Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets
Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets
Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets
8 Days
Visiting: Travel via Inverness to North Coast, John O Groats & Castle of Mey, The Orkneys, Guided Tour of the Orkney Isles, Return Journey through Scotland, Journey home
Tour operator:
Tour code:
uk8ork
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey to uncover Orkney's ancient secrets with this immersive tour through Scotland. Begin your adventure with an overnight stay in the scenic Scottish Borders before traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of Perthshire and the Cairngorm National Park to the North Coast. Explore the historic Castle of Mey and the iconic John O' Groats, then sail to the Orkney Isles for a three-night stay. Delve into Orkney's rich history with a guided tour of its Neolithic sites, including Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, and enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace. Conclude your journey with a scenic return through the Scottish Highlands, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. All accommodations are comfortable 3-star hotels, ensuring a relaxing and memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to our overnight hotel in the Scottish Borders.
Day 2 Travel Via Inverness To North Coast
Location: Travel via Inverness to North Coast
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,
Day 3 John O Groats & Castle Of Mey
Location: John O Groats & Castle of Mey
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
Day 4 The Orkneys
Location: The Orkneys
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
Day 5 Guided Tour Of The Orkney Isles
Location: Guided Tour of the Orkney Isles
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 Skara 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.
Day 6 Day At Leisure In The Orkneys
Location: Day at leisure in the Orkneys
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Day 7 Return Journey Through Scotland
Location: Return Journey through Scotland
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.
Day 8 Journey Home
Location: Journey home
After breakfast we continue our journey back into England and then home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
You will enjoy an overnight stay on the outbound journey in the Scottish Borders area before journeying to the North Coast of Scotland for a 2-night stay. On Day 4 you will transfer to Orkney by ferry and stay for 3 nights before the journey back on Day 7 with an overnight stay again in the Scottish Borders area before returning home. All hotels will be 3-star.
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Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour.
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Ferry to Orkney
The tour includes a ferry ride with the coach to Orkney.
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Guided Tour of Orkney Isles
A local guide joins the coach for a memorable day out, visiting many ancient monuments, stone circles, settlements, and tombs.
What's Not Included
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Lunch
Lunch is not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, or activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Accommodation
You will enjoy an overnight stay on the outbound journey in the Scottish Borders area before journeying to the North Coast of Scotland for a 2nts stay. On Day 4 you will transfer to Orkney by ferry and stay for 3nts before the journey back on Day 7 with overnight stay again in the Scottish borders area before returning home. All hotels will be 3-star.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes travel by coach with a local departure or Home Connect service, ferry transfer to Orkney with the coach, and a return journey through Scotland. Enjoy scenic drives through the Scottish Highlands and along the North Coast, with stops at key locations.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes overnight stays in 3-star hotels. You will stay in the Scottish Borders area on the outbound journey and again on the return journey. There is a 2-night stay on the North Coast of Scotland and a 3-night stay on Orkney.
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What can I expect to see during the guided tour of the Orkney Isles?
During the guided tour of the Orkney Isles, you will visit many ancient monuments, stone circles, settlements, and tombs, which highlight the islands' Neolithic ancestry. The tour includes visits to Skara Brae, Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Stennes Standing Stones, and the Italian Chapel. You will also hear stories about Viking intruders and wartime exploits, immersing yourself in Orkney's rich maritime heritage.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there is a day at leisure in the Orkneys where you can explore at your own pace.
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How do we travel to Orkney during the tour?
You will travel to Orkney by boarding a ferry with the coach for a 90-minute sailing.
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What historical sites are included in the visit to the North Coast of Scotland?
On the North Coast of Scotland, you will visit The Castle of Mey, which was privately owned by the late Queen Mother, and John O Groats, known for being the most northerly point in mainland Britain. You will also have the opportunity to explore the historic seaport of Wick, which was originally a Viking settlement.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Shearings requires a minimum deposit of 75 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of shearings charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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