Trace Scotland’s deep time on a five-day loop from Edinburgh to the Orkney Isles—Loch Lomond and the Great Glen’s rugged lochs give way to Neolithic tombs, wartime chapels and Kirkwall’s cathedral. Practical pacing and ferry crossings make this compact, history-rich tour ideal for first-time Highland visitors.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of Caffè Nero in central Edinburgh as the bus doors close and the city recedes — grey stone giving way to ribboning lochs and the stacked ridges of the Highlands. By late afternoon the road has opened to Great Glen vistas; by day two you’re crossing a short ferry to Orkney, where wind and sea shape a different horizon entirely.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 days (full days)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travellers in general good health who can manage short walks on uneven ground and ferry/coach transfers.
Wildlife
History
Orkney’s stone circles and chambered cairns predate Egyptian pyramids; Norse rule later shaped place names and cathedral building in Kirkwall.
Conservation
Orkney’s fragile archaeology and coastal habitats are protected; stick to marked paths, avoid collecting artifacts and follow local guidance to minimize erosion and disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the 5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for check-in
Meet Highland Experience staff at Caffè Nero by 8:15am to avoid delays; the tour leaves on schedule.
Pack for variable weather
Bring a waterproof jacket and layers—highlands and islands can shift from sun to squall within an hour.
Mind the luggage limit
Bags must meet the operator’s maximum (≈15kg, 55x40x20cm); travel light for ferry and coach transfers.
Bring seasickness remedies
Short ferry crossings to Orkney can be choppy; bring medication or acupressure bands if you get queasy.
Waterproof shell jacket
Keeps you dry during sudden rain and windy island conditions.
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and grip for gravel paths, coastal trails and uneven archaeological sites.
Daypack with rain cover
Carries water, snacks, camera and layers for daily excursions from the coach.
Binoculars
Useful for seabird and otter spotting on Orkney’s coastline and estuaries.