Tour Orkney And Scotland's Northern Coast

( 5 Star )

Visit: Orkney Isles, Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, Loch Ness, Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar, Cairngorms National Park

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Departures ex Edinburgh=- Every Wednesday (03/04/19-09/10/19+18/03/19-25/03/20) – except (19/06/19), & every Friday (05/04/19-25/10/19+06/03/20-27/03/20) - except (21/06/19) & every Sunday (07/04/19-13/10/19) - except (23/06/19) & Tuesday (07/05/19-24/09/19) except (25/06/19) The archipelago of Orkney hides many treasures: and on our five day tour, your experienced guide will ensure you find the best of them. You’ll unearth some of the most well-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe, examine a beautiful red sandstone coast, and discover the vibrant culture of remote island communities. You’ll also have a chance to find the Loch Ness Monster, see Scotland’s beautiful north, and learn about the tragedy of Glencoe. It’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Lap up the lovely Lochs as you venture north Gasp as you listen to the tragic tale of Glencoe Leave Edinburgh and head west past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. You pass Doune Castle before stopping in the small town of Callander for a refreshment. After crossing the fault line into the magnificent Highlands, you take in the splendour of Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart. Glencoe offers spectacular views before you continue north up the Great Glen to the mysterious beauty of Loch Ness. The loch is 23 miles long and you have plenty of time to try and spot the monster. You arrive at Inverness, where you’re dropped off at your booked accommodation. The evening is free for you to explore the 'Capital of the Highlands'.

Arrive in the Capital of Orkney, Kirkwall Explore mainland Scotland’s most northern scenery It’s an early start, leaving behind the 'Capital of the Highlands', crossing over the Black Isle, and past Andrew Carnegie's Skibo Castle. From here, you drive through the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, crossing the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where we stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, Capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and its historic winding streets.

Go to a site as ancient as the pyramids, Skara Brae See the wild ocean clash with redstone cliffs Today is your chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of the North Sea and Atlantic ocean. You visit the 5,000 year old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness. You stop in Stromness, and then travel onto Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. Then it’s back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day.

Stroll around the beautiful harbour town of Ullapool Take a look at the stunningly located ruins of Ardvreck Castle After a relaxed start, you leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, you travel the old road right across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches. You then visit the far northwest Highlands and the wilderness of the mountains of Assynt before stopping to view the 15th century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend your last night's stay on tour.

See the ancient standing stones made famous by Outlander, Clava Cairns Learn about one of the most brutal events in British history at Culloden Leaving Ullapool behind, you take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges 60m down into Corrieshalloch Gorge. You then take in the beautiful Loch Glascarnoch, on the way past the 'Capital of the Highlands', Inverness. You can visit Culloden Moor, the site of The Battle of Culloden in 1746, one of the bloodiest events in our history and the last battle to have been fought on the British mainland. Next, you take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns, made famous by Diana Gabaldon in the ‘Outlander’ books. From here, you travel through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, hugging the Cairngorm mountain range. Lunch will be spent in these beautiful surroundings before travelling through big tree country of Perthshire, the Kingdom of Fife, and back to Edinburgh.

Inclusion

All rates are inclusive of Breakfast unless stated otherwise. Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach Air conditioning as standard The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Exclusion

Entry fees to visitor attractions Optional activities Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program Personal equipment Travel insurance Gratuities Voluntary tips for guides or drivers Travel and medical insurance Any items not mentioned as included

Note

Departures ex Edinburgh Departs-Check-in closes at 08.15 (tour departs at 08.30) - Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ Returns-19.00 Hotel Accommodation can be upgraded to 3 Star on request Child supplement applies only to up to 01 child aged 5-15 years old, sharing the same room with 02 adults, No children under 5 years old are permitted, except with special permission Restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes