Scotland: Orkney and Northern Coast 5-Day Tour

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Escape to Scotland’s northern extremes on a 5-day scenic tour and explore the beauty and prehistoric history of the Orkney archipelago, the rugged limits of Scotland’s northern coastline, the fabled Loch Ness, and the stunning Cairngorm mountains.

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Highlights

Travel the northern limits of Scotland's mainland
Cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney archipelago
Stay in the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall
Explore the ancient island of Orkney
Learn about the clan massacre of the Macdonalds

Description

Day 1 Depart Edinburgh, heading west towards Stirling. Pass Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, and continue to Doune Castle, used for location shoots in Monty Python’s “Holy Grail.” Stop in the small town of Callander for refreshments. Then, marvel at the splendor of Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart on a scenic drive over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor. The views of the extinct volcano will take your breath away, and were also the scene of the infamous Clan Macdonald massacre of 1692. Continue north up the Great Glen to mysterious Loch Ness, with plenty of time to try and spot “Nessie” the Loch Ness Monster. The evening will be spent in Inverness, with free time to explore the “Capital of the Highlands.” Day 2 Depart Inverness early to cross over the Black Isle, and continuing past Dunrobin Castle. From here, drive the northeast coastline, traveling into some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Enjoy the views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, and the chance to spot wildlife such as golden eagle and red deer. Close to Scotland’s most northerly mainland village, John O’ Groats, board the ferry to cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney archipelago. It is a short drive on arrival to the famous Italian Chapel, where you will stop for a quick visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, your home for the next 2 nights. Look inside Kirkwall’s magnificent Viking cathedral, and wander the winding streets of the historic town center. Day 3 Explore the ancient island of Orkney, and discover a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands, and washed by the waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include a visit to Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, where Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions in the 12th century. Day 4 It’s time to leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, travel across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches of the northern coastline. Go to the far northwest of the Highlands, and admire the grandeur of the wild Assynt mountains. Stop to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Continue to Ullapool at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you will spend your last night. Day 5 Your morning includes visits to Corrieshalloch Gorge, and the ancient Clava Cairns, as well as exploring the more recent bloody history of the Culloden battlefield. Return south through the magnificent Cairngorm National Park, driving past the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Highland Perthshire, before your drop off in Edinburgh.

Includes

Transportation by Mercedes mini coach Driver/guide Bed and breakfast accommodation (4 nights) Admission to Maeshowe Admission to Skara Brae Admission to Culloden Museum and Battlefield

Important Information

Drop off in Edinburgh on day 5 is scheduled for 7:00 PM (approximate)
Tour operates with a maximum of 16 passengers for a more intimate and personalized service
Please bring suitable clothing and footwear for country walks
Accommodation: Choose from a selection of small, locally-owned guesthouses and B&Bs. All rooms are en suite. For individual travelers, please select the single accommodation option. For 2 or more people traveling together, please choose the twin room shared option
Minimum age to participate is 5 years
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items. *Ferry timetables vary depending on the season. Due to this, a visit to John o'Groats on day 2 may not be possible and on day 4, passengers may have less time in Kirkwall in the morning as the ferry departs earlier.