Orkney Island Escape

Itinerary:

Sunday
Depart Leyland at 07.30hrs for our journey to our overnight hotel in Inverness with a suitable lunch stop en-route. Following your evening meal enjoy a restful night ready for your Orkney adventure to begin in the morning.

Monday
Following breakfast check out of the hotel for the next leg of our journey. Follow the scenic northeastern section of the stunning NC500 route from Inverness to Gill's Bay to board the Pentland ferry across to St Margaret's Hope on Mainland Orkney, a sailing of approx. 70 minutes. Once on Orkney take a picturesque journey to Kirkwall travelling across the causeways of the archipelago from St Margaret's Hope the most picturesque village in the archipelago on the small island of South Ronaldsay. This wonderful journey takes us across iconic causeways through the small Orkney Islands of Burray, Glimps Holm and Lamb Holm encompassing the Churchill Barriers. Arrive at the hotel to a warm Orcadian welcome while your case is taken to your room. Following dinner perhaps enjoy a nightcap at the bar or explore making the most of the long daylight and 'simmer dim' twighlight hours of the Summer Solstice.

Tuesday
This morning following breakfast we meet our local guide who will join us on the coach for a full day excursion of Orkney. Begin with a visit to one of Orkneys most loved attractions, The Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, constructed by Italian Prisoners of War who were transported to Orkney to build the Churchill Barriers, their work can be seen here today as a lasting reminder of peace and hope. The Orkney's are rich with Neolithic sites across the islands, continue to the highlight with a visit to Skara Brae. Built over 5000 years ago, this pre-historic village pre-dates Stonehenge.

Wednesday
Driver day off. Today you have a day of leisure to relax at the hotel and explore Kirkwall's many museums and art galleries as well as the busy harbour. Perhaps visit the Orkney Distillery and Visitor Centre with the main shopping area located just behind or the imposing St Magnus Cathedral which has been a place of worship on the island for over 8 centuries. Enjoy the Orkney Island capital with its busy historic centre brimming with character with bars and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, go wild swimming or take one of the walking paths to Kirkwall Pier and Peedie Sea, walk to the historic batteries at Hoxa Head or if you're a seasoned walker and are feeling energetic hike to the Neolithic Burial Cairn at Wideford Hill to enjoy stunning panoramic views, today the choice is yours. If you are going to hike or going wild swimming please check the weather and ensure you're prepared with appropriate footwear/clothing, map/GPS, water/food and advise someone where you're going.

Thursday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast as we bid farewell to our hosts and Mainland Orkney. Take the scenic journey as we travel back across the causeways of the archipelago to St Margaret's Hope. Board the late morning ferry back to Gill's Bay. On arrival on the Scottish Mainland re-join the coach with a slight de-tour to spend a lunch stop at John O'Groats, perhaps visit the cabin on the harbour for fish and chips. Continue our journey back along the NC500 to our overnight stay at the Highlander Hotel in Newtonmore located the scenic Cairngorms National Park, arriving in time for our evening meal.

Friday
Check out of our overnight hotel following breakfast for the return journey home with a suitable lunch stop en-route.