A fantastic journey right up to the tip of the Scottish Highlands then a minicruise to take a look at both the Orkneys and Shetlands. The circular route means that a wide variety of landscape can be enjoyed both on the way up and the return journey. The included cabins on the 2-night cruise are twins, so no bunk beds! We finish the tour with a full day in the vibrant and historic city of EDINBURGH. ACCOMMODATION SUMMARY: 1 night at the Lovat Hotel, Perth with half-board 2 nights at the St.Clair or Station Hotel Thurso with half-board 2 nights on board ferry. All cabins have en-suite facilities. Includes dinner in Kirkwall, breakfast on crossing to Lerwick and dinner and breakfast on crossing to Aberdeen. 2 nights at the Ramada Hotel, Livingstone


Itinerary Day 1 (Mon) Travel north into Scotland for an overnight stop at the Lovat Hotel in PERTH. Day 2 (Tue) Through the Cairngorms National Park to the Highland capital of INVERNESS, and then along the east coast to THURSO where we stay for two nights at either the St.Clair or the Station Hotel Day 3 (Wed) Enjoy a morning in the fishing port of Thurso. In the afternoon a leisurely excursion via JOHN O’GROATS for a visit to THE CASTLE & GARDENS OF MEY, a favourite home of the Queen Mother, where she spent many happy summers. Day 4 (Thu) An early start to catch the Northlink Ferry from Scrabster to STROMNESS on Orkney. During the 90-minute crossing we will pass the spectacular granite outcrop, “THE OLD MAN OF HOY”. A local guide joins us for a full-day Orkney excursion, visiting SKARA BRAE, an amazing Neolithic village that lay buried by sand for 4000 years, the stone RING OF BRODGAR, the delightful chapel built by Italian POWs and the remains of battleships scuppered at SCAPA FLOW. We take dinner at a restaurant in Kirkwall before boarding the overnight ferry to the SHETLAND ISLANDS. Day 5 (Fri) Breakfast on the ship then depart on a guided tour of Shetland’s scenic mainland with a visit to JARLSHOF VIKING SETTLEMENT & SCALLOWAY CASTLE. Time in Lerwick before re-boarding the ship for an overnight cruise to Aberdeen. Dinner on board. Day 6 (Sat) Early breakfast on board before docking in ABERDEEN. Travel along beautiful ROYAL DEESIDE passing the Balmoral Estate and stopping in BRAEMAR, home of the Highland Games. On through the breathtaking scenery of GLENSHEE and across the Forth Bridge to our final hotel, the RAMADA LIVINGSTONE for two nights. Day 7 (Sun) The coach will take you into EDINBURGH where there is a full day available for your own exploration of the Scottish Capital. Take a stroll along THE ROYAL MILE, visit THE PALACE OF HOLYROOD HOUSE or EDINBURGH CASTLE, or try an open-top sightseeing tour (admissions not included). Return to the hotel for dinner. Day 8 (Mon) We travel home to Sussex and the waiting taxis to your door.



Back