Highlights of Orkney and Shetland

Day 2 - Exploring Shetland

We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs, after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour.

A short drive to the western side of the Shetland mainland brings us to the old fishing port of Scalloway, which sits overlooking a sheltered bay. This was once the Shetland capital and is the site of Scalloway Castle, which was built for the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the early 17th Century. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit.

Later, we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness, which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929, its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away.

Our journey south takes us through Mavis Grind, an isthmus so narrow it is said to be possible to throw a stone from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling.    

Today's activities end back in Scalloway, where we check in to our comfortable hotel in time to relax before dinner. 

Overnight: Scalloway Hotel, Shetland (or similar)

Day 3 - Jarlshof - Ferry Crossing - Orkney Islands

After breakfast, we travel to the very south of the mainland to visit Jarlshof, where waves of settlers lived for more than 4,000 years.

At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you.

Later, we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson.

During our time here, we will visit the RSPB reserve, which is home to many species of seabirds, including puffins (until early August), guillemots and razorbills.

This afternoon, we will tour through the island, and as we make our journey, hopefully, we will see some native Shetland ponies grazing in their fields.

Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. Here, we will have some free time to explore this charming town, with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses, and independent shops. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting.

Later this afternoon, we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Dinner will be served on board, and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights.

Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/The Albert Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 4 - Discovering prehistoric Orkney

Today, we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old.

Next, we head to Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates back to around 2,500 BC. Norsemen raided it in the 12th Century. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World.

Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. This remarkably well-preserved village was constructed approximately 5,000 years ago. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Discover more at the visitor centre, which offers touch-screen presentations and a diverse range of artefacts excavated from the site.  

Later return to Kirkwall, where dinner is served in our hotel.

Day 5 - Scapa Flow and Italian Chapel Excursion

Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Nearby sit the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which were reputedly built using forced labour.

If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers' studios to be explored.  

Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow, which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. This expanse of water has been a witness to some monumental events. In 1919, the German Navy scuttled itself as a grand act of defiance, and in 1939, HMS Royal Oak was sunk here by a U-boat.

To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers was constructed using Italian prisoners of war. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm.

The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building.  

Day 6 - Orkney - Cairngorms National Park - Edinburgh/Glasgow

Today we bid farewell to island life and make the journey to Stromness where the Northlink ferry waits to transport us across the Pentland Firth. During the sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen.

On arrival at Scrabster, we join the famous North Coast 500 route as we make the coastal drive southwards across the Dornoch and Cromarty Firths towards Inverness.

The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments.

The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there.