Orkney Explorer
- Duration: 8 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGLUK8ORK
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Air
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
8-Day Itinerary
Day 1
You have the flexible choice to either to make your own way to our Glasgow hotel on the 1st night or fly from your chosen airport to where we will arrange transfer to your overnight hotel in the Glasgow area. Enjoy a leisurely dinner tonight in the hotel.
Meals - Dinner
Day 2 - Inverness to the North Coast
After breakfast this morning, we set off on our north coast adventure. We travel through beautiful Perthshire, past the Cairngorm National Park and to the Scottish Highlands. We will stop for lunch at Inverness to give you some time to explore before we head on to the North Coast of Scotland for a two-night stay in pretty Thurso.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Castle of Mey, John O'Groats & Wick
This morning we travel along the north coast of Scotland to visit the Castle of Mey, the only privately owned home by the late Queen Mother. She purchased the estate in 1952 and it became a labour of love for her majesty as she set about restoring and renovating the castle and its gardens.
We continue our journey to explore the north coast and will make a stop at John O'Groats which is famous for being the most northerly point in mainland Britain. After this unique photo opportunity, we continue on to the historic seaport of Wick. Originally a Viking settlement where the Vikings used the mouth of the Wick River as a passage for their longships and trading vessels, Wick then became one of Europe's largest Herring ports.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Orkney Islands
After breakfast today, we board the ferry with our coach and sail for 90 minutes to Orkney.
The day concludes with a tour along the shoreline of Scapa Flow – famous as the naval refuge during both world wars. We stay for three nights on Orkney.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Orkney Islands Guided Tour
Our local guide joins the coach for a memorable day out. As the day unfolds, the islands' Neolithic ancestry is evident as many ancient monuments, stone circles, settlements and tombs are visited – a testament to its UNESCO World Heritage status.
The tour includes a scenic circular tour of the island visiting most of the main sites including 5000-year old Skara Brae, Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones and Italian Chapel. Along the way, listen to the tales of Viking intruders, wartime exploits and immerse yourself in Orkneys' rich maritime heritage.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Free Time
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
It's an early start today to catch the ferry back to the mainland and then begin our journey through Scotland. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning Scottish Highland landscapes. Our overnight stay will be in the Glasgow area where you will enjoy one last dinner with your fellow travellers.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
After breakfast, you will either depart to journey home or be transferred to Glasgow airport for your flight home.
Meals - Breakfast
Accommodation
You will enjoy an overnight stay in the Glasgow area on your first night before journeying to the north coast of Scotland for a 2-night stay in Thurso.
On day 4, you will transfer to Orkney by ferry and stay for 3 nights before the journey back on day 7 with an overnight stay again in the Glasgow area before returning to the airport for your flight home or make your own way by car. All hotels will be 3-star.
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