Call us on 01286 675175
Shetland & Orkney
Discover the magic of Scotland’s northernmost treasures on this unforgettable 6-day adventure through the Highlands, Orkney, and the Shetland Islands. Journey through dramatic landscapes, from the rugged beauty of John O’Groats to the ancient mysteries of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. Explore royal history at the Castle of Mey, uncover the secrets of Europe’s greatest archaeological sites at Jarlshof, and witness Shetland’s famous ponies up close. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural discovery. Join us for a truly unique experience, exploring Scotland’s hidden gems and breathtaking coastlines. Ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!
HILTON DOUBLETREE DUNBLANE
Located in a stunning position within 10 acres of landscaped grounds, the Victorian-style Hilton Doubletree Dunblane Hydro Hotel offers lovely views of the surrounding area. All bedrooms feature television, radio, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel also features a restaurant, bar, lounge area and leisure club with indoor swimming pool and fitness centre. Lift to all floors.
PENTLAND HOTEL
Centrally located in the heart of Thurso, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation with traditionally decorated bedrooms, equipped with television, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel also features a dining room and bar area. The reception area features an attractive fireplace with a carved wooden mantel and Caithness stone hearth, traditional décor and comfortable seating, perfect for relaxing. Please be aware that there is no lift at the hotel.
NORTHLINK FERRIES
NorthLink Ferries offers a range of excellent onboard facilities to make your journey to Orkney and Shetland as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Relax in spacious lounges, enjoy a meal in the restaurant and enjoy a drink at the bar. Passengers can take in stunning views from the observation areas, catch a movie in the cinema room, and browse the gift shop featuring local products and souvenirs. Wi-Fi is available in public areas. All cabins feature en-suite facilities with shower, television and tea/coffee making facilities. Lift available.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE
-
Accommodation with dinner and breakfast at Dunblane
-
Accommodation with dinner and breakfast at Thurso
-
Admission to Castle & Gardens of Mey
-
Admission to Skara Brae
-
Guided Tour of Shetland
-
Guided Tour of Orkney
-
Ferry crossing between Scrabster and Stormness
-
Overnight ferry crossing between Kirkwall and Lerwick with breakfast
-
Overnight ferry crossing between Lerwick and Aberdeen with dinner & breakfast
-
Excursions as described in the tour itinerary
-
Return coach travel from your local pick up point
Please note that due to the limited lunch options on the island, we have arranged a stop at the Sumburgh Hotel on Day 5. A soup and sandwich lunch will be available for £7.00 per person, which will be an additional cost to the tour price and payable at the time of booking.
Day One
We begin our journey heading north through the scenic Scottish Borders, arriving in Dunblane for an overnight stay.
DDay Two
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we continue north through the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, arriving in Inverness. You'll have free time here to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. From Inverness, we journey onward to the northern coast, arriving in Thurso, where we'll stay for the next two nights.
B, DDay Three
Today we visit the Castle & Gardens of Mey, the former royal residence of the Queen Mother. Here, you'll gain an intimate insight into Her Majesty's life in Caithness while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the gardens and grounds. Afterward, we travel to John O'Groats, the most northerly point of mainland Britain. You'll have the opportunity to take photos at the iconic "end of the road" signpost, 874 miles from Land's End. Explore the village, take in the stunning coastal scenery, and spot local wildlife before we return to our hotel.
B, DDay Four
Following breakfast, we head to Scrabster to catch the lunchtime ferry to Orkney. Upon arrival, we meet our local guide, who will lead us on a tour of the island. A highlight of the day is a visit to Skara Brae, a prehistoric village uncovered by a storm in 1850, providing a unique glimpse into life over 5,000 years ago. Next, we visit the mystical Ring of Brodgar, a magnificent stone circle dating from 2500-2000 BC. As we continue, we pass the Churchill Barriers-built during World War II under Winston Churchill's orders-and stop at the Italian Chapel, a remarkable structure built by Italian prisoners of war. We conclude the day in Kirkwall with dinner at a local restaurant before boarding our overnight ferry to the Shetland Islands.
B, DDay Five
After breakfast aboard the ferry, we arrive in Lerwick, where we meet our guide for a full day of exploration. We start with a visit to a local jewelry workshop, followed by a chance to see the famous Shetland Ponies. Back in Lerwick, we tour the Shetland Museum & Archives before enjoying a leisurely lunch. Our afternoon takes us to the limestone community of Fladdabister and the Island of Mousa, home to the world's best-preserved 2,000-year-old Iron Age Broch. Later, we visit Jarlshof, one of Europe's most significant archaeological sites, where layers of history stretch from the Neolithic to the 1600's. In the evening, we board the overnight ferry, enjoying dinner onboard as we sail back to mainland Scotland.
Please note that due to the limited lunch options on the island, we have arranged a stop at the Sumburgh Hotel. A soup and sandwich lunch will be available for £7.00 per person, which will be an additional cost to the tour price and payable at the time of booking.
Day Six
Upon arrival in Aberdeen, breakfast will be served before we disembark and begin our journey home, bringing with us unforgettable memories of Scotland's northern treasures.
BB=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Abergele | Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop |
| Bangor, Nelson Pub | Bangor, Bus Stop Opposite Nelson Pub |
| Bangor, Pontio Centre | Bangor, Pontio Centre Bus Stop |
| Bethel | Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop |
| Bontnewydd | Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop |
| Bryngwran | Bryngwran, School Entrance |
| Caergeiliog | Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub |
| Caernarfon, Campbell Road | Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road |
| Caernarfon, Leisure Cent. | Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre |
| Caernarfon, Morrisons | Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop |
| Caernarfon, Waterloo Port | Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop |
| Caernarfon, Y Glyn | Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road |
| Chester | Chester, Holiday Inn South Hotel Bus Stop |
| Colwyn Bay | Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop |
| Criccieth, Medical Centre | Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop |
| Ewloe | Ewloe, Outside St David's Park Hotel |
| Gaerwen | Gaerwen, Stermat Car Park |
| Gwalchmai | Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock |
| Holyhead | Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance |
| Llanberis, Maes Padarn | Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn |
| Llanberis, Spar | Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop |
| Llandudno | Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop |
| Llandudno Jct. Station | Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop |
| Llandygai | Llandygai, Penrhyn Castle Entrance |
| Llanfairfechan | Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop |
| Llanfairpwll | Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park) |
| Llanfairpwll Park & Ride | Llanfairpwll, Park & Ride |
| Llangefni | Llangefni, Church Street Bus Stop |
| Llanrug | Llanrug, Arvonia Garage |
| Menai Bridge | Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop |
| Northop | Northop, Red Lion Pub Bus Stop |
| Penrhyn Bay | Penrhyn Bay, Post Office |
| Penygroes | Penygroes, Crossroads (Outside Victoria Hotel) |
| Porthmadog | Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop |
| Pwllheli | Pwllheli, Bus Station |
| Rhos on Sea, Cayley Arms | Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Cayley Arms |
| Rhos on Sea, Hickorys | Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant |
| St. Asaph | St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station |
| Valley | Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel |
| Wrexham, Northbound | Wrexham, Taxi Stand King Street (Taxi Feeder Service) |
| Y Felinheli, St. Marys | Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop |
| Y Felinheli, Victoria | Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop |
