tours of orkney and shetland islands

Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

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• Highlights of Orkney...

• Standing Stones of Stenness
• Sumburgh Head
• Italian Chapel

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Highlights of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland 6 day/5 night

This island adventure starts with a tour to Aberdeen to catch the overnight ferry service bound for Lerwick in the Shetlands, Britain's most northerly island archipelago. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. Next, sail southwards to reach the Orkney Islands, where we'll discover the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland.

Jarlshof - explore this historic site, where people lived for more than 4,000 years, to see outstanding examples of Bronze Age and Viking houses

Scalloway - tour through this attractive fishing port that was once the island capital to visit the imposing ruins of 17th Century Scalloway Castle  

Maeshowe - investigate this impressive chambered tomb and see the Viking graffiti left 1,000 years ago    

Skara Brae - discover how early man lived at this amazingly well-preserved Stone Age settlement of dwelling houses complete with beds and chairs  

Kirkwall - enjoy a three-night stay in this bustling port dominated by 12th Century St Magnus Cathedral  

Movie locations – Moondogs, The Long Hope and The Spy in Black

Hotel accommodation included

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Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Aberdeen - Overnight Ferry

From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon.

At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland . Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities.

We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant.

The rest of this evening is free to relax and, perhaps, enjoy a wee night-cap in the bar or get some fresh sea air before retiring for the night.    

Overnight: MV Hrossey or Hjaltland

Day 2 - Exploring Shetland

We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour.

A short drive to the western side of the Shetland mainland brings us to the old fishing port of Scalloway, which sits overlooking a sheltered bay. This was once the Shetland capital and is the site of Scalloway Castle which was built for the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the early 17th Century. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit.

Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. Look out for the lighthouse , opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away.

Our journey south takes us through Mavis Grind, an isthmus so narrow it is said to be possible to throw a stone from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling.    

Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe.

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

Day 3 - Jarlshof - Ferry Crossing - Orkney Islands

After breakfast, we travel to the very south of the mainland to visit Jarlshof , where waves of settlers lived for more than 4,000 years.

At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you.

Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson .

During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

This afternoon we tour through the island, and as we make our journey hopefully, we will see some native Shetland ponies grazing in their fields.

Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting.

Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands . Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights.

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

Day 4 - Discovering prehistoric Orkney

Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site . Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old.

Next, we make for Maeshowe , a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World.

Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae . This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site.  

Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel.

Day 5 - Scapa Flow and Italian Chapel Excursion

Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus , which was begun in 1137. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace , which was reputedly built using forced labour.

If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored.  

Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. In 1919 the German Navy scuttled itself as a grand act of defiance and, in 1939, HMS Royal Oak was sunk here by a U-boat.

To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm.

The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building.  

Day 6 - Orkney - Cairngorms National Park - Edinburgh/Glasgow

Today we bid farewell to island life and make the journey to St Margaret's Hope where the fast Pentland Ferries catamaran waits to transport us across the Pentland Firth. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen.

On arrival at Gills Bay, we join the famous North Coast 500 route as we make the coastal drive southwards across the Dornoch and Cromarty Firths towards Inverness.

The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments.

The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there.

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. 

What is a typical tour schedule?

Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. During the course of the day you’ll normally be travelling for no more than 2 hours at a time before making a stop to enjoy a visit to an attraction or for a comfort break/meal stop. 

Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day.

In some cases, due to ferry or other travel connections, the tour may depart earlier or arrive later – your tour director will advise you if this will be happening on your tour.

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. 

Who travels on an escorted tour?

These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. It’s a great way to make new friends!

Age-wise it’s really difficult for us to give an accurate figure for any given tour departure, but experience has taught us to expect the median age to be between 45 and 50.

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 Scalloway Castle, Jarlshof, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Italian Chapel

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 your tour documentation.

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

From Edinburgh

Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh 111 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 02968

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Customer reviews overall rating:.

No hesitation in recommending this tour. Was our first coach tour so was a bit unsure of what to expect but it was great. Nice to have everything planned and organised. Great hotels (including a 500 year old one!) Considering the high standard of accomodation and meals it was good value and a stress free way to visit Shetland and Orkney.

A comprehensive, informative and interesting tour of both islands. A good balance of archeological sites and the natural geography and features of both islands. Excellent accommodation on Shetland.

Thoroughly recommend this tour if you are interested in visiting Shetland and Orkney

6 day tour from £ 1695.00

5 day tour from £ 950.00

5 day tour from £ 995.00

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

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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.

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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. ”

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

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: 646 802 1528

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

• Save £150 on this tour with our current offers.

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 845 392

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Orkney & Shetland Self-drive

Skara Brae on Orkney

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Explore prehistoric sites and experience a very different way of life.

Our self-drive touring holiday of Orkney & Shetland gives you the opportunity to experience the landscapes, wildlife and archaeological heritage of these magical, and very different, parts of the UK. Both have featured recently on the BBC, yet in very contrasting ways: Orkney is hailed for its rich folklore, prehistoric sites and abundance of wildlife, while Shetland owes its ever increasing popularity to the hit TV series Shetland based on Ann Cleeves’ gritty – and fictional – crime stories.

This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands.

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

• McKinlay Kidd

Holiday Details

Day one to three – orkney.

Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the island’s capital, Kirkwall.

Your Hotel on Orkney

A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) You’ll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. Savour your chance to try lamb with its distinctive flavour due to the seaweed diet of the sheep, or sample local seafood including mouth-watering prawns and delicious stir-fried squid.

What to See and Do on Orkney

You’ll find pre-history at almost every turn across the Orkney islands: from neolithic chambered cairns, stone circles and standing stones through to the fascinating Stone Age village at Skara Brae. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. Now it forms part of the World Heritage Site in the centre of the Orkney Mainland, along with the tomb of Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar and the mighty Standing Stones of Stenness.

While these are some of the most impressive ancient sites in Europe, you’ll find other beguiling places of interest scattered across the whole island chain. The Vikings left their mark, such as the beautifully proportioned round church at Orphir as well as their grafitti which we now admire as works of art! Visit the “Orkneyinga” Viking history interpretation centre to learn more.

Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay – now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland.  Stop off to admire the ornate Italian Chapel, crafted from scraps by prisoners of war, and look out for the many wrecked ships poking their remains out of the water around Scapa Flow.

We’d also suggest a day of further island hopping by ferry, perhaps across to nearby Shapinsay for a good stretch of the legs or a visit to more mountainous Hoy for an alternative perspective on the Old Man sea stack. If, like us, you can’t get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times.

Days Three to Four –  To Shetland

Travel by overnight ferry to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, arriving at 0730 and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking.

This morning you will enjoy a real treat – a wildlife boat trip. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and you’ll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Meanwhile seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. It is a wonderful way to get a real feel for both the culture and the wildlife of these islands, with knowledgeable guides on hand to inform.

Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base.

Your Hotel on Shetland

Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and – supposedly – a resident ghost. Although parts date back to the 1500s, most of the building was completed in the eighteenth century by a wealthy landowning family as their own home. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London.

What to See and Do on Shetland

Make sure you visit Jarlshof, another incredible prehistoric site exposed in violent storms in the last couple of centuries. Its name, meaning Earl’s House, was bestowed by Sir Walter Scott when he used the ruins of the sixteenth century laird’s house as a fictional setting. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here.

If you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. You’re also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels.

The capital, Lerwick, is home to Shetland’s main museum and local art centre by the harbour, as well as various locations used in the filming of the Shetland TV series. For some magnificent coastal drama of a different kind, take a trip to Eshaness and watch the waves crashing around the sea stacks and pounding the cliffs.

Day Six/Seven – Return Home

Time to return home. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey.

Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland.  The holiday described is based on taking your own car, but ask us if you would like a fly-drive proposal, flying to and between the islands and hiring a car on each island.

£955 per person for March, £995 per person for April & October, £1045 per person for May to September 

Prices are based on two people sharing a room for this six night holiday and includes breakfast in both hotels, ferry crossings from Caithness to Orkney, from Orkney to Shetland and from Lerwick to Aberdeen. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September).

If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, we’d be delighted to assist. Please contact us for more details.

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.

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

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Exploring ancient civilisations in Orkney

Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. I have never been that far north before. I flew from Glasgow to Kirkwall, the main town, instead of tak...

Exceeded our expectations…put together with care and insight. We followed many of the recommendations and were not disappointed.

Hotels and guides were all excellent.

I love that I can call a number and reach someone at any time. Overall the holiday was never to be forgotten.

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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

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• W Wednesday

May — May

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• +44 (01538) 382323
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• Medium Group (17-30)

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Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Ultimate Guide to Visiting Shetland & Orkney

Home > Blog > Ultimate Guide to Visiting Shetland & Orkney

For many people, Shetland and Orkney are the remote islands ‘somewhere up the top’ of a map of the British Isles.

But make the simple journey north and you’ll discover cosmopolitan towns, world-class scenery, and some of the friendliest locals around. With a fascinating history dating back to Neolithic times, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit some of the finest historic sites in Europe.

Absolute Escapes have been arranging self-drive holidays in Scotland for almost two decades, and we like to think that our customer excellence rating of 99% is based on our first-hand experience. With this in mind, I ventured north to research Shetland and Orkney. A tough job but someone’s got to do it!

Armed with new-found knowledge from my trip, here’s my ultimate guide to these beautiful archipelagoes.

When is the best time to visit Shetland & Orkney?

How can i book a holiday to shetland & orkney, how do i get to shetland and how long does it take, how long should i spend on shetland, what are the best things to see on shetland, where are the best beaches on shetland, is it easy to travel around on shetland, how do i get to unst, what wildlife can i see on shetland, what is accommodation like on shetland, where are the best places to eat and drink on shetland, any more tips on visiting shetland, how do i get from shetland to orkney, how long should i spend on orkney, what are the best things to see on orkney, where are the best beaches on orkney, is it easy to travel around orkney, how do i get to the old man of hoy, what wildlife can i see on orkney, what’s accommodation like on orkney, where are the best places to eat and drink on orkney, any more tips on visiting orkney.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shetland Islands (@promoteshetland)

May and September are usually excellent months to visit Shetland and Orkney. They are not only quieter than June, July and August in terms of visitor numbers, but also statistically the driest months of the year.

The northern latitude means that the sun barely sets in summer, providing almost endless hours of daylight to explore. On Shetland, the long summer days and unique light are known as the simmer din . Winter months are very dark, and the sun sets before 15.00 on the winter solstice. The legendary Viking fire festival Up Helly Aa brightens up Shetland on the last Tuesday of every January.

Summer is the best time for nature lovers to visit. Puffins arrive here to breed from mid-April until early August, and your best chance of encountering orcas and minke whales is from the start of May until early August.

It’s also worth mentioning that Orkney is the UK’s most popular cruise ship destination. The busiest months for cruise ship arrivals are May, June and August, and you should avoid those months if you’d like to experience Orkney with fewer crowds.

Absolute Escapes offer tailor-made holidays which are created uniquely for you by our award-winning specialists. Our packages include hand-picked accommodation, a personalised information pack, and 24-hour support from our dedicated team.

Our popular Shetland & Orkney: Escape to the Edge itinerary is a superb introduction to the islands. It includes an overnight ferry from Aberdeen, three nights on Shetland, four nights on Orkney, all ferry travel between the islands, and (optional) car hire.

You can travel to Shetland by ferry or by plane.

The main ferry service is operated by Northlink and runs daily from Aberdeen to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. Ferries depart from Aberdeen in early evening and arrive in Lerwick very early the following morning. The ferries are modern and well-equipped with comfortable en-suite cabins.

There are also several flights per day from the main Scottish airports (Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow), and regular summer flights from Bergen in Norway. The journey time from Edinburgh and Glasgow is 1.5 hours and 1 hour from Aberdeen.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by VisitScotland (@visitscotland)

With around 100 islands, Shetland is surprisingly large and spread out. The main island, which is known as ‘Mainland’, is home to the vast majority of the population and is the fifth largest island in the British Isles with an area of 373 square miles.

Due to its size, you could easily spend a week on Shetland and barely scratch the surface. If you don’t have endless time, it’s possible to see some of Shetland’s top attractions over 3 or 4 nights.

If you’re travelling by ferry from Aberdeen, it’s worth remembering that you will arrive in Lerwick very early in the morning (07.30) which will effectively give you an extra day of sightseeing on arrival.

On arrival, many visitors make a beeline for the South Mainland which is home to some of Shetland’s most popular attractions:

• Jarlshof : The incredibly well-preserved remains of a 4,500-year-old Neolithic settlement. A true historic gem.
• Sumburgh Head : Popular visitor centre and nature reserve. An excellent place to spot puffins and marine animals.
• St Ninian’s Isle : This unique ‘tombolo’ beach is one of Shetland’s most scenic spots.

The island’s vibrant capital of Lerwick is also home to some excellent attractions:

• Shetland Museum : This excellent, modern museum tells the story of Shetland’s history and culture. Entry is free.
• Fort Charlotte : A 17th-century fortress built to defend Shetland from Dutch and French warships.
• ‘The Lodberry’ : The home of fictional detective, Jimmy Perez, from the Shetland TV series. This must be the most photographed spot on Shetland!
• Clickimin Broch : An outstanding example of an Iron Age broch, which is a stone-built round house found only in Scotland.

There are plenty of fabulous things to see elsewhere on Shetland. Here is some of our favourites:

• Scalloway : The island’s ancient capital is only a 15-minute drive from Lerwick and well worth a visit. Explore Scalloway Castle (closed in 2022 for conservation work) and Scalloway Museum.
• Eshaness : This rugged corner of the north-west Mainland is home to awe-inspiring scenery and bracing coastal walks.
• Unst : Britain’s most northerly island is home to sensational scenery and wonderful wildlife at Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Getting to Unst requires a bit of pre-planning (more info here ), but it’s well worth the effort.

With a natural sand causeway jutting out across the sea, the ‘tombolo’ beach at St Ninian’s is quite simply breathtaking. This spot features in many promotional images of Shetland and is justifiably popular with visitors, although – even in the height of summer – you’re likely to see no more than a handful of other people.

Nearby Scousburgh Sands is another idyllic and peaceful spot. The golden sands are backed with sand dunes, and you may be lucky enough to see seals bobbing around in the sea nearby.

My favourite beach on Shetland was Meal Beach in West Burra – an idyllic, south-facing cove with white sand and turquoise water. West Burra is connected by bridge from the Mainland so there are no ferries required.

Shetland’s roads are generally in excellent condition and it is stress-free to drive around the islands. Like much of Scotland, some parts of Shetland have single-track roads – in which case you will need to use passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or there is a driver behind you who wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right.

If you’d like to do a bit of island-hopping, Shetland Islands Council operate the ferry services on Shetland. These ferries are frequent and reliable, and we would advise pre-booking journeys in advance.

Public transport on Shetland is available in most places and is fairly reliable. You can plan public transport journeys on the Shetland Travel website.

Shetland’s ultimate island-hop destination is well worth the effort to get there. Unst is the most northerly island in Britain and home to the legendary Hermaness National Nature Reserve.

Getting to Unst (and then back to the Mainland) involves taking 4 ferries. These can get very busy in peak season and we would recommend pre-booking tickets for all journeys on the Shetland Island Council website:

• Toft (mainland) to Ulsta (Yell)
• Gutcher (Yell) to Belmont (Unst)
• Belmont (Unst) to Gutcher (Yell)
• Ulsta (Yell) to Toft (Mainland)

No payment is made at the time of booking – you will instead be asked to pay in full on the first ferry. You can do so by cash or debit/credit card. The staff are flexible and helpful if you miss a pre-booked ferry journey, however, you may need to wait a while until they can find a space for you on a subsequent ferry.

Most people drive straight through Yell (around a 30 minute drive) to take the second ferry across to Unst. Therefore, we would suggest booking the Gutcher to Belmont crossing no earlier than 40 minutes after the first ferry arrives in Ulsta.

Eating options on Unst are limited. Victoria’s Vintage Tea Rooms is open from Tuesday – Saturday (10.00 – 17.00) and booking a table is essential. Alternatively, we would suggest picking up a packed lunch from the Mainland.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Laurie Goodlad | Travel writer (@shetlandwithlaurie)

Shetland is, of course, world-famous for its eponymous ponies, which can be seen grazing by the roadside or on the heathery hills. During August, the local agricultural shows take place, providing excellent opportunities to see Shetland ponies in action.

People travel from across the world to view Shetland’s seabird colonies, including puffins, gannets, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes. It really is a bird lover’s paradise, and you are guaranteed to see puffins at Sumburgh Head and Hermaness nature reserves in season.

Shetland is also one of the best places in Britain to spot sea mammals, particularly common seals, grey seals, otters, harbour porpoises and, occasionally, orcas. The best time to see them is between May and August.

Accommodation on Shetland ranges from everything from tiny glamping pods and cosy B&Bs to modern hotels. For our self-drive packages, we will usually try to secure accommodation in Lerwick as it has good amenities and some fabulous places to eat and drink.

Although accommodation options are more limited further north, there are some lovely places to stay around Brae and Hillswick. These are good bases to explore the northern Mainland and travel to Yell and Unst.

Many of the best places to eat are in the main town of Lerwick – a bustling, cosmopolitan port with amenities usually found in much larger towns.

Fjarå Café Bar is a relaxed bistro just outside the centre of Lerwick which offers fantastic sea views, friendly staff and delicious food. Don’t miss the freshly-landed mussels.

Located on Lerwick’s main street, C’est la Vie Cafe serves French and Spanish specialities. While the cafe does not have an alcohol license, you are welcome to BYOB. It is open daily for lunch and dinner.

The Dowry is a modern space with a Nordic feel, serving excellent food with an Asian twist. The name was taken from the dowry payment by which Shetland and Orkney were pawned to Scotland by the King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden in the sixteenth century.

In Scalloway, Da Haaf Restaurant is right at the heart of all things maritime, serving excellent local seafood and other produce with a view over Port Arthur.

During the busy summer months of June, July and August, we’d recommend pre-booking an entry slot for Jarlshof on the Historic Scotland website.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Le Routard (@leroutard)

The ferry service from Shetland to Orkney is operated by Northlink . There are usually 3 crossings per week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) which depart Lerwick at 17.30 and arrive in Kirkwall at 23.00. If you’re taking this ferry, we’d recommend eating dinner on board as most places in Kirkwall will be closed on arrival.

You can also fly directly from Shetland to Orkney with Loganair .

Orkney is an archipelago made up of 70 islands, which you could spend a lifetime exploring. If you don’t have endless time, 4 or 5 nights will give you a good flavour of the islands and allow you to see most of the top attractions.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by NorthLink Ferries (@northlink_ferries)

Orkney’s cosmopolitan capital of Kirkwall is a delightful small town with excellent attractions:

• St Magnus Cathedral : Known as the ‘Light in the North’, this majestic cathedral was originally founded in the 12th century by Viking Earl Rognvald.
• Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces : These palaces are regarded as two of the finest examples of architecture in Scotland and highlight Orkney’s strong Norse links.
• Highland Park Distillery : Enjoy a tour and tasting at one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries.

Orkney’s exceptional prehistoric sites have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’. The most popular attractions to visit are:

• Skara Brae : This incredible Neolithic village is the jewel in the crown. Older than the Egyptian Pyramids, it offers a fascinating glimpse into life for Orkney’s earliest inhabitants between 3,200 and 2,200 BC.
• Maeshowe : This atmospheric chambered cairn and tomb was constructed around 5,000 years ago. It was broken into by Vikings in the 12th century who carved runic graffiti into the walls of the main chamber.
• Ring of Brodgar : One of the largest and best-preserved stone circles in the British Isles. This is a popular spot with coach tours, so we’d suggest visiting early or later in the day to avoid the crowds.

There are plenty of fantastic attractions elsewhere on Orkney:

• Stromness : With quaint alleyways and sweeping sea views, Orkney’s second-largest town is a lovely place to wander around. Pop into the Pier Arts Centre or Stromness Museum.
• Italian Chapel : This incredibly ornate Catholic chapel was built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.
• Brough of Birsay : Walk across a tidal causeway to explore Pictish, Norse and medieval remains on a beautiful island. The causeway is only passable for two hours either side of low tide. You can check tidal times on the Met Office or Orkney.com websites.
• Yesnaby Castle : This wild stretch of coastline on the west Mainland is an unbeatable place for a bracing coastal walk. The sea stack, Yesnaby Castle, is a great alternative to the more famous Old Man of Hoy (see below).
• Hoy : A short ferry ride from the Mainland, Hoy is a magical island packed full of dramatic scenery, wonderful historic sites, and the legendary sea stack; the Old Man of Hoy. You can also visit the excellent new Scapa Flow Museum in Lyness to learn more of Orkney’s military involvement in the First and Second World Wars. You can find more information about visiting Hoy below.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Absolute Escapes (@absoluteescapes)

Orkney’s mainland has several fantastic beaches, so no matter where you’re staying, you’re not far from the shore. Just a short walk from Kirkwall you’ll find the beach at Scapa , or head further west and explore the shallow bay at Waulkmill .

In the east Mainland, Burray and South Ronaldsay, places like Dingieshowe , Glimps Holm and the Sands o’Wright are popular spots to visit.

On Hoy, Rackwick Bay has giant rounded pebbles, golden sand, and massive cliffs on either side of the bay.

Even further off the beaten track, the islands of Sanday and Stronsay have numerous beautiful beaches to explore, and there’s a good chance you’ll have them all to yourself.

Roads on Orkney are generally in very good condition and it is easy to drive around the islands. Some rural parts of the Mainland, and many of the outlying islands, have single-track roads – in which case you will need to use passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right.

If you’re planning to get off the Mainland and visit different islands, the ferry services are regular and reliable. These are operated by Orkney Ferries , and you can check timetables and pre-book tickets on their website.

Public transport is available across much of Orkney, with many routes passing close to the most popular sites including the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel. You can find more information and plan your journey on the Orkney Islands Council website.

The Old Man of Hoy is located on the island of Hoy, located south of the Orkney Mainland. If you’re taking your car to Hoy, you’ll need to take the ferry from Houton to Lyness. A foot passenger-only service is available from Stromness.

The Houton to Lyness service is operated by Orkney Ferries and we would recommend pre-booking your tickets well in advance during the summer months. The crossing time is around 40 minutes.

To reach the Old Man of Hoy, you will need to drive to Rackwick – a 30-minute drive. From here, it is a 2.5 – 3 hour (return) walk to view the spectacular sea stack.

Remember to give yourself ample time to get back to Lyness for your return ferry to Houton. If all else fails, you will also get a good view of the Old Man of Hoy if you’re sailing from Stromness back to Scrabster on the Scottish mainland.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Orkney Islands (@visitorkney)

Like Shetland, Orkney is a nature lover’s paradise. It is estimated that 15% of the world’s seal population live here. It’s also a great place to see orcas and harbour porpoises.

Orkney’s towering sea cliffs are home to thousands of birds – puffins, guillemots, gulls, gannets and kittiwakes – while the marshlands and sweeping moorlands are natural habitats for the likes of curlew, hen harriers and other birds of prey.

Orkney has a very high standard of accommodation which is driven up by the 200,000 visitors it receives each year. You’ll find everything from cosy B&Bs to luxurious hotels which would not be out of place in a large city.

We usually prioritise accommodation in Kirkwall for our self-drive clients. It’s not only an excellent base to explore the Mainland, but there are also some fabulous places to eat and drink and good local amenities.

One of the best places to eat on the islands is the Storehouse Restaurant , which you’ll find in a beautifully-refurbished former warehouse just off Kirkwall’s main street. The restaurant serves high-quality local produce such as hand-dived Orkney scallops, Orkney lamb, beef and seafood.

Situated on Kirkwall’s Harbourfront, Helgi’s serves great gastropub meals using locally-sourced ingredients. The decor takes inspiration from Orkney’s Viking past.

Next door to the Highland Park Distillery on the outskirts of Kirkwall, the Lynnfield Hotel serves excellent Scottish cuisine. The decor is whisky themed, which is very apt considering the hotel’s location, and the snug bar is a perfect spot for a nightcap.

You may also wish to dine on Orcadian produce at the Kirkwall Hotel. The newly-refurbished Harbour View Restaurant offers intimate booths and fine views of the waterfront. For something a little bit different, you could try Twenty One in the heart of Kirkwall. This stylish spot serves small plates, craft beers and cocktails. For hearty Italian fare, Lucano serves traditional pasta and pizza close to St Magnus Cathedral.

Slightly further afield you’ll find The Foveran in St Ola – 3 miles from Kirkwall. This stylish family-run restaurant has sweeping views across Scapa Flow, and the menu showcases the best of the local larder.

During the busy summer months of June, July and August, we’d recommend pre-booking an entry slot for both Skara Brae and Maeshowe on the Historic Scotland website.

There are regular free guided walks around the Ring of Brodgar stone circle. Check the website for details.

Discover Shetland & Orkney with Absolute Escapes

If you’d like to experience Scotland’s incredible Northern Isles for yourself, our Shetland & Orkney self-drive itinerary is a great place to start. Our packages include hand-picked accommodation, all ferry travel, a personalised information pack, and 24-hour support from our dedicated team.

All of our self-drive holidays are tailor-made to your individual requirements, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dream trip and our Travel Specialists will make it happen.

Scott Smyth

P.S. Keen to explore Shetland and Orkney’s epic scenery on foot? You might be interested in our brand new multi-centre walking holiday .

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Hiking Scotland’s Orkney & Shetland Islands

Tour Dates: July 29 - August 8, 2024 (11 days)

Tour Leader(s): Val Turner ,

Download the full brochure for details

For questions or to make a reservation: call 800-748-6262, email [email protected] . To reserve your space online, fill out the online reservation form .

This is the perfect opportunity to explore all that Scotland’s Northern Isles have to offer: prehistoric stone circles, burial chambers, and settlements; quaint villages; huge seabird colonies; and remarkable plant life—all amidst dramatic landscapes. This will be Scotland seen slowly, with time for in-depth exploration at each site. The Orkney and Shetland islands have an amazing wealth of archaeological sites dating back 5,000 years. Together the islands have more than 18,000 known sites, with new discoveries being made every year. This archaeological saga is worth the telling, and nowhere else can the evidence be seen in more glorious a setting. Highlights:

• The UNESCO World Heritage site on Orkney, which includes the chambered tomb of Maeshowe, estimated to have been constructed around 2700 B.C.; the Stones of Stenness; the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar, one of Europe’s finest Neolithic monuments; Skara Brae settlement; and associated funerary monuments and stone settings. These are unquestionably among the most important Neolithic sites in Western Europe.
• “The Crucible of Iron Age Shetland”—including Mousa Broch, the best-preserved known broch in the world, Old Scatness, and Jarlshof—where the lack of intensive modern farming means that the preservation of these sites and their landscapes is exceptional.
• The Isles are a birdwatcher’s paradise, and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies.
• All meals are included, and you will enjoy comfortable accommodations: four nights at the elegant Lynnfield Hotel, a comfortable overnight ferry from Orkney to Shetland and from Shetland to Aberdeen, a night at the Scalloway Hotel, and two nights at the remote and charming Busta House Hotel.
• Limited to just 15 guests.

“This was my fifth trip with the AIA and one of the best ever…I loved every minute of the trip [and I] cannot recommend it enough. No wonder it sells out each year.” – Leslie, California

Tour Pricing (9 nights)

Per person, double occupancy

10-15 participants $7,225 Single supplement (limited availability) $1,245

Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required.  With fewer than 10 participants, a small group surcharge may be added.

To reserve your space using the online form, click here. To contact us with reservations or questions, please email us at  [email protected] (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884).

Skara Brae in Orkney © operator

The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney © operator

The Isle of Mousa, Shetland © operator

Hermaness, the northermost cliffs of the British Isles. © operator

Old Scatness on south mainland, Shetland. © operator

This unique tour is more active than our usual land tours and features daily hikes that are easy to moderate in difficulty. To fully enjoy and visit all the sites on this itinerary one should be in good walking condition and, obviously, enjoy walking! With a group of fifteen participants, two local guides and a tour manager will accompany our group. Our guides will explain in advance the difficulty of each day’s walk(s) and, if you prefer, you can opt out of any walking excursion and be driven to the next stop; but, bear in mind that some sites can only be visited if you walk to them. The distance of and height climbed during each walk is estimated within the detailed itinerary.

Monday, July 29, 2024: Depart home

Tuesday, July 30: Aberdeen, SCOTLAND | Ferry to Kirkwall, Orkney

Wednesday, July 31: Skara Brae | Broch of Borwick | Kirkwall | Welcome dinner

Thursday, August 1: Isle of Rousay | Kirkwall

Friday, August 2: Isle of Hoy: Dwarfie Stane, Old Man of Hoy | Kirkwall

Saturday, August 3: Mainland Orkney: Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, Ness of Brodgar | Kirkwall | Ferry to Shetland

Sunday, August 4: Lerwick, Shetland | Old Scatness | Isle of Mousa | Brae, North Mainland

Monday, August 5: Isle of Unst | Brae

Tuesday, August 6: Fethaland | Brae | Farewell dinner

Wednesday, August 7: Jarlshof  | St. Ninian’s Isle | Lerwick | Ferry to Aberdeen

Thursday, August 8: Aberdeen | Fly home

View Detailed Itinerary

(B)= Breakfast • (L)= Lunch • (D)= Dinner

Tuesday, July 30: Aberdeen, SCOTLAND | Ferry to Kirkwall, Orkney Upon your arrival at Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) in Scotland, at no later than 2 pm, you will be met and transferred to the ferry terminal in Aberdeen, where our group will board the ferry to Kirkwall, Orkney. We will have dinner aboard the ferry, arrive in Kirkwall at about 11 pm, and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the 4-star The Lynnfield Hotel for four nights. (D)

Wednesday, July 31: Skara Brae | Broch of Borwick | Kirkwall | Welcome dinner Distance 3 mi. Height climbed: 360 ft.  We start the day with a visit to Skara Brae, possibly Orkney’s most exciting archaeological site, which was buried by a sandstorm in about 2450 B.C. It was well preserved and then revealed by another storm in 1850. This, the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney,” which also includes the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe (sites we will visit on August 3rd), was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Walk south along the spectacular coast with geos, natural arches, caves, and sea stacks, visiting en route the Broch of Borwick, perched high on a headland. Return to our hotel and gather for a welcome dinner. (B,L,D)

Thursday, August 1: Isle of Rousay | Kirkwall Distance 2.5 mi. Height climbed: 360 ft. Today we will take the ferry to the Isle of Rousay, where we will wander the most important archaeological mile in Scotland, through 5,000 years of history, visiting a number of burial cairns including Midhowe, Pictish brochs, Viking settlements, and remains of the period of the Earls and the troubled crofting times. (B,L,D)

Friday, August 2: Isle of Hoy: Dwarfie Stane, Old Man of Hoy | Kirkwall Distance total 6.75 mi. Heights climbed: 100 & 720 ft. This morning we will take the ferry to Hoy, the highest and wildest of all Orkney Islands. Our walk will take us to the 5,000-year-old monument known as the Dwarfie Stane, an immense block of sandstone lying within a natural amphitheater. This is the only example in northern Europe of a rock-cut tomb similar to the chamber tombs of the Mediterranean. Drive through a glen, along what could be burial mounds, to Rackwick, from where we will walk to the world famous sea stack (at 450 ft.) known as The Old Man of Hoy. Return by ferry to Kirkwall, mainland Orkney. Freshen up at our hotel before gathering for dinner this evening. (B,L,D)

Saturday, August 3: Mainland Orkney: Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, Ness of Brodgar | Kirkwall | Ferry to Shetland Distance 2 mi. Height climbed: negligible  For centuries, people have assumed that the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness were the main Neolithic focus of this area, but recent excavations at the Ness of Brodgar question that interpretation. The stone circles might have been merely on the periphery of the true ceremonial center—a massive ceremonial complex that, in its heyday, must have completely dominated the landscape. Following breakfast, we will visit several important Neolithic sites on mainland Orkney, from the Ring of Brodgar to the Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe, which is Britain’s largest chambered cairn. Excavations will be in progress at the Ness of Brodgar, and we will take a private tour of the site. 2024 will be the last year of excavations at this site. Dinner will be at The Lynnfield Hotel , before we take the overnight ferry from Kirkwall to Lerwick at about 11pm. (B,L,D)

Sunday, August 4: Lerwick, Shetland | Old Scatness | Isle of Mousa | Brae, North Mainland Distance 2.5 mi. Height climbed: 215 ft. We arrive in Lerwick in the morning, after breakfast on the ferry. Travel south today, visiting Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age village. This is part of the crucible of Iron Age Shetland, also including Mousa Broch and Jarlshof (a site we will visit on August 7th), that was added by UNESCO in 2012 to the Tentative List of cultural World Heritage Sites. In the afternoon we will take the boat to the uninhabited island of Mousa, which is famous for its Iron Age broch—the world’s best-preserved Pictish broch. It rises to 40 feet, and the skill and accuracy of its builders has resulted in a 2,000-year-old construction that appears today as though the builders have just laid the last stone and gone home for the night. Back on mainland we will transfer to our hotel, located near Brae. Overnight at the 3-star Busta House Hotel for three nights. (B,L,D)

Monday, August 5: Isle of Unst | Brae Distance total 5 mi. Heights climbed: 165 & 525 ft.  This morning we will take the ferry to the Isle of Unst, where the excavation of three Viking/Late Norse settlements forms the center of the much larger, multi-faceted Viking Unst project. A replica longhouse has been constructed, adjacent to which the replica longship, the Skidbladner , is a copy of the 9 th -century Gokstad that was discovered in Vestfold, Norway. We will also visit Hermaness, the northernmost cliffs of the British Isles, which are home to over 100,000 breeding seabirds. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, August 6: Fethaland | Brae | Farewell dinner Distance 6 mi. Height climbed: 1,000 ft. Fethaland is the northernmost part of Shetland’s mainland. We walk to a ruined Haaf (meaning “open sea”) fishing station dating from the 18 th and 19 th centuries. The ever-enterprising lairds established this and other Haaf fishing stations on remote northwestern parts of Shetland to profit from the catch of ling and cod during the summer months. Extremely brave fishermen ventured out (50 miles) into the Atlantic Ocean in open boats called sixareens. Set within the fishing station are a large, circular Neolithic house and a ruined Iron Age broch. Other places of interest that we will encounter during our walk are a Viking soapstone quarry, and a 6 th -century chapel site and settlement, both situated on precarious headlands. Return to our hotel and gather for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, August 7: Jarlshof  | St. Ninian’s Isle | Lerwick | Ferry to Aberdeen Distance 1.25 mi. Height climbed: 130 ft. This morning we will check out of our hotel and travel south for a visit to Jarlshof, an archaeological site that was occupied for more than 4,000 years. There is a remarkable sequence of stone structures: late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead, and a 16th-century laird’s house. Our next stop is St. Ninian’s Isle, which is connected to the mainland by a tombolo (a bar of sand, or shingle). St. Ninian’s was settled in pre-Norse times, and the remains of an old chapel are still visible. We will walk across the tombolo and visit the site of the chapel. Back on mainland we will drive to Lerwick. You will have some free time to explore its shops, and the excellent Shetland Museum & Archives, before we take the overnight ferry to Aberdeen at about 5:30pm. We will have dinner aboard the ferry. (B,L,D)

Thursday, August 8: Aberdeen | Fly home Arrive in Aberdeen this morning, and transfer to Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) for independent flights homeward. Flights should depart Aberdeen no earlier than 11 am. (B)

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For reservations or questions, please email us at  [email protected] (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884). To reserve your space using the online form, click here.

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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:    £4900

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.

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.

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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.

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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

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Whisky, History, and Harry Potter: 18 Unmissable Scottish Attractions to Experience in Your Lifetime

Posted: May 4, 2024 | Last updated: May 4, 2024

Today’s post is all about the best things to do in Scotland. Not necessarily the most popular or touristy. The best …in my opinion, at least.

I’ve been to Scotland twice. First, on a school trip about 15 years ago. And then again in 2022, when I ran from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

That second visit really introduced me to the country, and I instantly fell in love with it. Everything from the wild landscapes and historic towns to the welcoming locals made me eager to go back and see more of Scotland ASAP. If you’re heading there soon, then here are 18 things I recommend you do…

1. Explore Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the second most popular city in the UK (London taking poll position). Almost 2 million people visited in 2022, eager to wander along its cobbled streets, explore Edinburgh Castle, go to renowned museums, climb Arthur’s Seat, and so much more.

If you love history and want easy access to nature, Auld Reekie (Edinburgh’s nickname) is an excellent place to be.

2. Go to the Scottish Islands

Scotland has almost 800 offshore islands , 93 of which have people living there. Your trip to Caledonia will be far more memorable if you visit one or two of them!

That vast collection of islands narrows down to four main groups: the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands, and the Inner and Outer Hebrides. All boast rugged coastal beauty, but a few of particular note include the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Jura, and the Isle of Arran.

3. Visit the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish highlands are as famous as its islands . According to Highland Titles , with a few exceptions, this part of the country refers “to the area north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault, which crosses mainland Scotland almost in a straight line from Helensburgh north-west of Glasgow, to Stonehaven near Aberdeen.”

This is quintessential Scotland in my mind – rugged and remote. It’s the sort of place that breeds tough people. It’s just you and nature. Hills, mountains, lochs, and beaches make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

One highland destination that deserves special mention is Glencoe. It’s a magical place with incredible mountain views and natural attractions.

4. Go to John O’Groats

Located at the northern tip of Scotland, John O’Groats is one of the UK’s remotest places. There’s not much to do other than get outside and enjoy the scenery! But, if you’re going to the highlands, it’s worth visiting – even if it’s just to say you’ve been.

There’s no doubting its beauty, either. The air is fresh, cliffs drop into the North Sea, and the Orkney Islands sit on the horizon. Go for a walk, grab a beer, look for the orcas that swim off the coast here, and enjoy another unique thing to do in Scotland.

5. See the Highland Games

The Highland Games are like Scotland’s very own Olympics. However, instead of lycra-clad athletes sprinting around a track or flinging javelins, giant men in kilts lift logs, pull ropes, and hurl stones.

It’s one of the oldest Scottish events, making it a massive part of Scottish culture. So, if you’re in town when the Games occur (throughout summer, from May until the end of September), be sure to go along and watch.

6. See Loch Ness

You can’t list the best things to do in Scotland without mentioning Loch Ness. It’s a highlight of the Highlands, known everywhere for the elusive monster, Nessie , said to inhabit it.

Yet the loch doesn’t need a mythical creature to be noteworthy. It’s around 37km long, making it the largest freshwater loch in the highlands. It’s stunning, surrounded by mountains and forests, and has the mighty Urquhart Castle on its shore for even more iconic photo opportunities.

7. Explore the Cairngorms

Cairngorms National Park is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Scotland. It’s in the eastern highlands – a vast wilderness characterized by cute villages, castles, lakes, hills, and wildlife. You might spot ospreys, red deer, and wild cats.

Do you love snow sports? Head here in winter. Snow is common in the Cairngorms, drawing many people eager to go skiing and snowboarding.

8. Visit Some Castles

Scotland feels old – there’s just something in the air. Its castles make that sense of history tangible, though. From world-famous fortresses still frequented by British royalty to lesser-known ruins on tiny islands, there could have been up to 3000 castles here at one point.

Exploring them is another of the best things to do in Scotland. Edinburgh, Balmoral, and Dunnottar Castles stand out, but the list is endless.

9. Do a Whisky Tour

Scotland converted me to whisky. I’d never liked it until I went to a Scottish bar with my dad. It was a cold and dreary evening in the middle of nowhere, and we ordered a whisky – mainly because that’s what you do in Scotland. It went down so smoothly that we both bought a bottle.

One of the best ways to sample whisky and learn more about the tipple is on a distillery tour. Here are five of the most famous distilleries in Scotland:

• Glengoyne Distillery in Dumgoyne
• Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown
• Glenlivet Distillery in Ballindalloch
• Dalmore Distillery in Invergordon
• Laphroaig Distillery on the Isle of Islay

10. Play Some Golf

I’m not a golfer. But if I were, I’d be up to Scotland in a heartbeat. The eastern coast is literally where the game started . Back then, you’d have been using a bent stick to hit pebbles over sand dunes (literally). Nowadays, you can play on some of the oldest golf courses on the planet, often surrounded by gorgeous coastal views.

A few of the most famous fairways to check out include:

• Old Course in St. Andrews
• North Berwick
• Royal Dornoch
• Castle Stuart

11. Eat Quintessentially Scottish Cuisine

Scotland might not have the same reputation for its culinary scene as places like France and Italy. But it definitely has some unique dishes and foods to try while you’re there.

A few examples include Scottish Breakfasts, potato scones, Scotch pies, and Cullen Skink. But the most famous is Haggis . The Scottish national dish involves boiling sheep innards, onions, oatmeal, suet, stock, and herbs inside a sheep’s stomach lining to create a kind of sausage meat.

12. Indulge on Scottish Sweet Treats

Got a sweet tooth? You’re in luck. Scotland is famous for its deep-fried Mars Bars and Scottish Tablet. The former does exactly what it says on the tin. You take a Mars Bar, coat it in batter, then pop it in the deep-fat fryer for a decadent treat.

The latter, Scottish Tablet, is a traditional sweet treat similar to fudge, just with a slightly different texture. The basic recipe is said to date back hundreds of years.

13. Try to See the Northern Lights

Did you know northern Scotland has roughly the same latitude as some parts of Norway? This helps explain how – if you’re lucky – you can see the Aurora Borealis (AKA the northern lights ).

Remember those Scottish islands? That’s where you’re most likely to see them – especially in wintertime, between September and March. Nights are at their longest and darkest, boosting the chance of seeing the Mirrie Dancers (Shetland’s name for the Aurora Borealis).

14. Hike, Camp, Explore the Outdoors

One thing I love about visiting Scotland compared to England is that you have the right to roam . It means you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping (almost) anywhere, as long as you behave responsibly. Try that in most parts of England, where your land rights differ, and you commit a civil offense.

Combine Scotland’s right to roam with its immense natural landscapes, and the stage is set for outdoor fun. You can hike, climb, kayak, and camp until your heart’s content.

15. Stay in a Bothy

If you do take advantage of the right to roam, keep an eye out for Scotland’s bothies . Located across the country in remote destinations, these simple shelters (“bothan” is the Gaelic word for hut) are available for anybody to stay in for free.

They’re generally unlocked and have a sleeping platform, table and chairs, and somewhere to light a fire (although not necessarily any wood to burn). With no electricity, toilet, or running water, bothies are by no means luxurious. But this free shelter in wild, beautiful, and inaccessible places will feel amazing – especially if it’s raining.

16. Walk the West Highland Way

The West Highland Way is one of Scotland’s most popular multi-day hikes. The trail extends 154km (96 miles) from Milngavie to Fort William, taking you through stunning and diverse landscapes.

Expect mountains, rivers, and lochs, incredible valleys, and densely forested areas. There are pubs to rest your legs at, too, campsites to meet fellow hikers at, distilleries to explore (for research purposes only, of course), and a whole lot of other unique sights to enjoy.

17. Ride the Harry Potter Train

Calling all Harry Potter fans! Remember those iconic shots of the Hogwarts Express chugging along a viaduct through rolling hills on its way to Hogwarts? Well, you can see it for yourself in Scotland.

In real life, you can watch the Jacobite Steam Train run across the Glenfinnan Viaduct by driving to the Glenfinnan Viaduct car park. From there, a signposted trail takes you to the perfect viewing point. Want to ride the train itself? It runs all week long from Fort William to Mallaig.

18. Indulge in Some Culture

It would take too long to list them all, but here’s a selection of the best things to do in Scotland for culture:

• Culloden Battlefield – the site of the last pitched battle ever fought on UK soil
• Edinburgh Fringe Festival – a huge annual event showcasing a diverse array of arts and entertainment
• Highland Folk Museum – an open-air museum showcasing Highland life from the 18 th through to the 20 th Century
• Hogmanay – Scotland’s traditional New Year’s celebration on December 31 st

Consider a visit to Glasgow, too. It’s famous for its architecture and arts scene – not to mention the other perks of a big city.

Enjoy the Best Things to Do In Scotland

As you can tell, there are masses of incredible things to do in Scotland! I hope this list has given you some new ideas for how to spend your time there.

Whether you’re exploring its cities, hiking in the Highlands, spending time on the Scottish islands, or sampling whisky at a distillery, you’re sure to leave this beautiful country with some fantastic memories.

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