4 Day Orkney Adventure Tour depart Edinburgh
The fabled Orkney Islands boast more pre-historic sites than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. Discover the history of the Orkney archipelago, the rugged extremes of Scotland’s northern coastline, Loch Ness and the stunning beauty of the Cairngorm National Park. On this four day tour you’ll have time to discover these Northern Isles and much more besides! Departs alternateThursdays through the summer months.
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glen Coe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Ferry to the Orkney Islands, Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow, Kirkwall, Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Culloden Moor and Pitlochry
Day One
Edinburgh to Inverness
We leave Edinburgh behind and travel towards Stirling, passing Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. We leave the motorway behind and make our way towards Doune, famed for its castle (of Monty Python’s Holy Grail fame), then onwards to Callander. Here the Lowlands of Scotland give way to the spectacular scenery of the Highlands.
Our scenic drive takes us along the beautiful banks of Loch Lubnaig then on through "bonnie” Strathyre towards Glen Ogle and Glen Dochart. After climbing the "Black Mount” we reach vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor which stretches out ahead of us.
There’s a photo-stop so that we can enjoy the spectacular and dramatic scenery of Glen Coe before making the short journey to Fort William.
Next we explore Glen Mor, better known as The Great Glen, which runs diagonally through the Highlands. This is a picturesque landscape of striking mountains and deep lochs. The famous engineer, Thomas Telford, used the three lochs of the Great Glen to create the Caledonian Canal which links the Irish Sea to the North Sea. We will follow the route of the canal as we journey northwards.
Our home for tonight is in Fort Augustus, situated on the banks of mysterious Loch Ness.
Overnight : Fort Augustus
Day Two
Inverness to Kirkwall, Orkney (2 nights)
Today sees an early start, crossing over the Black Isle, and past Andrew Carnegie's Skibo Castle. From here we drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. This is some of Europe's oldest landscapes and here we have the chance to see wildlife such as Golden Eagles and red deer.
We board the ferry, crossing the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. On our arrival it is a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where few will fail to be moved by the dedicated workmanship of the Italian prisoners of war who crafted this place of worship from a humble Nissan hut. Their story and many others will be told as we view Scapa Flow, the scene of momentous events during both World Wars.
The Viking stronghold of Kirkwall is our home for the next 2 nights.
Day Three
Exploring Orkney
Orkney is home to many outstanding historic treasures and today will be a unique day of discovery. On our itinerary today are visits to Maeshowe *, a magnificent tomb built almost 5,000 years ago and the Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle that once comprised of 60 megaliths. Today with 27 stones still standing, some over 5 metres tall, it takes little imagination to visualise the extent of this historic monument.
Uncovered by a storm in 1850 Skara Brae * is one of the best preserved groups of Stone Age houses in Western Europe and our visit will reveal the stone furniture, hearths and drains that present such a remarkable picture of Neolithic life.
The day will finish with a visit to beautiful St Magnus Cathedral, one of Europe’s great architectural achievements and over 800 years old.
Overnight Kirkwall
Day Four
Orkney to Edinburgh via Inverness
It’s an early start as we board the ferry and bid a farewell to the Orkney’s. There’s time to explore Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands before travelling the short distance to visit tragic Culloden Moor *. It was here that the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was routed by Government troops in a bloody battle in 1746.
The Cairngorm National Park is Britain’s largest and contains five of Scotland’s six highest peaks. The park provides stunning backdrop to our travels through the Spey Valley then we descend through the Drumochter Pass to reach the pleasant Victorian tourist town of Pitlochry where we will stop for refreshments.
The dramatic scenery of Highland Perthshire gives way to rolling farmland as we reach the 'Fair City' of Perth then we join the motorway for our journey through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. The final part of our drive offers wonderful views of the Forth Rail Bridge as we make our way into Edinburgh.
* Admission fees extra.
Inclusions
• 3 nights accommodation in twin rooms with private bath/shower
• Full Scottish breakfast (days 2 to 4)
• Live commentary in English.
• Excursions as detailed in itinerary
• Transportation by air-conditioned minicoach
• Services of an experienced tour host
• Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
• Admission charges unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your tour host
The Little Details
- Minimum Age: Age 3+
- Min Age: 3 years
- Tour Vehicle Type: Coach
- Months of Operation: May, June, July, August, September
- Duration of Tour: 4 days
- Departure Point: Edinburgh
- Departure Point: Caffé Nero, 1 Parliament Square, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF
- Departure Time: Check in: 08:15 hrs Departure: 08:30 hrs
- Expected return Time: 19:00 hrs (day 4)
- Duration of Tour: 4 days
Rates & Dates
| Tour (Per Person in GB Sterling ) | ||
| Date | Type | |
| Package per person (Hotels) | Package per person (Guesthouses) | |
|
Alternate Thursdays |
Single Room: £625.00
Sharing a Twin Room: £595.00
|
Single Room: £505.00
Sharing a Twin Room: £475.00
|
2017 Departured Dates:
Alternate Thursdays
- 11th, 25th May;
- 8th, 22nd June;
- 6th, 20th Jul;
- 3rd, 17th, 31th Aug;
- 14th Sep
Booking Notes
Click on the 'Book This Tour Now' button to make your reservation. Enter your dates and requirements and complete the booking. Scottish Tours will confirm availability to you immediately or very soon thereafter. Rest assured no payment will be taken if they cannot confirm the booking to you.
- Prices are quoted per person per tour based on two sharing
- Customers must provide a valid credit card number.
- Limited availability : advanced booking required.
- Single Supplements apply - these will be shown during the booking process before you confirm your booking.
- Any booking is subject to our Booking Terms.
Some Places We Will Visit
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Glencoe
Dramatic landscape with a dramatic history. Few who visit the glen are unmoved by its majesty and power.
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Loch Ness
Loch Ness is world famous for the wrong reasons: the mythical watery monster than has been subject to repeated scientific investigations without success. Its fame ignores the real attractions of this huge lake framed by mountains and castles that cuts the highlands in two.
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Kirkwall
Orkney's capital is built around a wide sheltered bay and is the main departure point for ferries to the northern islands.
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Inverness
The Highlands' largest town and enjoying a real renaissance over the past ten years as young professionals have moved to the city. The gateway to the far north and a fun night out if you stay.
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Pitlochry
Small Highland tour that is a frequent stopping place for coaches travelling along the A9. Somewhat a one road town of shops and cafes.
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