Orkney and Scotlands Far North 2027

ORKNEY AND SCOTLAND’S FAR NORTH

30 June – 5 July 2027
Wednesday – Monday
6 Days
From £989

Scotland is calling. This is your chance to experience northern Scotland and the enchanting Orkney’s with carefully planned scenic routes to some of the country’s most beautiful and historical destinations. Scotland’s high latitude means lovely long summer days, and often an extended twilight, with the north experiencing up to four hours more daylight at midsummer than London! These relaxing evenings will ensure you get the most out of your Scottish tour, soaking up the summer sunsets. Explore Neolithic Scotland at Skara Brae, marvel at Britain’s largest mountain range in the Cairngorms, enjoy mesmerising loch views and much more during a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to The Highlands.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

· Discover the charming Victorian spa town of Moffat, in the Southern Uplands

· Visit the historic village of Castletown on Scotland’s far north coast

· Discover the fascinating history, culture and landscapes of Orkney - expert guide

· Explore the picturesque harbour town of Stromness

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

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

DAY ONE – Arrival

From your doorstep, we head north, along the way, we'll make a stop in Moffat, and then arrive at your hotel in Blairgowrie , with time to unwind before dinner this evening.

DAY TWO – Cairngorm National Park and Inverness

This morning we say farewell to Blairgowrie, and head North on our travels, driving first through the stunning Cairngorm National Park, Britain’s largest mountain range, enroute to Inverness. Spend lunchtime at leisure in this Highland city before continuing to the Castletown Hotel near Thurso – your home for three nights.

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

Today we make an early start to continue our holiday and travel the short distance to Scrabster Harbour to take the morning ferry to Stromness on 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 Scrabster. Time to relax this evening and reflect on a wonderful day.

DAY FOUR – Castle of Mey

This morning we head to the Castle of Mey, 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. In addition to the tranquil gardens and grounds, including the Animal Centre and Visitor's Centre.

DAY FIVE – Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

Today we visit the wonderful stately home of Dunrobin Castle, it is the family seat of Clan Sutherland. It resembles a French chateau with its towering spires, and it overlooks the Moray Firth. You'll have time here to explore the beautiful stately home, gardens & museum and enjoy some refreshments in their tearoom. We then make our way south to Blairgowrie for our overnight stay.

DAY SIX - 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

5 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Guided tour of Orkney

Admission to Italian Chapel

Admission to Skara Brae

Admission to Castle of Mey

Admission to Dunrobin Castle & Gardens

Ferry crossing from Scrabster to Stromness.

ANGUS HOTEL, BLAIRGOWRIE (Outbound & Inbound Overnight)

The Angus hotel sits in the heart of the Blairgowrie. All rooms at the Angus are different in shape, size, décor and outlook which all adds to the charm of this welcoming coaching inn. There are rooms that overlook the town green, the Wellmeadow, and some that have a view of the river Ericht. Each room has a desk and chair with mirror, TV with remote, tea tray, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, phone and notepad and pencil. Rooms vary with bath or shower room with complimentary toiletries. Hotel has a lift.

CASTLETOWN HOTEL, THURSO ( Main Hotel )

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque fishing village of Castletown, this family-run hotel is perfect for exploring Caithness. All rooms are en-suite and have been lovingly decorated and furnished to a very comfortable standard and come fully equipped with all the necessary amenities to make your stay as cosy as possible - Flat screen TV with Freeview, Hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities and WI-FI available in all areas. There is NO LIFT, but ground floor rooms may be available on request.