The Orkney Islands

Day 1:

From Belfast to the Highlands
Following our pick-ups this morning, we will travel to Belfast to check-in for the 07:30hrs Stena crossing to Cairnryan. We will travel along the Ayrshire coast making comfort & lunch stops en-route depending on the flow of traffic. We can sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery as we travel north on the A9 by-passing the Cairngorms as we move further North toward Inverness. Our xpected time of arrival at the Palace Hotel is approximately 18:00hrs where a warm Scottish
welcome awaits us. Time to settle in before our first evening meal together.

Day 2:

North to Scrabster
After breakfast this morning we set off through the stunning highland scenery making our way north to Scrabster. Here we will check-in for the 13.15hrs ferry crossing. We sail across the Pentland
Firth, passing the Old Man of Hoy, to the port of Stromness. After disembarking, we will make our way to Kirkwall and the 4-Star Kirkwall Hotel to settle in for the evening.

Day 3:

The Heart of Ancient Orkney
After breakfast, we travel west to Skara Brae, the 5,000-year-old village uncovered from the sandstone houses, hearths, and passageways which still tell the stories of their ancient inhabitants. Nearby, we will visit Skaill House, home of the laird who discovered the site. Our journey then continues to the great Ring of Brodgar, a vast circle of standing stones set against sweeping moorland. Before we finish our excursion, we will move on to the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of the oldest henge sites in the British Isles. Returning then to Kirkwall for dinner and a quiet evening, reflecting on a day spent walking in the footsteps of Orkney’s earliest settlers.

Day 4:

Scapa Flow and the Italian Chapel
After breakfast, we begin our day at Scapa Flow, the great natural harbour that played a vital role in
both World Wars. Surrounded by calm waters, stories of bravery and loss, the powerful history that shaped these islands is evident. From there, we travel to the beautifully crafted Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war - a small yet moving symbol of hope and faith created from the humblest materials. In the afternoon, we return to Kirkwall, where we visit the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney’s red sandstone landmark that has watched over the town for centuries. Afterwards, there is time to wander the shops or enjoy a quiet moment. We then return to our hotel with time to rest before gathering for our evening meal.

Day 5:

Farewell to Orkney
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Orkney Islands and make our way to Stromness to catch the 11:00hrs ferry back to the mainland. As we sail across the Pentland Firth, we take one last look at the islands, their cliffs and green hills fading gently into the distance. Back on Scottish soil, we travel south through the rugged Highlands, pausing for lunch and comfort stops. After a long but beautiful day we can relax and enjoy our evening in Pitlochry a cturesque Highland town where we will have an overnight stop at the 3-star Fishers Hotel, for dinner, bed & breakfast. (Overnight bag recommended)

Day 6:

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Pitlochry and begin our journey south through the heart of Scotland. We continue to Cairnryan, where we board the 19:30hrs ferry for our return crossing to Belfast. As we sail across the Irish Sea, we share memories of ancient sites, windswept shores, and new friendships forged along the way. By evening, we arrive back in Belfast, with hearts full and stories to tell.