Shetland & Orkney – Wildlife & History

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Welcome to Glasgow

We meet in Glasgow for a welcome dinner and 1-night stay. Why not arrive a day or two early to enjoy the sights of this lively city – we would be happy to arrange this for you.

Day 2 – North to Aberdeen

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Glasgow – Prince’s Square, one of Scotland’s most famous buildings is within easy walking distance, as is the Gallery of Modern Art. We take an afternoon train to Aberdeen for a 1-night stay.

Day 3 – Aberdeen at Leisure

This compact, friendly city is located on the coast and there is plenty to see, from sand dunes to ships which dock right up to the city streets. Admire the sparkling granite architecture, walk to the pretty village of ‘Fittie’ or explore the cobbled streets of the old town. We check in for our overnight ferry to Shetland late afternoon. Onboard we have comfortable private cabins and a 3-course dinner and breakfast is included.

Day 4 – Shetland Mainland & Mousa

After breakfast we disembark and board our private coach for a day of sightseeing, focusing on the central mainland. Our first stop is Hamnavoe, where seals are often spotted lazing in the harbour, and we visit Meal Beach before arriving at Scalloway – home of the Shetland Bus, an important WW2 operation. Weather depending, we take a private charter boat to the uninhabited island of Mousa. This is an RSPB nature reserve, and home to the best-preserved broch in the world. Return to Lerwick and our hotel for the next 3 nights. Dinner is included each evening here.

Day 5 – Sumburgh & St. Ninians

Head southwards today to find seabirds galore at Sumburgh Head – Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Fulmars can all be found here. Tour the impressive prehistoric archaeological site of Jarlshof containing remains dating from 2500 BC up to the 17th Century. Time also to enjoy a walk on the famous tombolo at St. Ninians Isle.

Day 6 – Northwest Shetland

Driving northwards this morning, our first stop is Mavis Grind – this narrow isthmus is said to be the only place in the UK where you can throw a stone from the Atlantic Ocean into the North Sea! From here, we head out to Shetland’s volcanic coast to discover the spectacular cliff scenery at Eshaness. Our return journey heads west via the pretty fishing village of Walls.

Day 7 – Lerwick & Ferry

After breakfast transfer to the ferry terminal to drop off our luggage before taking an optional tour and tasting at Lerwick Brewery, or free time to explore the town. The Shetland Museum is also a must-see and is a short walk from the ferry terminal. We reconvene mid-afternoon to board the Northlink ferry to Orkney. Time to enjoy a 3-course dinner onboard (included), before a late evening arrival in Kirkwall for a 4-night stay.

Day 8 – Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Today we focus on the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. This encompasses 4 monuments and around 5,000 years of history. Our local guide will take us around the famous archaeological treasures of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Maeshowe chambered tomb. A stop at Skaill House will also be included.

Day 9 – Birsay Birdlife & Sea Stacks

Visit the tidal island of Birsay (if tide times allow). This small island hosts the remains of a substantial Pictish settlement, with evidence of Viking buildings visible too. Its sheer cliffs fall off into the Atlantic Ocean and are full of birdlife and is the best place to see puffins in the spring and summer months. Back on the mainland, we take a short walk to the Yesnaby Sea Stacks and enjoy a tour of Orkney Brewery.

Day 10 – WWII Orkney

The sites we visit today have strong links to WWII - we cross some of the Churchill Barriers and learn about the important role they played. We also call at the attractive Italian Chapel, built from two Nissen huts, and learn more about the men who transformed it into what we see today. A trip to Scotland wouldn't be complete without a dram of whisky so we also visit the Highland Park Distillery.

Day 11 – Kirkwall & Stromness

Enjoy a guided tour around St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace and the Earl's Palace this morning. This afternoon, we transfer to Stromness for some free time, before boarding our ferry to Scrabster. On arrival, transfer to Wick for a 3-course dinner and 1-night stay.

Day 12 – South to Inverness

We weave our way back down through wild moorlands on a morning train to Inverness for a 2-night stay. This afternoon is free to enjoy this pretty riverside city or to simply relax at the hotel's spa.

Day 13 – Double Heritage Steam

A private bus will transfer us first to the Keith & Dufftown Railway for a return journey. The line climbs through dense pine forests, passes along the tranquil waters of Loch Park and winds through the valley of the river Isla. Next, we journey to Aviemore to enjoy a return journey on the Strathspey Railway, before returning to Inverness. Lunch will be included today.

Day 14 – Edinburgh

Rail to the capital this morning for an afternoon at leisure before regrouping for a farewell dinner.

Day 15 – Farewell

Travel home from Edinburgh independently.