8-Day Orkney Skye and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

Orkney feels like another world, and this 8-day loop pairs ferry crossings with B&B breakfasts. I love how the plan hits the big-ticket icons like Skye and Loch Ness while still finding time for places such as Kilmartin Glen. One consideration, though, is that some of the most famous castle and loch activities are not included and can add cost.

In past departures, guides such as Brodie and Kenny impressed people with safe driving on trickier roads and clear storytelling. Another guide, Jim Donovan, stood out for building small extra moments into the day, not just reciting facts.

Key highlights that matter on the ground

• A real Orkney switch with a provided ferry ride, so the trip feels like one continuous journey
• Prehistoric sites included on Orkney, including Maes Howe, Skara Brae, and the Italian Chapel
• Time-saving bus transport between stops, with a guide who handles the flow for you
• Skye viewpoints with context like the Old Man of Storr and the Black Cuillin area
• A classic Highlands loop that includes Glencoe, Fort William, and Glenfinnan

Price and value: what you get for $2,164.44

At $2,164.44 per person, you are paying for more than sightseeing tickets. The package includes 7 nights of B&B lodging, daily breakfast (7), and the ferry to Orkney. You also get the convenience of round-trip transport with a local guide, so you are not spending your time figuring out schedules and routes day after day.

Most stops are listed with free admission for quick viewing, stretching your money toward the bigger paid experiences. That said, some major attractions are marked as not included, including Eilean Donan Castle and options on Loch Ness (cruise and castle entrance). If you know you want those, I suggest budgeting extra so there are no surprises.

My take: the value is strongest if you like a guided rhythm, want Orkney done right in a short window, and you are comfortable with a few paid add-ons along the way.

How the trip actually moves (and why it helps)

This tour is built around a daily rhythm: get on the bus, hit a handful of key stops, then end in B&B for the night. You start at 8:30 am from the Loch Ness Discovery Centre in Edinburgh, then finish back in the city at 22 St Andrew Sq.

The group size is capped at 35, which is big enough to stay efficient but small enough that your guide can still read the room. Luggage is limited to 15 kg max and a size cap per bag, plus a small carry-on. If you plan to bring bulky items, you will want to pack like a minimalist, or expect to leave some gear behind.

One practical tip from how people describe the B&B portion: dinner can be a scramble in small towns, especially during events. If you like an easy evening plan, I recommend grabbing picnic supplies or reserving early when you arrive.

Your 8 days, stop by stop: Highlands to Skye to Orkney

Below is what the day feels like, not just the names on the schedule. I will also point out the trade-offs, because the best way to enjoy Scotland is to know where time tightens.

Day 1: Loch Lomond and Kilmartin Glen

You begin with a gentle warm-up: a Loch Lomond stroll, about 30 minutes, with no ticket needed. It is a nice way to stretch your legs after travel logistics, and it sets the tone for the rest of the trip, big water, green banks, and plenty of photo angles.

Next up is Kilmartin Glen, also around 30 minutes and free to visit. This is where the trip leans into the ancient side of Scotland, with Bronze Age carvings you can actually see without a long trek. The only drawback here is time, quick viewing means you get a taste, not a full museum experience.

Day 2: Glencoe stories, Fort William lunch, then Glenfinnan

Glencoe comes early, starting at the Glencoe National Nature Reserve for about 20 minutes. The stop is short, but it lands hard because this is where you hear stories tied to the infamous massacre, and your guide’s context changes the way you look at the valley.

You then go into Fort William at the VisitScotland iCentre for 1 hour, mainly for lunch and a breather. After that, you stop at Glenfinnan Viaduct for about 20 minutes to view the famous viaduct and the surrounding scenery, plus Glenfinnan Monument. This is a quick stop, so arrive ready to move fast.

Day 3: Skye’s dramatic hits, Old Man of Storr, and Portree harbor

Day 3 is when Skye starts doing its thing. You get a short stop near the Black Cuillin area for about 20 minutes, which is enough time to register how steep and rugged this part of the island feels.

Then comes The Old Man of Storr for around 30 minutes. Even if you do not climb far, you get the signature view and a feel for why this spot is always on lists. After that, you reach Portree Harbour for about 1 hour for lunch, which is the right kind of break since Skye views work best with a pause and a snack.

Day 4: Eilean Donan, Loch Ness choices, and Urquhart ruins

This is the day of castles and loch magic. First is Eilean Donan Castle for about 1 hour, but tickets are not included. This is Scotland’s postcard castle for a reason, but budget time and money for actually entering if that matters to you.

Next is Loch Ness with a chance to do a cruise for about 1 hour. The Loch Ness part is also not included in the base price. The upside is flexibility, the downside is that if you skip the paid bits, the stop still keeps moving and you may feel like you are just watching.

Finally, you have Urquhart Castle for about 1 hour, again not included, with the possibility of combining entrance with a Loch Ness cruise arranged by your driver. If you want the full Ness package, this day is your big spend.

Day 5: Ferry to Orkney, then the Italian Chapel question

Today starts with the Pentland Ferries ride to Orkney, about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it is listed as included. The ferry is not just transport. It is part of the experience because you see the change in mood as you leave mainland coastlines behind.

Once in Orkney, you visit the Italian Chapel for about 30 minutes. The trip framing here is interesting because the chapel is tied to WWII prisoner building efforts, and it is far more moving than you might expect from a quick stop. The trade-off is time again, short visit so plan to look slowly rather than snapping and moving on.

Day 6: Skara Brae and Maes Howe, Neolithic time travel

This is one of the strongest days if you like deep time. You go to Skara Brae for about 1 hour 30 minutes and to Maeshowe Visitor Centre for about 1 hour. The package includes Orkney attractions like Maes Howe and Skara Brae, so you are not doing extra ticket hunting for the big prehistoric names.

Skara Brae lets you picture everyday life in a Neolithic settlement, not just read about it. Maes Howe is especially valuable because you are stepping into one of the best-preserved examples of a Neolithic chambered cairn in Europe, which gives the trip a sense of scale. The only possible drawback is physical comfort, sites can mean standing, walking paths, and weather, so wear shoes you trust.

Day 7: Back to the mainland, then John o Groats quick hit

You take the Pentland Ferries ride back, about 1 hour 30 minutes, listed as included again. Even if you have already had ferry day once, this return leg works well because it breaks up the long mental transition from Orkney back to mainland driving.

Next you get a quick stop at John o Groats, about 20 minutes. It is a classic bragging stop, not a long exploration, so think of it as a checkpoint in the journey rather than a full attraction day.

Day 8: Culloden Battlefield and Pitlochry town time

Your final day starts at Culloden Battlefield for about 1 hour, tickets not included. This stop is heavy and historically significant because it is the last battle fought on British soil. If you are the type who likes context, give yourself time to absorb what you see, even if the visit is only an hour.

Then you end with Pitlochry at the VisitScotland iCentre for about 45 minutes. It is a gentle wrap-up, a chance to stroll, grab last photos, and breathe before your return to central Edinburgh.

Guides do the difference: Brodie, Kenny, Jim Donovan and side moments

This is a good tour route, but the reviews make it clear the guides are a big part of why it feels special.

People have praised guides like Brodie and Kenny for being excellent at explaining history and legend, and for careful, safe driving on roads that can feel tight and twisty. That safety matters on the Highlands and Skye, where small road decisions can make a big difference to your day.

One review described how Jim Donovan went beyond the usual points of interest with creative experiences, like walking a spiral maze backward at the Faerie Glen on Skye, picking up picnic foods and taking a short hike to a waterfall, and even adding intention to cairns at a roadside stop. You should not treat those as guaranteed, but it tells you the kind of energy your guide can bring to the schedule.

If you prefer a trip where you are actively guided and gently steered toward meaning, this tour plays to that strength.

B&B stays and breakfasts: the good, the mixed, and your best strategy

The package includes 7 nights in B&B-style accommodation with breakfast each morning. When it works, it works well. One review singled out a breakfast at the Rainbow View in Kyleakin on Skye as memorable, with an artistic touch. Another praised multiple guest houses as pleasant, comfortable, and consistently good for breakfast.

Still, the B&B side can be hit or miss. One review mentioned a room that felt tiny, with an extremely small sink, and another noted one location required a 30-minute walk to town for dinner. There was also a dinner planning snag during a festival, where finding places to eat became difficult for two nights.

Your best move: plan dinner like a local, not like a tourist who assumes restaurants will always be available. Bring snacks for late arrival days, ask the host about where to eat before you go out, and if you spot a town festival in progress, reserve when possible.

Who this tour fits best

I think this itinerary fits you best if you want:

• A guided Highlands, Skye, and Orkney route with transport handled
• Strong prehistoric emphasis in Orkney, including Maes Howe and Skara Brae
• Short, well-timed stops where you see a lot without the stress of driving every day
• Guides who do more than point, who explain why places matter

It may not be the best fit if:

• You need lots of free time in each town, because several stops are quick
• You hate add-on ticket costs for places like Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness options
• You dislike small-room living, since B&B sizes can vary

Should you book this Orkney Skye and Highlands tour?

I would book it if your goal is a fast, organized Highlands and islands story with a real ferry component, and you like the mix of iconic views plus prehistory. The value feels strongest when you use the included breakfasts, let the guide manage the pace, and treat paid attractions like optional upgrades rather than obligations.

I would pause and do quick math if you know you want every castle and Loch Ness activity that is marked as not included. Also, if you are picky about room size and dinner convenience, consider planning your expectations and packing a little buffer.

If you want a Scotland trip that runs on rails, with smart stops and a guide who can make the long drives feel worthwhile, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?

The tour runs for 8 days (approx.).

Where does the tour start and when?

It starts at the Loch Ness Discovery Centre, 192 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RW, with a start time of 8:30 am.

What is the end location?

The tour ends at 22 St Andrew Sq, Edinburgh EH2 1AY.

What accommodation and meals are included?

The tour includes 7 nights of B&B accommodation (as selected) and breakfast for 7 days.

Are the ferry and Orkney attractions included?

Yes. The tour includes the ferry to Orkney, and it lists Orkney attractions including Maes Howe, Skara Brae, and the Italian Chapel.

What attractions are not included in admission?

Some stops are listed as not included for admission, including Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle, and Culloden Battlefield.

How much luggage can I bring?

Luggage is limited to 15 kg maximum per person, with a maximum size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, plus a small carry on.

Is it refundable if I cancel?

No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, and the amount paid would not be refunded if you cancel or request an amendment.