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

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Edinburgh to Inverness
4 stops
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 ticket free
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 ticket 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 ticket 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 ticket free
Day 2
Inverness to Orkney
3 stops
5
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 ticket not included
6
Experience the rugged charm of Scotland’s very own “route 66”.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
7
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 ticket free
Day 3
Orkney
4 stops
8
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 ticket included
9
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 ticket free
10
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 ticket included
11
A stretch of amazing cliffs, seastacks and rocky beaches.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Orkney to Ullapool
5 stops
12
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 ticket free
13
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 ticket free
14
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 ticket free
15
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 ticket free
16
Marvel at the scenery and mild-blowing geology of the North-West Highlands with a walk through Knockan Crag Nature Reserve.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Ullapool to Portree
6 stops
17
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 ticket free
18
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 ticket not included
19
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 ticket free
20
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 ticket free
21
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 ticket free
22
Isle of Skye
End your day of exploring the Isle of Skye.
Admission ticket free
Day 6
Portree to Oban
3 stops
23
Time to board the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. Remember to look out for some wildlife!
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
24
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 ticket included
25
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 ticket free
Day 7
Oban to Oban
1 stop
26
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 ticket free
Day 8
Oban to Edinburgh
5 stops
27
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 ticket free
28
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 ticket not included
29
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 ticket free
30
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 ticket free
31
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 ticket free

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

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