Edinburgh, Highlands & Orkney

Tuesday 11th May

Our Scottish adventure begins in Edinburgh, one of Britain’s most historic and atmospheric cities. After meeting the group and settling into our centrally located hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax after your journey, get to know your fellow travellers and begin soaking up the distinctive sounds and character of Scotland’s captivating capital.

Overnight in Edinburgh.

Wednesday 12th May

After breakfast, we’ll set out with a local guide to explore Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the ancient route connecting Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. As we make our way through the heart of the Old Town, we’ll hear tales of Edinburgh’s colourful past and uncover the stories behind its historic buildings, closes and hidden passageways.

We’ll then step inside The Georgian House* for a glimpse into the world of 18th-century Edinburgh society. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your own pace before we come together for a three-course welcome dinner, where a local storyteller will bring the city’s colourful history to life through tales and legends shared around the table.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Edinburgh.

*The Georgian House visit is subject to its planned reopening in 2027.

Thursday 13th May

Leaving Edinburgh behind, we’ll journey north into the Scottish Highlands, stopping first at Perth Museum to encounter the Stone of Destiny. One of Scotland’s most treasured historic artefacts, this ancient stone has played a central role in the coronation of Scottish monarchs for centuries. With our guide, we’ll uncover the stories, mysteries and intrigue surrounding its remarkable past.

We’ll continue through the beautiful Perthshire countryside to the Victorian town of Pitlochry, before stepping back in time at the Highland Folk Museum. With more than 35 reconstructed historic buildings and costumed interpreters, this open-air museum brings Highland life from the 1700s to the mid-1900s vividly to life. We’ll get a sense of how communities lived, worked and spent their leisure time before continuing north to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Inverness.

Friday 14th May

Today, we’ll journey to the far north of Scotland, passing through the coastal village of Brora and stopping at John o’ Groats at the northeastern tip of Scotland before boarding the ferry at Gills Bay. As we cross the Pentland Firth, we’ll leave the mainland behind and arrive at St Margaret’s Hope, where our local Orcadian guide will welcome us and introduce us to the islands.

Our first Orkney visit is the remarkable Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. Inside, we’ll hear the extraordinary story of how the prisoners transformed a simple wartime building into a beautifully decorated place of worship, with the chance to experience a local choir during our visit.

From here, we’ll travel alongside Scapa Flow, the vast natural harbour that played a pivotal role in both World Wars, before arriving in Stromness for dinner.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Stromness.

Saturday 15th May

Today is devoted to Orkney’s extraordinary archaeological heritage. With our local guide, we’ll begin at Skara Brae, one of Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic villages, where stone-built homes offer a glimpse into island life more than 5,000 years ago. Nearby, we’ll step inside historic Skaill House before continuing to the Ring of Brodgar, where a magnificent circle of standing stones has dominated the landscape for thousands of years.

Later, there’ll be some free time to enjoy Kirkwall before heading to a local distillery for a guided tour and whisky tasting. We’ll discover the traditions and craftsmanship behind this distinctive Orkney spirit before returning to Stromness for dinner.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Stromness.

Sunday 16th May

We’ll begin at the workshop of acclaimed Orkney jewellery designer Sheila Fleet, meeting the skilled craftspeople behind the designs and learning the intricacies of the enamelling process. We’ll also have the chance to handle pieces as they take shape in the workshop.

Next, we’ll visit Barony Mill, Orkney’s last working water-powered mill, where the ancient local grain known as bere barley is still stone-ground using traditional methods. We’ll hear the story of the historic milling process and the role of this centuries-old crop in island life, with the chance to get close to the mill’s original machinery.

Later, we’ll head to the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island reached by a causeway at low tide. With our local guide, we’ll uncover its fascinating Pictish and Viking heritage while experiencing Orkney’s rugged Atlantic coastline. The order of today’s visits may vary according to the tides.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Stromness.

Monday 17th May

A relaxed morning in Stromness gives us time to enjoy our final few hours in Orkney before boarding the ferry to Scrabster and returning to the Scottish mainland.

From here, we’ll travel south to Dunrobin Castle, an impressive 19th-century castle overlooking the Moray Firth. We’ll have time to explore its grand interiors and formal gardens before experiencing its spectacular falconry display. Feel the birds of prey soar overhead, then meet these magnificent birds at close quarters with their handler.

Our journey then takes us into the Cairngorms National Park, through rugged mountains, forests and sweeping Highland landscapes, before arriving at our hotel for dinner.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in the Cairngorms.

Tuesday 18th May

Our journey back towards Edinburgh continues through the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside, an area of wooded glens, Highland villages and longstanding royal connections.

Along the way, we’ll stop at a working Aberdeenshire farm to meet its distinctive Highland cattle on a guided tour with the owner. We’ll get up close to the herd, with the chance to brush one of these shaggy-coated cattle before enjoying an included lunch featuring locally produced beef.

Later, we’ll pause in South Queensferry, where we can take in three spectacular bridges spanning three centuries including the distinctive UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge, before continuing to Edinburgh for our final evening.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Edinburgh.

Wednesday 19th May

Today, our Scottish adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to our fellow travellers and depart Edinburgh, taking with us memories of Scotland’s Highland landscapes, historic sites and the remarkable islands of Orkney.

Breakfast included.

Visa Information: US, Canadian and most European citizens do not require a visa for a short tourist visit to the UK. However, many overseas visitors, including US, Canadian and EU citizens, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. If you hold another passport, please check the latest UK entry requirements before booking.

Passport Validity: For non-UK citizens, your passport should be valid for the full duration of your stay in the UK, up to and including the date you leave the UK.