North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour

Conditional cancellation
24/7 customer support
Best price guarantee

Description

Summary

Starts
Inverness
Duration
7 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an unforgettable seven-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Scotland. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience into the rich history, captivating folklore, and stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands. From the bustling city of Inverness to the tranquil shores of Helmsdale, from the mysterious Dunnet Head to the grandeur of Dunrobin Castle, and from the ancient ruins of Skara Brae to the poignant Italian Chapel, this tour is a treasure trove of unique experiences. Enjoy the comfort of handpicked hotels, savor local delicacies, and make lasting friendships along the way. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a whisky enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone.

Read more

Included

Breakfast throughout.

Dinner on four evenings.

Read more

Half day tour from Helmsdale through the Naver Valley

Morning tour from Thurso to Dunnet Head

Entry to Dunrobin Castle.

Walking tour of Stromness. Sightseeing transfer from Stromness to Kirkwall.

Tour/transfer from John o'Groats to Dornoch.

Walking tour of Dornoch.

Read more

Rail travel from Inverness to Helmsdale, from Dunrobin to Thurso & Tain to Inverness.

Ferry from Scrabster to Stromness.

Ferry from Burwick to John o'Groats.

Read more

Six nights in hand-picked three and four star-standard accommodation.

hotel: 6 night(s);

Read more

The services of McKinlay Kidd’s tour leader, accompanying the group and providing expert guiding and assistance throughout.

Full-day tour of Orkney with an expert guide, including admission to all sites visited.

Read more

Destinations

Orkney Islands - region in United KingdomKirkwall
Highland - region in United KingdomInverness

Map

Attractions

Maeshowe Visitor Centre, Orkney Islands, Scotland, United KingdomMaeshowe Visitor Centre
Standing Stones of StennessStanding Stones of Stenness
Ring of BrodgarRing of Brodgar
St Magnus CathedralSt Magnus Cathedral

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Inverness

  • Inverness - Arrival day
  • More

Begin your Scottish adventure in the vibrant city of Inverness. Arrive at your leisure and settle into your hotel. In the evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers over a welcome drink, followed by a sumptuous dinner.

Read more
Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Inverness to Helmsdale via the Far North Line

  • Inverness
  • More

After breakfast, board the train for a scenic journey on the fabled Far North Line. Arrive in the charming town of Helmsdale, where you'll enjoy lunch before exploring the historic Naver Valley. End the day at a cozy hotel on the shoreline.

Read more
Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Helmsdale to Thurso via Dunnet Head and Dunrobin Castle

Day 3: Helmsdale to Thurso via Dunnet Head and Dunrobin Castle

Start the day with a visit to Dunnet Head, Britain's most northerly point, before exploring the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. Later, board the train back to Thurso, where you'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring to your hotel.

Read more
Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Thurso to Kirkwall via Stromness

  • Kirkwall
  • More
  • Standing Stones of Stenness
  • St Magnus Cathedral
  • More

Take an early ferry from Thurso to Stromness, keeping an eye out for the Old Man of Hoy. Enjoy a walking tour of Stromness before heading to Kirkwall. Spend the afternoon exploring St Magnus Cathedral or the Highland Park Distillery at your leisure.

Read more
Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Orkney's Historical Sites

  • Kirkwall
  • More
  • Maeshowe Visitor Centre
  • Ring of Brodgar
  • More

Embark on a full-day tour of Orkney's historical sites, including Maeshowe, Skara Brae, and the Ring of Brodgar. Visit the Churchill barriers and end the day at the poignant Italian Chapel.

Read more
Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Kirkwall to Dornoch via John o'Groats and Duncansby Head

Day 6: Kirkwall to Dornoch via John o'Groats and Duncansby Head

  • Ring of Brodgar
  • More

After breakfast, take a ferry to John o'Groats, then visit the stunning Duncansby Head. Continue to the charming town of Dornoch, where you'll enjoy a guided walk before a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Read more
Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Dornoch to Inverness

  • Inverness - Departure day
  • More

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Tain for the train back to Inverness. Enjoy the scenic journey as you reflect on the highlights of your northern odyssey. Say your goodbyes in Inverness before beginning your homeward journey.

Read more

Similar tours

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.