6 Day Orkney and Highlands |
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Departs Saturdays Check In: 08:30 / Return: 18:30 |
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Want to get off the beaten track ... discover the rich and diverse culture of Scotland? Then this is the tour for you!
This is a fantastic tour that offers the very best of the Highlands, remote Sutherland - the least densely populated area of Europe - and the incredible islands of Orkney. From white beaches, stunning wild landscapes to neolithic tombs, villages and standing stones, Viking saga's and the heartbreaking history behind the Scottish Clearances.
Wild in Scotland was the first backpacker tour company to explore Orkney. We fell in love with the place back then and are still passionate about it now!
- Be inspired by the Italian Chapel and explore the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Stones of Stenness, an insight into life 5000 years ago.
- Enjoy a wee dram in Scotland's most northen distillery - Highland Park!
- Stand of the cliffs of Dunnet Head, mainland Britain's most northernly point, and catch a rare glimpse of our enigmatic puffins (May - July).
- Create unfortgetable memories with the breathtaking beauty of Glencoe, football on perfect sandy coves and monster spotting at Loch Ness!
- Entrance to Highland Park distillery, the Stone Age village of Skara Brae and a Neolithic Tomb.
- Return ferry to Orkney.
- All hostel accommodation - including a night in Sleeperzzz!
- All breakfasts and evening meals, cooked together as a group or supplied by the hostel.
Day 1 - Leaving Edinburgh at 8.30 a.m. we head straight for Stirling for tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. We'll wind our way through the Highlands, stopping to take in the dramatic atmosphere of Glencoe, where the Massacre of Clan Donald took place, as well as Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain). Meandering through the Great Glen, with mountains towering above we stay in the Great Glen Hostel.
Day 2 - This morning we'll try to spot our elusive monster in Loch Ness before we wind our way north along the North East Coast and the Moray Firth. Taking in the surroundings of Dunrobin Castle, home of the Duke of Sutherland, discovering the ghostly clearance villages perched on the cliff tops and the harbours where they tried to make a living. There'll be time for a great walk to try and spot a puffin or two (May - July) as we take in the sea stacks of Duncansby Head before a wee stop in John O'Groats. This evening we catch the ferry through the Scapa Flow to St Margaret's Hope where we'll stay for the next three nights. A great place to meet the locals ... especially in the pub next door!
Day 3 - From our base in the fishing village of St Margaret's Hope we spend a full and energetic day today exploring the islands - it will be packed with Viking ancestry and world-renowned archaeological treasures such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brogar. Plus a chance to gaze in wonder at the island's Italian Chapel, search for the coastal Puffins (May-July) and also walk to one of the neighbouring islands. Loads of time will be spent off the bus and much time spent walking especially along some of the fantastic beaches - a day to remember (another one!).
Day 4 - Our second full day will explore neolithic tombs, the city of Kirkwall with St Magnus Cathedral, discover the gloup (?!) and enjoy a wee dram in Scotland's most northernly distillery - Highland Park. Once back in St Margaret's Hope perhaps sample one of the local Orkney ales with a well earned seat in the local pub!
Day 5 - We catch the early morning ferry back to mainland Scotland where we wind our way along the far North Western coastline - a chance to explore the famous Smoo caves and some of the most remote and rugged landscapes Europe has to offer. Deserted beaches, towering mountains, sparkling lochs and the wide open skies really set the tone today before we arrive at Sleeperzzz*, our home for the evening.
Day 6 - Our last day takes us past the banks of Loch Ness for a second chance to spot Nessie before an emotional stop at tragic Culloden battlefield. Then we cheer ourselves up with beautiful forest walks at the Hermitage before making our way over the Firth of Forth back to Edinburgh - happy honorary Scots!
We're certain that this will be a really special trip, and one you'll remember for a long time to come. We look forward to seeing you.
Tour itineraries and accommodation can vary due to acts of God etc, but we normally stick to this. kitty includes hostels, evening meals, breakfasts etc. Everything except lunch, drinks and souvenirs.
Please note that this tour will generally join with our 10 day tour on the first day of the trip.
Alternative tours
Looking for a short break to see Loch Ness? 2 Day Loch Ness & Highlands
Short on time but want to discover the Isle of Skye try 3 Day Skye & Highlands
Looking for a new Scottish island to discover? Try our 4 Day Islay & Oban
Looking for a great way to spend christmas or hogmanay? Check out our 4 Day Christmas Cracker and our 4 Day Highland Hogmanay Tour
Wanting a tour that focuses more on the Highlands and the Isle of Skye? Try 5 Day Skye & Highlands
Or if you are up for an adventure to the remoter islands over summer have a read of our 6 Day Hebridean Explorer and the ultimate summer tour, our 10 Day Island Hopper
