Scotland's Shetland and Orkney Islands

Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure begins in Brae, a welcoming coastal community in the heart of Shetland's North Mainland, surrounded by breathtaking sea views and unspoilt island landscapes. It's the perfect base for exploring Shetland's unique wildlife, rich heritage, and rugged natural beauty. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm at your accommodation. After, perhaps head out for dinner, and maybe end your first day at the local pub, soaking up the atmosphere.

Have breakfast, then take a private vehicle to visit the prehistoric Jarlshof settlement. This site is rich in archaeological ruins dating back to the Iron Age. Learn about the ancient settlers who once called this land home and see fascinating examples of architectural styles from various points in history including oval-shaped homes from the Bronze Age, Iron Age wheelhouses, a medieval farmstead, a 16th-century laird’s house and Norse long houses. Next, drive to the small village of Sumburgh to visit the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, where you'll learn about the area’s maritime history, from the early Iron Age inhabitants to the lighthouse keepers who protected sailors for centuries. Continue to the Hoswick Visitor Centre to learn about Hoswick’s fishing and textile history, browse local crafts and maybe grab some lunch, then drive to Bigton Wick to set out on a walk along St Ninian’s Beach. Take in views of sea stacks, towering cliffs and the windswept shoreline. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Your evening is free – you might like to take a leisurely stroll to the harbour.

This morning, travel to Eshaness via private vehicle for a scenic hike. Eshaness is a rugged, coastal area known for its dramatic sea cliffs and abundant wildlife. As you walk, keep an eye out for seals and otters that inhabit the area. It's believed that Eshaness was formed by ancient volcanic activity. Take in the rocky landscapes as you walk, maybe catching a glimpse of some Shetland ponies along the way. Return to your hotel by private vehicle in the late afternoon.

Check out after breakfast and transfer to Lerwick for the day. Join your leader for a walk to see Lerwick's most notable sights. As the capital of Shetland, Lerwick grew rapidly during the herring boom of the 1800s, becoming a bustling port. Over time, it’s developed into a vibrant town with a distinct blend of Scottish and Norse influences. Walk the narrow streets lined with historic buildings and get a sense of the rich local maritime history. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Lerwick at your own pace. Maybe visit a local distillery, where you can learn about how Lerwick’s northerly climate makes it particularly well-suited for Scotch maturation and sample some single malt Scotch for yourself. Or you could take a boat tour to Noss Head – a 19th-century lighthouse sits at the tip of this headland overlooking Sinclair’s Bay, where sea stacks rise dramatically from the water. Later in the afternoon, you’ll take a ferry to Kirkwall. Disembark in the evening and transfer to your hotel via private vehicle.

Spend today immersed in Orkney’s history on a daytrip to some of the archipelago’s most iconic sites. Start by visiting the iconic Ring of Brodgar – a ceremonial site with a stone circle, believed to have been built around 2500 to 2000 BC. Next, head to the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. See the nine surviving Neolithic dwellings and step into a replica of a Neolithic home to get a sense of what life was like for the fisherman and farmers who lived here 5000 years ago. Your next stop is the Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII using scraps from Nissen huts. Then, cross the Churchill Barriers. Built during the war to defend Scapa Flow from U-boat attacks, you can still see several shipwrecks rising above the water’s surface. Later tonight, sit down to an evening of traditional Orkney folklore storytelling by the warmth of a peat fire.

Travel to Houton to catch a ferry to the island of Hoy, the second largest island in Orkney. Hoy was the main naval base for the British fleet during both World Wars. Make a stop at the grave of Betty Corrigall and hear the tragic story of the young woman who was laid to rest here. Next, visit Dwarfie Stane – the only prehistoric rock-cut chambered tomb in the UK, dating back to 3500 BC. Head to the Cra'as Nest Heritage Museum to explore the collection of restored 18th-century buildings, then visit tranquil Rackwick Beach. You’ll also visit the Scapa Flow Museum to browse the impressive collection of British naval artefacts and the Longhope Lifeboat Museum. Return to Kirkwall in the late afternoon where you have a free evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Tonight, why not gather your fellow travellers at a local pub and toast to a trip well-travelled.

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.