8-Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 tour from Edinburgh

Scotland’s North Coast, Skye, and Orkney in 8 Days: An Authentic Journey with Highland Explorer Tours

This 8-day adventure from Edinburgh takes you through some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and historic sites, including Dunrobin Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Skara Brae, and the Isle of Skye. For a price around $2,649 per person, you’ll be traveling with a small group — typically about 16 travelers or fewer — which makes the experience more personal and flexible. Guided by passionate and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises a mix of natural beauty, history, and local culture, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food and stunning scenery.

Two things we particularly like are the carefully curated stops that balance iconic attractions like Eilean Donan Castle and Kilt Rock with less touristy gems like the Badbea Clearances site and the Knockan Crag geology walk. The inclusion of the ferry to Orkney and the famous Jacobite Steam Train adds a sense of adventure and variety.

One thing to consider is the packed itinerary — with so many stops squeezed into each day, some travelers have noted difficulty finding time for a relaxing dinner or a longer visit at certain sites, especially on the first day. If you prefer a slower pace or detailed exploration of specific sites like the Fairy Pools, this may not be your ideal choice.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, fast-paced introduction to Scotland’s highlights, especially those who love history, scenic drives, and authentic experiences. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and enjoy storytelling from passionate guides, this journey over Scotland’s rugged landscapes will fit the bill.

Key Points

Stunning Scenery: From rugged coastlines to towering mountains, the views are truly breathtaking.
Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Cara and Louise are praised for their storytelling and local insights.
Rich Cultural Stops: Historic sites like Culloden, Skara Brae, and the Italian Chapel add depth to the trip.
Small Group Experience: With fewer than 16 travelers, the tour feels intimate and flexible.
Value for Money: Seven nights’ accommodation and many entry fees included, making it easier to budget.
Packed Itinerary: The pace is brisk, with many stops daily, so be ready for a full experience.

A Deep Dive into the Scotland 8-Day Tour Experience

Starting Point and Initial Impressions

Your journey begins bright and early in Edinburgh, with a departure at 8:30 am. The tour is operated by Highland Explorer Tours, known for small groups and passionate guides. This setup promises a more relaxed and personalized experience compared to large bus tours, and reviews frequently mention how guides like Cara or Louise bring Scotland alive with stories, humor, and local knowledge.

Day 1: From Perthshire to Culloden

The first day kicks off in Dunkeld, a charming town famous for its 13th-century cathedral. It’s the perfect spot for a coffee and pastry to fuel up before heading into Perthshire’s Highland Folk Museum. This is Britain’s first open-air museum, and it offers a glimpse into how highlanders lived in the 1700s — a real highlight for history buffs.

Next comes Culloden Battlefield, a somber but essential site that commemorates the final Jacobite uprising in 1746. The grounds are preserved in a way that respects the gravity of the conflict, giving visitors space for reflection. Notably, some travelers have expressed that the full day’s stops make dinner plans tricky, but the emotional impact of Culloden is worth the early start.

Before ending the day in Kirkwall, Orkney, the ferry whisks you across the sea, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. The ferry adds an element of the journey, making it feel more like traveling through a living country rather than just sightseeing.

Day 2 & 3: Orkney’s Ancient Wonders

The next days are packed with archaeological marvels and natural beauty. The Italian Chapel, built during WWII by Italian prisoners of war, is a touching testament to resilience and faith. It’s small but poignant, and visitors often find it unexpectedly moving.

The Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae are spectacular. The latter, a Neolithic village uncovered in the 19th century, transports you back 5000 years. The well-preserved stone dwellings and surrounding ocean views are unforgettable. In Stromness, you’ll have time to soak in local life and perhaps grab a bite before more exploration.

The afternoon includes a visit to Maes Howe and Earls Bu, plus a stop at the Orkney Brewery. The guides make these stories come alive, and many reviews mention their storytelling as a highlight, especially Louise’s humor and depth of knowledge.

Days 4 & 5: From North Coast to Skye

Crossing back to the mainland, the tour hits John O’Groats, the iconic northernmost point of Great Britain. Then, the journey along the North Coast 500 takes you past haunting Badbea, a former Highland Clearance township, and Whaligoe Steps, a dramatic old fishing port.

Natural wonders continue with the Smoo Cave, a massive sea cave with a waterfall chamber and a lake inside. It’s a natural spectacle that often surprises visitors. Lunch is at Sango Sands Beach, giving time to enjoy one of Scotland’s beautiful highland beaches.

As you approach Skye, you’ll stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge, a spectacular deep-cut canyon formed by glacial meltwater. It’s a must-see for geology buffs and nature lovers alike.

Day 6: The Magic of Skye & the Jacobite Train

Skye is a highlight, with stops at the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. The Old Man is a rugged landscape that looks like it belongs in a fantasy film, often shrouded in mist to add to its mystique. Kilt Rock, with its waterfall flowing into the Atlantic, makes for an iconic photo. The guides generally do a great job of blending scenic stops with storytelling, offering historical and folkloric context.

The afternoon features the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct — yes, the very bridge from Harry Potter. This ride is often considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, and it’s a fun, memorable experience that adds a sense of adventure.

Days 7 & 8: Mainland and Beyond

Oban, the “Seafood Capital of Scotland,” offers a relaxing free day for exploring or simply enjoying the waterfront. Many guests use this time to savor fresh seafood, with guides ready to suggest local favorites.

The last day includes visits to St Conan’s Kirk and Kilchurn Castle, set against scenic Loch Awe. The tour wraps up with stops at the Falls of Dochart and the Kelpies, a modern sculpture that celebrates Scottish folklore and engineering prowess.

Overall Value and Experience

Throughout the trip, reviews consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Cara and Louise, who elevate the experience with stories, humor, and genuine care. The small group size means you get more personalized attention and better access to sites that larger tours might miss, like hidden beaches or lesser-known archaeological sites.

The cost includes accommodations, most entry fees, and some memorable extras like falconry displays and ferry rides. This makes it a practical choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive Scottish experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

However, the itinerary is fast-paced, with many stops each day, so if you prefer a leisurely pace or detailed exploration of a few sites, this might feel rushed. Some travelers have mentioned the challenge of finding time for dinner on busy days, so a flexible attitude is helpful.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits history enthusiasts, natural scenery lovers, and those eager to see a wide swath of Scotland’s landscapes in a short time. If quick, immersive visits tick your boxes, you’ll find this tour packed with memorable moments. It’s especially ideal for travelers who value guides with a storytelling flair and enjoy sharing experiences with a small, friendly group.

If, however, you want to explore specific sites in depth or enjoy a slower pace, you might prefer a more relaxed, self-paced itinerary.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 5 years old, making it family-friendly, provided children are comfortable with a busy schedule and long days.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 16 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and flexible experience compared to large bus tours.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast is included each morning, but lunch and dinner are not. Many guests enjoy local eateries during stops, especially in Oban and Portree.

What are the accommodations like?
You’ll stay in 3-star B&Bs for seven nights. Reviews mention the accommodations are generally clean, quiet, and comfortable — enough to relax after a full day of touring.

Can I cancel if needed?
Yes, there’s a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is the ferry to Orkney included?
Yes, the ferry ride to and from Orkney is part of the itinerary, adding a sense of adventure and scenic transition.

In the end, this 8-day tour offers an authentic, scenic, and storytelling-rich experience of Scotland’s highlights. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see a lot in a short time, with guides who truly love sharing their country’s stories. While the pace might be brisk for some, the variety and quality of sites visited make it a worthwhile adventure for those ready for a full-on Scottish journey.