Who is the actual tour operator?

We operate these tours in conjunction with our local teams and trusted local partners.

Can a 5 and 7-year-old join this trip?

I can confirm that the minimum age for the Western Isles & Orkney tour is 5 years old, so both the 5-year-old and 7-year-old are eligible to join this departure.

How many people does this tour consists of...snall group?

For our Western Isles & Orkney - 9 days we guarantee this tour with Minimum of 1 person with a Max group size of 16.

If we fly Air Transat the flight arrives at 2:40 on the 29th. Would that work or should we find a flight that arrives the day before? We are interested in the 9 day Orkney tour.

The tour Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ. So you would need to arrive the day prior and book a hotel close to the Edinburgh Bus Station to be able to do the tour starting on 29th.

On day 2, if we don't opt for the boat excursion to Staffa in the afternoon, would we then have the ability to explore more of Iona?

Yes, if you decide not to join the optional boat excursion to Staffa on Day 2, you'll absolutely have more free time to explore Iona instead. That time can be spent visiting the abbey, walking the island, or just enjoying the beaches and scenery at your own pace. The Staffa trip is completely optional, and opting out doesn't affect the rest of the day's plans or your onward travel. You'll simply remain on Iona while others head out on the boat, then rejoin the group later.

Could you provide details about the tour guide? Will the itinerary include a visit to Eilean Donan Castle? Is a visit to a sheepdog farm included? Will Culloden Moor be a stop on this tour? Can you describe the typical accommodations? What type of vehicle will be used for travel? Could you specify which castles the tour will visit or pass by? If the tour has under 10 participants, how likely is it to be cancelled, and how much notice would be provided? Are there any additional costs like entrance fees or meals not included in the package? What hours is support available? If the operator cancels the tour, what is the refund policy?

Tour is escorted by a local driver-guide experienced in Scottish history. Eilean Donan Castle is not part of the itinerary. No sheepdog farm visit included. Will visit Culloden Battlefield and Museum. Accommodations are comfortable guesthouses with en-suite rooms. Travel is by 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning. Castles include Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye. Tour operates with 2-16 passengers. Breakfast included daily, other meals extra. On The Go Tours offers 24/7 customer support. For cancellation policy, refer to booking terms.

When will 2026 dates be available and how much for solo traveller with hotel upgrade?

We anticipate the dates and prices to be out in the coming months. Would you like us to email you once we have that information?

Our goal, for this trip is Duart Castle, Calgary Scotland & Iona. Our families are from Mull & Skye. Are our expectations on Mull possible? After this tour we would like to spend a few days in Ireland.

As for what you'd like to see, while we visit many castles on this itinerary, we do not specifically stop here. You'd be welcome to take some time pre or post tour to venture to this specific castle, or I can check if there is enough free-time on Day 2 to visit here if you like? You certainly do get to visit Iona which is great!

What time does the tour start on day one?

Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) at Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, inside St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ. Client would need to organize pre tour accommodation to be safe.

How much leg room in the coach. I have long legs and need room for them.

The coach is set up with 2 seats on one side and 1 on the other and we have a back row with the middle seat offering full legroom down the aisle - we do not have assigned seats however we recommend getting to the bus early and that middle seat would be perfect for the most leg room.

From

$3,720

US $2,976 per person

Western Isles & Orkney - 9 days

9 days

•

Start and end in Edinburgh

4.8 (4 reviews)

View all
The size of the tour as a 16 passenger mini coach was great. The amazing sights of the Orkneys & NC500 were fantastic.
Liz•traveled in August5.0
View all

From

$3,720

-20%

US $2,976 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: On The Go Tours
Ancient Wonders: Walk among ruins, temples, and timeless landmarks
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 2 - 16
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Edinburgh to Oban
Edinburgh to Oban
Landmarks
Trosachs National Park
Inveraray
Day 2
Oban - Mull - Iona - Oban
Oban - Mull - Iona - Oban
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry to Isle of Mull
- Visit to Iona and historic abbey
- Explore Iona's ancient burial grounds
- Ferry return to Oban
- Wildlife watching for white-tailed eagles
Optional Activities
- Boat excursion to Staffa and Fingal's Cave (approximately GBP £40, payable locally)
Landmarks
Isle of Mull
Iona Abbey
Fingal's Cave
Isle of Staffa
Day 3
Oban to Plockton
Oban to Plockton
Landmarks
Castle Stalker
Glencoe
Ben Nevis
Plockton
Day 4
Isle of Skye - Plockton
Isle of Skye - Plockton
Optional Activities
- The Quiraing hill walk
- Old Man of Storr Walk
- Visit Neist Point Lighthouse
Landmarks
Isle of Skye
The Quiraing
Old Man of Storr
Neist Point Lighthouse
Day 5
Plockton to Inverness
Plockton to Inverness
Included Activities
- Visit Eilean Donan Castle
Landmarks
Eilean Donan Castle
Loch Duich
Five Sisters of Kintail
Loch Ness
Day 6
Inverness to Kirkwall
Inverness to Kirkwall
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry from Gills Bay to Kirkwall
- Visit Italian Chapel
Optional Activities
- Visit St Magnus Cathedral (Viking Cathedral from the 12th Century)
Landmarks
Dunrobin Castle
John o'Groats
Italian Chapel
St Magnus Cathedral
Day 7
Orkney
Orkney
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Admission to Skara Brae
- Visit to Brodgar stone circle
- Visit to Stenness standing stones
- Admission to Maeshowe
Landmarks
Skara Brae
Ring of Brodgar
Stones of Stenness
Maeshowe
Day 8
Kirkwall to Ullapool
Kirkwall to Ullapool
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry from Kirkwall to mainland
Landmarks
Ben Loyal
Ben Hope
Ardvreck Castle
Ullapool
Day 9
Ullapool to Edinburgh
Ullapool to Edinburgh
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Admission to Culloden Museum and Battlefield
Optional Activities
- Visit Clava Cairns
Landmarks
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Loch Glascarnoch
Culloden Moor
Clava Cairns
Caledonian Pine Forest

Landmarks
Trosachs National Park
Inveraray

Landmarks
Isle of Mull
Iona Abbey
Fingal's Cave
Isle of Staffa

Landmarks
Castle Stalker
Glencoe
Ben Nevis
Plockton

Landmarks
Isle of Skye
The Quiraing
Old Man of Storr
Neist Point Lighthouse

Landmarks
Eilean Donan Castle
Loch Duich
Five Sisters of Kintail
Loch Ness

Landmarks
Dunrobin Castle
John o'Groats
Italian Chapel
St Magnus Cathedral

Landmarks
Skara Brae
Ring of Brodgar
Stones of Stenness
Maeshowe

Landmarks
Ben Loyal
Ben Hope
Ardvreck Castle
Ullapool

Landmarks
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Loch Glascarnoch
Culloden Moor
Clava Cairns
Caledonian Pine Forest

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

On The Go Tours

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.6 (2,559 reviews)
Response time: 11 hours
Response rate: 88%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

4.8

Overall rating based on 4 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
4.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
3.5
Food
4.0
Tour Operator
4.6

Karen5.0•July 2026
We enjoyed our trip immensely. We learned so much and loved seeing the beautiful country of Scotland. Ross was a...
We enjoyed our trip immensely. We learned so much and loved seeing the beautiful country of Scotland. Ross was a nice person and quite knowledgeable. Unfortunately, it was difficult to follow what he was saying. He went off on tangents, and oftentimes we were confused about what we were supposed to do. Iaian was excellent! Both Ross and Iaian obviously love their homeland. We appreciate both of them sharing the country with us.Show more
Traveled in May 2026
Reply from: On The Go Tours
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're pleased to hear you thoroughly enjoyed your tour and appreciated the knowledge and passion of both guides. - On the Go Tours
Show more
Mary4.0•September 2025
The itinerary was exactly what was promised. Both tour guides were exceptional, knowledgeable and funny too! There...
The itinerary was exactly what was promised. Both tour guides were exceptional, knowledgeable and funny too! There were one or two places we stayed we didn’t love; the B&B in Kirkwall and the Balmacara Hotel. Otherwise, it was a great trip, the other folks on the bus were awesome, the scenery was unbelievable and the pace gave us time to enjoy the stops. We wish we had gotten into Kirkwall and Ullapool a bit earlier so we had time to look around the towns but it’s always a trade off.Show more
Traveled in August 2025
Reply from: On The Go Tours
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the itinerary, scenery, and guides, and appreciate your comments about the accommodations and timing — it’s always a balance, but we’re pleased the trip was otherwise great. - On the Go Tours
Show more
Liz5.0•August 2025
I loved the size of the tour as a 16 passenger mini coach. All of the passengers were very friendly and welcoming....
I loved the size of the tour as a 16 passenger mini coach. All of the passengers were very friendly and welcoming. The first half of our tour with driver Peter was amazing. He was informative and fun! Even made sure something was special for the day if the weather didn’t quite cooperate. The second half our tour with driver Graeme was amazing too. Lots of history told, even if he said the same thing 2-3 times. He too made sure we saw the amazing sights of the Orkneys & NC500. Overall a fabulous tourShow more
Traveled in August 2025
Reply from: On The Go Tours
Wonderful to hear you enjoyed the small group experience and both drivers made the trip so memorable. We’re thrilled the Orkneys and NC500 left such a great impression. - On the Go Tours
Show more
Rose5.0•October 2024
I loved it! I will definitely be visiting Scotland again.
Traveled in October 2024
Reply from: On The Go Tours
Thank you so much for the rave review!
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 12 Aug, 2026

Instant Confirmation
-20%
From Wednesday
12 Aug, 2026
To Thursday
20 Aug, 2026
English
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From:
$3,995
US$3,196 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-20%
From Friday
14 Aug, 2026
To Saturday
22 Aug, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
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US$3,196 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
From Monday
17 Aug, 2026
To Tuesday
25 Aug, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
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Instant Confirmation
-20%
From Wednesday
19 Aug, 2026
To Thursday
27 Aug, 2026
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From:
$3,995
US$3,196 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
-20%
From Friday
21 Aug, 2026
To Saturday
29 Aug, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
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US$3,196 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
From Monday
24 Aug, 2026
To Tuesday
1 Sep, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
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From Wednesday
26 Aug, 2026
To Thursday
3 Sep, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
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From Friday
28 Aug, 2026
To Saturday
5 Sep, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$3,995 per person
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From Monday
31 Aug, 2026
To Tuesday
8 Sep, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
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US$3,995 per person
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From Wednesday
2 Sep, 2026
To Thursday
10 Sep, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$3,995 per person
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From Friday
4 Sep, 2026
To Saturday
12 Sep, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$3,995 per person
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5 Other Unavailable Departures
-20%
From Monday
7 Sep, 2026
To Tuesday
15 Sep, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$3,995
US$3,196 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

C
Colin
Asked on March 7th, 2026
Who is the actual tour operator?
Operator
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written March 2026
  We operate these tours in conjunction with our local teams and trusted local partners.
D
Diane
Asked on January 30th, 2026
Can a 5 and 7-year-old join this trip?
Age Range
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written January 2026
  I can confirm that the minimum age for the Western Isles & Orkney tour is 5 years old, so both the 5-year-old and 7-year-old are eligible to join this departure.
K
Kathryn
Asked on January 14th, 2026
How many people does this tour consists of...snall group?
Group size
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written January 2026
  For our Western Isles & Orkney - 9 days we guarantee this tour with Minimum of 1 person with a Max group size of 16.
A
Alice
Asked on January 2nd, 2026
If we fly Air Transat the flight arrives at 2:40 on the 29th. Would that work or should we find a flight that arrives the day before? We are interested in the 9 day Orkney tour.
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written January 2026
  The tour Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
  
  So you would need to arrive the day prior and book a hotel close to the Edinburgh Bus Station to be able to do the tour starting on 29th.
D
Don
Asked on December 26th, 2025
On day 2, if we don't opt for the boat excursion to Staffa in the afternoon, would we then have the ability to explore more of Iona?
Tour Details
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written December 2025
  Yes, if you decide not to join the optional boat excursion to Staffa on Day 2, you'll absolutely have more free time to explore Iona instead. That time can be spent visiting the abbey, walking the island, or just enjoying the beaches and scenery at your own pace.
  
  The Staffa trip is completely optional, and opting out doesn't affect the rest of the day's plans or your onward travel. You'll simply remain on Iona while others head out on the boat, then rejoin the group later.
E
Esther
Asked on August 10th, 2025
Could you provide details about the tour guide? Will the itinerary include a visit to Eilean Donan Castle? Is a visit to a sheepdog farm included? Will Culloden Moor be a stop on this tour? Can you describe the typical accommodations? What type of vehicle will be used for travel? Could you specify which castles the tour will visit or pass by? If the tour has under 10 participants, how likely is it to be cancelled, and how much notice would be provided? Are there any additional costs like entrance fees or meals not included in the package? What hours is support available? If the operator cancels the tour, what is the refund policy?
Accommodation
Group size
Operator
Payments
Tour Details
Transport
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written August 2025
  Tour is escorted by a local driver-guide experienced in Scottish history. Eilean Donan Castle is not part of the itinerary. No sheepdog farm visit included. Will visit Culloden Battlefield and Museum. Accommodations are comfortable guesthouses with en-suite rooms. Travel is by 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning. Castles include Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye. Tour operates with 2-16 passengers. Breakfast included daily, other meals extra. On The Go Tours offers 24/7 customer support. For cancellation policy, refer to booking terms.
- E
  Esther
  Traveler•Written August 2025
  Do I choose a double or a twin when signing up to ensure we have 2 beds in the room?
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written August 2025
  You choose a twin which will ensure that you have two beds in one room.
- E
  Esther
  Traveler•Written August 2025
  Is this a guarantee departure for Sep 5th before I book airfare?
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written August 2025
  It's guaranteed but availability needs to be confirmed. Always book the tour before the flights - wait for a confirmation email. We are not holding spots for this tour - it can book out at any time until confirmed.
B
Ben
Asked on June 1st, 2025
When will 2026 dates be available and how much for solo traveller with hotel upgrade?
Price / Availability
Single supplement
Tour Details
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written June 2025
  We anticipate the dates and prices to be out in the coming months. Would you like us to email you once we have that information?
- B
  Ben
  Traveler•Written June 2025
  Yes thanks Nat, I'm looking at late 2026.
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written June 2025
  Sounds great, we will let you know when we have released dates for the later part of 2026 for this tour!
J
Jen
Asked on May 5th, 2025
Our goal, for this trip is Duart Castle, Calgary Scotland & Iona. Our families are from Mull & Skye. Are our expectations on Mull possible? After this tour we would like to spend a few days in Ireland.
Tour Details
Travel Support
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written May 2025
  As for what you'd like to see, while we visit many castles on this itinerary, we do not specifically stop here. You'd be welcome to take some time pre or post tour to venture to this specific castle, or I can check if there is enough free-time on Day 2 to visit here if you like? You certainly do get to visit Iona which is great!
E
Eva
Asked on March 4th, 2025
What time does the tour start on day one?
Tour Details
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written March 2025
  Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) at Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, inside St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ. Client would need to organize pre tour accommodation to be safe.
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written March 2025
  Tour is currently on sale saving over $1,000. Sale is set to end soon, recommended to put deposit down to lock in price.
A
Anne
Asked on May 22nd, 2024
How much leg room in the coach. I have long legs and need room for them.
Transport
- On The Go ToursOperator•Written May 2024
  The coach is set up with 2 seats on one side and 1 on the other and we have a back row with the middle seat offering full legroom down the aisle - we do not have assigned seats however we recommend getting to the bus early and that middle seat would be perfect for the most leg room.

From

$3,720

-20%

US $2,976 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 275659

Currency
£
Pound Sterling
Scotland
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.
Type G
Scotland
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before October 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after October 15th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with On The Go Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 70 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and On The Go Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "On The Go Tours" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of On The Go Tours. Please familiarize yourself with the On The Go Tours payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Western Isles & Orkney - 9 days

Itinerary

Edinburgh to Oban

Oban - Mull - Iona - Oban

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Oban to Plockton

Isle of Skye - Plockton

Optional Activities

Plockton to Inverness

Included Activities

Inverness to Kirkwall

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Orkney

Included Activities

Kirkwall to Ullapool

Included Activities

Ullapool to Edinburgh

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Scotland

Western Isles & Orkney - 9 days

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Earn while you share

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Scotland

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