Orkney Explorer and Scottish Highland

ORKNEY EXPLORER AND SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

19 - 25 April 2027

Monday - Sunday

7 Days

From £1,099

Experience the very best of Scotland on this unforgettable journey combining dramatic Highland scenery with the unique heritage of the Orkney Islands. Travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the Cairngorm National Park, explore the vibrant Highland capital of Inverness and discover charming towns along the way. On Orkney, step back in time at the ancient village of Skara Brae, visit the beautiful Italian Chapel and enjoy a guided tour revealing the islands’ fascinating history and culture. With visits to the Castle of Mey, Pitlochry and Perth, this wonderful holiday offers a perfect blend of scenery, history and unforgettable experiences.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

· Discover the fascinating history and landscapes of Orkney on a guided tour

· Visit the picturesque harbour town of Stromness

· Discover the remarkable Italian Chapel, built by prisoners of war

· Step back over 5,000 years at the ancient village of Skara Brae

· Travel through the stunning landscapes of Cairngorm National Park

· Explore the charming capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness

· Visit the beautiful Castle of Mey, once the Queen Mother’s beloved home

· Enjoy a visit to the renowned Pitlochry Festival Theatre

· Explore the historic city of Perth, set on the banks of the River Tay.

DAY ONE – Arrival

From your doorstep, we head north to Dumfries and our hotel. Along the way, we'll make leisurely stops for your comfort. Arrive at your hotel in Dumfries with time to unwind before dinner this evening.

DAY TWO – Cairngorm National Park and Inverness

This morning we leave our overnight hotel and travel further north to Wick in Scotland’s Far North, driving through the stunning Cairngorm National Park, Britain’s largest mountain range, en route to Inverness, or lunchtime stop today. Spend lunchtime at leisure in this Highland city before continuing to Wick - your home for three nights.

DAY THREE – Castle of Mey

This morning we head to the Castle of Mey, with its long and interesting history as the most northerly inhabited castle in Scotland.The much-adored home of the late Queen Mother. Prepare for a unique look into royal family life as you explore this magnificent 16-century Castle, with stunning views across the Pentland Firth towards Orkney.

DAY FOUR – Guided Tour of Orkney, Italian Chapel, and Skara Brae

Today we make an early start to continue our holiday and travel to join the ferry to Orkney, here we meet our local guide who’ll be with us for the day. Start at the Italian Chapel, ‘the miracle of camp 60’, built by Italian prisoners in WWII. Then, pass the Churchill Barriers (a construction ordered by Churchill after the tragic torpedoing of battleship Royal Oak in 1939) as we head to Kirkwall to stretch your legs in Orkney’s largest town. This afternoon, view the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar – a mystical site, reminiscent of Stonehenge and dating back to around 2500BC. Go even further back in time as we visit the ancient Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae - the amazingly preserved rooms were only uncovered during a storm in 1850! Finish your tour of Orkney at Skaill House, the finest mansion on the island, dating back to 1620 and overlooking the spectacular Bay of Skaill Before making our ferry crossing back to the mainland. Time to relax this evening and reflect on a wonderful day.

DAY FIVE – Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Explorers Garden

We head south today, on our journey we’ll stop in Pitlochry, and visit the Pitlochry Festival Theatre where you can enjoy refreshments in the café, and stretch your legs in the Explorers Garden, a rare opportunity to experience art in nature, in a stunning Highland location, before continuing to hotel in Perth where we stay for two nights.

DAY SIX – Perth

Today we have the day at leisure in Perth, you can explore at leisure and perhaps decide to visit the head to the newly renovated Perth Museum, home to the legendary Stone of Destiny. This museum offers fascinating exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the region.

DAY SEVEN– Departure

After breakfast this morning we leave our hotel and make our journey home with comfort stops en route.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

3 nights overnight hotel accommodation, dinner & breakfast

3 nights main stay hotel accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure main stay hotel

Guided tour of Orkney

Admission to Italian Chapel, Kirkwell

Admission to Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Kirkwall

Admission to Castle of Mey

Admission to Pitlochry Explorers Garden

Return ferry crossing to Orkney.

We advise an overnight bag may be useful for the overnight hotel stays.

HOLIDAY INN DUMFRIES (Outbound overnight)

Holiday Inn Dumfries is set in peaceful surroundings on the edge of Dumfries, offering a relaxing stay with scenic views and easy access to local attractions. The hotel features comfortable, modern rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, en-suite bathrooms. Hotel has a lift.

NORSEMAN HOTEL, WICK (Main Stay)

Nestled in the heart of the Viking town of Wick, The Norseman Hotel is ready to welcome you with warm highland hospitality. With 48 ensuite rooms and relaxed home cooked style Scottish dining, The Norseman really is a home from home experience. Bedrooms all have with complimentary toiletries, WIFI and televisions, providing a restful atmosphere.

THE ROYAL GEORGE HOTEL, PERTH (Outbound overnight)

Idyllically located on the banks of the River Tay in the heart of Perth, The Royal George Hotel has been attracting guests to Scotland since 1773.