Shetland & Orkney

Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers before setting off on this memorable Scottish adventure. 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 Calander 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 the beautiful town of Pitlochry where we spend the next two nights.

Included Meals Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Overnight Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry View All

We begin the day with a visit to Blair Castle, home of the Atholl family for over 700 years and the Atholl Highlanders—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. Next it is onto the Crannog Centre – 2,500 years ago, some people across Scotland lived in Iron Age loch-dwellings known as “Crannogs”. Eighteen of these have been found on Loch Tay in Perthshire. Here we explore the museum and replicated Iron Age village which showcases traditional craftsmanship, before returning to Pitlochry.

Included Meals Breakfast

Overnight Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry 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.
We enjoy a demonstration on how to make bannocks, which will be served along with soup for your 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 the visitor centre. Visit the Sumburgh Lighthouse Visitor Centre, where a member of staff will give you a talk about the history, wildlife and the important role Sumburgh Head played during World War 2. There will be free time to explore after the talk.
Return to Lerwick to check in and enjoy our dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Shetland Hotel, Lerwick View All

Depart Lerwick and head to the Northwest corner of Shetland.
Enjoy morning coffee at Braewick Café, which has a beautiful view of the sea stacks known as The Drongs. Then we journey to Eshaness to see the dramatic cliff scene and lighthouse, one of Shetland’s most iconic sights.
We then 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. Stop at the historic Busta House Hotel, where you will have lunch. After lunch, the owner will tell you about the history of the hotel and you will have time to explore the grounds. Here is one of the few places in Shetland where you will see trees!
Return to Lerwick via Kergord and stop at Shetland Jewellery. Here the shop manager welcomes visitors to a tour of the jewellery workshop, where silver and gold jewellery are produced using Nordic, traditional and wildlife designs.
Tonight, at the hotel, you will be joined by some local musicians who will play a few tunes for you.

Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight Shetland Hotel, Lerwick View All

Start the morning with coffee and a visit to the displays at the Hoswick Visitor Centre, before enjoying free time to browse 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 & Archives. 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 can enjoy displays on local history as well as the fascinating World War 2 story of the ‘Shetland Bus”. Scalloway Castle is currently closed for repairs, but you can still view it from the outside while visiting the museum. Before returning to Lerwick, stop to meet some of Shetland’s 4-legged locals, the Shetland Pony. Carol is a 4th generation pony breeder and will give a short talk about their history and breeding.
Return to Lerwick for our evening sail to Orkney.

Dep Lerwick approx 17:00 / arrive Kirkwall approx 23:00

Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner on board the ferry

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!

Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

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 Brora Heritage Centre 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, Inverness 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 Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort, Port Glasgow View All

Your tour concludes after a final breakfast.