5 Day Orkney and Highlands |
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Departs Saturdays Check In: 08:15 / Return: 18:30 |
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Limited time ... want to get off the beaten track ... discover the rich and diverse culture of Scotland? Then this is the tour for you!
This is a fantastic tour that offers the very best of the Highlands, remote Sutherland - the least densely populated area of Europe - and the incredible Orkney Isles. From white beaches, stunning wild landscapes to neolithic tombs, villages and standing stones, Viking saga's and the heartbreaking history behind the Scottish Clearances.
The Highlights!- Be inspired by the Italian Chapel and explore the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Stones of Stenness, an insight into life 5000 years ago.
- Stand of the cliffs of Dunnet Head, mainland Britain's most northernly point, and catch a rare glimpse of our enigmatic puffins (May - July).
- Create unfortgetable memories with the breathtaking beauty of Glencoe, football on perfect sandy coves and monster spotting at Loch Ness!
- Entrance to the Stone Age village of Skara Brae and a Neolithic Tomb.
- Return ferry to Orkney.
- All hostel accommodation - including a night in Loch Ness Backpackers within walking distance of Loch Ness and lively pubs plus a night in Carbisdale Castle!
- All breakfasts and evening meals, cooked together as a group or supplied by the hostel.
Day 1 - Leaving Edinburgh at 8.30 a.m. we head straight for Stirling for tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. We'll wind our way through the Highlands, stopping to take in the dramatic atmosphere of Glencoe, where the Massacre of Clan Donald took place, as well as Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain). Meandering through the Great Glen, with mountains towering above, we'll try to spot our elusive monster in Loch Ness. Tonight we spend in the town of Lewiston. With an outdoor BBQ, pubs and Loch Ness within 5 mins, it's the perfect place to start the tour!
Day 2 - Today we wind our way along the far North Western coastline - a chance to explore the famous Smoo caves and explore some of the most remote and rugged landscapes Europe has to offer. Deserted beaches, towering mountains, sparkling lochs and the wide open skies really set the tone today before we catch the ferry through the Scapa Flow to St Margaret's Hope where we'll stay for the next two nights. A great place to meet the locals in the pub next door!
Day 3 - From our base in the fishing village of St Margaret's Hope we spend a full and energetic day today exploring the islands - it will be packed with Viking ancestry and world-renowned archaeological treasures such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brogar. Plus a chance to gaze in wonder at the island's Italian Chapel, search for the coastal Puffins (May-July) and also walk to one of the neighbouring islands. Loads of time will be spent off the bus and much time spent walking especially along some of the fantastic beaches - a day to remember (another one!).
Day 4 - After a last morning exploring Orkney, we take the lunchtime ferry back to mainland Scotland where we wind our way south along the North East Coast. There'll be time for a great walk to try and spot a puffin or two (May - July) as we take in the sea stacks of Duncansby Head before a wee stop in John O'Groats. Taking in the surroundings of Dunrobin Castle, home of the Duke of Sutherland, discovering the ghostly clearance villages perched on the cliff tops and the harbours where they tried to make a living. This evening we arrive at Carbisdale Castle*, our home for the evening.
Day 5 - Our last day takes us past the banks of Loch Ness for a second chance to spot Nessie before an emotional stop at tragic Culloden battlefield. Then we cheer ourselves up with beautiful forest walks at the Hermitage before making our way over the Firth of Forth back to Edinburgh - happy honorary Scots!
We're certain that this will be a really special trip, and one you'll remember for a long time to come. We look forward to seeing you.
Tour itineraries and accommodation can vary due to acts of God etc, but we normally stick to this. kitty includes hostels, evening meals, breakfasts etc. Everything except lunch, drinks and souvenirs.
Please note that this tour will generally join with our 9 day tour on the first day of the trip.
*This tour will not stay at Carbisdale Castle on the tours departing 15th May, 22nd May and 19th of June. However we will use great alternative accommodation staying in Sleeperzzz a quirky hostel which uses train carriages for accommodation!
Alternative tours
Like this itinerary but short of time? Try the 3 Day Skye & Highlands.
Just got to get to the Islands? Try the 6 Day Hebridean Explorer.
Want something a little longer? Try the 9 Day Island Hopper.
