Orkney and Shetland Explorer - 8 day tour

Day 2 - Discovering Aberdeen

After a leisurely breakfast, the day begins with an introduction to Aberdeen, highlighting its unique charm and surrounding countryside. The first stop is Dunnottar Castle, set on cliffs above the North Sea near the town of Stonehaven. This famous ruin has Pictish origins and played a pivotal role in safeguarding the Scottish Crown Jewels during the 17th‑century wars.

The tour continues with a look at Aberdeen's main sights. You'll visit the fishing village of Footdee, well known for its small cottages and seafaring history, and enjoy the calm of Union Terrace Gardens and colourful Duthie Park.

 Next, you'll explore Old Aberdeen, where the cobbled streets and old buildings show Aberdeen's long history. We’ll see the University of Aberdeen (founded in 1495) and a 15th-century cathedral.

After a day of exploring, you'll head back to the hotel with time to unwind before dinner.

Day 3 - Aberdeen - Free Time - Lerwick

You'll start the day with free time in Aberdeen, so you can explore however you like. You might take a last walk through the city's granite streets, visit some local shops, or enjoy the views along the harbour before you leave. Later, you'll head by road to the ferry terminal and board a NorthLink ferry for the overnight trip to Lerwick in Shetland.

After you board, you'll have time to get comfortable and check out the ship's facilities. As the ferry leaves, you can watch the coastline of northeast Scotland slowly disappear, giving way to open sea and wide horizons. The lounges are a great place to relax, and you can head out on deck for fresh sea air and maybe spot some seabirds along the way.

Dinner is served on board, so you can enjoy a relaxed meal as you travel north. Afterwards, you can head to your private en-suite cabin for the night. After a night's rest, you will arrive in Shetland the next morning.

Overnight: Northlink Ferry

Day 4 - Lerwick - Jarlshof - Kirkwall

After breakfast on the ship, it’s all ashore to start exploring Shetland. These islands offer a mix of interesting history, unique wildlife, and striking scenery. The land and culture here often feel more Scandinavian than Scottish. During your guided tour, you'll see how Viking heritage and ancient sites have shaped these islands.

You'll visit the impressive settlement of Jarlshof, where history stretches back thousands of years from the Bronze Age to Viking times, plus a medieval farmstead and 16th-century house. Next, explore Scalloway, which is dominated by the castle built in 1600 by the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart. Lerwick, the island's busy modern capital, is our destination. Watch for seabird colonies and the famous Shetland ponies along the way.

Later, you'll board the ferry and sail southwards towards Orkney. Enjoy dinner on board as you sail through the northern waters, with time to relax and reflect on a day of discovery. You'll reach Orkney in the evening and transfer to the Kirkwall Hotel for a comfortable two-night stay.

Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 5 - Exploring the Orkney Islands

Today starts with a guided tour of Orkney, known for its history and striking coastline. These islands are home to some wonderful prehistoric treasures that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The first stop is Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village uncovered by a storm in 1850, which is even older than Stonehenge. Here, you can see stone homes, furniture and relics that have lasted for over 5,000 years.

Next, visit Skaill House, a large mansion with views of the Bay of Skaill. Inside, you'll find displays about the island's history and artefacts from Skara Brae. Afterwards, head to the Ring of Brodgar, a striking stone circle in a wide natural setting that hints at the mystery and spiritual life of Orkney's ancient people.

You'll then see the Churchill Barriers, causeways built during World War II to protect Scapa Flow, which was a major naval base during both World Wars. The last stop is the Italian Chapel, a beautifully decorated church built from a simple Nissen hut by Italian prisoners of war. It took 2 years to build and finally opened just before the end of World War II in 1945.

After a day exploring Orkney's sights and history, you'll head back to the hotel for a relaxed and enjoyable dinner.

Day 6 - Kirkwall - John O'Groats - Pitlochry

After breakfast, we leave Orkney behind and cross the Pentland Firth to reach Scrabster on the Scottish mainland. On departure from Stromness, there are fine views of the dramatic island coastline, including the striking Old Man of Hoy, a towering red sandstone sea stack rising 450 feet above the sea.

After disembarking at Scrabster, the journey continues by coach along the rugged northern coast to John O'Groats, the most northerly village on mainland Britain. This windswept location offers expansive views across the Pentland Firth and is the perfect spot for some nature spotting, including coastal seabirds and seals basking along the rugged shoreline.

The route then turns south, following the famous North Coast 500 route. On the journey experience wonderful seascapes and see historic fishing villages hugging the coast. Travel through the Black Isle, then admire the views as you cross the Moray Firth. The glorious scenery of the Cairngorms National Park is next, before the coach descends through the Grampian Mountains to reach Highland Perthshire.

Journey’s end today is Pitlochry, a charming Victorian resort town on the banks of the River Tummel.

Overnight: Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 7 - Free time or excursion to Inverness

Today, you can spend your time as you wish. Relax at the hotel or head out to explore the lovely town of Pitlochry. The town sits among wooded hills by the River Tummel and is known for its Victorian charm, unique shops, and friendly cafés.

A popular attraction is Blair Athol Distillery, where you can discover the traditions of whisky making. On a guided tour you can see where the magic happens, followed by a tutored tasting of a few malts.

If you prefer, you can take the train to Inverness with your included return ticket. The ride north offers beautiful views of the Highlands, with rolling hills, rivers, and open countryside along the way. When you arrive, you'll find Inverness is a lively but easy-to-explore city, often called the capital of the Highlands. You might want to visit Inverness Castle, which overlooks the River Ness and features a fascinating visitor attraction, or see the nearby cathedral.

You can also choose to go further afield and visit Loch Ness, known for its dramatic scenery and the enduring legend of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. You can enjoy a short cruise across the deep, dark waters of the loch or stop at viewpoints along the shore to capture the ideal picture of this special place.

In the evening, you'll return to Pitlochry and the hotel, where a final dinner offers a relaxed way to end your trip.

Day 8 - Homeward Bound

After breakfast, you'll head to the station for your journey home. As the train travels southwards, take in the last views of Perthshire's wooded hills, rivers, and open countryside before the scenery slowly turns more urban.

Depending on your destination, you may need to change trains at Edinburgh or change stations if you are travelling via Glasgow. Full information will be provided.

The tour concludes at your home station, marking the end of a memorable journey to Scotland's northern islands.