twin guesthouse accommodation - 1 room with 2 twin beds; suitable for 2

Guesthouse Double

8-day Scottish Tour including 7 nights in 3-star double guesthouse accommodation - 1 room with 1 double bed; suitable for 2

Reviews

4.83

70 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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    From £1,919.00

    4.83
    70 reviews
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