Orkney & The Castle of Mey

DAY 1

Travel to our overnight hotel in the Trossachs National Park

DAY 2

Continue our journey north with a lunchtime visit to Inverness, capital of the Highlands. From here we travel to main hotel in Thurso for 3 nights.

DAY 3

Early breakfast today and ferry to Orkney Islands, famous for their mysterious monuments, ancient settlements, wind-swept sea cliffs and breathtaking coastal views. During the crossing keep youreyes peeled for the wildlife in their natural setting, from seals and otters to seabirds and even orcas. On arrival we include for a full day guided tour taking in highlights such as the Italian Chapel, the Churchill Barriers, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Skaill House and Scapa Flow (subject to change).

DAY 4

We travel to the Castle & Gardens of Mey - the most northerly inhabited castle in Scotland, standing on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands, it was the much-loved Caithness home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until 1996. The surrounding walled garden and parkland are protected by the 12 feet high Great Wall of Mey, which gives very necessary protection from the severe wind gales and salt spray. We also have a stop at John-o-Groats, best known for it's iconic location and jaw-dropping scenery, it lies on Great Britain's northeastern tip and is the most distant point on the mainland from Land's End in Cornwall, 876 mi to the southwest. We return to Thurson for some free time.

DAY 5

We begin our journey south, visiting Dunrobin Castle & Gardens en route. Situated on the east coast of the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth, it is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses resembling a French château with its towering conical spires. From here we continue to our overnight hotel in Perthshire.

DAY 6

Crossing back into England, we continue our return home.