5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh is a 120-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $1,294 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 27 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (27)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $1,294 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- 4 nights accommodation as per selected
- Driver/guide
- Breakfast
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 8.15am
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
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
B&B En-Suite Twin
B&B Superior twin: Room for 2 persons with private bathroom
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Highland Experience Tours
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
27 verified traveler reviews for 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highlands and Orkney tour 2026
Very fun, knowledgeable, flexible guide who listened to passengers and made route adjustments. Took us on some tiny amazing backroads to see great places. Was on time for morning pickups. Gave LOTS of Scottish history relevant to the tour. Played relevant music to the stories he shared!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable escape to the Orkneys
Had a great time on this tour! Our guide Stefan went above and beyond for us. I personally really appreciated his birding knowledge and background in archaeology/ geology which really helped for this particular tour of the Neolithic Orkneys! Thank you Stefan! Feedback for organizers of the scheduled stops : maybe less time at John O’Groats and more at Dunrobin Castle.
Response from the operator: Hi there, We are glad you enjoyed you trip to Orkney and enjoyed the geology facts! Thank you for the feedback on the timings for the stops. Kind Regards Teddy Highland Experience
via Tripadvisor
A fabulous experience!
Our 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.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Pat! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the unique trip and the expert guidance of Alastair. It's also fantastic that the accommodation and itinerary met your expectations. We hope to welcome you back for more memorable adventures in the future. Best wishes, Wayne Highland Experience
via Tripadvisor
Fun journey to Orkney and beyond.
We 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
Response from the operator: Hi Jill, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It is fantastic to hear that you had such a memorable 5-day journey to Orkney and the North with us. We are especially glad that John took such great care of you, ensuring you felt supported with your accessibility needs while still experiencing all the amazing sights and history the Highlands have to offer. Creating a welcoming atmosphere where strangers can become friends is what we strive for, and John will be thrilled to hear your kind words about his guiding and good cheer. We also appreciate your helpful packing tips for future travellers! Thank you again for choosing Highland Experience, and we hope to welcome you back for another tour with John in the future! Kind regards, Highland Experience Tours
via Tripadvisor
The Highlands and Orkney
I 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
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your excellent review of our tour. I am delighted that you enjoyed such a great experience with our guide Kenny. It's also nice to receive your feedback on the accommodation provided too and great to hear you were comfortable. Kind regards, Scott Highland Experience Tours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Highland Experience Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.5.
See everything Highland Experience Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $1,294 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 120 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 120-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 120-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh?
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Included: 4 nights accommodation as per selected; Driver/guide; and Breakfast. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh?
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Please check in with Highland Experience staff inside/outside Caffe Nero by 8.15am Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh?
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Across 27 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including B&B En-Suite Single, B&B En-Suite - double, B&B En-Suite Twin. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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