Details
Day One – The Far North Line
This holiday starts from Inverness, accessible by air from the south of England or by rail from Edinburgh, Glasgow and other points south. You will join the afternoon departure on the Far North Line – the most northerly railway line in the UK. The route crosses the Moray Firth then makes a wide sweep inland at Dornoch, passing through Lairg and Rogart before returning to the coast. Watch for the distinctive towers of Dunrobin Castle, before the railway turns inland once more, and crosses the “flow country” of Sutherland. After passing Altnabreac, one of the remotest stations in Britain, you will reach the coast one again at Thurso.
Your Guest House in Thurso
This is a welcoming guest house, owned by a local lady who is passionate about the area. The decor is a blend of old and contemporary style and modern facilities. The house is convenient for the town centre and local hostelries, whilst one of the best seafood restaurants in the country is a coastal walk or short taxi ride away.
Day Two – Exploring Caithness
Today you will join our local driver-guide, who will bring you on a fascinating trip to explore this corner of Scotland. Your guide will be happy to discuss options with you, from the stunning landscapes of Dunnet Head, John o’ Groats and Duncansby Head, the historic grandeur of Castle of Mey, or pay a visit to Dunnet Distillers – gin fans should look out for the Rock Rose, a personal favourite.
You will make a stop for lunch, though this and entrance fees are not included
Day Three – Journey to Orkney
This morning cross by ferry to Orkney, and then travel by taxi transfer to Kirkwall, your base for the next two days.
Its incredibly lengthy history makes Orkney very special. The main island (Mainland) hosts a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE which includes the breathtaking Standing Stones of Stenness, some up to six metres high. The nearby Neolithic Ring of Brodgar is particularly magical in the evening light – and gained contemporary notoriety when Billy Connolly danced naked through the stones on his “World Tour of Scotland”! Archaeological excavations continue to take place nearby at the Ness of Brodgar.
Remaining remarkably intact, the 5,000 year old houses at Skara Brae offer a real insight into pre-historic village life, complete with sideboards and bed recesses. For more local insights, take a look at the Viking runes at atmospheric Maeshowe which prove that graffiti isn’t a 20th century invention!
In more recent times, evocative Scapa Flow contains the melancholy relics of two World Wars, and on its banks the beautifully ornate Italian Chapel, constructed by Italian Prisoners of War, is a moving place to visit.
Wildlife flourishes here. Birdwatching is popular and there are plenty of fabulous seal-watching spots – and if you are lucky minke whales, dolphins, porpoise and occasionally the odd Orca whale are seen playing in the island waters. On dry ground you will be tempted by the deliciously fresh food, from seaweed-reared lamb to Scrabster squid. Kirkwall is a welcoming town, featuring unique shops which boast local crafts including fabulous silver jewellery and highly covetable knitwear.
Your Hotel on Orkney
Your base will be a comfortable family-run hotel in the centre of Kirkwall, well-placed to explore this attractive town, with its fine cathedral and winding shopping streets. You can also take a short ferry to the island of Shapinsay from the port.
Day Four – Touring Orkney
This morning you will join a small group tour. During the tour you will journey through Orkney’s rich archaeological landscape, home of the some of the Neolithic period’s greatest architectural wonders.
Day Five – To Inverness
Today you will journey south via ferry and a return trip on the meandering Far North Line back to Inverness. Here you will stay in a centrally located guest house for your final night.
You will have time for a stroll by the River Ness or Caledonian Canal, soaking up the atmosphere of the Highland Capital.
Day Six – Return Home
Let us know if you would like to add-on a boat trip on Loch Ness or trip to the Culloden battlefield before you head home. We are also happy to advise regarding onward connections by air or rail.
Sustainable Travel
This holiday is part of our ever-growing collection of public transport based holidays, enabling you to reach destinations around Scotland – in this case, including Orkney – without the need to drive. We feel strongly that true sustainability also means promoting and helping to maintain a way of life in areas where the economic benefit of tourism can make a genuine difference to the local community, which is why we have used locally-owned small accommodation and local guides on this holiday.
Pricing
£825 per person for April , £885 per person for May to September, £790 per person for October.
Prices based on two adults sharing a room, for five nights on a bed & breakfast basis. The holiday includes return train travel on the Far North Highland rail line from Inverness to Thurso, return ferry travel to Orkney, taxi transfers in Thurso and from the port to hotel on Orkney, a six hour taxi tour of the Caithness area and a full day small group guided tour of key historical sites on Orkney, as well as an Orkney Explorer Pass.
The price for a single traveller, based on sole occupancy of double rooms is £1235 for April, £1285 for May to September, £1190 for October.
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.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
