Start the tour by boarding the ferry at John O'Groats. Depart 8.45am. Take the 40-minute ferry crossing, keeping a lookout for marine wildlife including puffins and orcas on the way. When you arrive on Orkney, board a luxury coach which will be waiting for you to begin your tour of the island. As you set off, enjoy the commentary from a local guide. First, see the Churchill Barriers built during the First World War. Stop in Kirkwall which is Orkney's capital city and discover St Magnus Cathedral, shops, the museum, and the scenic harbor.  Continue along the northern coast of Scapa Flow and admire the beautiful views of the Hoy hills. Then, arrive in Stromness, one of Britain's most picturesque towns. Stroll through the winding street, visit the museum, and find plenty of places to eat lunch.  Next, set off for the neolithic village of Skara Brae, established in around 2,500 BC and which has been hidden under sand dunes, perfectly preserved for thousands of years. Follow the route onwards along a narrow tongue of land between the lochs of Harray and Stenness, making a stop at the mystical Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Finally, board the return ferry, and make a stop at the Italian Chapel which is beautifully decorated inside 2 Nissen huts. Return to John O'Groats 6.15pm with incredible memories of your excursion.

The 5-day tour from Edinburgh takes you on a discovery of the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands. Heading north from Scotland’s capital city, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and explore the history of the Orkney Islands. On day 1, travel north to Loch Ness. The spectacular tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The route then takes you through the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan, and on through Fort William and the Great Glen to arrive at the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 2, head north via Inverness and the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then, board the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Islands. Once you arrive, take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. Visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war, as well as the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines. Stay overnight at Kirkwall. On day 3, explore the ancient history of the islands. From your base in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to explore, spend the whole day exploring the islands. This is a land full of ancient history and you will be able to take in prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral. Stay overnight at Kirkwall. On day 4, start with a ferry ride back to the mainland. Then you will get the chance to take in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 5, head back to Edinburgh. On the way, visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You will also pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Ness Depart from Edinburgh and travel north, taking in beautiful cathedrals, a local Scottish whisky distillery, historical sites, and even Outlander film locations! Day highlights include: •Dunkeld •Whisky distillery •Culloden Battlefield •Clava Cairns Day 2: Loch Ness to Orkney Discover the awe-inspiring North Coast 500 and explore fairy-tale castles, impressive cliff scenery, and beaches on Orkney Island. Day highlights include: •North Coast of Scotland •Dunrobin Castle •Italian Chapel •Orkney •Kirkwall Day 3: Orkney Let your guide bring Orkney's fascinating history to life and experience the magic of an ancient Neolithic village up close. Visit mysterious stone circles and wild coastlines and go puffin-spotting by the cliffs. Highlights include: •Skara Brae •Ring of Brodgar •Stones of Stennes Day 4: Orkney to Ullapool Bid farewell to Orkney and get ready for dramatic caves and zipline adventures (optional/weather permitting) before continuing to the picturesque fishing port of Ullapool. Highlights include: •Duncansby Head •Smoo Cave Durness •Ullapool Day 5: Ullapool to Stornoway Explore the impressive landscapes of Lewis and Harris and immerse yourself in the magnificent historical, natural and cultural heritage the islands have to offer. Highlights include: •Callanish Standing Stones •Gearrannan Blackhouse Day 6: Stornoway to Portree Learn all about the ancient skill of making Harris Tweed before dipping your toes in the turquoise waters of white sandy beaches. Venture to the Isle of Skye, where jaw-dropping mountains and famous rock formations await. Highlights include: •Luskentyre beach – Harris •Harris Distillery •Quiraing •Old Man of Storr •Lealt Falls Day 7: Portree After an action-packed 6 days of exploring, today is an opportunity to chill out, explore or get active at your own pace. From Portree, you can set off into the hills for a long hike, relax by the sea, or simply sit and watch the world go by. There is a shuttle bus to the Fairy Pools and wildlife cruises which depart from the harbour: dolphins, whales and sea eagles often show up around these parts! Day 8: Portree to Edinburgh Step into the shoes of the world-famous wizard that is Harry Potter and hop on the Jacobite Steam Train (optional add-on). Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain, as we pass Fort William, then we begin the road south with a stop in the dramatic Glen Coe and heading back to Edinburgh. Highlights include: •Jacobite Steam Train (optional) •Glencoe •Rannoch Moor •The Kelpies