Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500

Our Orkney Islands tour from Edinburgh begins with a journey past the stunning Forth Bridges, heading into the Highlands through Perthshire – a region of forests, rivers, and mountains. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay.

After a visit to the Highland Folk Museum, used to film scenes in Outlander, we make our way through the mountainous Cairngorms National Park before heading to Culloden Battlefield; site of the last battle fought on British soil, followed by the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns, both of which inspired the hit series Outlander.

Our home for the night is Inverness, Capital of the Highlands. Explore some of the many live-music venues, or take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the tranquillity of the River Ness Isles; there’s so much to see and do here.

(Overnight: Inverness)

Edinburgh → Inverness

We depart Inverness and head further north to join the spectacular North Coast 500 trail which takes us along the stunning northeast coastline. Our first stop of the day is at Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland’s most northerly castles dating back to the early 1300s. This fairytale castle resembles a French chateau, with spectacular gardens.

Continuing north your guide will regale you with stories of folklore, and recount one of Scotland’s most important historical events; the tragedy of the Highland Clearances and explain how this shaped communities into what they are today.

No Scottish trip would be complete without paying a visit to a local whisky distillery where you have the chance to savour the taste of our favourite national drink the ‘water of life’.

An hour-long ferry takes us over to the Orkney Islands; an archipelago with beautiful views as far as the eye can see. You may even get the chance to spot dolphins, whales and orcas! We arrive at our destination for the night Kirkwall*, Orkney’s largest town.

(Overnight: Kirkwall*)

*Some departures will stay in Stromness due to accommodation availability

Inverness → Kirkwall

We depart Kirkwall and head to one of Orkney’s most loved attractions, The Italian Chapel, built by prisoners during WWII. The rest of the day will be spent exploring Orkney’s Neolithic history with stops at Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic settlement anywhere in Western Europe, the towering Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness.

The afternoon will be spent exploring the stunning Yesnabv Cliffs home to puffins from April until July. This stretch of coastline is a must-see location on your visit to Orkney.

We return to Kirkwall late afternoon with the chance to explore the town and the opportunity to visit St Magnus Cathedral and take a walk by the ‘Peedie Sea.’

(Overnight: Kirkwall*)

*Some departures will stay in Stromness due to accommodation availability.

Kirkwall → Kirkwall

We bid farewell to Orkney to catch the first ferry back to the mainland to re-join the North Coast 500 trail. This stretch of coastline offers up some truly stunning views. We make a stop at Smoo Cave, a spectacular sea cave set into the limestone cliffs of Sutherland. We travel from east to west over the majestic Kylesku bridge, stopping for a stroll at the jewel in the crown of the north-west Highland’s Geopark – Knockan Crag. We arrive into Ullapool at in the evening where you can spend the night exploring the beautiful harbour village, try some local ale and listen to traditional live music.

(Overnight: Ullapool)

Kirkwall → Ullapool

We depart Ullapool and travel through some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes on route to the Isle of Skye. Think serene lochs, rugged scenery, and mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls. We pass the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, before crossing the Skye Bridge to our enchanting island destination. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Your guide will tell stories of folklore such as how the mysterious Old Man of Storr was created. Your last stop of the day will be a visit to Kilt Rock with its impressive cascading waterfall.

We spend the night in Portree, Isle of Skye’s bustling hub.

(Overnight: Portree)

Ullapool → Portree

This morning, we have the chance to explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye. We visit the stunning Sleat peninsula known as the ‘garden of Skye’ and drive through the magnificent Cuillin Mountains. Say goodbye to Skye as we ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig with time to enjoy a lunch of fresh Scottish seafood.

Here you can board the Jacobite Steam Train aka ‘Hogwarts Express’ to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands.

After a stop in eerie Glen Coe our journey takes us along the west coast, to the bustling fishing town of Oban, where we will spend the next two nights.

(Overnight: Oban)

Portree → Oban

After an action-packed 6 days of exploring, today is an opportunity to relax, explore or get active at your own pace. From our base in Oban you can set off by ferry for a day on one of the Western Isles (Mull, Iona, Staffa or Kerrera), visit the local whisky distillery for a taste of Scotland’s ‘Water of Life,’ or climb up to Battery Hill to see McCaig’s Tower and watch the sun set over Oban. All activities today are optional. Check out our FAQ section for recommended boat tour operators in Oban.

(Overnight: Oban)

Oban → Oban

We leave Oban and travel through the Pass of Brander and Loch Awe before crossing back into the Lowlands of Scotland. Marvel at the dramatic splendour of the ruins of Kilchurn Castle and catch a glimpse of the beautiful Falls of Dochart as you head further south. You’ll notice the scenery change as we drive past Stirling and the striking Wallace Monument.

After lunch, we make our way to the iconic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures dedicated the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland and designed by Andy Scott.

Your North Coast 500 & Orkney Islands tour comes to an end as we arrive back into Edinburgh in the early evening.

Oban → Edinburgh