Orkney, Shetland and The Caledonian Sleeper

After meeting our group at London Euston, we board the
Caledonian Sleeper train for an overnight journey to Scotland. An
experience which harks back to a bygone era of rail travel, we are
treated to a magical journey whilst travelling through undulating
English countryside from the relaxed comfort of our classic and
club cabins.

We wake up after a night on the rails to the iconic heather-clad
scenery of Scotland. After breakfast, we disembark in the thriving
port city of Aberdeen, where you can explore independently for the
day. Perhaps visit the harbour, home to a charming selection of
historic fishermen's cottages. The 15th-century St Machar's
Cathedral and the genteel district of Old Aberdeen, where stone
mansions line the leafy lanes, are also well worth a visit. Board a
ferry this evening for the overnight crossing to Shetland -
Britain's northernmost outpost. Located closer to Bergen, in
Norway, than to Edinburgh, the dramatic beauty of the Shetland
Isles blends with a unique Norse influence.

We sail into 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 the impressive Scalloway Castle, which dates 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
photo opportunity with these sweet animals against the 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 before transferring to our
hotel, the 3-Star St Magnus Bay Hotel in Hillswick, which boasts
wonderful views of the bay.

Today's tour immerses us further in the unique history of the
Shetlands. First, we explore the Prehistoric and Norse settlement
of Jarlshof, at the southern tip of the mainland.

Jarlshof is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in
Europe, with the oldest signs of life dating from around 2500BC.
Our time here offers a wonderful insight into the evolution of life
and living conditions throughout the Shetand's history. We continue
south to Sumburgh Head, a protected nature reserve notable for its
steep cliffs, iconic lighthouse and large seabird population. The
rocky headland provides the perfect vantage point for spotting the
beautiful seabirds which reside here, including puffins, guillemots
and razorbills, in addition to whales and dolphins. Next, we pause
at the rural coastal villages of Gulberwick and Cunningsburgh
before travelling to Lerwick, where there's free time before
boarding the ferry to the remote Orkney Islands. We arrive at the
3-Star Standing Stones Hotel, on Orkney's mainland late this
evening. Perched on the edge of shimmering Stenness Loch, this
unique hotel is located within walking distance of some of Orkney's
most incredible Neolithic sites, including the Standing Stones of
Stenness and The Ring of Brodgar.

After a relaxed morning, we meet our guide for full-day tour
which takes in the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney' - 4 famous
archaeological sites which gained UNESCO World Heritage Status in
1999. These fascinating Neolithic monuments include the Standing
Stones of Stennis, the 4 remaining stones of perhaps the oldest
Neolithic henge in the British Isles; the Ring of Bordgar, an
enigmatic ceremonial site made up of an enormous circle of stones;
Maeshowe, a chambered tomb which is more than 5,000 years old; and
Skara Brae, the 'Scottish Pompeii' - an excellently-preserved
prehistoric village consisting of 8 ancient houses, which were
occupied between 3000BC and 2500BC. We transfer to Stromness to
board our ferry for the very early morning crossing to mainland
Scotland.

We enjoy breakfast on board as our ferry sails into the port in
Scrabster, Britain's most northern mainland port. We disembark and
transfer to Dunrobin Castle, a fairy tale stately home, the
earliest parts of which date back to the early 1300s. The style of
the castle is reminiscent of that of a French château, with a
pretty white stone exterior, striking turrets and beautifully
landscaped grounds inspired by the formal gardens of the Palace of
Versailles. We have time to explore the house and grounds before
continuing Dornoch, a former royal burgh occupying a tranquil
position on the coast. You have some time at leisure in this
beautiful destination for unch and to explore at your own pace.
Perhaps visit the impressive cathedral, which was first founded in
1224, or take some time to explore the miles of golden beaches.

Afterwards, we transfer to Inverness where you have free time
ahead of boarding the Caledonian Sleeper train for our return
journey to London, arriving on Day 7.