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.

Day 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, D

Day 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, D

Day 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, D

Day 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.

B, D

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.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
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