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Orkney Explorer
Expect archaeological treasures and dramatic scenery on this fascinating tour to the unique Orkneys – an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines that lie off the north-west coast of Scotland. The largest of the islands is Mainland, or Pomona, and we stay in the island's 'capital', Kirkwall. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife as we explore monuments, settlements and tombs. With time also spent in Fort William, Inverness and the bustling capital city of Edinburgh, this spectacular tour is one to tick off your bucket list!
Tour Includes
- 7 nights hotel with Scottish breakfast
- 7 evening meals
- Local joining points
- Porterage at the hotel
Travel Options
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Experiences
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 8 day itinerary
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then travel to central Scotland for an overnight stay.
Includes Dinner
With an early start this morning, we embark on an incredible Highland drive through mountainous Glencoe. Have your camera ready as the scenery here is simply breathtaking.
We then enjoy a brief stop in Fort William, located at the foot of Ben Nevis – Britain's tallest mountain.
We continue our journey along the length of Loch Ness. The loch contains more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined! It's not likely you will spot the infamous 'Nessie', but you're guaranteed to see beautiful views across the loch.
At the head of the loch is Inverness, the Highland capital, where we enjoy another brief stop to explore.
We continue northwards, arriving late this evening for an overnight stay in the Highlands.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
An early start sees us heading to Scrabster on the very north coast of Scotland, where we board the ferry and cross the Pentland Firth, arriving in Stomness on Orkney 90 minutes later.
The day concludes with a tour along the shoreline of Scapa Flow – famous as the naval refuge during both world wars.
We stay for three nights in the capital of Kirkwall, with its 12th century St. Magnus Cathedral.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Our local guide joins the coach for a memorable day out. As the day unfolds, the islands' Neolithic ancestry is evident as many ancient monuments, stone circles, settlements and tombs are visited – a testament to its UNESCO World Heritage status.
We enjoy a scenic circular tour of the island visiting most of the main sites, including 5000-year old Skara Brae (older than the pyramids in Egypt!), Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Stennes Standing Stones and Italian Chapel. Along the way, listen to the tales of Viking intruders and wartime exploits, and immerse yourself in Orkneys' rich maritime heritage.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore. Kirkwall is the largest town of Orkney and remains Viking at heart.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
We take the ferry back to the mainland this morning and begin our journey south.
We travel through spectacular Highland scenery and onto the heartlands, where we stay for one night in the Inverness-shire region on the outskirt of the Cairngorms National Park.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
We head to Edinburgh where you will have some free time to explore. Overlooking the Old Town is the famous castle, with its commanding view of the city and surrounding countryside, including the Firth of Forth.
During its history, the city has become neatly divided in two, the Old Town of pre-18th century times, huddled under Castle Rock, and the New Town, with its fine Georgian architecture. See the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyrood, St. Giles’ Cathedral and Sir Walter Scott Monument.
We continue to our overnight hotel in central/south Scotland.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for three nights at the 3-star Kirkwall Hotel on the Orkneys. Perfectly situated in the town centre on the picturesque harbour front, this family owned hotel assures guests a true island welcome and good food in the harbour-side restaurant. Overnight stays will be in 3-star hotels.
