
5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 138 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions worth booking?
5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions is a 120-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $1,461 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 138 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (138)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $1,461 per person
Venture to the far-flung Orkney Islands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh with 3-star accommodation included, and visit top Highland towns and attractions, too! With a friendly guide, travel through the Highlands, visiting Loch Ness and Glencoe, and pass John o’Groats on route to the stunning Orkney Island archipelago. With Kirkwall (Orkney’s capital) as your base, discover the area’s historical highlights such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness. On route back to Edinburgh, call in at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Culloden Moor, an important Jacobite battlefield. Overnight stays in Inverness and Ullapool are included, plus two nights in Kirkwall. *Tour Price includes entrance to Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Culloden Battlefield.
What you get
About this experience
Venture to the far-flung Orkney Islands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh with 3-star accommodation included, and visit top Highland towns and attractions, too! With a friendly guide, travel through the Highlands, visiting Loch Ness and Glencoe, and pass John o’Groats on route to the stunning Orkney Island archipelago. With Kirkwall (Orkney’s capital) as your base, discover the area’s historical highlights such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness. On route back to Edinburgh, call in at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Culloden Moor, an important Jacobite battlefield. Overnight stays in Inverness and Ullapool are included, plus two nights in Kirkwall. *Tour Price includes entrance to Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Culloden Battlefield.
What's included
Included
- Driver/guide
- 4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included)
- Breakfast
- Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers)
- Entrance Fees: Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Culloden Battlefield
- Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Meals and refreshments
- Admission fees & optional activities: Unless specified
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes before departure)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes before departure)
Options you can book
B&B Twin Room
Stay in twin room (2 x single beds) guesthouse accommodation. If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
Hotel Double Room
Double en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star Hotel (1 large bed).
B&B Single Occupancy Room
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) guesthouse accommodation.
B&B Double Room
Double en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (1 large bed).
Hotel Twin Room
Hotel with Twin Room: Stay in twin room (2 x single beds) hotel accommodation. If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
Hotel Single Occupancy Room
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) hotel accommodation.If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rabbies Trail Burners
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
- Please note: you will be required to choose between either a 3-star bed and breakfast or 3-star hotel at time of booking
- Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately
- When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
- Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
- Skara Brae - We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
- Maeshowe – We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
- Culloden - We reserve tickets for you. Included in tour price.
- B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please mention it to us as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
- Hotels usually have a relatively central location but may be up to a 20-30 minute walk from local facilities. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 138 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.
Traveler reviews
138 verified traveler reviews for 5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
First Class tour of Orkney and Northern Coast
Greatest tour ever! Amazing sites seen with compatible fellow tour members. The bus was comfortable, but what made the trip unforgettable was our guide Billy! He was so knowledgeable of what we were seeing all along the way. His stories of old were so entertaining, we would coax for more! He was willing to accommodate small requests from members who wanted to see sites special to them, not straying too much from the normal route. As the tour ended, I think we were all a little sad to say goodbye. I will definitely be booking another Rabbie tour in the future. Thanks again Billy!
via Tripadvisor
We would definitely tour with Rabbie's again
Or guide (Jamie) was knowledgeable and energetic. His love for Scotland showed and was beautiful to see. The planned stops were frequent and lovely. We lost day four of our tour due to weather-related complications (ferry cancelled due to dangerous seas - clearly through no fault of Rabbie's!). Rabbie's re-routed us (and other tours as well) to a different ferry at a safer location and got us safely back to the mainland and back on course, but it was a lot more driving than expected for that day, and none of the planned stops, but Jamie kept it light and interesting with stories and information about Scottish history, culture, custom and current events. It was disappointing to lose a day of our tour, but it was reassuring to see how Rabbie's was able to manage that anomaly.
via Tripadvisor
We’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Phenomenal tour (Rabbie’s Trail Burners) with a knowledgable and friendly guide. We were taken to the big sights as well as a few gems off the beaten path. Our guide ensured that all travellers were comfortable, properly cared for, and helped us feel welcome in his country and with each other.
via Viator
5 day tour of scotland
There is a lot of walking. The tour group was usually spread out over three lodges at night. Very little time for shopping. The Van was comfortable. The Driver, Aleister was great. I learned alot of history and was very excited to see so many sacred sites, not just churches. We didn't get to see much in the way of museums unless they were at the visitor centers.
via Viator
I have a greater...
This tour gave me a greater appreciation of Scotland. Our guide Kevin was phenomenal and very knowledgeable.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $1,461 to $1,816
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 48
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Rabbies Trail Burners, who run 61 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.1 and 9 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Rabbies Trail Burners runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does 5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions cost?
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Prices start at $1,461 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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions 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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 138 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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions?
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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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions 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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions?
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Around 48 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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions 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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions?
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Included: Driver/guide; 4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included); Breakfast; Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers); and Entrance Fees: Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Culloden Battlefield. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Gratuities; Meals and refreshments; and Admission fees & optional activities: Unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions?
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Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ (Check in closes 15 minutes before departure) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions 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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions?
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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.
What happens to 5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions 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 & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions?
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Across 138 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for 5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh Incl Admissions?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including B&B Twin Room, Hotel Double Room, B&B Single Occupancy Room, B&B Double Room. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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