Wild Scotland: 5-Day Orkney & Highlands Adventure from Edinburgh

I had a fabulous 5 day tour to Orkney. Kenny, our guide was wonderful. He emersed us in Scottish history with stories while we travelled through the highlands and on to Orkney. Besides the wonderful historical sites visited, Kenny took us on his ‘back roads’ to breathtaking ocean cliffs, and places with stunning views having time to wander about, giving us an opportunity to see and feel the landscape. He really went the extra mile for us all. Small bus was good. Bed and breakfast accommodation very clean and friendly in each place. Thanks Kenny. Prue

The tour was well organized. The tour guy Kenny is patience, kind and professional. Taking care of everybody needs. Great experience.....

Our five day tour of Orkney couldn’t have been better. Our guide, Stefan went above and beyond his responsibilities. He was the most wonderful tour guide I’ve ever experienced. He was so knowledgeable so informative, so generous with his information and his goodwill. he added discretionary stops to our bus ride to show us beautiful and unusual sites. He told us very thoroughly the background of the events, the etymology of the words the history of the and any useful information, all the while, pointing out birds flying by and facts about climate and terrain. He had a translation of the Orkney saga and had me read relevant passages as we went to the sites. It was incredibly enriching. He told us the best places to eat; he gave us very good advice as to best ways to spend our time. he was patient and helpful and very flexible. We saw so much of Orkney that I have to review guide books to remember it all. I will recommend Highland experience tours and especially Stefan as the guide to anyone interested in hearing about Scotland. seeing these neolithic sites on Orkney is part of the art highlights of my life and ranks with the painted caves in the Dordogne region of France

We did the 3 day, not the 5 day but the Orkney Islands tour was a highlight of our two week trip to Scotland. I used to work in tourism and I tend to have some strong opinions about guided multi-day trips. Iain did a great job striking a balance between getting us to see the highlights and not rushing the group through a stop. He also managed the tour in a way that made it enjoyable for the various age and ability groups who were traveling together. Every time we discuss our trip, the weekend in Orkney rises to the top as a highlight. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

We really enjoyed the Orkney and Far North tour, because it was very organised and the tour was in the middle of nature. Our favourite parts of the journey were Skara Brae and seeing the cliffs, stunning! Then, our guide, Alex, was very friendly and kind, he made the trip very beautiful. He caught our attention with his knowledge and his personality. Alex shared with us places where to eat, he was great, perhaps it could be a good idea to have a list in the office. (The Italian folks)

Had a amazing time, great memories!! Hugh did a excellent job, showing us and taking us about everything!! Thank u so much Hugh!!

The whole 5 day trip from start to finish was 5 star ⭐️ . We all met and left Ediburgh promptly and our tour guide Hugh took us on a magical historical/musical/ spiritual tour right from the beginning to end. We learnt so much, sang and laughed all the way up to the Orkney’s and back again. He could not have gone out of his way more to take us to the main attractions but others off the beaten track, and always good recommendations made regarding restaurants etc. . The b and b ‘s in Inverness and Orkney could not have been more welcoming and showed generous examples of Scottish hospitality. Our guide was also a piper and played at venues in Inverness where we all went to support him. Highland Experience Tours can be very proud of themselves for offering this standard of holiday. My brother and I got so much out of this trip and would definitely book again. We have been to Scotland twice in the last 2 years with larger coach companies and found them lacking but small bus tours with knowledgeable and entertaining guides is the way to go! Thank you Highland Experince Tours and Hugh for a genuine and fun Scottish experience which will bring us back for more!

The tour took the stress away from having to drive and navigate the Scotland coastline. Our tour guide Graham was an enthusiastic native who truly loves his country. He had historical facts and lots of folk stories to share. Met wonderful group of like minded travelers on our tour.

I've done a similar tour before (2015) so not entirely new. There were some places I hadn't been to. Our guide was Rob, probably unique as a Scot with dreadlocks and a kilt and, as he informed us, "an enviable tan". He was great - informative, helpful, and lots of fun! I know that most if not all of the party had a really great experience. I have only two reservations, firstly the coach used seemed to be designed for either primary school kids or midget contortionists. It was extremely uncomfortable and cramped, particularly on a long journey. The second (minor) whinge was being booked into a vegan B&B for one night. I believe it is fair to offer vegan alternatives, but not to insist your guests conform to your ideas - they are paying for it, after all!

This was an unforgettable journey! Our guide – Iain – was phenomenal. His knowledge and passion for Scotland were impressive. He shared fascinating stories and historical tidbits about each site we visited. Safety and wellbeing were clearly top priorities. Every evening, he made sure all of us were safely settled in our accommodations, and each morning, he was there to greet us with a smile, ready for another day of adventure. Always making sure that we had enough time to fully enjoy and immerse ourselves in each site without feeling rushed. He also created great atmosphere within the group, great music on the bus and engaging conversations. The Highlands and Orkney are breathtaking, and whether seen afoot or from the large windows of the bus, you do really travel in-time and space to an incredible mixture of mountains, valleys, lochs, green pastures, sea & seashore, and sites that hold some of the oldest signs of civilization known to Man. My advice, don’t try to immortalize it, just take it in, sometimes what you see simply cannot fit in the frame. Enjoy it! Practical tip: the accommodation in Inverness the first night could have been better and the one in Kirkwall as well, but it really is just to drop and sleep, so comfort level will vary from traveler to traveler. For those that prefer a bit more comfort and modern accommodations go for the double-occupancy option. I recommend this tour with all my heart – smaller groups are more expensive but so worth it, and if you’re lucky to have Iain, you’ll have a blast! I wish you to find the perfect escape for you and/or your family! Maybe this will help!