Exploring the rugged beauty of northern Scotland has never been easier than with the 5-Day Orkney & Northern Coast Tour from Edinburgh. This comprehensive journey takes travelers on an immersive adventure through the Scottish Highlands, uncovering the region’s rich Viking heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the mystical Loch Ness to the Neolithic wonders of the Orkney Islands, this tour offers a seamless experience that blends comfort, convenience, and cultural discovery. With expert guides, personalized accommodations, and a carefully curated itinerary, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those who seek to uncover the hidden gems of this captivating corner of the world.
Key Points
- A 5-day tour from Edinburgh exploring the rugged landscapes, historical landmarks, and Viking heritage of northern Scotland, including the Orkney Islands.
- Visits iconic sites like Loch Ness, Dunrobin Castle, Ring of Brodgar, and Culloden Battlefield, led by an expert guide in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels or bed and breakfasts, with complimentary breakfast, and a maximum group size of 16 for a personalized experience.
- Includes admission to Neolithic sites such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, and Clava Cairns, as well as Culloden Battlefield.
- Flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds up to 21 days before departure, ensuring peace of mind when planning the Scottish adventure.
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Tour Overview
This 5-day excursion through the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands showcases the region’s rugged landscapes, historical landmarks, and Viking heritage, inviting travelers to uncover the captivating essence of northern Scotland.
Aboard a comfortable 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, guests embark on a journey led by an expert guide, traversing from Edinburgh to Inverness, Orkney, and back to Edinburgh.
Along the way, they’ll visit iconic sites like Loch Ness, Dunrobin Castle, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Culloden Battlefield, seeing the rich cultural tapestry that defines this enchanting corner of the world.
With accommodations in 3-star hotels or B&Bs and a maximum group size of 16, this tour offers a personalized and enriching experience for all who undertake it.
Itinerary Highlights
First, the tour departs Edinburgh and travels through the Scottish Highlands, offering a chance to marvel at the serene splendor of Loch Ness.
Afterward, it ventures northward to Dunrobin Castle, a stately manor that showcases the region’s rich architectural heritage.
From there, the journey continues to the northernmost point of mainland Britain, John o’Groats, before reaching the Orkney Islands and the historic town of Kirkwall.
Once on Orkney, the tour explores the iconic Neolithic sites, including the well-preserved village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, and the impressive Maeshowe Chambered Cairn.
The tour then heads south, stopping at the picturesque Ardvreck Castle and the famous Culloden Battlefield before returning to Edinburgh.
Accommodation and Meals
The tour includes 4 nights’ accommodation in 3-star hotels or bed and breakfasts, where travelers can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning to fuel their day of exploration. This ensures a comfortable and convenient stay throughout the journey.
The accommodations are carefully selected to provide a true taste of Scottish hospitality and local charm. Guests can expect:
- Clean, well-appointed rooms with modern amenities
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist with any queries
- Cozy common areas to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing
- A hearty Scottish breakfast, often featuring local produce and specialties
This package takes care of the essentials, allowing travelers to focus on seeing the rich culture and stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands.
Transportation and Guide
Throughout the 5-day tour, travelers are whisked across the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands aboard a comfortable 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.
Piloting the vehicle is an expert guide, intimately familiar with the region’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders.
Together, the modern transportation and knowledgeable tour leader provide a seamless and immersive experience for guests, ensuring they make the most of their time in these captivating northern reaches of Scotland.
The mini-coach’s small group size, capped at 16 passengers, allows for a more personalized and flexible itinerary, with ample opportunities to stop, explore, and engage with the stunning scenery and historic sites along the way.
Entrance Fees and Inclusions
Complementing the seamless transportation and knowledgeable guidance, the tour package also covers a suite of entrance fees and inclusions, ensuring guests can enjoy the region’s most captivating historical sites and natural wonders.
Visitors will enjoy:
- Admission to Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village that offers a glimpse into ancient Orcadian life
- Access to the enigmatic Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Neolithic architecture
- Entry to the iconic Culloden Battlefield, where the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745 took place
- Exploration of the serene and mystical Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age cemetery complex steeped in history and folklore
These inclusions elevate the tour, allowing guests to fully enjoy the region’s captivating heritage.
Age and Luggage Restrictions
With a minimum age requirement of 5 years, the tour welcomes families and individuals alike, ensuring an enriching experience for all. Plus, the tour adheres to a luggage limit of 20kg per person, encouraging a streamlined and efficient journey through the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands.
Age Requirement | Luggage Limit |
---|---|
Minimum 5 years | 20kg per person |
This thoughtful approach caters to travelers of all ages and ensures a comfortable, hassle-free exploration of the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of these captivating regions. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or embarking on your first adventure, this tour’s age and luggage policies set the stage for an unforgettable journey.
Cancellation Policy
The tour operator offers a full refund up to 21 days before the departure date, providing travelers with flexibility and peace of mind when planning their Scottish adventure.
This generous cancellation policy allows customers to:
- Book their tour with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change
- Adjust their travel arrangements without incurring any penalties if they need to cancel within the 21-day window
- Rest easy, knowing they won’t lose their investment if unexpected circumstances arise prior to the tour
Feel secure in their decision to embark on this remarkable journey through the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands.
Additional Information
This 5-day tour through the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands caters to travelers aged 5 and above. Participants can expect a luggage limit of 20kg per person during the journey, ensuring comfortable transportation in the 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. The small group size, with a maximum of 16 passengers, allows for a more personalized and intimate experience with the expert guide.
Additional Information | |
---|---|
Minimum Age | 5 years |
Luggage Limit | 20kg per person |
Cancellation Policy | Full refund up to 21 days before departure |
Group Size | Maximum 16 passengers |
This thoughtfully curated tour provides travelers with the opportunity to enjoy the rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?
The weather during the tour can be quite variable. Expect a mix of mild temperatures, potential rain showers, and brisk winds, especially in the exposed coastal regions of the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands. Layered clothing is recommended.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour, though the mini-coach will make stops where travelers can purchase food and beverages. The tour includes breakfast, so carrying full meals isn’t necessary.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Long Drives?
The tour includes regular restroom breaks during the long drives through the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands. Passengers can expect several opportunities to stop and use facilities along the way, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Can We Extend the Tour to Include Additional Locations?
Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional locations. Travelers can work with the tour operator to customize the itinerary and explore more of Scotland’s stunning landscapes, historical sites, and cultural attractions during their 5-day journey.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour operator offers discounted rates for seniors and students. Seniors over 65 and students with valid ID can receive up to 10% off the standard tour price. Early booking is recommended to secure the best available discounts.
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Recap
This 5-day tour through northern Scotland’s stunning landscapes and historic sites is an excellent way to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage.
From exploring the Neolithic wonders of the Orkney Islands to marveling at the grand Dunrobin Castle, travelers will be captivated by the tour’s diverse experiences.
With comfortable transportation, expert guides, and personalized accommodations, this tour provides an enriching and seamless adventure for visitors of all ages.