Shetland & Orkney

Meet your Tour Manager at the airport to begin this memorable tour! We start with a short drive to Helix Park, here we marvel at The Kelpies, created by artist Andy Scott, standing about 30m tall, inspired by the mythical water creatures from Scottish folklore. After we make our way to nearby Falkirk Wheel, to see the world’s only rotating boat lift for a boat lift, brainchild of engineer William McLean. Next Callendar House, a stunning historic mansion dating back the 15th century, here we enjoy a delicious afternoon tea surrounded by elegance and charm. After we arrive in Dunkeld where we spend the next 2 nights.

Included Meals Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Overnight Dunkeld House Hotel View All

We head north to Pitlochry; a charming town nestled in the Highlands for some free time. Afterwards it is a short drive to Blair Castle, home of the Atholl family for over 700 years and the Atholl Highlanders, which is the only private army in Europe. Here we have time to tour this stunning castle with its blend of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture and manicured grounds. We return to Dunkeld, allowing you time to enjoy this stunning country house hotel.

Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight Dunkeld House Hotel View All

Often overlooked, we spend time in Dundee, home of the three J’s – Jute / Jam and Journalism. We start at the HMS Unicorn, one of the world’s oldest surviving warships. After we walk along the waterfront to the RRS Discovery, this is the ship that took Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica. You will have free time, to either stroll the city’s cultural quarter or take in the V&A Dundee – Scotland’s design museum, which is just stunning. After we make our way to Aberdeen to board our overnight ferry to Shetland.

Depart Aberdeen approximately 17:30 / arrive Lerwick approximately 07:00

Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight Northlink Ferry Cabin View All

We enjoy breakfast on board the ferry just prior to arriving in Lerwick.

Our day begins with an orientation tour of Lerwick before we begin your tour to Shetland’s south mainland. We start by visiting brothers Cecil and James Tait at West Lynne croft, who will tell you about the family croft, Shetland sheep and see a sheepdog in action. Afterwards, hear about the yarn production and see Cecil’s workshop and showroom, where he produces knitting accessories and wooden crafts at Paparwark Furniture.

Take in some scenic photo stops before heading to Sumburgh Hotel for your included lunch.

After lunch, visit the archaeological site of Jarlshof, where your guide will walk you through 5,000 years of Shetland’s history. Have some free time to explore the site and see visitor centre. Visit the Crofthouse Museum, where you will get a better understanding of what life would have been like for Shetlanders in the 1800’s.

Return to Lerwick to check in and enjoy our dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Shetland Hotel View All

Depart Lerwick and make your way to Hoswick. Start with morning coffee and seeing the displays in the Hoswick Visitor Centre before having free time to visit the two knitwear shops and the bespoke jewellery shop or take a short walk to the beach.

Return to Lerwick and visit the 5 star Shetland Museum and Archives and art gallery. There is also a well-stocked gift shop here for anyone looking to pick up a book or souvenir. You will enjoy free time in the Lerwick Town Centre and the guide will take any ‘Shetland’ fans on a short walk to view “Jimmy Perez’s House” in the Lodberries.

Afterwards, it will be back on the coach for the short drive to the former capital of Shetland, Scalloway. Here, there will be time to visit the Scalloway Museum, where you will enjoy displays of local history but also about the fascinating World War 2 story “Shetland Bus”. 

Tonight, at the hotel, you will be joined by some local musicians who will play a few tunes for you.

Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight Shetland Hotel View All

We check out of our hotel and head to Braewick Café, which has a beautiful view of the sea stacks known as The Drongs. Our journey continues to Eshaness to see the dramatic cliff scene and lighthouse, one of Shetland’s most iconic sights. Then we make our way to the Tangwick Haa Museum, a splendid local museum and gift shop, which is housed inside a former Laird’s (landlord) House.

Next, we stop at the historic Busta House Hotel, where you will have lunch. After lunch, the owner will tell you about the intriguing and storied history of this 16th century house, said to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in Shetland. 

Return to Lerwick via Kergord and stop at Bonhoga, formerly Weisdale Mill. The group will be split in two with the first half visiting the gallery and gift shop at Bonhoga and the second half visiting the Kergord Hatchery Bookshop, then switching over.

Return to Lerwick for our evening sail to Orkney.

Depart Lerwick approximately 17:00 / arrive Kirkwall approximately 23:00

Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall View All

Let the adventure begin! We start with a visit to Stromness, the quaint harbour town with its winding streets, tiny alley ways – like the famous ‘Mary’s Lane’ – small galleries and cozy cafés – historically a major trading port, you can still feel the maritime history. Leaving you see the landscape change to open fields and rugged coastlines as we approach the neolithic village of Skara Brae, a prehistoric wonder. Next, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ring of Brodgar, you can walk among the enigmatic stones of one of the most spectacular prehistoric monuments in the British Isles. 

Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall View All

We head south today, crossing some of the Churchill Barriers. We take in Scapa Flow, the vast sheltered body of water with an incredible naval history, it was a key base during both World Wars. Next it is the Italian Chapel, a makeshift church built by Italian prisoners of war, decorated with incredible artistry. Next it is time for a wee dram! We tour one of Scotland’s most iconic whisky makers, with a guided tour and finish with a tasting. Returning to Kirkwall we have a full sense of Orkney spirit – both historical and spirited!

We arrive back in Kirkwall for you to enjoy some free time and dine at your leisure.

Included Meals Breakfast

Overnight Ayre Hotel, KIrkwall View All

Ferry from Stormness approximately 11:00 / arrive Scrabster approx 12:30

As we wrap up our magical journey of these 2 incredible northern islands, we sail back to the mainland. Arriving in Scrabster we make our way to Brora, a village on the east coast of Sutherland, along the NC500, here we stop at the Heritage Museum which delves into the rich industrial past – highlighting the once thriving coal mine, salt works and the famous Brora Tweed. Once again, we are topping in an area usually overlooked – allowing a more unique experience along Scotland’s north coast. Later we arrive in Inverness, capital of the Highlands. 

Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight Inverness Palace Hotel View All

A day of outstanding scenery as we make our way to our final hotel. We travel along the Great Glen, hugging the shores of Loch Ness, making our way to Fort William. Here we make a stop at The Commando Memorial – dedicated to the British Commandoes of WWII with a dramatic view of the Nevis range. We continue through the breathtaking valley and brooding mountains of Glencoe and then the landscape changes to vast remote wilderness of the Rannoch Moor, an expanse of moorland stretching for miles across rugged, untamed beauty. We then reach our lovely country house hotel, set in a tranquil landscape, the perfect way to end this incredible journey. Tonight, we dine in the hotel and raise a glass SLAINTE to this one-of-a-kind tour.

Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight THe GLeddoch Hotel View All

Transfer to the airport and conclude your unforgettable northern Scotland adventure.