Orkney Islands & North Coast 500, 5 Day Tour from Glasgow

Glasgow

Oct 6

Written By Jordan Ferguson

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Highlights - Glasgow - Inverness Day 1
Balmoral Castle-Please note Balmoral Castle is closed in August and throughout September as it seems the Royal Family are visiting
Cairngorms National Park
Stunning Highland Scenery
Beautiful Highland Woodland Walks
Culloden Battlefield
Inverness
Arrive 8:15am, pick-up at 8:30 in Glasgow.
First, we head north to the serene woodlands of Perthshire. This region, aptly known as "Big Tree Country," will captivate you with its natural beauty. On our leisurely walk, we'll encounter the enchanting Black Linn pools and falls.
Our adventure continues as we head to the breathtaking landscapes of Glenshee in the Highland region. Next, we arrive at the Balmoral Castle, set amidst stunning scenery. Explore the royal gardens and relish the same astonishing vistas that Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II once appreciated.
Our journey carries us further into the Highlands, where we'll revel in the natural wonders of the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland's largest and youngest national park. A stop in the charming highland town of Grantown-on-Spey awaits, where we'll take a stroll along the River Spey, amidst the native Scots Pine woodlands, while keeping an eye out for the elusive Capercaillie bird.
Our journey continues to the haunting Culloden battlefield, the site of one of Scotland's bloodiest conflicts—the penultimate battle of the 1745 Jacobite Uprisings.
Following this incredible historical experience, we make our way to our first-night accommodation in Inverness, often referred to as the Capital of the Highlands of Scotland.
Highlights of Inverness - Orkney Islands Day 2
North Coast 500 Drive
Scenic Coastal Walk
Boat over to Orkney Islands
The Italian Chapel
Scapa Distillery
Kirkwall
Our day commences departing Inverness and taking in the beautiful scenery driving up Scotland’s stunning NC500 route.
Our first stop will at a picturesque fishing village with a scenic harbour. Here we will have a coastal walk taking in the views and hearing about how life was for the crofters in this harsh but beautiful environment.
The time has come for a ferry adventure! Departing from Gills bay, we head out on a scenic ferry crossing passing by the uninhabited Island of Stroma to the charming Isle of Orkney. The journey across the shimmering waters takes just over an hour.
We've now arrived in Orkney! Upon leaving the ferry, we'll make our way to the incredible Italian Chapel where Italian prisoners of war constructed and decorated a Chapel during their encampment on the island.
Following on from the Italian “aqua vitae” at the Chapel time for some Scottish “Uisge beatha” which is Water of life or what we call Whisky! We head down to the Scapa Flow and visit the Scapa Distillery where you see how this marvellous drink is made and sample this Scottish nectar.
Now with Whisky in your bellies we head to our accommodations for the next two nights, settling into the welcoming town of Kirkwall.
Highlights - Isle of Orkney Day 3
Kirkwall
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn*
Steness Standing Stones
Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle
Skara Brae
Stunning Island Scenery
Let's explore Orkney! The day begins in Kirkwall where we’ll head into St Magnus Cathedral. Learn more about the saint and the grizzly, betrayal ending of his life.
Leaving Kirkwall, we head off in a northwesterly direction to Wideford Hill Cairn. Walking across the hillside to this ancient tomb, we can descend down and explore the inside of this fascinating cairn.
Our next stop is Cuween Chambered Cairn. This time we can crawl through the centre chamber and explore the others stemming from its centre.
One thing peculiar about Cuween is what explorers found when this 5,000-year-old cairn was investigated in 1901.
After hearing about the discoveries, we shoot off to another fascinating cairn, but this one is much larger and more significant, with the graffiti that was left behind by invaders.
Maeshowe is the finest example of a Neolithic building to survive in northwestern Europe. This extraordinary structure dates back around 5,000 years old.
After hundreds of years of use, Maeshowe was closed up for good until 3,000 years later when curious invaders stepped foot into the chambered cairn and left their incredible mark.
Now it’s time to see some standing stones! We pull over at the Standing Stones of Stenness, which could well be the oldest henge in Britain. These stones date back around 5 and half thousand years ago.
Their purpose is still unclear, so it's down to your imagination to create a meaning behind these incredible monoliths.
We’re on to our next stop, which is even more impressive than our previous one! The Ring of Brodgar is superbly astonishing. This giant stone circle has never been excavated, so it’s difficult to know its rough age.
Scientists have given their best guess of the earliest part of the monument between 2,600 - 2,400 BC! 36 stones remain of the original 60 that once stood tall.
Our next stop is quite simply one of a kind. Skara Brae predates the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. Explore the incredibly preserved village and get a glimpse into how our ancient ancestors once lived their daily lives.
What a day it’s been! With all that ancient history from the astonishing sites that we’ve seen, it's time to head back for Kirkwall where we’ll spend our last evening on the island.
*Attractions can be subject to change depending on availability.
Highlights - Isle of Orkney - Inverness - Day 4
Boat to the Mainland
John O’ Groats
Castle Sinclair
Camster cairns
Dunrobin Castle & Gardens
Stunning Coastal Landscapes
Inverness

Saying goodbye to Orkney from the ferry, we arrive back on the mainland and begin our journey south. But that doesn't mean we’re not stopping anywhere.
Disembarking the ferry, we’ll take a short drive to John o’Groats to check out Scotland's most northeastern area.
We’ll now head off to Castle Sinclair beckons from the mist. Our route takes us past stunning seascapes as we uncover the remains of this ancient castle perched atop dramatic cliffs. The panoramic views overlooking the North Sea are simply breathtaking.
After capturing every conceivable angle of the castle for our photos, we journey back in time to our next destination—the historic Camster Cairns. These colossal burial cairns harken back over 5,000 years, providing a captivating glimpse into Scotland's Neolithic past.
Following our exploration of the Neolithic Cairns, We travel onward to the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle. This magnificent castle, the ancestral seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, stands as one of the tour's grandest spectacles.
Our last stop of the day will be a beautiful Costal walk soaking in the weather and the views!
It’s now time to complete our journey south and rest for the evening in Inverness.
Highlights - Inverness - Edinburgh Day 5
Loch Ness Cruise
Glencoe
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
Leaving the Capital of the Highlands, we continue our journey south towards Edinburgh. Not without passing by one of the most famous lochs in the country!
Now we jump onto another boat, but this time it’s a cruise along Loch Ness with stunning views towards the most picturesque ruined castle in Scotland (in our opinion), Urquhart Castle.
Once we’ve completed our cruise, we’ll stop by the beautiful highland town, Fort Augustus, where the famous Caledonian Canal system runs through the middle of the town.
There’s no time to lose! We’re off again down towards quite possibly, the most majestic part of the Highlands of Scotland, Glencoe.
We’ll make some stops as we travel through this awe-inspiring landscape, where you’ll learn about Hidden Valleys, the MacDonald Clan who called Glencoe home and how a tragic event caused the first Jacobite Uprising.
We descend down into our second national park of the whole journey, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. Cutting across the top of the national park, following the River Dochart, we head for the tranquil highland village of Killin.
The Falls of Dochart flow down the cascading falls through the village and exit out into Loch Tay. Exploring you’ll discover fascinating geological formations when the water level is low enough.
Balquhidder Glen is our next destination, where our final hike of the day will reveal one of the national parks' best viewpoints. Taking in this magnificent landscape, we head for the small church that was our starting point of the hike.
This is the resting place of Robert “Rob Roy” MacGregor, who is seen as the Scottish Robin Hood and was an outlaw before he was born! His story will be told in the beautiful setting of the churchyard.
We now travel south to complete our journey and finish in Edinburgh!
Here our tour will conclude between 7-8pm.
On this tour, you will spend;
2 nights on the Orkney Islands2 nights in Inverness (1st and 4th night)
Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour.
How can I book accommodation?
We do this so that you have the option of choosing accommodation to suit your budget.
The Orkney Islands and Inverness have a selection of accommodation, ranging from Youth Hostels, Bed and Breakfasts to 3, 4 and 5 Star hotels.
We have 2 options for booking Accommodation for your Orkney Islands & NC500 Tour
1. We can book it for you on your behalf.
We have a supply of accommodation pre-booked with some trusted accommodation partners. We have a selection of Twin, Double, Single and Family Rooms available.
2. You can choose to book your own accommodation. Before doing this, please get in touch and ask what part of the Island we will be staying for your chosen dates so that you can book appropriate accommodation in an appropriate location. Accommodation will need to be booked within 3km of our chosen accommodation location as we may not be able to collect and drop off from further away than this.
Alternatively, please email us your questions at info@scotlandswild.com
Note for Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller and you choose for us to book your accommodation on your behalf, then we will first choose to put you in a single room. Though on occasions due to accommodation supply, we may select a twin room where you will share with another traveller of the same gender. If you would prefer not to have this as an option, please get in touch and let us know at info@scotlandswild.com
How much will the accommodation cost?
We book a variety of accommodation with third party accommodation partners on your behalf and each of these partners sets their own rates. These rates will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as standard, facilities, location and demand. Once you’ve confirmed your tour and you’ve selected that you’d like for us to book your accommodation on your behalf, we will then allocate you to an accommodation partner and give you the details such as cost.
As a guide to cost, you can expect to pay the following prices
Approximate prices
Price for sole occupancy:1 person per room, per night
B&B Standard - £60-90 GBP - €70-€105 Euro - $85-€110 USD
B&B En-suite - £80-140 GBP - €90-€160 Euro - $100-$175 USD
Hotel - £120-180 GBP - €140-€210 Euro - $150-225 USD
Price for multiple occupancy: 2 or more people per room, per night
B&B Standard - £80-£140 GBP - €90-€160 Euro - $100-$175 USD
B&B En-suite - £90-£170 GBP - €105-€195 Euro - $110-$225 USD
Hotel - £140-180 GBP - €160-210 Euro - $175-$225 USD
NOTE: Prices mentioned are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (e.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)
Will Breakfast be included with my Accommodation?
When we book your accommodation for you, breakfast will be included. If for some reason breakfast isn’t included, usually due to a last minute booking, we will let you know and recommend local locations for where you can get yourself Breakfast. The type of Breakfast included will vary in each accommodation and will range from continental style to fully cooked breakfasts.

Start an Orkney Islands Tour from the city of Glasgow

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★★★★★
We provide wonderful experiences for clients and due to that, we’ve been awarded a Travelers Choice Award by TripAdvisor, putting us in the top 10% of all Attractions in the World
★★★★★
We provide many private tours to the Orkney Isles for visitors to Scotland. It’s one of the most popular locations to visit in the Highlands of Scotland and we go above and beyond to ensure that all our visitors have the best time possible as they explore the Orkney Isles and the Highlands of Scotland.
★★★★★
The 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour is brand new for 2023! We came up with the idea as we’ve been to the Orkney Isles many times as a fully private tour for clients and get many requests to visit the Orkney Isles and other locations in the Highlands of Scotland, so we thought, let’s give visitors to Scotland what they want and create a 5 day tour which focuses purely on travelling and visiting many wonderful locations on the Orkney Isles and the Highlands of Scotland.
★★★★★
We aim to provide you with over-the-top value so that you have the best time possible as you visit the Orkney Isles and the Highlands of Scotland
★★★★★
Most importantly, Clients consistently Review us as a 5 Star Tour Operator and a provider of 5 Star Tours on TripAdvisor - Google - Get Your Guide and Viator among others.
★★★★★
We’re reviewed every year by the National Tourism organisation - Visit Scotland and are consistently awarded 5 Stars for all aspects of your Tour in Scotland
★★★★★
We provide Extra Small Group Tours of no more than 8 people to ensure a more personable and enjoyable experience as you travel into the Highlands of Scotland
★★★★★
We go #Sightdoing
Our 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour aims to get you out of the minibus and into the Scottish Highlands on foot so you can get a proper feel of Scotland and its countryside.
★★★★★
Brand New
Coming April 2024
As of December 2023 we’re rated 5 Star ★★★★★ for 360 of our 364 reviews
We’re excited to start this Scotland Tour in April 2024 and provide visitors to Scotland with an exceptional 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour where you’ll visit some of the most beautiful places on Mainland Orkney and in the Highlands, such as Skara Brae, Balmoral Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Cairngorms National Park and the Rings of Brodgar. You can be sure we’ll start posting the reviews here once travellers have started exploring the 5 Day Orkney Isle and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour.
To give you confidence and help you to choose to book this Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland 5 Day Adventure Group Tour, here are some reviews for when we’ve guided clients on the Orkney Isles and the Highlands of Scotland on fully Private Tours.
Sienna G - USA - TripAdvisor
Fabulous 5 Day Tour
★★★★★
We just finished a trip to Scotland and Ireland that included a 5 day tour of Scotland and it really will be unforgettable! We went with another couple and had a very detailed itinerary that John worked on for months incorporating our individual requests as best he could. We hiked, saw castles, kayaked, shopped, and learned tons! Our guide, Andy, was delightful and so knowledgeable! He knows the area so well that he was able to add extra sites and stops including a cool turntable ferry (only one left in the world) to Skye. Highly Recommend!!
Linda & Kyle - USA -TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Great Scottish Wedding Adventure
We booked an 8 day tour with Experience Scotland’s Wild of the Highlands and got married on day 3 in Skye. John went above and beyond in so many ways and made each day memorable. We've travelled a fair amount and had numerous guides... I've never gotten teary eyed when we parted ways... I did this time. He's that good. 5 stars are not enough.
Accommodation for Orkney Island & NC500 Tour
On this tour, you will spend;
2 nights on the Orkney Islands
2 nights in Inverness (1st and 4th night)
How can I book accommodation?
Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour.
We do this so that you have the option of choosing accommodation to suit your budget.
The Orkney Islands and Inverness have a selection of accommodation, ranging from Youth Hostels, Bed and Breakfasts to 3, 4 and 5 Star hotels.
We have 2 options for booking Accommodation for your Orkney Islands & NC500 Tour
1. We can book it for you on your behalf.
We have a supply of accommodation pre-booked with some trusted accommodation partners. We have a selection of Twin, Double, Single and Family Rooms available.
2. You can choose to book your own accommodation. Before doing this, please get in touch and ask what part of the Island we will be staying for your chosen dates so that you can book appropriate accommodation in an appropriate location. Accommodation will need to be booked within 3km of our chosen accommodation location as we may not be able to collect and drop off from further away than this.
Alternatively, please email us your questions at info@scotlandswild.com
Note for Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller and you choose for us to book your accommodation on your behalf, then we will first choose to put you in a single room. Though on occasions due to accommodation supply, we may select a twin room where you will share with another traveller of the same gender. If you would prefer not to have this as an option, please get in touch and let us know at info@scotlandswild.com
How much will the accommodation cost?
We book a variety of accommodation with third party accommodation partners on your behalf and each of these partners sets their own rates. These rates will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as standard, facilities, location and demand. Once you’ve confirmed your tour and you’ve selected that you’d like for us to book your accommodation on your behalf, we will then allocate you to an accommodation partner and give you the details such as cost.
As a guide to cost, you can expect to pay the following prices
Approximate prices
Price for sole occupancy:1 person per room, per night
B&B Standard - £60-90 GBP - €70-€105 Euro - $85-€110 USD
B&B En-suite - £80-140 GBP - €90-€160 Euro - $100-$175 USD
Hotel - £120-180 GBP - €140-€210 Euro - $150-225 USD
Price for multiple occupancy: 2 or more people per room, per night
B&B Standard - £80-£140 GBP - €90-€160 Euro - $100-$175 USD
B&B En-suite - £90-£170 GBP - €105-€195 Euro - $110-$225 USD
Hotel - £140-180 GBP - €160-210 Euro - $175-$225 USD
NOTE: Prices mentioned are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (e.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)
Will Breakfast be included with my Accommodation?
When we book your accommodation for you, breakfast will be included. If for some reason breakfast isn’t included, usually due to a last minute booking, we will let you know and recommend local locations for where you can get yourself Breakfast. The type of Breakfast included will vary in each accommodation and will range from continental style to fully cooked breakfasts.
5 Day Orkney Islands and North Coast 500 Tour from Edinburgh
Please note: This Tour Starts in Glasgow and Ends in Edinburgh
Start Location from Glasgow
Meeting point at Buchanan Bus Station - Taxi Rank
70 Cowcaddens Road,
Glasgow,
G4 0BA
Arrive 8:15am, pick-up at 8:30 in Glasgow.
End Location in Edinburgh
Starbucks in Haymarket Railway Station
1a Haymarket Railway Station
Edinburgh
EH12 5EY
End between 7-8pm in Edinburgh
What’s Included on your 5 Day Isle of Skye and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour.

Included
Boat Trip to the Orkney Isles
A Fun & Friendly Scotland Tour Guide
Fully Guided short hikes in the Highlands of Scotland
A Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Beautiful Highlands Scenery
Stories, Myths & Legends
Waterfalls
Not Included
Accommodation
Meals and Snacks
Loch Ness Cruise
Entry to Dunrobin Castle
Entry to Scapa Distillery
Entry to Balmoral Castle
Entry to Culloden Visitor Centre/Museum
Entry to Maeshowe
Entry to St Magnus Cathedral
Entry to Skara Brae
Entry to any other Attractions
What makes my 5 Day Orkney Isles & Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour from Glasgow so Special?
Your 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour differs from other generic bus tours as we focus on getting you out and really experiencing the spectacular landscape of the Mainland Orkney and the Highlands of Scotland. You’ll learn about the area, the history, experience the culture and bond with your fellow visitors. We don't just go Sightseeing, we take part in #Sightdoing.
Is the Orkney Isles & Highlands of Scotland 5 Day Adventure Group Tour for me?
Before booking on to our 5 day Orkney Isles tour, please remember that this is an Active Sightseeing tour and might not be for everyone. We will be going for some short walks in the Highlands and the terrain can vary and the ground can be uneven and slippery. Before booking, please ask yourself, Can I and everyone in my group comfortably walk for an hour on uneven ground?
What should I bring on the 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour?
As the weather can be unpredictable at times in Scotland, for your day tour we recommend you bring light waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots or shoes. You may also want to bring bug spray/midge repellent as during certain times of year (primarily April - September) the midges may irritate you. If you’re lucky enough to get a nice sunny day, then some sun cream would be great. If it’s during the colder months, then some warm clothing, gloves and a hat may also be useful.
When should I arrive for the Orkney Isles & Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour Departing Glasgow?
We ask all clients to arrive and check-in at least 15 minutes early for your 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour, this ensures a prompt departure and more time to experience the Highlands of Scotland. If you’re going to be late, get in touch as soon as possible at +44 131 241 8292 and we will see about getting you on another tour if there is availability. This is not a guarantee though.
Is there Parking near the Glasgow Departure location?
Yes, there’s parking near the departure point for your 5 Day Orkney Isles & Highland Group Tour. It’s at Buchanan Galleries shopping Centre and is multi story, Private parking facility and they do charge for parking. It will take you approximately 5 minutes to walk from the parking facility to the Start Location.
How long will I be out of the vehicle on this my 5 Day Orkney and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour
On your 5 Day Orkney Isles Tour, you’ll get a good amount of time out of the bus as you go for short hikes in the Highlands of Scotland, visit Dunrobin Castle, visit Waterfalls, walks in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, cruise on Loch Ness plus so much more.
Do you have any age restrictions?
For our scheduled 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour from Glasgow, we have a minimum age limit of 12 years old. If you have children under 12 who you’d like to take on the 5 Day Orkney Isles Tour from Glasgow, we recommend getting in touch info@scotlandswild.com and asking about a fully private tour for you and your group.
Should I bring food on my Orkney Isles & Highlands of Scotland 5 Day Adventure Group Tour?
There will be no need to bring food on your 5 Day Orkney Isles tour from Glasgow as you’ll be stopping at different locations in the Highlands of Scotland and on the Orkney Isles to enjoy meals and be able to pick up snacks.
Feel free to bring snacks for when you’re travelling around the Highlands of Scotland.
Are meals included for my Orkney Isles 5 Day Tour?
Meals aren’t included on your 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour from Glasgow. You’ll be able to enjoy meals at your own time and where you enjoy. Your Scotland Tour Guide will happily help send you in the right direction. There may be a need to book meals in Advance
Can I take luggage with me during my 5 Day Orkney Isles & Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour?
As you travel Scotland on your 5 Day Orkney Isles Tour, there will be space for each traveller to bring a suitcase style of luggage of 20kg (44lbs) with dimensions of approx 81cm x 119cm x 119cm. You will also be able to take a small handbag sized bag for your personal items for when you travel Scotland. If you have any questions about luggage, feel free to get in touch on info@scotlandswild.com
Will there be plenty of bathroom breaks?
During your Orkney Isles & Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour, there will be many stops to use the restrooms in both the Highlands of Scotland and the Orkney Isles. There are also restrooms on your Loch Ness Cruise and boat trip over to the Orkney Isles. You will never be far away from a bathroom stop.
Should I tip my Scotland Tour Guide/Driver?
If you believe your Scotland Tour Guide/Driver provided you with a great touring experience on your 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Tour from Glasgow, then I know they will always appreciate a wee bonus. Though it is completely up to you on how much you tip or if you’d like to provide one.
What’s your Multi-Day Tour Cancellation Policy?
Any cancellation for our 5 Day Orkney Isles & Highlands of Scotland Adventure Group Tour, 16 or more days before the tour start date, you will be issued a 90% Refund. Cancelling 15 days or less, you must pay 100% of your total booking price. In the event of not showing up for your multi-day group tour, you will be charged 100% of the cost
To see all our T&C’s, check them out here
What happens if I miss my tour?
If you are late for your tour, the cancellation policy will apply. If on the day, you believe you will be late, do get in touch as soon as possible on +44 131 241 8292 and we will see about getting you on anther tour if there is availability. This is not a guarantee though.
Do I have Travel Insurance Provided on my 5 Day Orkney Isles and Highlands of Scotland Tour from Glasgow?
We don’t provide travel insurance for any Tours in Scotland, though we highly recommend taking out appropriate travel insurance for any vacation to Scotland.
I still have more questions, how can I get answers?
We’re always happy to answer any question and would love to help you as much as possible before you arrive in Scotland, so do get in touch if you think we can help info@scotlandswild.com