Orkney Discovery Small Group Tour

We bid farewell to Inverness and make our way northwards through the Black Isle then over the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths.

Look out for the resident seals when we reach Loch Fleet Nature Reserve.

We continue our drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. This attractive route is known as the North Coast 500 and contains some of Europe's oldest landscapes.

At Gills Bay, we board the ferry for the short crossing of the Pentland Firth to the historic Orkney islands.

On our arrival, it is a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel, where few will fail to be moved by the dedicated workmanship of the Italian prisoners of war who crafted this place of worship from a humble Nissen hut.

Their story and many others will be told as we view Scapa Flow, the scene of momentous events during both World Wars.

The Viking stronghold of Kirkwall is our home for the next 2 nights.

Orkney is home to many outstanding historical treasures, including a group of Neolithic monuments that are of such importance that they have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Our itinerary starts with a visit to Maeshowe, a magnificent tomb built almost 5,000 years ago. Using massive stones, its construction was indeed a feat of engineering. During your tour, look out for the Viking graffiti, which daters from the 12^th Century.

The Ring of Brodgar is a stone circle that once comprised of 60 megaliths. Today with 27 stones still standing, some over 5 metres tall, it takes little imagination to visualise the extent of this historic monument.

Uncovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved groups of Stone Age houses in Western Europe. On our visit, see the stone furniture, hearths and drains that present such a remarkable insight into Neolithic life.

The day will finish with a visit to the impressive St Magnus Cathedral, one of Europe’s outstanding architectural achievements and over 800 years old.

This morning, we have a relaxed start with free time to shop for a last-minute souvenir before heading for the ferry.

It's a 60-minute crossing of the Pentland Firth, and during the journey, we may well pass whirlpools and eddies, depending on the tides and winds. One such whirlpool just north of Stroma is the Swelkie which, according to Viking legend, is caused by a sea witch turning the mill wheels to grind the salt to keep the sea salty.

On our arrival on the mainland, we travel through the fishing villages that hug this storm-swept coastline. These attractive communities are a reminder of the importance of the Herring fishing industry during the 19th Century.

As we travel through Helmsdale, which sits at the mouth of the River Helmsdale, one of the best Salmon fishing rivers in Scotland, you'll hear some of the heart-breaking stories that are connected with the Highland Clearances.

On the outskirts of Golspie, we will stop at magnificent Dunrobin Castle, the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.

You'll have the chance to visit the castle to see some of the 189 rooms which house a collection of paintings, silver and furniture. There will also be the opportunity to take a walk in the formal gardens, the venue for the popular falconry display. 

From Golspie, we cross the Dornoch, Cromarty and Moray firths once more and make our way back to Inverness, where our tour ends.