[16 Pax] 5-Day Orkney and Scotland's Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh: Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Kirkwall and Ullapool

Morning - Edinburgh to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
As you head north, you pass by some iconic Scottish landmarks, including the Kelpies, 30-meter-tall horse head sculptures, and the imposing Stirling Castle, perched high on a craggy hill. Crossing the ancient Fault Line that divides Scotland, you'll enter the breathtaking Highlands. Here, the flat, fertile plains of the Lowlands gradually give way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain peaks, and forest-filled glens within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. A quick break in a quaint Highland town or by a scenic loch refreshes you for the next leg of your journey.

Mid Morning - Highlands and Glencoe
Continuing north, you traverse the vast, open landscapes of Rannoch Moor before arriving at Glen Coe, one of Scotland's most famous natural landmarks. Known for its dramatic, rugged slopes, this beautiful valley has been featured in films and has many stories to tell. You'll have time for photo stops or a short walk to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

Afternoon - Lunch in Fort William, Highlands, and Falls of Foyers
Next, you'll visit Fort William, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You've got time for lunch and exploration, so you can decide what you want to do. Sample local cuisine, wander the streets of the town centre, or visit a local museum to learn more about the area's rich history. Continuing along the rugged landscapes of Great Glen, we'll stop for photos at the most scenic viewpoints. The journey takes us north to a Highland gem, Falls of Foyers, where you can go for a short walk to admire this stunning waterfall that was a favourite spot of the poet Robert Burns.

Early Evening - Journey along Loch Ness to Inverness, free evening
We journey along the legendary Loch Ness, whose dark, peat-stained waters hold more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its vast depths make it the perfect hiding place for the elusive Loch Ness Monster. During our stop at Dores, a peaceful village with stunning views across Loch Ness, you might even spot the famous creature. As the day winds down, we arrive in Inverness, the vibrant Capital of the Highlands. The evening is free for you to enjoy—make sure to sample some local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets to the impressive Inverness Castle or the scenic River Ness islands.

 

Morning - Exploring the East Coast, Highlands
It's an early start as we leave behind the 'Capital of the Highlands,' cross over the Black Isle, and follow the iconic North Coast 500 route to Golspie for a brief stop. From there, it's just a short drive to Dunrobin Castle, a fairy-tale masterpiece with its soaring spires and beautiful gardens. Take a moment to capture a photo of this stately home before continuing along the coast, passing land once inhabited by the Picts and Vikings.

Mid Morning - Exploring the East Coast and John O'Groats
We follow the North Sea coastline and stop in interesting places, admiring dramatic views of cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches, and the ever-changing sea along the way. The route winds through charming villages and small harbors, while inland the scenery transitions to moorlands, gentle glens, and winding rivers, offering a true taste of the Highlands. Around noon we reach John O'Groats, the most northerly mainland village of Scotland.

Afternoon​​​​​​​ - Ferry to Orkney and journey to Kirkwall
We explore the most stunning sections of the coast before we get ready to board the ferry at Gills Bay. Enjoy an hour-long journey on the Pentland Firth and feel the power of the strait's famous tides, while keeping an eye out for the distant shores of Orkney, an archipelago consisting of around 70 islands, of which only 20 are inhabited. We arrive at South Ronaldsay, in St Margaret's Hope, a small village with a scenic harbour. After crossing the Churchill Barriers, built during WWII to protect the naval base at Scapa Flow, we visit the Italian Chapel, a small church with intricate frescoes, before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.

Early Evening​​​​​​​ - Free evening in Kirkwall
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is a charming town steeped in history and culture, and your home for the next two nights. With a free evening ahead, you can choose how to spend your time. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll to admire the magnificent Viking-era St Magnus Cathedral and wander through the town's historic, winding streets as the evening sets in.

Morning - Journey to Maeshowe
Today is your chance to explore this archipelago's fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. As you journey through Orkney, you'll also visit the sites of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses some of the most significant and well-preserved prehistoric monuments in Europe.

Mid Morning - Exploring the ancient sites in Orkney
Step back in time to an ancient world of mystery and wonder at Maeshowe, a massive, chambered cairn and passage tomb dating back over 5,000 years. This awe-inspiring structure is aligned with the sun and something magical happens here during the winter solstice. This is also where you'll find Viking graffiti—runes carved by Norsemen who visited the site in the 12th century. Next, visit the Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone circle steeped in local legends and set against views of hills. As you stand among these towering stones, which date back over 4,000 years, you'll feel a powerful connection to the past, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here.

Afternoon - Skara Brae, Stromness for lunch and exploring Orkney
We continue uncovering the secrets of the ancient past at Skara Brae. As you explore this 5,000-year-old village, complete with stone-built homes, furniture, and even a hidden chamber, you'll be transported back in time to imagine what life was like for its early inhabitants. With your appetite whetted by all this history, we head to Stromness for lunch. Enjoy fresh local seafood or other traditional dishes before strolling through its winding streets and a charming harbour. In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you to more captivating sites, such as Kirbuster Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island's rural past, and perhaps even a tidal island to explore.

Early Evening - Free evening in Kirkwall
You'll return to Kirkwall in the early evening, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. Will you have dinner and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbour? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is yours.
 

Morning - Journey to the ferry terminal at St Margaret's Hope
Say farewell to Kirkwall as we travel once again through the rugged, windswept landscape and past the calm and deep waters of Scapa Flow to St Margaret's Hope and the ferry terminal.

Mid Morning - Ferry to Mainland Scotland
Enjoy an hour-long journey across the Viking waters of the Pentland Firth and keep your eyes peeled for any signs of whales or dolphins during your crossing.

Afternoon​​​​​​​ - Exploring parts of North Coast 500
Back on the mainland, the northern stretch of the North Coast 500 takes us through some of Scotland's most remote and rugged landscapes, with dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and rolling hills. Your driver-guide will lead you to the most scenic spots along the way before reaching Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave shaped by sea and freshwater over millennia, with a labyrinth of chambers to explore. From here, we head into the far northwest Highlands, where the wilderness of the Assynt mountains awaits. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we stop to admire the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, perched on the shores of a loch and steeped in legends.

Early Evening​​​​​​​ - Free evening in Ullapool
We conclude the day with a scenic drive past the iconic silhouettes of towering mountains, back to Ullapool, passing through untouched moorlands and peat bogs en route to the shores of Loch Broom. Enjoy a well-deserved rest among the charming, whitewashed cottages of this delightful fishing village.

Morning - Journey to Corrieshalloch Gorge, Highlands
Today, we continue uncovering the hidden gems of the Northwest Highlands, beginning with a journey south to witness the dramatic 60-meter plunge of the River Droma into Corrieshalloch Gorge. You can take a short walk through a picturesque forest to admire the powerful waterfall as it cascades into the depths of the gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views from one of the viewing platforms or experience the thrill of crossing the suspension bridge.

Mid Morning - Culloden Battlefield, Highlands
The adventure takes us past mountain ridges soaring into the sky, shimmering lochs, and vast, open vistas. We explore Highland hidden gems along the way before we arrive at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising. Walking around this eerie, flat landscape, you can reflect on the last battle fought on British soil, a place recognized by Outlander fans as a pivotal setting in the series.

Afternoon - Clava Cairns, Highlands and journey to Perthshire
After learning about key events in Scottish history, we head to Clava Cairns, an ancient site of ring cairns and standing stones that inspired Craigh na Dun in Outlander. Standing among these historic monuments, you'll feel the weight of centuries. Our journey south offers classic Highland scenery, with photo stops and comfort breaks as we pass Cairngorms National Park. In Newtonmore, we visit the Highland Folk Museum, where you can explore 18th-century blackhouses, a working croft, and a 1930s schoolroom. As we move on, the mountains soften into lush forests in Perthshire. You'll take a final break in Dunkeld, so enjoy exploring the town's cathedral and charming streets.

Early Evening - Returning to Edinburgh
It's time to say goodbye to the Highlands as we continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife. Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge you can admire on your way to Edinburgh.
You return to Edinburgh at approximately 7:00pm.