tours orkneys shetlands

Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours | Go Scotland Tours

Search lists, search filter, current selection, tour duration, attractions, small group tour.

Orkney Explorer and Far North of Scotland Tour

• Tour ID: 1019
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Starts from: Edinburgh

Orkney and northern Scotland tour, Highlights of the tour are prehistoric Orkney archipelago, Scotland northern coastline, Loch Ness and Cairngorm National Park

Orkney Tour Experience from Inverness

• Tour ID: 1264
• Tour theme: Day Tours from the Highlands , Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
• Starts from: Inverness

Enjoy a 3 day tour from Inverness to the magic and mystery of the Orkney Isles. 2 nights in Kirkwall, sightseeing to Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Stenness, and more ..

Scotland West Coast Islands and Orkney Tour

• Tour ID: 1046
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) , Scotland Island Hopping Tours ,
• Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

The tour of dreams 9 days to enjoy 5 fantastic west coast islands, Iona, Mull, Staffa, Skye and the prehistoric Orkney islands, Scotland Tour also Loch Ness....

Private Tour

Private tour to Outer Hebrides and Orkney Islands

• Tour ID: 1600
• Tour theme: Historic and Cultural Tours ,

Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference.

Short Break Private Tour to Orkney from Inverness

• Tour ID: 1487

A fantastic short break Private Tour to Orkney from Inverness. Come explore pre-historic sites such as the Ring of Brodgar, Stenness, Maes Howe and Skara Brae.

From The Blog

Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh

Destination guide, follow us on facebook, follow us on instagram.

Tours by Start City

Scotland tours by type, tours by operator.

7 Harbour place

Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH15 1tq

• Cookie Policy

Our Partners

Orkney and Shetland Tours

Our orkney and shetland tours.

Elevate your Scottish adventure with our exhilarating Orkney and Shetland tours. Our carefully curated small-group and private experiences blend iconic Scottish spots with hidden gems. Visit Shetland’s treasures like Jarlshof, Broch of Mousa, Muckle Flugga lighthouse, and the dramatic volcanic cliffs of Eshaness . Alternatively, if you’re drawn to a trip to Orkney instead, our expert storyteller will guide you through the mystical Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, the Old Man of Hoy, and the Stones of Stenness . Both regions boast abundant birdlife, featuring gannets, hen harriers, sea eagles, merlin, and the charming puffin. Keep an eye out for sea life too, as Orcas are often spotted in these waters!

Extend your experience with time in the Highlands and Hebrides or add breathtaking drone footage upon request. Discover the magic of our journeys with exceptional TripAdvisor reviews. Whether you’re interested in an Orkney or Shetland tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow , feel free to send a booking inquiry on our contact form or any questions to [email protected] , contact us via telephone, or connect with us on Facebook/Instagram. We’re more than happy to assist you! 

Photos of trips to Orkney and Shetland

Stones of stenness.

Neolithic Standing Stones of Orkney

Muckle Flugga Lighthouse

Shetland's stunning coastline

Neolithic Village in Orkney

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Orkney Islands Tours & Trips

Located just above Scotland 's mainland, the Orkney Islands are a feast for the eye and offer a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Apart from seal colonies and tall cliffs, scattered all over the islands, one can see plenty of sites dating back to the Neolithic era. Kirkwall is the capital city of the archipelago and also the largest settlement.

44 Orkney Islands tour packages with 938 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness

Seana, faced with having to tell us the Orkney Tour was cancelled while in progress, managed our disappointment, sorted things out for the 2 wishing to leave, and then proceeded to guide us on an incredible 3 day replacement North Coast 500 (538!) tour, backwards :) She was passionate and impressive with her intimate and widespread knowledge and love for every inch of the tour, places, geography, history, tales, music - and magical with it's delivery throughout the tour. Professional yet fun, delightful smiling eyes, expert driver! We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, and would travel with Seana again and again :) Thank you Seana!

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.

5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Best short tour I have ever done. Our itinerary was perfect. The quality of our coach was excellent. Our tour guide Jim was a book of knowledge and very approachable. I felt very safe throughout our journey. Our accommodation and breakfast was always top notch. Can’t wait to do another Rabbies Tour. Totally recommend.

Country Roads of Scotland (Classic, 9 Days)

The tour by Insight Vacations, Country Roads of Scotland, surpassed our expectations. Hosts at hotels did everything to ensure a smooth and quick check-in and a comfortable stay (knowing in advance that the rooms might be smaller than some travelers are used to was helpful). The food was good overall with lots of choices and variety. The coach was very roomy, lots of space and very comfortable. Peter (tour director) and Steve (driver) worked together as a great team and were always available to assist, answer questions or provide insights.

Orkney & The Far North

Perfect tour,guide.accomodation,meals.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days

I had 2 issues: 1- the tour states that 4nights accomodation were included, however when I got to the last night of accomodation at Lochview Guest House, the manager made me pay £120. She would not provide a receipt since she said that would go to Rabbies Tour group. I will need £120 reimbursement. 2- my emails stated that the operator was “on the go” but my tour operator was actually Rabbies. This made it confusing when I was waiting for the bus initially.

Country Roads of Scotland (Small Groups, 9 Days)

Highland Trail inspired by Outlander (13 Days)

I enjoyed the tour very much. We could not have had a better tour guide, Kevin Brownrigg, and driver, Davey. They were a delight! They made our trip such an excellent adventure. I would go on any tour they lead!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney (Hotel) - 5 days

Scottish Highlands & Islands

Guide Margerie and Driver Allister excellent. The tour occasionally strenuous; bus rides whole day. Bus quite confortable; Wi-Fi appreciated. Expected more meals included. Big Tour group - 44 Pax - a bit too many for my taste. When I inquired I was told max will be 35.....for me more acceptable. Hotel's fine except Isle of Skye: "Dunollie"- I had a claustrophobic room; no idea where to put my suitcase. After all the add. single room supplement is not little. Itinerary very interesting.

• Sightseeing

Scottish Highland Fling

A well planned tour, excellent attended by our tour guide Charly. Relaxed traveling with the bus driver Victor. The missing star due to drawbecks in single accomodation in some hotels despite significant higher prices for singles.

Scotland's North Coast & Islands

Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities (13 Days)

Scenic Scotia

THROUGH THE NORTH ATLANTIC - ARCTIC 2024- OCEAN ALBATROS

What people love about orkney islands tours.

Seana, faced with having to tell us the Orkney Tour was cancelled while in progress, managed our disappointment, sorted things out for the 2 wishing to leave, and then proceeded to guide us on an incredible 3 day replacement North Coast 500 (538!) tour, backwards :) She was passionate and impressive with her intimate and widespread knowledge and love for every inch of the tour, places, geography, history, tales, music - and magical with it's delivery throughout the tour. Professional yet fun, delightful smiling eyes, expert driver! We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, and would travel with Seana again and again :) Thank you Seana!

Had an amazing time. Shout out to our driver Gail for her knowledge of Scottish history and her contagious love for the country. She went above and beyond for our small group.

• Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Holiday inspiration currently loading...

• Flexibility Policy
• How to Book
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Gift Vouchers
• Consumer Protection
• Travel Insurance
• Book & Pay

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Orkney & Shetland Fly-drive

Shetland ponies

Best Time To Go

Prices from, no of nights.

• Availability

Explore the far-flung Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland on this fly-drive adventure.

Fly north to the distinctive  Orkney & Shetland islands and discover Scotland’s Viking and prehistoric past on this six night fly-drive adventure. See mysterious stone circles, experience the atmosphere of dwellings from 5,000 years ago and simply enjoy the contrasting landscapes, seascapes and wildlife.

The easiest and quickest route to these islands is by air, and with regular, daily flights taking around ninety minutes from Glasgow or Edinburgh, this is a convenient option to maximise your time in this most unique and remote part of the UK.

Your hire car on each island group will give you the opportunity to explore during your stay. The dramatic coastline is never far away, while causeways and short local ferry crossings make trips to neighbouring islands quite possible. What’s more, we will provide plenty of suggestions for you.

We also offer a self-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland.

And if time is no problem, extend your stay and explore Orkney & Shetland in-depth.

• McKinlay Kidd

Holiday Details

Days one to four – orkney.

Your holiday begins as you fly from Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport on the 90 or so minute flight to Orkney. On arrival, collect your hire car and drive to your centrally located hotel on the outskirts of Kirkwall – your base for three nights.

Your Hotel on Orkney

Hidden away somewhat amid the residences on the outskirts of Kirkwall, your Orkney hotel is an inviting and welcoming base. The traditional furniture includes a range of local Orkney chairs in various shapes and sizes, while our favourite late night spot is the whisky snug: imagine a library where the shelves are stacked with bottles instead of books! A destination for locals as well as visitors, the restaurant prides itself on serving the best local produce. The menu changes regularly depending on the season: look out for Scrabster squid or local lamb with its distinctive flavour due to the seaweed diet of the sheep. And it would be amiss not to drop in and see the neighbours – the world famous Highland Park distillery is just next door.

What to See and Do on Orkney

Orkney offers world class archaeology as well as superb land and seascapes. We’ll provide plenty of recommendations, such as the major prehistoric sites of the 5,000 year old village at Skara Brae and the magnificent tomb at Maeshowe through to less famous but no less impressive monuments. Head north and west to the Evie and the mighty broch of Gurness, then swing back past the Earl’s Palace at Birsay. Don’t miss Orphir, with its beautifully proportioned round church and “Orkneyinga” Viking history interpretation centre. There’s simply so much to see it’s difficult to choose!

Make an early morning or late evening visit to the Ring of Brodgar and standing stones of Stenness – there’s no entrance fee, so you can just wander right around and between these mighty stones, wondering at their purpose and the skill and strength it must have taken to excavate and erect them thousands of years ago.

Another day you might head south to South Ronaldsay – now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the mainland. On your way past, call in at the Italian Chapel, two Nissen huts remarkably crafted into a place of worship by interned Italian prisoners of war.

A network of ferries connects the Orkney Mainland to a variety of other islands including Hoy, Rousay and Shapinsay. Hoy, Orkney’s second largest island, is more mountainous and made famous by its human-shaped sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy. If your main interest is the archaeology, Rousay boasts one of the finest sites with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn and is readily accessible on a day trip. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Westray and Papa Westray are a bit further afield so better to visit by plane. If you choose to do so, you’ll experience the shortest scheduled flight in the world between the two islands – do please let us know if you would like us to pre-book this trip for you.

Days Four to Seven – Shetland

Today you leave Orkney and travel to Shetland by the way of a short flight between these two northern archipelagos. Upon arrival you collect your second hire car and drive to your next base in the central mainland of these isles.

Your Hotel on Shetland

Rich in history, with parts dating back to the sixteenth century, your hotel is full of character, with low ceilings, twisting corridors and creaking floorboards. Rooms vary in shape and size, each named after one of the Shetland islands. The Long Room is an elegant place for afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks. Local produce, including seafood and Shetland mutton, feature on the evening menu, while the gardens stretch down to the water, inviting you to take an early evening stroll. It is said that Queen Elizabeth once stopped here for tea. Unsurprisingly, given the age of the building, rumours abound of a resident ghost.

What to See & Do on Shetland

You’ll quickly appreciate that Orkney & Shetland are quite different from each other. Now that you are further north, the impact of the sea is all the more profound. Take a trip to Eshaness, where the sea pounds against the coastal cliffs and jagged stacks even on a calm summer’s day. In contrast, you’ll find a sheltered strip of sand at the applecore beach of St Ninian’s Isle. If you like to tick off extremities, take the regular ferries across to Yell and onward to Unst, then drive (watching out for wild Shetland ponies) to the northerly tip. From here you can gaze out to the wonderfully-named lighthouse of Muckle Flugga. At the southern-most point on Shetland, you’ll find Sumburgh Head. You could easily spend a couple of hours in this area exploring the ruins at Jarlshof, from prehistoric to nineteenth century. Or hop on the short ferry journey to Britain’s tallest Broch at Mousa. Enjoy the serenity of the birds and seals, Mousa’s only inhabitants!

Noss Boat Trip

Your holiday in Shetland includes a unique and spectacular wildlife experience. You’ll join a boat trip to the Noss Nature Reserve, where thousands of seabirds nest and breed while seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. Your guides on board will share their in-depth knowledge about the area and its inhabitants while you tour the spectacular cliffs of the world famous bird reserve.

Please note, the Noss Boat Trip only operates from May to September.

Day Seven – Return Home

Return your hire car at Sumburgh airport and catch your return flight to Glasgow or Edinburgh for onward connections.

Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland.  The holiday described is based on flying to and between the islands and hiring cars on both islands.

£1355 per person November 2023 to March 2024, £1425 per person for April & October, £1525 per person May to September.

The above pricing does not include stays over Christmas or New Year from 23 December to 8 January . If you are interested in taking a holiday across these dates, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.

Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room ensuite for 6 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Noss Boat trip only operates from May to September.

Prices include direct flights from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Orkney, from Orkney to Shetland and back from Shetland to Edinburgh or Glasgow, as well as a boat trip around Noss whilst you are on Shetland (for May to September holidays only). The hire of a small manual car on each island is also included.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

Room Upgrades: There is the option to upgrade to a suite at the hotel on Orkney for an additional £65 per person subject to availability. Please do not hesitate to ask for more details.

Due to our car hire insurance requirements, the maximum age limit of a driver on Shetland is 80

We work hard to make sure the unexpected doesn’t affect your trip. On rare occasions, changes or cancellations may occur, affecting accommodation, transport or excursions. We are committed to informing you of any such circumstances and will use our knowledge and resources to offer suitable alternatives wherever possible.

You are requesting availability for

This holiday can be arranged from January to December -though stays over the Christmas or New Year period from 23rd December to 8th January will require a bespoke quote.

Availability is individually checked for a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses and other independent businesses, so please bear with us and we will respond in 1-2 working days.

Please note: All fields marked * are required

Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible

Number of Travelers*

Room preferences*

To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field.

Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot!

If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click ‘Submit Form’ to send us your enquiry

• Room preferences is required

Our Data Promise

We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. We also analyse data in order to develop and improve our products and our service in the future.

We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website.

We will make it easy for you to opt-out of receiving communications, to check what data we hold on you or to request us to delete your data altogether.

If you only require a specific response to this enquiry and have no interest in receiving occasional information, news or offers from McKinlay Kidd in future, please email unsubscribe at mckinlaykidd dot com . View our Full Privacy Notice

Speak to us 0141 260 9260 1 866 922 8538 1 800 760 824 +44 141 260 9260

Uk office hours:.

• Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 6pm
• Saturday - 9am to 5pm
• Sunday - CLOSED

McKinlay Kidd are based in the UK and Ireland. UTC office hours are:

Or email us at:, calling from elsewhere  .

• UK 0141 260 9260
• USA & Canada (toll-free) 1 866 922 8538
• Australia (toll-free) 1 800 760 824
• Other Countries +44 141 260 9260
• Email hello at mckinlaykidd dot com

Your holiday guaranteed

We're here for you 24/7

ATOL protected

Our promise to you

We work with small businesses

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.

Shetland: Full of Surprises

There’s something incredibly liberating about going on holiday to Shetland. I felt a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life ...

Everything ran like clockwork so a big thank you. A really lovely holiday.

It is difficult to agree on a 'favourite' memory because we had so many really good experiences.

The unique environment on the islands was extremely interesting…we loved the historical sites.

Similar Holiday Ideas

Orkney Fly-drive

Orkney & Shetland Self-drive

North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour

See Shetland Differently

Fly-drive through the Western Isles

Ireland & Scotland Fly-drive

Complete Orkney & Shetland

Shetland & Fair Isle Discovery

We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. View our privacy policy . Accept

Scotland: Shetland and Orkney Islands – 11 days

4 – 14 May 2024 ( Now Fully Booked)

11 – 21 july 2024 ( now fully booked), 31 august – 10 september 2024, 1 - 11 may 2025, 19 - 29 june 2025, 6 - 16 septemner 2025, maximum 20 people per tour, contact jóna:, mobile:  +44 7756 941 599 (uk), phone:  +33 9 62 33 57 93 (france), email:  [email protected].

If you would like to book a tour, please click the orange button below that says ‘Download the Booking Form’. Save the form. Then print it. Fill it in, scan and email back to us . Alternatively, please email  [email protected]  or call  +44 (0) 7756941599  to express your interest and we will email you a booking form that you can complete on your computer and email back.

Please email your booking form to  [email protected]  and pay the deposit of £250 per person (2024 tours) or £100 per person (2025) via the cart below. For 2025 tours the £100 will secure your place and the deposit balance of £150 should be paid by January 2025. A full deposit refund is available for cancellations made up to 3 months before the departure date, irrespective of the reason.

To book the tour, please pay a deposit of £250/person. Fully refundable up to 3 months before departure date, for whatever reason you might have to cancel.

To book the 2025 tour, please pay a deposit of £100/person. Fully refundable up to 3 months before departure date, for whatever reason you might have to cancel.

Experience an exclusive discovery tour to these fascinating Scottish islands. This exceptional, informative and comprehensive, all-inclusive, 11 days, island hopping tour conducted by Maggie McLeod will give you a remarkable insight into these beautiful islands. You will discover their history, archaeology, bird and plant life along with their customs and traditions. There will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wonderful landscapes and coastal vistas.

The Shetland Isles are located in the North Atlantic, as close to Norway as to Aberdeen. Shetland consists of a group of 100 islands with approximately 900 miles of coastline and a population of around 23,000. The Orkney Islands are located six miles north of the Scottish mainland. There are about 70 islands within the Orkney archipelago, 17 of which are inhabited.

Both Orkney and Shetland are unique and unlike any other part of Great Britain. They have managed to retain many of their original, unique customs and traditions resulting from their long and eventful history.  Fair Isle in Shetland gave its name to the unique, multi-coloured knitting designs on the islands famous woollen sweaters. It is claimed that these designs were copied from the clothing worn by shipwrecked Spanish sailors from the Armada. These men landed on the shore when their ship El Gran Grifon ran onto the rocks below the cliffs at Stronshellier in 1588.

Shetland and Orkney had a pivotal role to play during wartime. At Scapa Flow a local wartime historian shares incredible stories of WWI and WWII during our visit and we will hear of the daring exploits of the Shetland bus. We will drive over the Churchill Barriers and marvel at the Italian Chapel beautifully crafted out of 2 Nissan huts by WWII prisoners.

On Shetland we visit Sumburgh Head where the North Sea meets the Atlantic. Jarlshof with over 4,000 years of settlement and discover the undisturbed time capsule of Old Scatness

We visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkey, Maes Howe, Ness of Brodgar, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Barnhouse Village and Skara Brae.

Jona’s Tours are fully guided by an expert and offer a unique blend of exploration, education, adventure, enjoyment and congenial company. All meals included.

2024 £3,655 per person

Single supplement: £485, tour price includes:.

Flights to Aberdeen.

Ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall. Dinner on board.

An internal flight from Kirkwall to Aberdeen.

Private airport transfers

Accommodation in 4 star hotels.

Day 2, 3 and 4 at Busta House Hotel on Shetland.

Day 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 at Kirkwall Hotel on Orkney.

Last night at Crowne Plaza at Aberdeen airport.

Full board, 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 three course dinners.

Private coach and driver.

Private guide, Maggie McLeod or John White for the whole tour.

Included in the tour price are all excursions, visits and entrance fees : Plus Ferries to: Kirkwall, Orkney, Island of Hoy, return ferry trip, Tingwall, Yell and Unst.

Clickimin Broch

Sumburgh Head RSPB

Light lunch at Sumburgh Hotel

St Ninian’s Isle

Hoswick Visitor Centre

Old Scatness

Ferry to Isle of Bressay, visit to a working croft with native and heritage breeds

Scalloway for a light lunch

Shetland Bus Museum

Beswick Community Centre Arts and Crafts

Lerwick Museum

Lunch at Hay’s Dock Cafe

Maes Howe and Ness of Brodgar burial tombs.

Ring of Brodgar

Stenness Standing Stones

Barnhouse Village

Churchill Barriers

Italian Chapel

Hoxa Tapestry Studio

Wartime talk on Scapa Flow

Dwarfie Stane

Scapa Flow War Museum with lunch

Midhowe stalled burial cairn and Midhowe Broch

“ I wanted to thank you for the most wonderful trip, in fact the trip of a lifetime. I was totally captivated by the stark beauty of Shetland. The trip to Yell and Unst was great fun and certainly a good addition. As for Orkney; well what can I say. I had seen a documentary about the Ring of Brodgar some months ago but nothing prepared me for seeing it for real. A very profound, moving and emotional experience. John did a first rate job as our guide, he was knowledgeable and easy going and kept us in order with a very light rein! Robert, our driver, was so kind and always smiling and showed us some quirky sights that we would have missed on other trips. ”

Scotland: Orkney and Shetland by Air

You asked and we listened! As it’s a long way by road and sea, we have launched this alternative itinerary that explores the glorious and wild Orkney and Shetland Isles, which includes a flight from Aberdeen to Sumburgh and back from Kirkwall. This makes the journey to the start point of our tour far shorter and avoids us having to take an overnight sailing to Lerwick. (Please be advised that flights from Edinburgh are also available at an additional supplement - please contact us for more details).

Over the course of five memorable days, we will explore lands steeped in history, wildlife and stunning scenery, far from the jostling crowds as we lose ourselves in the haunting beauty haunting beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Isles. Many people have landed there before you - some as early as 3000 BC. Most famous of all were the Vikings, but they were not alone and all around you will find historical treasures. Both islands, but particularly Shetland, in summer have virtually no darkness and the beauty of this ‘Simmer Dim’, as it is called locally, has to be seen to be realised. Both Orkney and Shetland have their own identity, Orkney being very green and fertile while Shetland has a more rugged cliff and sea loch scenery. Both however share a colourful history of Picts, Norsemen, ancient antiquities, buried treasure and seafaring legends, bound up with an independent spirit that makes them quite different from the rest of Scotland.

departures: Select Your Departure Date

What to Expect

• Mousa Broch – the best preserved Iron Age tower in existence
• Spectacular sea cliffs at Eshaness
• Multitudes of seabirds at Sumburgh Head
• The multi-period settlement of Jarlshof
• Neolithic Orkney – a UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• The Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel, poignant reminders of more recent history

Related Tours

BrightWater is part of Specialist Journeys, an award winning UK-based tour operator.

Tour Enquiry

The team is available Monday to Friday from 8am – 6pm (GMT)

Call us: 01334 657 155

Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

Book today reserve your seats by paying a non-refundable deposit of just £175 per person., for details click here.

• Scotland Tours
• Archaeological Treas...

• Standing Stones of Stenness
• Shetland Ferry
• Broch of Mousa
• St Magnus Cathedral
• St Ninian's Isle

Room Size Warning

Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size?

Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour

Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland 6 day/5 night

Follow in Stone Age and Viking footsteps at Skara Brae, Jarlshof and the Stones of Stenness and experience ancient wonders at Maeshowe and Mousa. Learn the fascinating folklore behind the Italian Chapel, St Ninian's Church and "the Light in the North". Explore the ruins of Scalloway and Dunotter Castles as you unearth the many secrets of Orkney and Shetland.  

Mousa - visit this rugged little island to see its famous seabird colonies and explore a 2,000-year-old broch 

Jarlshof - step back to the stone age to discover this prehistoric and Norse settlement, one of Scotland's most significant sites 

St Magnus Cathedral - explore this architectural masterpiece built by the legendary Viking, Earl Rognvald 

Maeshowe - visit this impressive neolithic burial chamber that Vikings used as a winter shelter   

Movie locations - Shetland (TV series), The Edge of the World and The Spy in Black

Hotel accommodation included

  Book Now

Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Aberdeen - Shetland Ferry

Our odyssey begins in either of Scotland's two largest cities, from where we wind our way northwards through the Kingdom of Fife into Dundee, on the banks of the famous silvery River Tay .

We push on through the lush Angus countryside until we spy our first stop – the dramatic and unmistakable ruins of Dunottar Castle . Balanced precariously on the cliffs outside Stonehaven, this fearsome fortress dates back to the Middle Ages and was once the home of the powerful Earls Marischal family . As the mighty waves pound the rocks on three sides beneath, you'll have time to marvel at a site that still echoes with centuries of mystery and bloodshed involving Vikings, William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots.

With our imaginations well and truly fired, we continue northwards until we reach the imposing buildings of  Aberdeen  and see for ourselves why it's known as 'The Granite City.' Here, we hop aboard our  Northlink ferry  for the overnight crossing to  Shetland .

Departing at 7pm, you'll enjoy dinner in the restaurant before retiring to your comfy twin-berth cabin and being rocked to sleep by the ebb and flow of the waves.    

Overnight: MV Hrossey or Hjaltland

Day 2 - Exploring the Shetland Islands

Stretching our sea legs, we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before arriving in the bustling harbour of Lerwick , where our adventure begins in earnest.

First stop is the tiny uninhabited island of  Mousa , famous for its beautifully preserved 40ft-high iron age roundhouse. The broch of Mousa has gazed impassively out to sea for more than 2,000 years and even appears in Norse mythology. While admiring its winding staircase, keep an ear out for the plentiful birdlife, including skuas and storm petrels. If you're in luck, you may spot a seal lounging beneath – or even dolphins and Orcas frolicking in the icy waters.

Back on the mainland, we'll stop for lunch at Hoswick Visitor Centre before travelling back in time at the fascinating settlement of Jarlshof . Wander the ruins and soak up 4,000 years of history amid ancient buildings from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. Learn how Viking settlers landed here and built their distinctive longhouses to shelter from the elements.

More spectacular sights await at nearby  Sumburgh Head , with its lonely lighthouse marking the point where the North Sea crashes into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Made hungry by the sea air, we return to our cosy hotel where traditional Scottish fare awaits.

Note: If weather issues arise, we will visit Scatness Broch on the mainland instead of Mousa.

Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar)

Day 3 - St Ninian's Isle - Scalloway - Orkney

A splendid breakfast is essential to prepare us for the day ahead before we snake our way south to the beautiful St Ninian's Isle , named after Shetland's patron saint. Here we'll stop to explore its famous 6th-century church and burial ground , perched high on the windswept cliffs. It was here in 1958 that a local schoolboy found a cache of 9th-century silver and jewellery under a crossed floor slab, hidden from prying Viking raiders.

Further treasures await as we head north to the village of Scalloway , which is nestled around a traditional Scottish harbour. Once the ancient capital of Shetland, we'll wander the 600-year-old walls of Scalloway Castle  and learn about its most infamous inhabitant, 'Black Patie', AKA Earl Patrick Stewart.

After a break for lunch, our journey sees us meander through the site of the old Norse parliament, the  Tingwall Valley , which means "a field or place where courts or assemblies are held".

After some time exploring the streets of Lerwick, we set sail for Orkney and enjoy another delicious dinner on the high seas. Once on dry land, it's a short journey to our hotel in Kirkwall, where we can settle into our comfy en-suite room for the evening. 

Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 4 - Exploring Orkney

The many delights of Orkney are on our agenda today, so after breakfast we head southwards across this wild and untamed landscape.

Our first item of interest comes as we approach the four Churchill Barriers , built on the orders of the wartime leader in 1939 to foil attacks on the resting British fleet by German U-boats.

Crossing the famous concrete causeways, we set our sights on another landmark shaped by the same conflict – Orkney's celebrated Italian Chapel . This unique building saw two Nissen huts transformed into a beautiful place of worship by Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow Italian prisoners of war.

We'll have time to wander the grounds and admire Domenico's paintings above the altar before returning to Kirkwall for some further sightseeing. 

No visit would be complete without a pilgrimage to the soaring sandstone ceilings of Britain's most northerly cathedral, St Magnus , founded in 1137 by Viking Earl Rognvald and dubbed the "Light in the North". Our paths cross with 'Black Patie' once again in the ruins of the nearby Earl's Palace , built by the notorious nobleman in the 1600s, before we return to our hotel for dinner as the sun sets on a day of history and heritage.

Day 5 - UNESCO Orkney

The western shores of Orkney await us today, resplendent with a host of priceless treasures and unique landmarks at their many celebrated World Heritage Sites.

Once breakfast is finished, we journey to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney with a visit to the ancient burial site at  Maeshowe . Built in around 2800 BC, this 24ft-high tomb stands proudly overlooking the Lock of Harray, with its passages, chambers and huge collection of runic inscriptions among the finest in Europe.

Nearby are the brooding  Stones of Stenness , whose weather-beaten faces have stood strong against the elements for 5,000 years.

Beside the revered ceremonial circle is the Neolithic village of Barnhouse , where we will learn about our ancestors among the remains of 15 Stone Age dwellings.

This fascinating glimpse into the past is the perfect preparation for one of the highlights of our trip – the world-famous and perfectly preserved settlement of  Skara Brae , where you can follow in the footsteps of Neolithic farmers, hunters and fishermen. A more modern home can be found at our final stop of the day,  Skaill House , where we'll explore the delights of this historic 17th-century manor house before returning for the final time to our welcoming hotel.

Day 6 - Orkney - Gills Bay - Edinburgh/Glasgow

As dawn breaks on our final day in the islands, there is still plenty to discover.

Setting our compass for all points south, we cross to the picturesque town of St Margaret's Hope , where our trusty catamaran awaits. Hopping aboard, we'll embark on an hour-long sailing across the Pentland Firth , waving farewell to the islands as they disappear on the horizon. The waters between Orkney and the mainland are famed for their wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for the porpoises and minke whales that often accompany seagoers.

Gills Bay is our destination, from where we change tack and head towards Inverness on the scenic  North Coast 500 . Along the way we'll pass through delightful coastal towns and villages as we leisurely cross the Firths of Dornoch and Cromarty .

The rugged coast gives way to rolling hills and lush landscape, heralding our arrival in the stunning Cairngorms National Park . Passing through the dramatic peaks of the Pass of Drumochter , we have time to soak up the sights of glorious Highland Perthshire, with a stop on the way for refreshments.

Finally, we return to the Kingdom of Fife, from where you can end your archaeological adventure in either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this escorted tour.

If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. You’ll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!

You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too.

An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain locations you’ll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.

These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals.

On many tours you’ll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation.

What type of room should I choose?

Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour:

Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed. 

Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds.

Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. 

Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person).

Please note that a family room  is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.

All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. 

Where can I purchase travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line.

We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. 

Can you cater for special dietary needs?

Yes, it is possible to cater for passengers who are vegetarian or have medically-recommended diets. Please advise any special dietary requirements that you may have at time of booking.

Unfortunately it is not possible to arrange meals in accordance with strict religious requirements.

Can you check availability for me?

If you need to check that there are seats available for your party then please contact us by email or by telephone. Please note that availability may change and we are unable to “hold seats' without payment.

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

Accommodation

• 5 nights hotel accommodation
• Location: Northlink Ferry (1); Busta, Shetland Islands (1) and Kirkwall, Orkney islands (3)
• Cooked/Continental breakfast (5)
• Table d' hote dinners (5)

Visits, Admissions and Experiences

• Admission to Jarlshof, Scalloway Castle, Italian Chapel, Maeshowe, Stenness Standing Stones, Skara Brae and Skaill House 
• Excursion to Mousa 

Tour Essentials

• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats 
• All ferry fares and reservations
• All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
• Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
• Service charges and taxes 

Departure information

From Glasgow

North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP

Tour departure and return times will be advised in tour documentation.

Check-in: TBA hrs Tour Departs: TBA hrs Tour Returns: TBA hrs

From Edinburgh

Outside Marriott Hotel, on Glasgow Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8NF

Child details

Please contact us for information on child prices. 

Price Notes

Accommodation The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. 

Departure and Return Times Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days before departure.

FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.

Product code BW 03002

Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas

6 day tour from £ 1495.00

5 day tour from £ 950.00

5 day tour from £ 995.00

Orkney & Shetland

From standing stones to chambered cairns

The islands beyond the northernmost tip of Scotland glory in some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the world. For more than five thousand years they have been home to farmers and fishermen, who left monuments so impressive that this has been called an archaeologists’ paradise. During the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, the people of Orkney and Shetland were among the first in Britain to begin building Megalithic chamber tombs and later henge monuments. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite scent of heather. This tour was recently named as one of  The Times’ Best Cultural Holidays for 2022 . 

departures: Select Your Departure Date

What to Expect

• Marvel at the Neolithic dwellings at Skara Brae
• Visit Maeshowe, one of Europe’s finest Neolithic chambered cairns
• Admire the megalithic Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar
• Discover Jarlshof with its remarkably well-preserved wheelhouses

Related Tours

Andante Travels is part of Specialist Journeys, an award winning UK-based tour operator.

Tour Enquiry

The team is available Monday to Friday from 8am – 6pm (GMT)

Call us: 888 331 3476

We've noticed that you're using an out of date browser. We recommend that you update to the latest version to enhance your browsing experience.

Churchill Barriers

© iStock

Scotland's Far North, Shetland & Orkney 2024

A wonderful new tour that combines Scotland's Far North and the beauty of the Shetland and Orkney Isles. From the dramatic rugged coastlines and fascinating wildlife to the ancient history and unique blend of Scottish and Scandinavian culture.

DEPARTS - Wednesday 17 April & Wednesday 25 September 2024

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Take the fabulous Highland Line climbing through the Cairngorms
• Explore the Castle of Mey, the former royal residence of the Queen Mother
• Visit the Italian Chapel, Churchill Barriers, Skaill House and Skara Brae
• Tour idyllic Shetland Isle and discover its Viking past at Jarlshof
• See beautiful Shetland Ponies
• Discover rich archaeology and history
• Enjoy a photo-stop at John O’Groats
• Fantastic seascape coastline of the Far North
• Two night’s relaxing cruising with modern, en-suite cabins

Also included in your tour fare:

• Dinner every evening
• Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
• Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
• Hotel Porterage

From £1399 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

May — May

Contact details

• +44 (01538) 382323
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Medium Group (17-30)

Tour prices

From £1399 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Tour gallery

Tour company information

Railtrail tours.

Welcome to Railtrail Tours An independent, family firm with an ethos of honesty and integrity. Our passion for delivering quality escorted holidays by rail at great value fares along with consistently excellent customer service has stood us in good stead for over 42 years. Big on Quality, Small Enough to Care!

Social Channels

Visit Railtrail Tours

Opening times

Office Hours - 09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday

Other tours from this company

The Orkney and Shetland Explorer 2024

Discover the peace, tranquility, and rich heritage of the beautiful islands of O...

Price from:

£1529pp

Highland Adventure 2024

The glorious West Highland rail route with the fabulous 'Harry Potter' Jacobite...

£519pp

Queen of Scots 2024

A truly magical circular tour of the Highlands of Scotland in 2024, also taking...

£1699pp

Scottish Steam, Malt and Ale Trail 2024

Build up a head of steam, uncovering Scotland's heritage from a different angle....

£719pp

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Welcome to Railtrail Tours A family firm with an ethos of honesty and integrity. Our passion for delivering quality escorted holidays by rail at great value fares along with consistently excellent customer service has stood us in good stead for over 40 years. Big on Quality, Small Enough to Care

01538 382323 Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm

• Bristol & Bath
• Channel Islands
• Dorset & Isle Of Wight
• Isle of Man
• Isle of Scilly
• Lake District
• Northern Ireland
• Oxfordshire
• Peak District
• Staffordshire & Midlands
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• UK & Ireland
• Tour Calendar
• Late Availability
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Booking Conditions
• Tour Fares Explained
• Tour Descriptions
• An Introduction to Railtrail
• The History of Railtrail
• Meet the Team
• Financial Protection
• Railtrail Rewards
• Railtrail Tour Films
• Request a Brochure

The Orkney & Shetland Explorer

Discover the peace, tranquility, and rich heritage of the beautiful islands of Orkney & Shetland on our mini cruise to the northernmost reaches of the UK, part of a wider grand tour visiting John O’Groats, historic Stirling, and Edinburgh, Scotland’s proud capital.

• Detailed Overview
• Tour Itinerary
• Other Information
• Departure Dates
• Useful Links
• Suggested Tours

7 days from £1529

Wednesday 15 May 2024

Wednesday 19 June 2024

Wednesday 11 September 2024

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore historic Orkney at a gentle pace from our base on the Orkneys

Visit the Italian Chapel, Churchill Barriers, and Skara Brae

Tour idyllic Shetland Isle and discover its Viking past

Rich archaeology and history

Dramatic scenery of the Highland Lines

Photo-stop at John O’Groats

Fantastic seascape coastline of the Far North

One night’s relaxing cruising with modern, en-suite cabins

Scenic rail journey to Aberdeen along the North Sea coast

Spend time in historic Stirling, a short walk from the castle and Old Town

Visit Edinburgh, with a guided walking tour of the ‘Royal Mile’

Also included in your tour fare:

Dinner every evening

Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

We arrive in Stirling and check into the Stirling Highland Hotel, an attractive, historic building and formerly the city’s school. Why not explore the Old Town and take in the view from the castle before dinner.

Leaving Stirling, our train journey heads through the scenery of Perthshire, a taster of what lies in store on day 5. Today’s views just become more and more beautiful, however, as we hug the North Sea coastline on our way to Aberdeen. Here we join our Northlink ship, enjoying dinner on board before retiring to our en-suite cabins.

Disembark and step into an entrancing mixture of history with amazing flora and fauna on our guided tour of Shetland. More Scandinavian than Scottish in many ways, the Viking heritage is still strong in this world of magnificent wild beauty, steeped with internationally renowned archaeological sites. We visit remarkable Jarlshof, the historic town of Scalloway and its fascinating museum, capital Lerwick, seabird colonies, and the famous Shetland ponies. Back on-board ship, we sail this evening to the Orkneys, with dinner on board. We arrive late evening and check into our hotel for two nights, the Kirkwall Hotel.

Staying on Orkney allows us to tour the island at leisure. Our guided tour of Orkney includes the Churchill Barriers, the wonderful Italian Chapel that was built by prisoners of war, Skara Brae, the astonishingly well-preserved Neolithic village, and the awe-inspiring Ring of Brodgar stone circle. After a day exploring this unspoilt region of natural beauty, we settle down to dinner in our hotel.

Today begins with a cruise from Stromness to Scrabster. Make sure you have your cameras ready on port side as there are fabulous views of Old Man of Hoy, at 450ft, one of the UK’s tallest sea stacks. Our coach then continues the journey southwards calling in at John O’Groats, before taking the lovely coastal route through Caithness and Sutherland, skirting the Firths of Beauly and Cromarty en route to Inverness. Here we join the Highland Line, one of the country’s most beautiful, climbing into the Cairngorms before descending through Perthshire to our hotel for two nights, the Stirling Highland.

A short rail journey whisks us to Edinburgh Waverley where our Blue Badge Guide awaits to introduce the highlights of the city’s ‘Royal Mile’. An afternoon at leisure in Scotland’s proud capital enables you to visit the castle, relax on the Grassmarket, or indulge in a little retail therapy on Princes Street.

We bid farewell to Stirling and our Scottish grand tour.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Stirling Highland Hotel, Stirling

Just a short walk from Stirling Castle is the historic 4-star Highland Hotel. The hotel’s Scholars restaurant offers quality locally sourced food, and the comfortable bar is the perfect place to enjoy a wee dram! The leisure club, including swimming pool, is a great place to relax. Built in the 19 th century as the city’s High School, this characterful building still houses a working observatory in its roof.

Kirkwall Hotel, Kirkwall

This 3-star Victorian hotel is located on Kirkwall’s picturesque harbour front close to the marina and the main shopping area. The comfortable bedrooms are equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities. Single travellers have sole occupancy of a double room. The recently refurbished and stylish Harbour View Restaurant serves excellent local produce and the new Highland Park Bar and traditional Skippers Bar provide the perfect place to sample a glass of Orkney’s famous whisky.

Northlink Ferries

Northlink’s modern vessels boast comfortable bars, lounges, and restaurants, as well as well-stocked shops. Cabins have two comfortable fixed beds, positioned side by side. Built you’re your comfort in mind they are modern, clean, and fully equipped with en-suite washbasin, toilet, and shower facilities plus individual temperature control and tea/coffee making facilities.

*Please note : Some local and regional train services are Standard Class only, so First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of journeys.

Join & Leave at Hotels £1,539

June Departure Supplement £100

£10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards

Single Room Supplement £360

6 nights’ bed, breakfast & table d’hôte evening meal

Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described

All excursions & admissions as detailed

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

There are currently no departures available on this tour.

The website timed out while searching for the departure dates. Please try again.

It is not possible to display any suggested tours because JavaScript is disabled in your web browser.

UK, Euro & Worldwide 2024

Award Winning rail holidays in the UK, Europe & Worldwide, departing in 2024

Bavarian Rail Roamer

The Big Five versus The Stoosbahn

The Cream of Cornish Coasts & Country

Canals, Steam & Historic Chester

Dorset Coast & Isle of Wight Steam

Forest of Dean Steam & the Wye Valley

Festive Highlands Tartan & Taster

Floral Cheshire & Beyond

Great German Rail Ale Trail

Glorious Isles of Scilly

Grand Tour - Coastal Nostalgia in the Sunny South

Grand Tour - Derry To Kerry

Grand Tour - Land's End to John O'Groats

Grand Tour - Six Wonders of the Waterways

Grand Tour - The Transpyrenean

Grand Tour - Wales Coast to Coast

Heritage Bath & Ancient Wiltshire

The Hebrides & the Kyle Line

Hebridean Odyssey

Highland Adventure

Golden Highlander

Summer Highlander

Highland Rail Voyager

Harrogate New Year Celebration

Harrogate Christmas Celebration

Heart of Wales Steam & the Brecon Beacons

Harz Mountains Steam - the jewel of Germany

Isles of Scilly Discovery

Isle of Man Explorer

Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark

Lake District & Cumbrian Mountains Explorer

Majorca's Hidden Trails & Treasures

North Norfolk Coast, the Broads & Steam

Nostalgic Lakeland Railways & Cumbria

Picturesque Pitlochry & The Enchanted Forest

Queen of Scots

Queen of Scots & Edinburgh

Royal Berkshire, Oxford & Christmas Castles

Royal Deeside Explorer

Romantic Highlander

Rail & Ramble in Historic Derbyshire

Shipshape & Bristol Fashion!

Step Back in Tyne - Discover the North East

Stirling Cities of Scotland by Rail

Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

Swiss Christmas Snow Train Adventure

Scotland's Far North, Shetland & Orkney

Springtime Gardens of Cornwall

Spectacular Scotland at Christmas

Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera

The Australian (Flight Inclusive)

The Australian (Ground Only)

Dutch Maximum Steam Weekend

Eastern USA Fall Colours Steam (Flight Inclusive)

Eastern usa fall colours steam (ground only).

Lake Geneva Spring Steam

North East Steam

Northern Germany by Steam

Roses Battle By Steam-Settle & Carlisle Line

Swiss Glacier Express and the Bernina

Switzerland Steam-Powered Six

Swiss Rail Roamer

Swiss Mountain Steam

Timeless Isle of Man Adventurer

West Coast Arran & Skye Discovery

Wonderful Wales

Welsh Whisky, Mines, Mint & Steam

Yorkshire Gold - Steam, Coast & Country

Yuletide Yorkshire

• Privacy Policy GDPR
• Cookie Policy
• Terms of Use
• Railtrail Site Map

This website uses cookies to store information. By continuing to browse the website without changing your settings you are agreeing to their use. For more information view our cookie policy .

• ☰    Menu

6 Day Orkney, Shetland and Highlands Private Tour

A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland.

Day 1 – Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster near Thurso. The drive north covers wonderful coastal scenery and normally takes around 3-4 hours including photo stops and a brief visit to the historic town of Dornoch. Our 1½ hour ferry journey includes a great view of the Old Man of Hoy before our arrival in Orkney where we visit Skara Brae, a five thousand year old Neolithic village settlement – one of the highlights of the tour – before heading for our overnight stay in Kirkwall.

Day 2 – A full day on the Orkney mainland that includes a visit to Maeshowe Neolithic chambered tomb. We also explore the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and the 2000 year old Broch of Gurness. After visiting the Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers, the late afternoon is spent in Kirkwall at St Magnus Cathedral and the Earl’s Palace. After an evening meal in Kirkwall we catch the late ferry (11.45pm) from Kirkwall for an overnight sailing to Lerwick in Shetland.

Day 3 – Arriving in Lerwick harbour in the early morning (7.30am), we enjoy breakfast on the ferry before exploring the south mainland of Shetland. Sumburgh Head is our first stop – a haven for seabirds (including puffins from May to July). Next is Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlement which spans over four thousand years. The afternoon takes us on a beautiful coastal drive to the breath-taking St Ninian's Isle where you can hike across the sands to the island before we return north to Lerwick for our overnight stay.

Day 4 – A day to explore the most northernly inhabited island in Scotland – Unst. Departing from Lerwick we drive north to catch the 20-minute ferry crossing to Yell. After a scenic drive through Yell we take the short 10-minute ferry crossing to Unst. We spend the late morning and early afternoon exploring the island, with visits to Muness Castle, Haroldswick, Burra Firth and Saxa Vord, before our return to Lerwick in the late afternoon for our overnight stay.

Day 5 – Departing from Lerwick we head towards the north Shetland mainland. Arriving at Eshaness we savour the dramatic cliffs and sea stacks of Shetland’s stunning coastal landscape. We then enjoy a scenic drive around Scalloway and Burra before returning to Lerwick. The afternoon includes a visit the Shetland Museum and some free time to meander through Lerwick town and harbour. In the late afternoon we board the ferry from Lerwick for an overnight sailing to Aberdeen on the Scottish mainland.

Day 6 – Arriving into Aberdeen harbour in the early morning (7am) we enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the ferry before heading east towards to Elgin to explore the stunning seven hundred year old ruins of Elgin Cathedral and the Pictish standing stones of the area. The afternoon takes us back to Inverness where we end the tour with a visit to the four thousand year old burial cairns and standing stones at Clava followed by a guided walk of Culloden Battlefield.

What to expect on a private tour to Orkney and Shetland...

All the video clips shown above were taken during tours to Orkney and Shetland and your tour will include all these wonderful views... though maybe not the weather – we are the land of four seasons in one day!

Private Tour Price (per tour)

May to September:    £4950

Tour Information

Depart Inverness Return Inverness (6 Days)

This tour is available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday start days from Inverness.

Tours are exclusively for your private group only ( up to 3 persons ) and prices are per tour . We only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include all taxes and a driver/guide ( John Alasdair Macdonald ) but exclude your ferry tickets (price per person listed above), accommodation costs, overnight ferry cabin costs (details below), entrance fees and meals.

Accommodation Options We recommend that you book accommodation in Kirkwall (Day 1) and Lerwick (Day 3 and 4) to make the most of your trip. Whilst we do not book accommodation for you we are happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.

During this tour we will take two overnight ferry sailings where you can book overnight en-suite cabins. Prices depend on your cabin choice (for example, a twin outer cabin is between £131 and £167 per cabin depending on class). The tour quote will include full details of the cabin options and their current prices. More information about the cabin choices can be found on the Northlink Ferries Website .

Tour Itinerary The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, we have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let us know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form .

Tour Notes Day 2 is a longer tour day due to the late evening boarding for the overnight ferry (we are usually in our cabins by 11.45pm). We will start at 9am and tour around Orkney until 5.30pm. After a leisurely evening meal in Kirkwall, we take a final scenic drive (approx. 1 hour) before joining the ferry queue by 10pm. The ferry arrives in Shetland at 7.30am the following morning and we will leave the boat by 8.30am. To ensure a comfortable first day in Shetland, we tend to finish our touring by the mid-afternoon so that you can relax in Lerwick.

Ferry Sailings Shetland is in the North Atlantic and the seas can be choppy during ferry sailings even in the summer months. Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for any extra accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.

Weather The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. Shetland, in particular though, is a land of 'four seasons in one day'! As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.

Rapist jailed for 'abhorrent' sex attacks spanning three decades in Orkney and Shetland

Sean Casey, 69, repeatedly raped one woman and twice and indecently assaulted another. A court heard he continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Scotland reporter @Jenster13

Thursday 11 April 2024 13:45, UK

A rapist whose campaign of sexual violence spanned three decades has been jailed for 11 years. 

Sean Casey, 69, repeatedly raped one woman and twice and indecently assaulted another.

His offending, going back to the 1990s, occurred in the Orkney and Shetland areas.

Judge William Summers stated: "Your crimes are abhorrent.

"The nature of your offending is such that it will inevitably have caused serious psychological harm to the complainers. That much is clear from the victim impact statements."

Casey was last month found guilty of multiple rapes and indecent assault following a trial at the High Court in Aberdeen . He was sentenced on Wednesday.

Judge Summers said Casey continued to deny any wrongdoing.

More on Scotland

Harry Potter steam train back on track - but booked passengers at risk of losing seats

John Blyth jailed for life over murder of Paul Smith in Edinburgh

Commonwealth Games 2026: Could Glasgow step up to host?

Related Topics:

He said: "You do not accept any responsibility for your sexual offending. In consequence, you show no remorse or victim empathy."

Judge Summers noted Casey only had one previous conviction.

He added: "You have never previously served a custodial sentence but it is clear, given the gravity of your offending, that there is no alternative to the imposition of a lengthy custodial sentence."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Along with the 11-year jail-term, Casey was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

Judge Summers added: "It is to be hoped that the two courageous women who survived your sexual abuse will be able to put it behind them and that it does not come to define them."

Read more from Sky News: Drug-dealing mum jailed over death of baby son who ingested 'party' narcotic Woman found stabbed to death in home named

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Following the court case, Detective Constable Emma Ellis said Casey was now facing the consequences of his actions.

"I hope these women will take some form of justice from the outcome in court as they continue to move forward with their lives," she said.

"I'd urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual crime, regardless of when it happened, to come forward and report it to us.

"Police Scotland is committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible before the courts. We have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout the process."

Related Topics