Ancient Orkney & the Scottish Highlands

3* Castletown Hotel, Thurso (plus overnights in Pitlochry): Inverness, Orkney Island Guided Tour inc. Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, Skaill House & Scapa Flow, Castle of Mey, John O'Groats & Dunrobin Castle

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Accommodation - Pitlochry Hydro Hotel (Arrival Day: 1) (Nights: 1) PRICE AVAILABILITY
Single1,220.002
Twin1,095.001+
Double1,095.001+
Accommodation - Castletown Hotel (Arrival Day: 2) (Nights: 3) PRICE AVAILABILITY
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Accommodation - Pitlochry Hydro Hotel (Arrival Day: 5) (Nights: 1) PRICE AVAILABILITY
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DETAILED OVERVIEW

Ancient Orkney & the Scottish Highlands

 
Venture beyond the familiar and discover the wild, awe-inspiring landscapes of Scotland's far north on this unforgettable six-day tour. From the ancient forests of the Cairngorms to the windswept clifftops of Caithness, every mile of this journey is a feast for the senses. The undoubted highlight is a ferry crossing to the mysterious Orkney Isles, where a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of prehistoric stone circles, a 5,000-year-old village and the legendary waters of Scapa Flow will leave you breathless. Along the way, visit the beloved Castle of Mey, the cherished Highland retreat of the late Queen Mother, stand at the very tip of mainland Britain at John O'Groats, and marvel at the fairy-tale grandeur of Dunrobin Castle and its spectacular coastal gardens. Based for three nights at the Castletown Hotel in a charming northern village, with overnight stays in the heart of beautiful Pitlochry, this is Scotland at its most dramatic, most historic and most magical.
 
CASTLETOWN HOTEL, THURSO ***
PITLOCHRY HYDRO HOTEL, PITLOCHRY *** (outbound & inbound overnights)
Monday 31 May 2027
6 Days
£1095 per person sharing a twin/double room
£125 single supplement
Home pick up/set down from £45 per person
Front seat supplement £15 for the duration of the tour
 
Price includes:
All coach travel
Ferry Crossings
Porterage
5 nights dinner, bed & breakfast
Orkney Island Guided Tour including: Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, Skaill House & Scapa Flow
Admission to the Castle & Gardens of May
Admission to Dunrobin Castle & Gardens

ITINERARY

Day 1

The adventure begins as we head north, leaving the local area behind and crossing into the dramatic Scottish Lowlands. As the scenery grows wilder and more spectacular with every mile, we arrive at our first overnight stop, the 3* Pitlochry Hydro Hotel - a perfect introduction to the magic of Scotland.

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Day 2

Prepare to be awestruck. After breakfast we journey deep into the heart of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, one of Britain's last great wildernesses, before arriving in the Highland capital of Inverness for a lunch at leisure. From here we follow the dramatic northern coastline to our base for the next three nights, the 3* Castletown Hotel, nestled in a charming and picturesque village at the very top of Scotland.

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Day 3

Today we enjoy the undisputed highlight of the tour! We board the ferry at Scrabster and set sail for the ancient and mysterious islands of Orkney, where our expert local guide will take us on an unforgettable journey through 5,000 years of history. Marvel at the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, the haunting Stones of Stenness and the iconic Ring of Brodgar, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, before visiting the grand Skaill House and the legendary waters of Scapa Flow. A leisurely lunch in the captivating harbour town of Kirkwall offers the chance to visit the awe-inspiring St Magnus Cathedral, before we sail back to the mainland on the late afternoon ferry, minds full of wonder.

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Day 4

After a relaxed morning, we venture to the Castle and Gardens of Mey, the much-loved private retreat of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who rescued it from ruin in 1952 and transformed it into a beloved Highland home. With breathtaking views across the Pentland Firth towards Orkney, the castle remains exactly as she left it: intimate, personal and utterly enchanting. We round off the day at the legendary John O'Groats, the most northerly point of the British mainland, a truly iconic landmark and a moment to savour.

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Day 5

As we begin our journey south, one final Highland treasure awaits. Dunrobin Castle, rising like a French château above the sea, is one of Scotland's most dramatic and romantic stately homes. Explore its magnificent rooms filled with centuries of history, then stroll through the spectacular walled gardens, a breathtaking setting between castle and coast. We continue south to Pitlochry for our final overnight stay, with wonderful memories of Scotland's magnificent far north to carry home.

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Day 6

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we bid a fond farewell to the Highlands and make our way home, arriving early evening. Tired, inspired and already planning a return visit.

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PICK-UP POINTS

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour. Please note some pick up points may not be served on all departure dates.

NAME PICK-UP TIME RETURN TIME
Baldock Market Place STBATBA
Bishops Std Rail StationTBATBA
Buntingford The Crown PHTBATBA
CAMBRIDGE SERVICES A14TBATBA
Cambridge Trumpington P&RTBATBA
Hitchin N St Marys SqTBATBA
Letchworth Station Rd NTBATBA
Newport Stn Rd Bus Stop NTBATBA
Royston Bus StationTBATBA
Saffron Walden High St NTBATBA
Stansted Mountfit Har NTBATBA
Stevenage Bus Station LTBATBA

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