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Skye, Orkney and the Wild North

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8 days From £2,199 per person
4.3 stars(66 reviews)
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Travel to the mystical, unspoilt isles of Orkney and Skye for a wonderful adventure in Scotland’s wild North

Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: WNS25

About the tour

From Glasgow, journey through stunning landscapes and historic sites to Scotland's mystic North. An island tour of the Orkney Islands reveals ancient Neolithic sites including Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar. Explore the capital, Kirkwall, before we discover the great houses and gardens of the Northern Highlands, Dunrobin and Dunvegan.

We also uncover the enchanting Isle of Skye, experience authentic island whiskey at the Raasay Distillery, and round off our adventure in the wild north with a scenic rail journey along the legendary West Highland Line. Let the rugged beauty of Scotland capture your heart on this seven-night holiday.

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Unforgettable experiences

Exploring Glasgow
Exploring Glasgow
Discover Glasgow, a cosmopolitan city with a backdrop of elegant Victorian architecture, dynamic streets and an eclectic culinary scene.
Staying in the villages of Brora and Plockton
Staying in the villages of Brora and Plockton
Enjoy overnights in these idyllic villages, experiencing the community spirit of the North Highlands and Inner Hebrides.
Discovering the Isle of Skye
Discovering the Isle of Skye
Drive across the beautiful Isle of Skye to see its raw beauty and visit the pretty towns of Portree and Broadford.
Two of the great castles and gardens of the north
Two of the great castles and gardens of the north
Enjoy excursions to two of the great castles and gardens of the north – the aristocratic Dunrobin castle and noble Dunvegan castle.
Visit the renowned Raasay Distillery
Visit the renowned Raasay Distillery
Visit the Raasay Distillery to enjoy a tour and tasting of the Single Malt Whiskey, created with traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
A journey on the West Highland Railway
A journey on the West Highland Railway
Ride the famous West Highland Railway Line through breathtaking mountains, glistening lochs, and tranquil landscapes.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Glasgow

Our holiday begins in Glasgow, where we meet our group at the hotel. Straddling the River Clyde, Glasgow is Scotland's largest city with a backdrop of elegant Victorian architecture. After checking in, there's time to explore at leisure before dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – The bonnie banks of Brora

After breakfast this morning we journey by rail to Brora via Inverness. Travelling north, picturesque lochs, rolling hills, and glimpses of historic castles pass. After Inverness, we continue through the stunning Highlands alongside majestic mountains until we approach Brora, where coastal scenery takes over with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches.

Leaving the train in the picturesque fishing village on the eastern stretch of coastline, we head to our hotel where we spend the next two nights. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Discovering the history of the Orkneys

After a very early breakfast and departure from our hotel, today we experience the isles of Orkney on a full-day island tour. Our coach takes us to Scrabster where we continue by ferry to Orkney. Our tour starts at Stromness, known for its narrow streets and seafaring heritage. We then head to the impressive Churchill Barriers. This series of causeways was built during World War II to protect the fleet and now connects the Orkney mainland with the isles of Lamb Holm.

Next, we discover Skara Brae. This remarkably preserved Neolithic village is often referred to as the 'Scottish Pompeii', and we discover its intriguing stone dwellings with interconnected passageways and stone furniture.

Continuing our exploration of Neolithic Orkney, we move on to the Standing Stones of Stenness. Now comprising four tall standing stones, this UNESCO-listed site is believed to have been built around 3100 BC with 12 stones. From there, we make our way to the awe-inspiring Ring of Brodgar, an enigmatic arrangement of standing stones that ignites the mystery of our ancestors.

Our final stop is Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, where we see the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and explore the charming streets lined with local shops and cafes.

After our day of exploration, we return to Brora by ferry and coach where we enjoy dinner this evening on a later arrival back at our hotel.

The order for today's activities may change depending on the weather.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – The illustrious Dunrobin Castle and unspoilt Plockton

This morning we visit Dunrobin Castle and gardens, on the east coast, overlooking the Moray Firth. The historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, this is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses with an astonishing 189 rooms. Towering above the coast and gardens, the castle resembles a French chateâu with its whimsical conical spires. Explore the castle, its formal gardens, and the Victorian museum at your own pace.

Inverness is our next stop where you have time at leisure over lunch. Known as the 'Capital of the Highlands', the city sits on the banks of the River Ness, with Inverness Castle overlooking its lively streets. We then join the wonderful Kyle Line, travelling among mountains, forests and lochs to the village of Plockton, where we spend our next three nights. 'The Jewel of the Highlands', Plockton sits on a sheltered bay with stunning views overlooking Loch Carron. We check into our hotel here in time for dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Exploring the enchanting Isle of Skye and a taste of the Raasay Distillery

After breakfast this morning, our coach takes us to the mystical Isle of Skye. Our first stop is in Broadford, a village that stretches along either side of the meandering Broadford River. Here, we visit a local wool spinner for a fascinating demonstration of this traditional island craft. The spinner's shop is a paradise for craft lovers and also has ready-made garments and crafts which make great presents.

We then continue to Sconser where we catch the ferry over to Raasay. It's on this small island that we enjoy a tour and whisky tasting at the Raasay Distillery. We learn how this modern distillery is rooted in the island community and is helping to keep alive the tradition of Hebridean single malt whiskies. There's time afterwards to soak up the incredible views across to Skye and the Cuillin Hills, before returning to Sconser by ferry and then back to our hotel by coach for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – The legacy of Dunvegan Castle & Gardens and colourful Portree

Today we're bound for one of the greatest Hebridean castles, Dunvegan. Standing out against a dramatic backdrop of forest, sky, and sea, this striking castle features different architectural styles - from 1200 to the 1850s. The castle was restored in the Victorian era with distinctive pepper pots and defensive battlements along its roof line.

After exploring the castle and gardens, we head to Skye's capital town of Portree, with its pretty harbour of pastel-coloured houses, overlooking the bay and surrounded by hills. After some time to look around, visit the shops, and have some lunch, we enjoy a scenic drive along the coast back to Plockton, passing the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Back at our hotel, we enjoy dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – The beautiful West Highland Line to Glasgow

We start our return journey to Glasgow this morning, travelling to Fort William by coach. We then join the wonderful West Highland Line, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the UK, travelling south to Glasgow. Our journey carries us through the rugged mountains, passing by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, before the scenery transitions to urban landscapes as we approach Glasgow with glimpses of the city's iconic landmarks.

Once we arrive, we return to our central 4-Star hotel in Glasgow in the afternoon. With time before dinner, you can explore some more of the city and enjoy your final evening in Scotland.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Homeward bound

Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Beginning in Glasgow, our week spanned from the stunning Highlands and coastal Brora to the historic Orkneys, Dunrobin Castle, the enchanting Isle of Skye, and picturesque Plockton, before concluding with a scenic journey back to Glasgow. Saying goodbye, it's time to head home, or you could stay longer to see more of the sights on your own.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Voco Grand Central, Glasgow

Voco Grand Central, Glasgow

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The Haven Guest House, Plockton

The Haven Guest House, Plockton

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The Royal Marine, Brora

The Royal Marine, Brora

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Trains

The Kyle Line
West Highland Line

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK Rail Connections

Reviews

4.3 stars4.3 / 5 · 66 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (34)
  2. 4 stars
    (25)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Tina W

4 stars

Submitted 22/Oct

My friend and I had a great trip with amazing weather. We had a well organised and very helpful tour manager who looked after all the guests fabulously. Only thing we weren't so keen on was choosing dinner menus in advance (totally understand the reason for this), with some menus having a starter/dessert listed as a dish of the day, and not knowing what that was.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Tina, Thank you for your feedback. That is wonderful to hear! Your feedback is very important to us so i will be sure to pass this across to all relevant teams to see how we can improve for future tours. Kindest regards, Sarah
1 comment

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Peter

5 stars

Submitted 7/Oct

Brilliant, simply brilliant.

Collected by Trustpilot

Jo Waters

5 stars

Submitted 1/Oct

Outstanding trip and a great tour manager

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Diane Sylvester

2 stars

Submitted 30/Sep

The tour hit great spots of interest. Travel between sites was not ideal.

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Reverend wilks

5 stars

Submitted 26/Sep

Some fantastic scenery on this trip however the hotels were a bit low key the Voco was great but the one Plockton was cold, the radiator in the bedroom wasn’t working but there was an electric heater.There was no heat in the communal lounge. The trips were great and the best one was Scara Brae.The food was exceptional

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Reverend wilks
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Marjorie

5 stars

Submitted 23/Sep

Already sent

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