Scotland: Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 Tour

Summary

Stone circles, wild coasts and a train through the mist

You’ll trace Scotland’s wild edges on this 8-day journey from Edinburgh—standing on ancient stones at Skara Brae, riding the Jacobite Steam Train across misty viaducts, wandering windswept beaches on the North Coast 500, and sharing stories with locals over hot soup in small towns. If you want days full of weather and wonder instead of rush and routine—this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Inverness

• Stop at Dunkeld for coffee and pastry
• Visit Highland Folk Museum
• Explore Culloden Battlefield
• See Clava Cairns standing stones

Day 2 — Inverness to Orkney

• Visit Dunrobin Castle and falconry display
• Drive Scotland’s “route 66”
• Ferry to Orkney and drive to Kirkwall

Day 3 — Explore Orkney sites

• Visit Italian Chapel
• See Ring of Brodgar stone circle
• Tour Skara Brae neolithic village
• Walk along cliffs and rocky beaches

Day 4 — Orkney to Ullapool

• Ferry to mainland and arrive John O’Groats
• Drive North Coast 500 route
• Visit Smoo Cave
• Lunch at Sango Sands beach
• Walk Knockan Crag Nature Reserve

Day 5 — Ullapool to Portree

• Visit Corrieshalloch Gorge
• Stop at Eilean Donan Castle
• Arrive Portree for lunch
• See Old Man of Storr
• View Kilt Rock and Mealt Waterfall

Day 6 — Portree to Oban

• Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig
• Ride Jacobite Steam Train
• Visit Glencoe mountains

Day 7 — Free day in Oban

• Explore Oban fishing town

Day 8 — Oban to Edinburgh

• Visit St. Conan’s Kirk
• See Kilchurn Castle
• Lunch in Highland village
• Stop at Falls of Dochart
• View The Kelpies sculptures

Top questions

How long is the Isle of Skye & Orkney tour from Edinburgh?

The tour lasts 8 days with 7 nights’ accommodation included.

Does this tour include the Jacobite Steam Train ride?

Yes, tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train are included as part of the itinerary.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in comfortable 3-star B&Bs each night along the route.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfast is included at each B&B; other meals are not included but local recommendations are given daily.

Is there hotel pickup in Edinburgh?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central departure point in Edinburgh. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 5 years old to join this multi-day tour.

What should I pack for weather on this trip?

Packing layers is best as Scottish weather can change quickly; waterproofs are recommended.

Can collapsible wheelchairs be accommodated?

Yes, if accompanied by someone able to assist with boarding/disembarking; contact ahead to confirm details.

What’s included

Your journey includes seven nights’ accommodation in welcoming B&Bs across Scotland’s north coast, all transport between sights including ferry crossings to Orkney and back, entry fees for major attractions like Dunrobin Castle and Culloden Battlefield, plus reserved seats on the Jacobite Steam Train between Mallaig and Fort William. Breakfast is served daily so you’re set up for whatever weather rolls in next.

What’s the experience like?

I’d wanted to see the Isle of Skye for years but somehow ended up doing this whole 8-day loop from Edinburgh — and honestly, I’m glad I did. The first morning felt like a blur: coffee in Dunkeld with that sweet bakery smell drifting out onto damp cobblestones, then our guide (I think his name was Jamie?) telling us stories about Highland clans as we drove. He had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice — like how the moss on old stones changes color after rain. Culloden Battlefield was quieter than I expected; just wind and a few crows, nothing staged. It got under my skin a bit.

Orkney surprised me most. The ferry crossing was choppy — one woman lost her hat to the wind and everyone laughed — but arriving in Kirkwall felt like landing somewhere older than time. The Italian Chapel was tiny but weirdly moving, all painted by hand by POWs. At Skara Brae I touched one of the stone walls (probably not allowed) and it was cold and rough and older than anything I’ve ever seen. Our guide let us wander at our own pace there; I liked that. Lunches were usually simple—soup or sandwiches—but always hearty enough for walking in the rain.

The North Coast 500 stretch is just endless sky and sea cliffs. We stopped at Smoo Cave where you can hear water thundering inside even before you see it—felt like being swallowed up by the land itself. On Skye, Portree’s harbor houses looked almost fake against all that grey sky, but the fish & chips tasted real enough (still thinking about those). The Old Man of Storr peeked out through mist for maybe five minutes before disappearing again—everyone scrambled for photos but honestly it’s better just to stand there for a second.

The Jacobite Steam Train day was pure nostalgia: steam everywhere, kids waving from crossings, that moment going over Glenfinnan Viaduct where everyone went quiet except for one guy who kept humming Harry Potter music (not gonna lie, it fit). By Glencoe I was tired in that good way where your legs ache but your head feels clear. We finished back near Edinburgh with a stop at The Kelpies—towering metal horses gleaming in late sun—and yeah, I still don’t know how they built those things.