5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh worth booking?
5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh is a 120-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $675 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 144 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (14)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $675 per person
Experience an extra small group tour of up to only 16 clients. Discover the Cairngorms National Park, with its dramatic landscapes. Savor the flavors of Scotch whisky on a distillery tour, then visit the historic Cullode
What you get
- Guided short walks in the Highlands of Scotland and the Orkney Islands
- Ferry to the Orkney Islands
- Visit to 5000 Year Old Standing Stones of Stenness
- Visit to the Ring of Brodgar
- Ferry to the Mainland from the Orkney Islands
About this experience
Experience an extra small group tour of up to only 16 clients. Discover the Cairngorms National Park, with its dramatic landscapes. Savor the flavors of Scotch whisky on a distillery tour, then visit the historic Culloden Battlefield and the ancient Clava Cairns. Embark on the North Coast 500 drive, where amazing coastal scenery awaits! Cross by boat to the Orkney Islands, admire the Italian Chapel, and experience more Highland whisky! Journey back in time to see Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, the Stenness Standing Stones, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, surrounded by incredible island scenery. Return to the mainland to visit John O’Groats, walk along the beautiful coastlines, explore Castle Sinclair, and admire the remarkable Camster Cairns. Don’t miss the grand elegance of Dunrobin Castle and Gardens! End your adventure with a cruise on Loch Ness, the dramatic Glencoe, and the peacefulness of Loch Lomond before ending the tour in Edinburgh.
What's included
Included
- Guided short walks in the Highlands of Scotland and the Orkney Islands
- Ferry to the Orkney Islands
- Visit to 5000 Year Old Standing Stones of Stenness
- Visit to the Ring of Brodgar
- Ferry to the Mainland from the Orkney Islands
Not included
- Meals and Snacks
- Entry to Culloden Moor Visitor Center - Approx £15 (You can visit the Battlefield with out paying)
- Visit to Dunrobin Castle - Approx £15
- Fees to Whisky Distillery - Approx £22
- Entry Fees to Maeshowe Chambered Cairn - Approx £11
- Entry Fees to Skara Brae - Approx £13
- Loch Ness Cruise - Approx £15
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Meet us outside the Jolly Botanist. Check in 15 minutes before tour start time. Our van will have the Experience Scotland's Wild logo on it. If you're running late please call us.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet us outside the Jolly Botanist. Check in 15 minutes before tour start time. Our van will have the Experience Scotland's Wild logo on it. If you're running late please call us.
Options you can book
Double/Twin Room for 1 Person
1 Private Room Per Person: Double or Twin Room for 1 person only with breakfast. Private Room per person
5 Day Orkney Islands Tour from Edinburgh
Tour Only: Book own Accommodation or get in touch and we can help you book accommodation
Double/Twin Room for 2 People
Book for 2 people sharing room: Double, 1 bed for 2 people. Twin, 2 single beds for 2 people with breakfast. Book more than 1 room may be separate location.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sat
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Experience Scotland's Wild
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for Travellers with mobility or walking problems
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
AMAZING NORTH SCOTLAND TRIP!!
Amazing, every day was great!! Terrific places chosen to visit and explore. Had a terrific small van holding only 8 people and a wonderful driver, who knew a lot and got us from a to b safely and on time. We quickly developed into a family, thanks to our driver Richie who was so helpful. So many things were seen and done, I can’t think of a better way to see northern Scotland. They also arranged our hotels/accommodation at night, and they did a great job of that as well.
via Tripadvisor
Great time on the Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands are breathtaking and inspiring. Our tour guide, John Mccrae was a gem! His knowledge, attitude, flexibility and general cheer contributed to our wonderful experience. We could not have asked for anyone better. We all gained a great deal of knowledge of your country’s history, traditions, and geography. We visited many places that were not necessarily on the itinerary but added value to each day. We were lucky to have very mild and lovely weather and took full advantage. In addition to the scheduled stops, don't miss the Orkney Island Brewery if you're a beer lover. And also of note is our stay at the Hotel Kirkwall. Kudus to all the 'Wild Team' and especially to John.
via Tripadvisor
Happy, enjoyable and amazing tour with James.
This trip was amazing. So much to see and do. The vehicle was very comfortable. The scenery was beautiful. James our tour guide was professional, knowledgeable, helpful and made our trip a happy and enjoyable one. I could do it all again tomorrow. Thanks James, Lulu and I will not forget the great time we had with you as our tour guide.
via Tripadvisor
Review of John McCrae
I was trying to find the place on your website where I could leave a review. Can you guide me to where that would be or post this for me? John McCrae was an outstanding tour guide! He took us to all our favorite places! Since I don’t drink alcohol he paid special attention that I could go walk a beach while the others went to the distillery. He also would buy me a non alcoholic drink while everyone else was tasting the whiskey. He was totally respectful of me and my needs. This is only one of the many kindnesses that he showed. He went out of the way to not only please me but everyone on the tour. They all grew close to him and he made us laugh and feel like family! Most of all he became a friend to all of us as well as our guide! So many incredible memories we made with him that we’ll never forget! Shauna Gardner Orkney Islands Tour May 17-21, 2025
via Tripadvisor
Visit Orkney
Great small group tour to Orkney and the Highlands. Our group was from many different countries yet got along really well. Our guide John M was excellent in providing knowledgeable and relevant information about Scotland in general and the specific places we visited. The enthusiasm for Scotland, travel and history shown by our guide made this tour memorable and I would highly recommend this tour. The ferry to Orkney, the cruise on Loch Ness, the whisky tastings , the castles , standing stones , beautiful landscapes, highland cows and the perfect weather made this trip memorable!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 144h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Experience Scotland's Wild, who run 16 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.5 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Experience Scotland's Wild runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh cost?
+
Prices start at $675 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 Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh take?
+
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 Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 144 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
+
The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 120-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh?
+
Around 5 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?
+
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 Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh.
Pick your date
