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Orkney & Shetland
Explorer
DAY 1
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. (D)
DAY 2
Today’s journey north heads through
Gleneagles and Perth, before climbing through
the Cairngorms on the Highland Line . Changing
trains at Inverness, we continue our journey to
the north of the UKmainland on the spectacular
Far North Line , skirting the Firths of Beauly
and Cromarty and the Sutherland coast,
before heading inland across the untouched
wilderness of Caithness . In Thurso we spend
two nights in the Pentland Hotel. (B,D)
DAY 3
A leisurely tour of Caithness sees us visit
John O’Groats, from where the Orkney Isles
lie tantalisingly within reach in the distance
offshore. In the afternoon we continue to the
Castle of Mey , the house beloved of the Queen
Mother. (B,D)
DAY 4
Today begins with a cruise from Scrabster to
Stromness. Make sure you have your cameras
ready on starboard side, as there are fabulous
views of Old Man of Hoy, at 450 ft one of the
UK’s tallest sea stacks. Our guided tour of
DEPARTS
HOTELS
Wednesday 18 May 2016
Wednesday 31 August 2016
Discover the peace, tranquility and rich heritage of the beautiful islands
of Orkney & Shetland on our two night 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.
Thanks to Northlink Ferrries
Voe, Shetland
© Visit Scotland
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ Explore historic Orkney at a gentle
pace
★ ★ Visit the Italian Chapel, Churchill
Barriers and Skara Brae
★ ★ Tour idyllic Shetland Isle and its Viking
past
★ ★ Rich archaeology & history combined
with beautiful flora & fauna
★ ★ Dramatic scenery of the Highland &
Far North Lines
★ ★ Discover Thurso, John O’Groats and
the Castle of Mey
★ ★ Fantastic seascape coastline of the
Far North
★ ★ Relaxing overnight cruising with
modern, en-suite cabins
★ ★ Scenic rail journey from 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’
Fares
From
£1099
FARES
Orkney includes the Churchill Barriers , the
wonderful Italian Chapel , built by prisoners
of war; Skara Brae, the astonishingly well-
preserved Neolithic village, and the awe-
inspiring Ring of Brodgar stone circle. We enjoy
dinner in Kirkwall before boarding our Northlink
ferry, with en suite cabins, to gently sleep as
we cruise to Shetland. (B,D)
DAY 5
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, along with historic town of Scalloway
and its fascinating museum, capital Lerwick,
seabird colonies and the famous Shetland
ponies. Back on board ship, relax and enjoy our
evening meal and cruise overnight southwards
to Aberdeen. (B,D)
DAY 6
Awakening refreshed we enjoy breakfast
before transferring to Aberdeen station.
Today’s rail journey hugs the coast, crossing
the Tay Bridge in spectacular fashion, before
returning through Fife to Stirling for two more
nights at the Stirling Highland Hotel. (B,D)
DAY 7
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. (B,D)
DAY 8
We bid farewell to Stirling and our Scottish
grand tour. (B)
Stirling Highland Hotel
Just a short walk from Stirling Castle, the
Highland Hotel is 4* and its restaurant boasts
an AA Rosette. Its free car park allows you
to drive to your holiday and join at tour base,
should you wish, whereas the leisure club,
including swimming pool, is a great place to
relax. Built in the 19th century as the city’s
High School, this historic building still houses a
working observatory in its roof.
Pentland Hotel, Thurso
Conveniently located in central Thurso, the
Pentland Hotel is a good base from which to
explore Caithness.
Northlink Ferries
Modern, fully equipped cabins with en-suite
washbasin, toilet and shower facilities plus
individual temperature control and tea/coffee
making facilities.
FARE REGION FIRST STANDARD RC
London: King’s Cross £1299 £1215 -£20
Greater London £1330 £1230 -£20
South of England £1340 £1240 -£25
East Anglia £1360 £1250 -£30
South West £1425 £1290 -£40
Heart of England £1340 £1240 -£25
Midlands £1320 £1215 -£20
Yorkshire £1255 £1190 -£20
North East £1215 £1170 -£20
North West £1275 £1185 -£20
South Wales £1360 £1245 -£30
North Wales £1295 £1210 -£20
Scotland £1140 £1125 -£10
Join & Leave at Hotel £1099
Single Room Supplement £240
7 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’Hôte evening meal
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station
to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions and admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
8
DAYS
© Visit Scotland
Old Man of Hoy Italian Chapel, Orkney
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T OUR