Orkney & The Shetland Islands

Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel, the Radisson Blu Edinburgh. Get acquainted with your tour manager and fellow travelers this evening during a three-course meal at the hotel. Overnight Edinburgh. 

• Dinner

This morning a private transfer takes us to the rail station, where we board the train bound for Aberdeen. On arrival, we embark on a walking tour of the harbor, home to a charming selection of historic fishermen's cottages and the genteel district of Old Aberdeen. Here we see the 15th-century St Machar's Cathedral and the historic stone mansions that line leafy lanes. Afterwards, we board a ferry for an overnight crossing to Shetland - Britain's northernmost outpost. Closer to Bergen, Norway, than Edinburgh, the landscapes here have a unique Norse influence. Overnight ferry. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

We arrive in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetlands Isles, where we meet our guide for the day. Our first visit is to Scalloway, the ancient capital of the Shetlands. Here, we discover the brooding ruins of Scalloway Castle, which date back to 1599. Next, we head to the coast for a unique encounter with Shetland's world-famous ponies, learning about their history and enjoying a meet and greet against a spectacular coastal backdrop. We continue by coach to the picturesque village of Brae for a fish and chip lunch at an award-winning local restaurant. Afterwards, we travel north, taking in incredible views of the volcanic Cliffs of Eshaness. Overnight Hillswick. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We explore the pre-historic Norse settlement of Jarlshof today, seeing some of Europe's oldest signs of life, which date from around 2500 BC, before continuing to Sumburgh Head, a protected nature reserve notable for its steep cliffs, lighthouse and seabird population. It's possible to spot puffins, guillemots and even razorbills here. Next, we admire the dramatic landscapes surrounding the villages of Gulberwick and Cunningsburgh ahead of returning to Lerwick, where there's free time ahead of our ferry journey to the remote Orkney Islands. Overnight Orkney. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins with a special talk from Nick Card, an expert on the Neolithic history of the Orkney Isles. Afterwards, we set out on a tour through the heart of Neolithic Orkney, visiting four different monuments: the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and Skara Brae - also known as the 'Scottish Pompeii'. Our final stop is the highly ornate Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm. After a day of exploration, we take the overnight ferry and travel back to mainland Scotland. Overnight ferry. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Arriving in Scrabster early this morning, we transfer to Castle of Mey, a former royal residence with striking turrets and a walled garden. There's free time to explore before we continue to the village of John o'Groats, the most northerly point of mainland Britain. Our day concludes with a rail journey to Inverness followed by dinner at our hotel. Overnight Inverness. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we board a train bound for Edinburgh, where our rail tour of Shetland and the Orkneys concludes. 

• Breakfast