from Edinburgh
Explore the dramatic landscapes and ancient history of Orkney, Shetland and the Scottish Highlands with a grand nine day private tour from Edinburgh. The tour itinerary includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Broch of Gurness, Italian Chapel, Kirkwall, Jarlshof, Eshaness, Sumburgh Head, St Ninian's Isle, Lerwick, Scalloway and Unst.
Departing from Edinburgh we travel north towards the village of Dunkeld and the ruins of its historic cathedral followed by visit to the Falls of Bruar. The afternoon takes us into the Cairngorms National Park where we drive up towards Cairngorm Mountain. If the weather is clear we take the funicular railway to near the summit or alternatively, we enjoy a meandering walk at the nearby Loch an Eilein with its island castle ruin. The day ends with a short drive to Inverness where we will overnight for the next two days.
Departing from Inverness, we visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield to explore the dramatic history of the Highland clans and the Jacobite uprisings. Next we explore the Bronze Age Clava Cairns, dating back over 4000 years, these standing stones offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of the Highlands. The afternoon takes us east to the majestic ruins of Elgin Cathedral – even in its ruined state, it stands as one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historically significant medieval buildings. Our return to Inverness includes a stop at the Rodney Stone, a carved monument crafted over twelve hundred years ago by the Picts.
Depart Inverness for a scenic three hour journey through the North Highlands to the ferry port of Scrabster. This coastal drive offers stunning views and a stop in the historic town of Dornoch. We then cross the Pentland Firth (1½ hour ferry sailing) passing the iconic Old Man of Hoy, before arriving in the picturesque port of Stromness. The late-afternoon is dedicated to a tour of Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, before we settle into the historic capital of Kirkwall for our three night stay.
Our first full day on Orkney is spent uncovering the mysteries of the Orkney mainland. We explore the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness, the monumental Ring of Brodgar, and the 2,000-year-old Broch of Gurness. The journey includes a visit to the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and the poignant Italian Chapel, built during WWII. We conclude our day in Kirkwall with time to admire the red sandstone majesty of St Magnus Cathedral and the ruins of the Earl’s Palace.
Our second full day on Orkney provides the opportunity to venture beyond the main sites. We can focus on the dramatic Atlantic coastline, visiting the towering cliffs of Yesnaby and the tidal island of Birsay, along with free time in Kirkwall – or perhaps enjoy a tasting at the Highland Park or Scapa whisky distilleries. Alternatively, for those interested in Orkney's naval history, we can sail across Scapa Flow to the Isle of Hoy, visiting the acclaimed Scapa Flow Museum along with the secluded, towering cliffs of Rackwick Bay. After an evening meal in Kirkwall we catch the late ferry (11.45pm) from Kirkwall for an overnight sailing to Lerwick in Shetland.
Arriving in Lerwick harbour in the early morning (7.30am), we enjoy breakfast on the ferry before exploring the south mainland of Shetland. Sumburgh Head is our first stop – a haven for seabirds (including puffins from mid-May to July). Next is Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlement which spans over four thousand years. The afternoon takes us on a beautiful coastal drive to the breath-taking St Ninian's Isle where you can hike across the sands to the island before we return north to Lerwick for our two night stay.
A day to explore the most northernly inhabited island in Scotland – Unst. Departing from Lerwick we drive north to catch the 20-minute ferry crossing to Yell. After a scenic drive through Yell we take the short 10-minute ferry crossing to Unst. We spend the late morning and early afternoon exploring the island, with visits to Muness Castle, Haroldswick, Burra Firth and Saxa Vord, before our return to Lerwick in the late afternoon.
Departing from Lerwick we head towards the north Shetland mainland. Arriving at Eshaness we savour the dramatic cliffs and sea stacks of Shetland’s stunning coastal landscape. We then enjoy a scenic drive around Scalloway and Burra before returning to Lerwick. The afternoon includes a visit the Shetland Museum and some free time to meander through Lerwick town and harbour. In the late afternoon we board the ferry from Lerwick for an overnight sailing to Aberdeen (departing at either 5.30pm or 7pm depending on travel dates).
Arriving into Aberdeen harbour in the early morning (7am) we enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the ferry before heading south to explore the ancient ruins of Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven. The early afternoon takes us south to the Kingdom of Fife where we explore the historic town of St Andrews before our arrival into Edinburgh in the late afternoon and the end of our Northern Isles adventure!
Depart Edinburgh
Return Edinburgh
(9 Days)
This tour is available on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday start days from Edinburgh.
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include standard ferry tickets, all taxes and an experienced driver/guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald).
Your accommodation costs, overnight ferry cabin costs (details below), entrance fees and meals.
I recommend that you book accommodation in Inverness (Day 1 and 2), Kirkwall (Day 3 and 4) and Lerwick (Day 6 and 7) to make the most of your trip. Whilst I do not book accommodation for you I am happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.
During this tour we will take two overnight ferry sailings where you can book overnight en-suite cabins. Prices depend on your cabin choice (for example, for 2026 bookings, a twin outer cabin in peak season is between £153 and £190 per cabin depending on class). The tour quote will include full details of the cabin options and their current prices. More information about the cabin choices can be found on the Northlink Ferries Website.
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, I have some flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. For example, for those with an interest in Shetland wool and knitwear, this tour can be adapted to include a tour of the Shetland Textile Museum, visits to Jamieson & Smith and Jamieson's of Shetland retail outlets in Lerwick, and the Shetland Woollen Co. in Hoswick along with the nearby visitors centre. Please let me know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Absolutely! For those that have enjoyed the Shetland TV series, many of the sites we visit have been shown across the episodes, and along with plenty of time in Lerwick to explore familiar views, no trip to Shetland would be complete without a walk along the waterfront past DI Jimmy Perez's house!
Shetland is a haven for seabirds and we spend time at Sumburgh Head where puffins are common from mid-May to July.
Day 5 is a long extended tour day due to the late night boarding for the overnight ferry (our only ferry option for a tour that includes Orkney and Shetland). We will start at 9am and tour around Orkney until 5pm. After a leisurely evening meal in Kirkwall, we take a final scenic drive (approx. 1 hour) before joining the ferry queue by 10pm. The ferry generally arrives into Kirkwall at 11pm and we are usually in our cabins by 11.45pm. The ferry arrives in Shetland at 7.30am the following morning and we will leave the boat by 8.30am. To ensure a comfortable first day in Shetland, we tend to finish our touring by the mid-afternoon so that you can relax in Lerwick. To visit Shetland (only) without this late departure on the overnight ferry, please consider the 5 Day Shetland and Highlands Tour from Inverness.
Shetland is in the North Atlantic and the seas can be choppy during ferry sailings even in the summer months, though most are comfortable crossings. Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for any extra accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. Shetland, in particular though, is a land of 'four seasons in one day'! As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.
