Orkney & The Far North

On day two you head north from Inverness and the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then you board the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. Once you arrive you can take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. You’ll visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war. You’ll also see the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines.

­

­ 

From your base in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to enjoy, you’ll spend the whole of day three exploring the islands.

This is a land full of ancient history and you’ll be able to take in prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to beautiful St Magnus Cathedral.

A relaxed start today, with a mid morning ferry ride back to the mainland. As you travel south along the coast of Caithness and Sutherland, there will be a chance to visit Dunrobin Castle, the historic home of the Earls of Sutherland, and one of Northern Scotland's most impressive buildings. You will spend the final evening of your town in the city of Inverness.

The final day of the tour will begin with a visit to the battlefield of Culloden the site of the defeat of the final defeat of the Jacobite forces. We will also explore Clava Cairns, a group of Prehistoric Burial Cairns, a site that inspired the Outlander series. On your way south you could maybe enjoy a wee dram at a local distillery. Then you’ll pass the stunning mountains of the Cairngorms National Park and be able to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry before arriving back in Edinburgh.