This comprehensive private seven day journey explores the archaeology, history and dramatic coastal landscapes of Orkney and Shetland. Touring from Inverness to the northernmost tip of Scotland this is an immersive adventure into the Northern Isles, where every ruin, standing stone, and rugged cliff face tells a story about these remarkable islands.
Depart Inverness for a scenic three hour journey through the North Highlands to the ferry port of Scrabster. This coastal drive offers stunning views and a stop in the historic town of Dornoch. We then cross the Pentland Firth (1½ hour ferry sailing) passing the iconic Old Man of Hoy, before arriving in the picturesque port of Stromness. The late-afternoon is dedicated to a tour of Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, before we settle into the historic capital of Kirkwall for our three night stay.
Our first full day on Orkney is spent uncovering the mysteries of the Orkney mainland. We explore the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness, the monumental Ring of Brodgar, and the 2,000-year-old Broch of Gurness. The journey includes a visit to the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and the poignant Italian Chapel, built during WWII. We conclude our day in Kirkwall with time to admire the red sandstone majesty of St Magnus Cathedral and the ruins of the Earl’s Palace.
Our second full day on Orkney provides the opportunity to venture beyond the main sites. The most popular choice is to sail across Scapa Flow to the island of Hoy. A must for those interested in Orkney’s naval history, it features the acclaimed Scapa Flow Museum and the breathtaking, towering cliffs of Rackwick Bay. Alternatively, we can focus on the dramatic Atlantic coastline of the mainland, visiting the sea stacks at Yesnaby and the tidal island of Birsay, along with free time in Kirkwall or a tasting at the Highland Park or Scapa whisky distilleries. After an evening meal in Kirkwall we catch the late ferry (11.45pm) from Kirkwall for an overnight sailing to Lerwick in Shetland.
After breakfast on board as we sail into Lerwick, we spend our first day exploring the South Mainland. We visit the towering cliffs of Sumburgh Head, a spectacular haven for seabirds and puffins, before delving into the archaeological layers of Jarlshof. This extraordinary site reveals a sequence of island life spanning from the Bronze Age to the Norse era. We conclude the afternoon at St Ninian’s Isle, where you can walk across the world-famous sand tombolo set against the Atlantic waves.
Today we journey to the very northern edge of the country: the Isle of Unst. After two short ferry crossings via the Isle of Yell, we reach the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland. We spend the day exploring a landscape of Norse heritage and wild geology, visiting the ruins of Muness Castle and the dramatic shores of Burra Firth. From the heights of Saxa Vord, we look out towards Muckle Flugga lighthouse – Scotland's northernmost point – before making our scenic return journey to Lerwick.
We head to the wild North Mainland to witness the sheer power of the Atlantic at Eshaness. Here, the dark volcanic cliffs and jagged sea stacks offer some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the islands. We then tour the ancient capital of Scalloway and the picturesque islands of Burra, connected by bridges to the mainland. After a visit to the award-winning Shetland Museum in Lerwick to explore the islands' maritime history, we board our overnight sailing back to the mainland.
Arriving into Aberdeen harbour in the early morning (7am) we enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the ferry before heading east towards Elgin to explore the stunning seven hundred year old ruins of Elgin Cathedral and the Pictish standing stones of the area. The afternoon takes us back to Inverness where we end the tour with a visit to the four thousand year old burial cairns and standing stones at Clava followed by a guided walk of Culloden Battlefield.
April to September: £6200
Depart Inverness (8.30am)
Return Inverness
(7 Days)
Depart Inverness (8:30am)
Return Inverness
(7 Days)
This tour is available on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday start days from Inverness.
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your private group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Your private tour price includes:
The tour price does not include your accommodation costs, overnight ferry cabin costs (details below), entrance fees and meals.
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in:
Whilst I do not book accommodation directly, I am always happy to offer advice on where to stay and eat. Your tour quote will include a list of recommended accommodation options for our overnight locations along with suggestions for evening meals.
During this tour we will take two overnight ferry sailings where you can book overnight en-suite cabins. Prices depend on your cabin choice (for example, for 2026 bookings, a twin outer cabin in peak season is between £153 and £190 per cabin depending on class). The tour quote will include full details of the cabin options and their current prices. More information about the cabin choices can be found on the Northlink Ferries Website.
Day 3 is an extended tour day due to the late-night boarding for the overnight ferry (the only sailing option connecting Orkney with Shetland). We start at 9am and tour around Orkney before concluding by 5pm. This allows for a leisurely evening meal in Kirkwall and a relaxed final scenic drive before joining the ferry queue by 10pm.
The ferry is scheduled to arrive in Kirkwall at 11pm and we are usually boarded and in our cabins by 11.45pm. We then sail northwards overnight, docking in Lerwick at 7.30am the following morning. To ensure the pace remains unhurried and comfortable, we finish our first day of Shetland touring by the mid-afternoon, giving you a quiet evening to settle into Lerwick and relax. For those who prefer to avoid a late-night boarding, I recommend the 5 Day Shetland and Highlands Tour, which sails directly to Lerwick from the mainland.
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup — I will meet you directly at your Inverness accommodation on the morning of Day 1 to begin the tour. At the end of the tour I will drop you off at your preferred Inverness location.
The tour itinerary is based on many years of guiding experience, previous client feedback, and practical travel timings. However, there is some flexibility and the itinerary can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible. For example, for those with an interest in Shetland wool and knitwear, this tour can be adapted to include a tour of the Shetland Textile Museum, visits to Jamieson & Smith and Jamieson's of Shetland retail outlets in Lerwick, and the Shetland Woollen Co. in Hoswick along with the nearby visitors centre. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Absolutely! For those that have enjoyed the Shetland TV series, many of the sites we visit have been shown across the episodes, and along with plenty of time in Lerwick to explore familiar views, no trip to Shetland would be complete without a walk along the waterfront past DI Jimmy Perez's house!
Shetland is a haven for seabirds and we spend time at Sumburgh Head where puffins are common from mid-May to July.
Shetland is in the North Atlantic and the seas can be choppy during overnight ferry sailings even in the summer months, though most are comfortable crossings. Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While I cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, I will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather, and even in the summer months we may experience some rain or wind. Shetland, in particular though, is a land of 'four seasons in one day'! I always recommend a light waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear suitable for short walks in wet or uneven terrain.
Please note that for tours in April, the weather can be more inclement with rain and wind more common. On windier days, the ferry crossings can be choppy, and occasionally poor weather conditions can lead to ferry delays and cancellations. I may adapt the daily itineraries with earlier or later starts and finishes to suit weather and travel conditions and attraction opening and closing times. Nearly all of the itinerary is still accessible during April – and on tours where an itinerary attraction is unavailable to explore we visit alternative locations. Additionally, the daily early afternoon sailing to Orkney which we take from May to September is limited to weekends in April. Therefore, for weekday tour starts, we take the evening ferry across with a late arrival into Kirkwall (approx. 9pm).
Because this tour requires overnight ferry sailings, I recommend booking as early as possible – the ferries have a limited number of private cabins which tend to sell out far ahead of the departure date.
The first step is simply to complete a Tour Enquiry Form with your preferred travel dates. I will then reply with availability and a detailed tour quotation (with absolutely no obligation to proceed at this stage). I usually reply to enquiries within 24 hours.
Of course! I’m always happy to answer any questions and help you feel confident about your trip. You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:
There’s absolutely no obligation — this is just a chance to discuss your ideas and make sure the tour is the right fit for you.
The wintery weather can be a significant challenge during this period, alongside limited daylight hours from mid-October to mid-February, so I generally do not offer this tour over these months. However, for those with an adventurous spirit and a flexible schedule that can adapt to winter weather conditions, shorter days, and the increased likelihood of ferry cancellations, please feel free to get in touch for a chat.
