Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to our overnight hotel in the Scottish Borders.

We continue 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 2nt stay,

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. You will have free time to explore so why not visit the Wick Heritage Centre

After breakfast today we board the ferry with our coach and take the 90 minute sailing 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

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 Scara Brae, Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Stennes 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.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace.

Its an early start today to catch the ferry back to the mainland and then begin our journey through Scotland. Sit back and relax and enjoy the stunning Scottish Highland landscapes. Our overnight stay will be in the Scottish Border area.

After breakfast we continue our journey back into England and then home.