Orkney & The Highlands 7 Day Tour

Orkney isn’t just a place you visit, it’s a place that gets under your skin (in the best way). This private 7-day Orkney tour from Edinburgh blends the very best of mainland Scotland with a deep, unhurried exploration of the islands: Neolithic stone villages, vast ceremonial circles, Viking history, cliffy sea views, and Kirkwall’s quietly brilliant charm.

Your tour is fully private and customisable, with pick-up from your accommodation in Edinburgh (or another convenient location). We’ll take care of the route, timings, and logistics, including ferry crossings, so you can enjoy the journey without the stress. You’ll travel in comfort with a friendly, professional guide, and there’s room to adjust the pace or extend your stay in Orkney if your dates allow.

If you’ve been dreaming of standing among ancient stones older than the pyramids, walking windswept coastlines, and seeing a side of Scotland most visitors miss, book your private Orkney tour and we’ll tailor the details around you.

We head north in style with a day that mixes modern Scotland, medieval history, and a brilliant woodland walk.

• The Kelpies (Falkirk) – Scotland’s giant horse-head sculptures, an unforgettable photo stop to kick off the tour.

• Doune Castle – a 14th-century stronghold with a proper screen résumé (Outlander, Monty Python, and more). Explore the halls and courtyard while your guide brings the history to life.

• Lunch: The Lion and Unicorn Inn – a classic Scottish inn stop for hearty food and a warm welcome.

• The Hermitage (Dunkeld) – a short forest walk through towering Douglas firs to Black Linn Falls, one of Perthshire’s most dramatic natural viewpoints.

• Arrive in Nairn – a relaxed coastal town on the Moray Firth, ideal for a restful first night.

Overnight: Nairn.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Nairn - The Kelpies, Doune Castle & The Hermitage

Today is atmospheric and historic, with time for reflection and one of the Highlands’ most beloved castles.

• Culloden Battlefield – the site of the final Jacobite battle on 16 April 1746, with a visitor centre and the powerful clan memorial stones on the moor.

• Clava Cairns – prehistoric burial cairns and standing stones in a peaceful woodland setting—ancient, mysterious, and wonderfully photogenic.

• Lunch: Cawdor Tavern – a cosy stop with a great local feel.

• Cawdor Castle – explore this historic home and its beautiful gardens and woodland trails (open seasonally, typically spring to autumn).

Overnight: Nairn.

Tour Details

• Duration: 7 Days (7-8 hours per day)

• Departure From: Edinburgh or Glasgow

• Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

• Cost: £6265

• Included:

  • Private driver-guide

  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Bottled water and local snacks

• Not Included:

  • Accommodation (we are happy to suggest local options)

  • Meals

  • Entrance Fees

  • Ferry Crossings

Day 2: Moray & Highland History - Culloden, Clava Cairns & Cawdor Castle

Day 3: Nairn to Orkney - Ferry Crossing, Kirkwall & St Magnus Cathedral

Day 4: Orkney’s Ancient Heart - Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar & The Italian Chapel

This is your full “how is this place real?” Orkney day, Neolithic wonders, big skies, and unforgettable sites.

• Skara Brae – a remarkable Neolithic stone village around 5,000 years old, complete with preserved homes and ancient details that still feel strangely familiar.

• Skail Bay & Skail House (optional) – beautiful coastal views and an optional historic house visit nearby.

• Ring of Brodgar – one of Europe’s great prehistoric ceremonial sites, set in a landscape that feels purpose-built for drama.

• Standing Stones of Stenness – smaller than Brodgar, but deeply atmospheric, and part of Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage “Heart of Neolithic Orkney.”

• Broch of Gurness (time permitting) – an Iron Age broch with a later settlement, adding another layer to Orkney’s long timeline.

• Italian Chapel (time permitting) – via the Churchill Barriers, visit this moving and surprisingly ornate chapel created by Italian POWs during WWII.

Overnight: Kirkwall.

Now the adventure turns north, with a spectacular sea crossing and your first taste of Orkney.

• Drive north to Scrabster for the NorthLink ferry to Stromness.

• Pentland Firth crossing – a dramatic stretch of water where the Atlantic meets the North Sea, with chances for sea views (and sometimes wildlife), plus a glimpse toward the iconic Old Man of Hoy on clear days.

• Kirkwall – time to explore Orkney’s capital: independent shops, local crafts, and a lovely, compact town centre.

• St Magnus Cathedral – founded in 1137 by Viking Earl Rognvald, often called the “Light in the North.” A standout piece of Orkney’s Norse heritage.

Overnight: Kirkwall.

Day 5: Orkney to Nairn - Return Ferry & Dunrobin Castle

We sail back to the mainland and finish the day with one of the Highlands’ most dramatic stately homes.

• Ferry from Stromness to Scrabster – farewell, Orkney (for now).

• Dunrobin Castle – a fairytale-style château on the east coast with striking spires, fascinating history, and stunning views over the Moray Firth.

• Return to the Moray coast for a comfortable overnight stop.

Overnight: Nairn.

Why This Orkney Tour Works So Well

• Private, flexible touring with a guide who keeps everything running smoothly

• Balanced pacing: mainland highlights + proper time in Orkney (not a rushed dash)

• UNESCO-level ancient sites alongside castles, glens, and coastlines

• Comfortable logistics: ferry timings, routes, and stops handled for you

Orkney is one of those trips people talk about for years, partly for the ancient sites, and partly because it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. If you’re ready to experience the islands properly, book your private Orkney tour from Edinburgh, and we’ll tailor the details to suit your dates and interests.

Day 6: Nairn to Glasgow - Loch Ness, Great Glen, Glencoe & Loch Lomond

A classic Highland journey south, big scenery, famous locations, and a route that showcases Scotland’s variety.

• Loch Ness (Dores viewpoint) – wide loch views and one of the best places to appreciate the scale of Loch Ness.

• Great Glen drive – follow the Highland fault line through dramatic landscapes.

• Fort William & Ben Nevis area – options here depending on your pace.

• Nevis Range Gondola (optional) – weather and season permitting, enjoy Britain’s only mountain gondola for incredible views.

• Glencoe – one of Scotland’s most iconic glens, with photo stops and the essential story of the place.

• Loch Lomond – a beautiful final scenic stop before the city.

Overnight: Glasgow.

Day 7: Glasgow to Edinburgh - Stirling Castle, The Trossachs, Kilmahog & Loch Lubnaig

We finish with Scotland’s “heartland” sites, castle history, lochs, forests, and a final Highland coo encounter.

• Stirling Castle – one of Scotland’s most important fortresses, brilliantly located and packed with royal history.

• Trossachs National Park – a scenic drive with a relaxed lunch stop.

• Kilmahog (Hairy Heilan’ Coos) – feed Scotland’s fluffiest locals and get the final photos you’ll be showing everyone back home.

• Loch Lubnaig (near Callander) – tranquil freshwater scenery in a classic Highland setting.

• Return to Edinburgh for drop-off at your accommodation.