6 Day Orkney

Tour Description
Join us for the trip of a lifetime as we travel back thousands of years in time through the Scottish Highlands and the Isles of Orkney.
**Day 1** – We will leave Edinburgh early in the morning and head to the medieval Doune Castle, a 14th-century masterpiece. After exploring the castle, we will find a peaceful spot along the banks of Loch Lubnaig to unwind and let our worries wash away. Next, we will continue on to Glencoe, renowned for its breathtaking mountains and lush valleys, before arriving at the legendary Loch Ness. As the day draws to a close, we will reach Inverness, the charming capital of the Scottish Highlands, where we will stay for the night.
**Day 2** – Our day starts with a visit to Dunrobin Castle, a stunning structure that resembles a French château and is considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular castles. After that, we will make a photo stop at John o’ Groats, the northernmost point in the British Isles. Next, we’ll take the ferry to Orkney from Gills Bay and visit the historic Italian Chapel. To conclude our day, we will arrive in Kirkwall, where we will stay for the next three nights.
**Days 3-4** – Over the next two days, we can explore the abundance of fascinating and awe-inspiring sites that Orkney has to offer. We will step back in time at Skara Brae, one of Britain’s most remarkable prehistoric villages. We can also visit the Ring of Brodgar, an enormous ceremonial site dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, and the Standing Stones of Stenness, which date back to 3100 BC, making it one of the oldest stone circles in Britain. Additionally, we will explore Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered tomb built around 5,000 years ago. We can enjoy a BBQ at the Broch of Gurness, surrounded by its ancient dwellings, while we relax and watch the waves crash against the rocks. No trip to Orkney would be complete without spending time at the Yesnaby sea stacks and in Kirkwall itself, where you can admire the beautiful St. Magnus Cathedral. We can tailor the perfect itinerary to suit your interests!
**Day 5** – It’s time to head back to the mainland with an early ferry. We begin our journey back to Inverness with a visit to Castle Sinclair Girnigo, a dramatic ruin perched on a cliff in Caithness that once served as a stronghold for the Sinclair family. Next, we stop at Dunbeath Harbour, a 200-year-old fishing harbour filled with vibrant fishing boats and the sounds of seagulls. Finally, we visit Golspie, which boasts a beautiful, expansive sandy beach and an inviting atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore before concluding our day and returning to Inverness.
**Day 6** – Our adventure concludes with an inspiring visit to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the historic Jacobite conflict in 1746. Next, we will head to the mystical Clava Cairns, an ancient burial site steeped in legend. After that, we will travel through the breathtaking landscapes of Cairngorms National Park on our way to Aviemore for lunch. Our journey continues as we visit the impressive Ruthven Barracks, a remnant of Scotland’s turbulent past. In the afternoon, we’ll stop in the picturesque town of Pitlochry before wrapping up our journey with a visit to the magnificent Forth Bridges, a marvel of engineering that spans the stunning Firth of Forth. Finally, we’ll head to Edinburgh, where our unforgettable tour will come to a close.
Duration
5 nights - 6 days
Dates Available
Year Round
Departure Location
Edinburgh
Places Visited
Edinburgh - Doune Castle - Loch Lubnaig - Glencoe - Loch Ness - Inverness Dunrobin Castle - Whalligoe steps - John o' Groats - Gills bay - Italian Chapel - Kirkwall Skara Brae - Ring of Brodgar - Stenness - Kirkwall Maeshowe - Broch of Gurness - Kirkwall St Margarets Hope Ferry - Castle Sinclair Girnigoe - Dunbeath Harbour - Golspie - Inverness Culloden - Clava - Aviemore - Ruthven Barracks - Pitlochry - Queensferry
