Seascape Escape To Neolithic Orkney

Itinerary:

Sunday
Depart Leyland at 10.00hrs for our journey north to our overnight hotel in Pitlochry on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park with a suitable lunch stop en-route. Arrive at the Fisher's Hotel to a warm welcome while your case is taken to your room.

Monday
Check out of our overnight hotel following breakfast, journey through the Highlands to Inverness where we will make a lunch stop. Continue our journey along the scenic NC500 route, Scotland own route 66, this stretch of the NC500 features rugged coastline and mountain views, offering a taste of the larger route's beauty for any looking to book a future NC500 trip. If time allows there will be a little free time in Thurso before heading to the port in Scrabster to board the Northlink ferry to Stromness on Orkney Mainland departing at 19.00hrs, the crossing is just under 2hrs. Enjoy an evening meal onboard the ferry, on arrival in Stromness re-join the coach for the short journey to the hotel. Arrive to a warm Orcadian welcome while your case is taken to your room, perhaps enjoy a nightcap in the bar before retiring for the evening.

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. Overlooking the spectacular Bay of Skaill we visit recently restored Skaill House, the finest 17th Century mansion in Orkney. Covering thousands of years of history, Skaill House is renowned for its contribution to Orkney's diverse and exciting past.

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 5 minutes' walk of the hotel 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 please check the weather and ensure you're prepared with appropriate footwear and 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 host and mainland Orkney. Take the scenic journey as we travel across the causeways of the archipelago to St Margaret's Hope the most picturesque village in the archipelago. This wonderful journey takes us across iconic causeways through the small Orkney Islands of Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay encompassing the Churchill Barriers. Board the ferry to Gill's Bay on the Scottish mainland and continue our journey to our overnight hotel in Pitlochry. Return to Pitlochry via the NC500 route with a short stop in John O'Groats, continue to coastal route via Wick and Inverness to the Fishers hotel in Pitlochry with a suitable lunch stop en-route. Arrive to a warm welcome while your case is taken to your room with time to relax before our evening meal.

Friday
Check out of our overnight hotel following breakfast to continue our journey home with a suitable lunch stop en-route